New Beachtek XLR Adapters Coming - Disables AGC

L

larrys

Well-known member
Hello All,

Just a heads-up to let everyone know that I received an email from Beachtek after asking them about the DXA-5D which showed as "discontinued" on the B&H website.

Beachtek said this:

"We will have two models. One will be a basic low cost version similar to the existing DXA-5D. The other will be a fully featured unit with all the bells and whistles."

They also said that they are coming in January.

Hope this helps anyone interested in this audio option.
 
I wonder if this means the one without the bells and whistles will cost a less insane amount. It sort of pisses me off that all their adapters are like $100 but that one was $300 because it had the name 5D on it...yes I know it did more, but still, come on....one thing I think we're facing as HDSLR shooters is that companies think they can charge a huge amount for everything that says it's "for SLR" because they're so popular right now.
 
Thanks for the headsup. I'll be on the lookout for the low cost one. Hopefully it's less bulky too.
 
Ben_B said:
I wonder if this means the one without the bells and whistles will cost a less insane amount. It sort of pisses me off that all their adapters are like $100 but that one was $300 because it had the name 5D on it...yes I know it did more, but still, come on....one thing I think we're facing as HDSLR shooters is that companies think they can charge a huge amount for everything that says it's "for SLR" because they're so popular right now.
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So you think that if they come out with something that does an actual great job at disabling the AGC and letting you have sync sound with your HDSLR in a package that attaches right to the camera (presumably with meters and proper pots) that $300 is too much?

Really, I think none of these companies have some conspiracy going on just because they are marketing towards a certain type of shooter. It costs what it costs.
 
When all it does is pump a tone into one of the channels (or is it both, either way it's a simple removal in post, that's not what I'm criticizing...keep reading) and their other XLR adapters cost $100 and for $300 you can get an amazing audio recorder with great built in mics then yes...it costs too much. It's not like their method for disabling AGC is some amazing breakthrough technologically, although it is clever...I just don't think it's $200 extra dollars more clever than their other devices...and the fact that most people here recommend the Zoom H4n (which can be used for lots of other things as well...recording foley, etc, for example) and post-sync over the beachtek would seem to be an indication of that. Also from what I have heard (literally) on the web the sound quality doesn't seem to be totally there...probably more the fault of these cameras than their equipment..but they want people to invest the same amount of money in their product as in a dedicated audio recorder it had better do the job at least as well...or be cheaper.
 
Then qualify that it is too expensive for you.

Comparing it to the price of a Zoom isn't fair, Zoom is a much larger company pushing many more units to many more types of people. Beachtek is a niche product comparatively.

I just think it is presumptuous to think that a company could be making a product for much less then they retail at either from the, "it doesn't do much so it shouldn't cost much" or "they slap a badge on it and charge x amount more because of it," viewpoint.

You don't work there, you don't know.

*Again, this applies to the notion of a manufacturer intentionally screwing us. Like people thought of P2, or why Canon hasn't made everybody's dream camera, etc.
 
The high frequency pickup with AGC off if ridiculous. So this means you have go through the extra step of removing it in post. Really irritating that the solution of one problem introduces another one.
 
You're missing the point of what I'm saying. Beachtek has managed to charge $100 for their other niche products with, admittedly, slightly less tech in them than this one...so why now do they have to charge $300 for their new niche product (with somewhat more tech in it) especially given how popular these cameras are right now (for a niche.)

As for Zoom being a bigger company that doesn't matter: the fact is that beachtek still has to compete with them..and they're not going to do it by giving us less for the same price and still having a step in post...not saying its possible another way, just saying the beachtek is the perfect solution at $150...not $300.
 
Why anyone would buy something that adds noise is amazing. For $400 you could get a Canon HF100 used and turn off the gain. For $150 you could get a Zoom H2.
 
True, and if anyone wants one, I am selling my great little Canon HF100 as I am about to buy the Panasonic!
 
larrys said:
Has anyone used the Edirol? (same price as the h4n)
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larrys are you talking about the Edirol R-09?
Because I think the edirol doesn't have a xlr/quarter inch inputs whereas the zoom does.

to me that alone is a the deal breaker and the zoom is cheaper :D


also to others i wouldn't suggest getting the h2, or even the h4 for that matter. I would go with the h4n, I have it and love it.

I personally stay away from anything with 1/8 inch inputs...I just don't trust em for professional recordings. but thats just my opinion.
 
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Ben_B said:
You're missing the point of what I'm saying. Beachtek has managed to charge $100 for their other niche products with, admittedly, slightly less tech in them than this one...so why now do they have to charge $300 for their new niche product (with somewhat more tech in it) especially given how popular these cameras are right now (for a niche.).
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Ben - I think you're missing the point, and are misinformed. Beachtek DOES sell one or two adapters for around $100 - these are passive adapters with few features. The cheapest Beachtek adapter that provides phantom power sells for around $275 on the street. The DXA-5D as I understand provides phantom power, meters, AGC-defeating circuitry, and monitoring - $300 seems not only in-line with other Beachtek prices, but actually cheaper than I'd expect. Seriously, dud, look at the whole Beachtek line and compare features and pricing... nothing at all "unfair" about the DXA-5D!
 
I agree with McgeeDigital. The Juicedlink is a far better solution. These tone generators are like very poor patches for a silly software problem. You will still have high end noise. The Juicedlink is a proper pre-amp but IT CAN ONLY WORK WITH MAGIC LANTERN which cuts the AGC program entirely. Thus for the moment not available for the 7D. You can hear the comparison tests by Jon Fairhurst over at Cinema5D in the audio section.
 
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