Hi all

I would like to buy an XLR adapter 'box' (like the Beachtek DXA-2S for example) for my Canon ZR500, which has a mini-jack 1/8" mic input.

What is the best, most versatile XLR adapter 'box'? I am due to video quite a big gig on May 10 and an even bigger one a couple of weeks after that, and I really need to plug into the house sound mixer.

Here are 3 of my options (all that i have found)

BeachTek DXA-2S
http://beachtek.com/dxa2s.html

XLR-BP™ Pro
http://www.studio1productions.com/xlr-bp_pro.htm

XLR-PRO
http://www.signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xl...audio-mixer.htm

I want to make it a worthwhile investment - a good quality device that is not limited by lack of inputs/switches. I like the fact that you can attach the BeachTek and the SignVideo to the tripod hole, which is very convenient. However, Ty Ford says that when adjusting audio levels on the device - the camera might shake as a result. It also makes the camera a bit heavier and more difficult to handle. Studio 1's XLR-BP Pro however seems to have lots of useful inputs and great audio quality, as well as a very good reputation. The only downside is that you cannot attach to the tripod hole.

I thought about getting adapters and cables to plug into the house board, instead of buying one of the above-mentioned devices, but the mixer might not have a MIC level output which means i'll have to fiddle with direct boxes or pads as well. I'd rather buy one of the above-mentioned devices now and avoid the hassle, while at the same time making it a worthwhile investment.

Please help me decide on which one to get - they all seem to be in more or less the same price range. If you know of any other similar devices, please let me know too.
Thank you very much in advance for help/suggestions.

Alex

P.S If the sound board by some chance does not have XLR outputs, can I still somehow convert its outputs to XLR? Also, would i, just for interest's sake, be able to use one of these devices with a mic input on a computer's sound card? Lastly, would the fact that my camera has AGC (which cannot be turned off) have any negative affects or prohibit me in any way? Thanks

Yes, that's a pretty nasty thing to deal with. Honestly Alex, given how well you have explained everything, it sounds like you're reinventing the wheel to fit on you current camera. Sad to say, I think you have the wrong camera. The good news is that you are doing more interesting, higher level work. Work that requires that you raise your game.

Yes you can probably get by with it and adapters, etc. ....... maybe. Beachtek and other have been making boxes to fit this niche for a long time. I don't recommend them. Lots of switches that can end up in the wrong position. If they are bolted to your camera, you can't really adjust them while you are shooting. And, of course, they have an unbalanced output to the camera. They are a bridge for cameras that don't have balanced inputs to the pro audio world.

There really aren't any free rides in good audio. If pros could get by with paying $160 for a camera audio interface, they would. There are solid reasons for a mixer costing $1000 to $2500, or more. The "right" gear would be a camera with mic/line XLR inputs and a mixer capable of handling mic and line inputs.

Good luck with your project. Hopefully you'll continue working, make enough and buy up to better gear. That gear will afford you better results and, equally important, real piece of mind on a shoot. You'll look back on these days and wonder how you did it all.

Regards,

Ty Ford

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Want better audio? Check out the "Audio Bootcamp Field Guide" at http://home.comcast.net/~tyreeford/AudioBootcamp.html

Here's a summary of what I've found:

www.beachtek.com
- Mounts to camera. Various passive adapters. Some with phantom and audio meter. Unit with preamp (DXA6HD).

www.juicedlink.com
- Mounts to camera. All include preamplifier. Options include phantom, 2-4 XLR inputs, audio meter.

www.studio1productions.com
- Doesn't mount to camera, and no phantom or preamp option. Option for 3 XLR input. Plastic case.

www.signvideo.com
- Mounts to camera. No phantom or preamp option. 1 and 2 XLR input options.

The JuicedLink stff looks good for budget. There's a 2 channel with 48V Phantom on sale for 289.00.

They are quiet, but have no limiters.

http://www.juicedlink.com/index_fil...ers_C X231.htm


Chadfish

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