GH2 Beachtek DXA-SLR XLR adaptor - Anyone using?

X

xocomil

Well-known member
Has used the Beachtek DXA-SLR XLR adaptor? Sounds like the preamps are okay and that it will eliminate ACG on the GH2. Levels can be seen onscreen (on the GH2) and can be played back through the Beachtek into your headphones. And it includes a Beachtek to 2.5mm minijack.

I know recording dual sound is ideal, but sometimes (for me) it just isn't possible ... and I thought this would be a second best solution.

If only the GH2 hack could eliminate ACG and give us audio out of the mini-hdmi port ...

Thanks all.
 
I'm using it with a GH1/3. Rather clunky but lightweight secured under my rig, perfect run and gun with a Sennheiser video mic with XLR to the Beachtek.
Have a GH2 coming shortly, see no reason to change set up. On shoots I need stereo will back up with the H4N.
 
I've used a similar product for an ENG cam that only had mini inputs. But, I'd rather use an H4n on the shoe (and I do). Much less bulky. But I guess this has some benefits of its own, too.
 
Thanks all. Didn't look that bulky from pics I've seen. I kinda thought it'd mount underneath the camera quite nicely.

My thinking was that it'd be good for news/doc stuff where there's no time to unpack the recorder and plug in a shotgun mic.

I'd also read a Bloom review (when used with one of the Canon's) where he said the sound was surprisingly good (though not as good as a double sound system).

Any other words of advice?
 
I think its great and does not get enough attention on these boards as great news/doc/behind scenes run gun set up.
 
Thanks biginvegas. How do you use it then? In what situations?

Any info greatly appreciated!
 
Yeah, I'd love to hear more about it too. I read a lot of very positive reviews of the DXA from 7D owners, but very little from GH2 owners--and I would guess that the AGC/Limiter (whatever it is in the GH2) behaves differently than the equivalent in the 7D.
 
biginvegas said:
I'm using it with a GH1/3. Rather clunky but lightweight secured under my rig, perfect run and gun with a Sennheiser video mic with XLR to the Beachtek.
Have a GH2 coming shortly, see no reason to change set up. On shoots I need stereo will back up with the H4N.
Click to expand...

How is it on the GH1/3? Does this vastly improve the audio recording quality? I've got some nice XLR mics that I'd be interested in using with my GH13 if so. Right now I record audio separately, but I do find it annoying.
 
JimNastics said:
How is it on the GH1/3? Does this vastly improve the audio recording quality? I've got some nice XLR mics that I'd be interested in using with my GH13 if so. Right now I record audio separately, but I do find it annoying.
Click to expand...

One thing to clear up the Beachtek is not a sound mixer like the far superior Shure FP24/MixPre, I'm not a sound guy, far from it but understand it controls gain swings that camera's like the Gh1 are not equiped for. That said I use it only in a mono setting with an on board mic (a Sennheiser Video mini mic, or Rode NTG-2).
When I'm shooting solo documentary footage it's a simple lightweight setup rather than hooking up my Shure FP24 over the shoulder mixer.

Vastly improves on board GH1 sound , you can't disable the auto gain that gives off a hiss when plugging a mic direct into the GH1, the DXA disables and fools the system, well that's what Ive been told... I have never heard a hiss just great clean sound with the very decent but not world class mics I have.

When I use it with a stereo H4N, I certainly can tell the difference, possibly because its stereo., when I use the GH1 with my Shure, Rode NTG combo, its just fuller, deeper. I see it's use as a kinda stop gap method for better not superior sound for my doc wild sound needs and equip myself better with mixers and digital recorders when needed.

This is from the FAQ in the GH1 stickies:

  1. Can I record Audio to the Camera?
    Yes and no. Yes you can. No you shouldn't. Right now there's no way to disable the audio gain, so when things get quiet the sound will ramp up with a hiss. Most folks are looking at the Zoom H4N ($300 - $350) a small portable recorder whose capabilities blow away any in camera audio recording, DVX to Red. You can get the Zoom H4 for about $100 cheaper it also has phantom power, and may be easier to camera mount with less handling noise (link) and still has better audio than any video camera - Mino Flip up to the Red. Preamps and other features are better and more numerous with teh H4N

    Also there's the Beachtek DXA 5D. It's designed for the Canon 5D MARK II which has the same audio problem, comes with nice XLR inputs and VU meters and solves the problem by emitting an inaudible high pitch toned that tricks the auto gain of the camera into a constant level.
    UPDATE:
    quote_icon.png
    Originally Posted by Peter J. DeCrescenzo
    To connect a BeachTek DXA-5D external audio mixer to the GH1's mic input, a specific plug adapter is required. There's one from Radio Shack which works:
    http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.p...0&postcount=12

    The BeachTek DXA-5D essentially "disables" the GH1's audio auto-gain (AGC):
    http://www.beachtek.com/dxa5d.html

    I have had no hiss from the adapter I use to my Gh1. There is no mic/sound settings in the Gh1 menu, unlike the Gh2 it has a mic level ADJ so you can lower it if it runs to hot. Don't have the Gh2 yet so cannot confirm how this would help with a DXA but it still does not eliminate AGC gain I guess...

    I've been using Beachtek devices since my mini DV days and use them also to monitor sound when a camera system cannot take a headphone like the GH1
 
I'm also using a Beachtek DXA-SLR adapter under my new GH2 and it works fine except that the adapter blocks the battery door and I cannot use the AC adapter or change batteries without removing it, which is a major interruption when shooting legal video such as depositions and psychological medical exams. Does anyone know of a spacer plate that I can use to gain access to the battery, or even a quick release plate that's sturdy but will not block the battery compartment. I can't be the only GH2 owner with this issue. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Why don't you buy a small slim quick release plate set that doesn't get in the way of the battery door. Attach the receiver plate on the top of the beachtek and the quick release part on the camera. Changing batteries would be much quicker.
 
You could get an M-Plate and attach the DXA-SLR sideways so you still have access to the battery door:

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top