NIXING MIXING?

[Rogue Crew]

I was just about to send an order to B&H for a Beachtek DXA-4S mixer ("adapter", Beachtek call it) and an Azden SGM-2X mic as my basic sound kit and I decided to email Beachtek to make sure that I had the right model to fit under the 100A. Almost immediately, I got a reply back as follows:

"Thanks for writing!

The Panasonic DVX100A is a professional camera and already has built-in XLR inputs so you do not need any of our adapters."

I was shocked - shocked, I tell you! They could have said, such-and-such model is what you want and made a sale, albeit a small one. Anyway, the question is will the 100A do the job, or should I have something between the mic and the camera to control the sound?

Please don't mock me, I'm slow.

[Barry_S]

Right, the Beachtek is not intended for use with cameras with XLR inputs. At this point, you probably don't need a mixer. Why not use the money to upgrade your mic? The AT897 has a pretty good rep--about $280. No surprise that the folks at B&H are honest--we knew that. Not always informed, but definitely honest.

[Anartiste]

Take into account, though, that the DVX's preamps are not that good (better than the other cameras', yes, but still not as good as a dedicated preamp or mixing board).

Plus : the little rotating knobs on the camera are not easily accessible if you want to use them while filming.

I would recommend using a good quality preamp operated by a dedicated sound engineer dispatching the sound onto a DAT or (better) a Nagra AND onto your DVX, for total security.

If you can't afford such expenses, or if you're filming without assistance, then listen to Barry_S's advice : buy a decent microphone and plug it onto your DVX.

[Rogue Crew]

If you can't afford such expenses, or if you're filming without assistance, then listen to Barry_S's advice : buy a decent microphone and plug it onto your DVX.

I've already upgraded to the Audio-Technia AT897 from the Azden SGM-2X and now my funds are pretty much depleted.

Thanks to both Barry and Anartiste for that sound (no pun) advice.