Operating Manual DXA-SLR PURE Passive Audio Adapter for DSLR Cameras 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 DXA-SLR PURE. This adapter will provide you with exceptional performance to enable you to record professional audio directly to your camera. 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 from damaging your hearing. Always do a test recording and play back the audio to ensure it is acceptable. This adapter does not have a preamplifier to increase the signal levels from the inputs – the output level will only be as strong as the input level. It is not designed to be connected directly with most microphones as it will most likely result in a too low an output level for optimum performance with DSLR cameras.
Contents Before You Begin……………………………………………………….. Supplied Accessories…………………………………………………... Quick Setup Guide……………………………………………………… Adapter Connectors and Controls…………………………………….. Setup Guide……………………………………………………………... Basic Operation…………………………………………………………. Playback Monitoring……………………………………………………. Advanced Operation……………………………………………………. Features………………………………………………………………….
Before You Begin 1) These instructions refer to the use of this adapter with Canon DSLR cameras unless otherwise noted. 2) Do a few test recordings and check playback on the camera to ensure that the audio is captured as expected. Most cameras do not have a headphone jack to monitor what is being recorded. 3) Some older Nikon cameras have a very sensitive microphone input and require a special 25dB padded output cable from the adapter. Please contact us for details.
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-SLR PURE adapter to the camera. 4) Connect the supplied output cable from the OUT jack on the adapter to the MIC input jack on the camera. 5) Connect your wireless mic or audio mixer to the L and or R inputs of the adapter. 6) Set the MONITOR switch to REC. 7) Set the LIN/MIC switches to: MIC for wireless mics.
Adapter Connectors and Controls Front 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 MONITOR Switch Selects headphone monitoring from either the adapter inputs during recording, or playback audio from the camera 4 PHONE Headphone jack to monitor the audio from adapter inputs or camera 5 Volume Control Adjusts the headphone volume level 6 MODE Switch Selects M for mono or S for stereo output mode 7
10 Side Panel 10 L and R Inputs Accepts balanced XLR or ¼” unbalanced mono phone jacks 11 OUT Output jack for connection to the camera 12 MONITOR IN Input jacks for connecting the AV cable to the camera 3 Front Panel 7 2 9 8 Side Panel 6 10 12 11 4 4 5 1
Setup Guide Battery Installation 1) The DXA-SLR PURE 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 1) Connect your wireless mic or feed from a mixer to the adapter via the L and R inputs via balanced XLR or unbalanced ¼” mono phone jacks. 2) Set the LIN/MIC switch to: MIC when connecting most wireless receivers. LIN when taking a line level feed from a mixer or sound board. 3) Set the MONITOR Switch to REC to monitor the audio from the adapter inputs during recording. 4) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one input.
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) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to give you an average reading of between -12dB and 0dB on the VU Meter. Be sure not to exceed 0dB. This will provide a good signal level to the camera and still offer plenty of headroom for higher transient signals.
Notes on Getting the Best Audio Performance The most common problem in recording professional audio on today’s DSLR cameras is the hiss generated by the camera preamplifiers. You will never completely eliminate all hiss, which is normal, but you can reduce it so that it is no longer a problem. The most important thing to remember when recording audio is to set the audio levels correctly as explained in this manual.
Playback Monitoring To monitor audio from the camera during playback you will need to use the AV cable that came with the camera and AV cable that came with the adapter. Be sure to keep the output cable connected between the camera and adapter which supplies the needed ground path for the signal through the AV cable. 1) Plug the adapter AV cable into the MONITOR IN on the DXA-SLR PURE 2) Attach the camera AV cable to the AV output on the camera.
Advanced Operation Using Cameras that have Manual Audio Features 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 about 25% of maximum on Canon cameras, or recording Level 1 on older Nikon cameras that provide 3 gain settings, or 7 on newer Nikon cameras that provide 20 gain settings.
Features Inputs Two XLR connectors with integrated ¼” phone jacks Loop back for playback monitoring Outputs Unbalanced stereo mini-plug jack for connection to the camera Headphone Monitor Built-in headphone amplifier with volume control 3.
Specifications Maximum Input Levels MIC level: LINE level: Output Level -36dBu at 0dB on the VU meter Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (+/- 0.5dB) THD Less than 0.01% @ 1kHz, -30dBu input S/N Ratio 85dB @ 1kHz, -30dBu input Gain Unity VU meter -18 to +3dB in 3dB increments Battery Type One 9 volt alkaline or lithium battery Battery Duration 10 hours typical with alkaline battery 20 hours typical with lithium battery Dimensions 6” x 3.75” x 1.
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.
