Question about XLR Adapters

[Anonymous]

I can’t finda beachtek adapter specifically designedfor my camcorder like I canfor different models -can Ijust use any xlr beachtek adapterI find and it will work with my camcorder? from what i read, it seems that some are designed “to fit neatly underneath” a specific camcorder, and that seems to be one of the only differences,…what happens if I get one that doesn’t fit neatly underneath my model…will it still work, or will it be an issue that it doesn’t fit neatly? This may be a very silly question – I’ve never used the xlr adapters before nor have I seen them in action.

[Rob]

Yes, the BeachTek adapters allow you to use mics that have an XLR connection with your camera that only has a 1/8′ connection. These kinds of adapters all work the same. So you should be good to go, even if it doesn’t PERFECTLY fit nicely under your camera.

[Rob]

Not sure if this is the one you’re looking at, but this one is supposed to be universal:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/136400-REG/Beachtek_DXA_4P_DXA_4P_Audio_Adapter_for.html

[Anonymous]

ah, thank you!! i almost got one on ebay that had RCA connections instead of the 1/8′ connection, but wasnt sure whether or not adding an RCA-to-mini jack converter would have messed up sound quality so I passed on it – it’s passed now, but do you know if one like that would have worked?

[Rob]

In theory XLR to RCA to 1/8″ should work, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

[birdcat]

Just remember that at this stage, the audio is analog and each connection (like RCA to 1/8″) will degrade the signal. I would go with the one that Rob suggested.

[Anonymous]

great, all good to know – thanks to you both.

[Anonymous]

i’ve actually been looking to pick one of these up.. Does anyone know if it has a spot for the tripod plate on the bottom? i would assume it would, but just didnt see anything about it..

[EarlC]

Yes, the BeachTek and most similar adaptors are equipped to be tripod mounted. Some units also offer a box-like sleeve that is mounted to the tripod plate, then the adaptor is placed inside – OK, I suppose, if you’re doing a lockdown shot and not needing to relocate or move.

The BeachTek DXA-2T, for example, has a tripod socket. While I’ve not researched all the models, I would suspect they have tripod sockets as well.

And, while BeachTek is an established brand and product, there ARE others, such as JuicedLink and a host of mocdels from Studio 1 Productions.

[Anonymous]

awesome, thanks for the info EarlC! I hope to pick one up to use with my canon hv40..

[EarlC]

The Canon HV40 is one sweet little worker. I know a number of folks who are very successful in business and event video production who use this tape-based baby. I read recently where someone also utilized an external card reader/recorder and rigged up a way to shoot from the 40 to SDHC – dunno if that is even possible, but someone somewhere said so. If so, that would eliminate worries about diminishing MiniDV tape availability.

[Anonymous]

yeah so far i like the HV40, i’ve only used to film a few small stuff, but hopefully once i get a nice tripod, i can start some more in depth projects. As for the 40 to SDHC, that would be amazing. Ill have to search around for info on that.

[moviediggity]

I need help. I have a signpost xlr adapter that I am using in conjunction with a GL2 and Audiotechnica 8035 mic. Can someone please give me step by step instructions on the best way to set this up?

Much Appreciated

[scubajam]

Not familiar with Signpost XLR adapter. Is it like Beachtek? XLR adapters come in 2 flavors: those with phantom power, and those without. Your mic requires power; can use phantom power, or internal battery, but you’ll get almost nothing without one or the other. If XLR adapter has 48v phantom power, turn it on, plug mic in; screw adapter into tripod mount under camera, plug in 1/8″ output from adapter into camera mic input, and you are good to go. If your adapter does not have phantom power, then either use a dynamic mic, or with the 8035, put a battery in and turn on the power (read the mic manual). Set your levels on the adapter and on the camera. Note: if the Signpost you have is simply a cable converting XLR to 1/8″ plug, turn the battery on at the mic and it should work. Or, get a dynamic mic and those should all work, butneither as good as an adapter than matches impedance, sets levels, etc.

[Author]

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