Operating Manual DXA-CONNECT Professional XLR Adapter for DSLR Cameras and Camcorders This operating manual explains the adapter function settings and how to use the adapter to record audio into the camera. ©Beachtek Inc.
Thank You for Purchasing a Beachtek Product Congratulations on purchasing the most versatile audio adapter for DSLR cameras and camcorders. This adapter makes it easy to mount and connect a wide variety of audio gear to your camera to record professional sound. Before using this high quality device, please read this guide thoroughly to obtain the highest performance. Please contact us if you have any problems or questions.
Warnings Ensure that the VOLUME control is set low to avoid excessively loud audio damaging your hearing. Always do a test recording and play back the audio to ensure it is acceptable. DO NOT activate phantom power for dynamic microphones, condenser microphones that do not operate on phantom power, wireless receivers, mixing boards or any unbalanced device as it may cause damage to both the adapter and connecting device.
Contents Before You Begin……………………………………………………….. Supplied Accessories…………………………………………………... Quick Setup Guide……………………………………………………… Adapter Connectors and Controls…………………………………….. Setup Guide……………………………………………………………... Basic Operation…………………………………………………………. Features………………………………………………………………….
Before You Begin 1) This product is primarily designed for cameras that have manual audio controls to get the best performance and a headphone jack to monitor the sound. This includes the Canon 5D MKIII and Nikon D800. 2) Panasonic Lumix GH1 and GH2 DSLR cameras require a special 2.5mm mic cable which is available from our Online Store. Supplied Accessories 3.5mm to 3.
Quick Setup Guide 1) Ensure the POWER switch is set to OFF before you begin. 2) Install a fresh alkaline or lithium battery in the adapter. 3) Mount the DXA-CONNECT adapter to the camera hot shoe. 4) Connect the supplied output cable from the OUT jack on the adapter to the MIC input jack on the camera. 5) Set the camera gain to between the lowest setting and 25% of maximum. 6) Connect your microphones or other audio sources to the adapter XLR inputs. 7) Set the GAIN switches to +20dB.
11) Turn the adapter PWR switch ON. The power LED should indicate green. 12) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls for each channel to get an average reading of -12dB on the VU Meter in the camera. 13) Plug your headphones into the phone jack on the camera and adjust the volume control to a comfortable level. Ensure that you hear audio on both channels from the connected devices. 14) Do a test recording and playback on the camera to ensure that the captured audio is satisfactory.
Adapter Connectors and Controls Control Panel 1 PWR Switch Main power switch for adapter 2 PWR LED Green indicates power on and good battery condition Red indicates low battery voltage 3 M/S Switch Selects mono (mixed) or stereo (separated) output mode 4 LEFT and RIGHT Controls Individual adjustment controls to adjust output levels on each channel 5 Gain Switch Select 0dB for low, +20dB for med, and +30dB for high gain 6 PH Switch Turns phantom power on or off for each channel 7 12V/OFF/48V Swi
Connector Panel 8 LEFT and RIGHT XLR Inputs Two balanced XLR inputs attach to professional microphones or other audio gear such as wireless systems or mixers and sound boards 9 OUT Output jack for connection to the camera 3 Connector Panel 8 9 5
Setup Guide Battery Installation 1) The DXA-CONNECT operates on one 9 volt battery. We recommend that you use either an alkaline or lithium type battery for the longest operating time. 2) To install the battery, unlatch the drawer by pushing in and over on the drawer front, releasing and sliding the drawer out. Insert the battery with the “+” positive terminal lined up with the “+” indicator on the battery compartment. Slide the battery drawer closed until it clicks into place.
Initial Setup Connect your microphones or other audio gear to the adapter via the XLR inputs. Set the PH switches to on only for condenser type mics that require phantom power to operate. DO NOT activate phantom power when attaching wireless microphones! Set the PH VOLTAGE switch as follows: a. OFF if no phantom is being used on either channel b. 48V if either channel requires 48 volt phantom c.
Camera setup The Auto Gain Control (AGC) in the camera will vary the amount of gain depending upon the input signal level. During quiet moments, the AGC will increase the gain, which will also increase the amount of hiss from the camera preamplifiers. If your camera allows you to disable the AGC feature, we recommend that you do so to get the best performance. Set the camera to manual mode and the camera gain to between the lowest setting and 25% of maximum.
Basic Operation After following the above Initial Setup, you should be ready to start recording. 1) Turn the adapter PWR switch ON. The power LED should light green, indicating good battery voltage. Red indicates low battery warning. 2) Turn on the camera and set to record standby. 3) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to give you an average reading of about -12dB on the VU Meter in the camera.
Features Inputs Two balanced XLR connectors Outputs Unbalanced stereo mini-plug jack for connection to the camera Phantom Power Switchable 12V/48V phantom power for both channels Gain Switch 0dB, +20dB, and +30dB gain setting for each channel Level Controls Adjusts signal level output on each channel Low Noise Preamplifiers Exceptionally low noise circuitry for superb audio Wide-bandwidth for full rich sound Power Easily replaceable 9 volt battery Low battery indicator Case Sturdy extrud
Specifications Maximum Input Levels +13 dBu -7 dBu -17 dBu at 0dB gain setting at 20dB gain setting at +30dB gain setting Output Level Nominal MIC levels Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) THD Less than 0.
Warranty Information Limited Two Year Warranty This warranty covers any defects or malfunction in your new Beachtek adapter for two years from date of purchase. Beachtek will replace or repair any defective or malfunctioning adapter, within the warranty period, at no charge. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse. The device must be sent to our service center at your expense. Should you require service please contact us first before returning the unit to us.
Contact Information Address Beachtek Inc. 480 Osprey Avenue Kelowna, British Columbia Canada V1Y 5A5 Phone 778-478-9872 Email info@beachtek.com Website www.beachtek.
