Operating Manual DXA-SLR MINI 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 most advanced custom designed audio adapter for DSLR cameras available today. This adapter is packed with features 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.
Description The BeachTek DXA-SLR MINI is a two-channel, active adapter with built-in preamplifiers for attaching external microphones and wireless systems to any DSLR camera that has a built-in mic jack. It can also be used with any camcorder or other audio recording device that has a mic jack. The DXA-SLR MINI uses exceptionally low noise, wide bandwidth preamplifiers for superb audio. This allows you to record high quality audio directly to the camera which will always be in sync with the video.
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 Turn off power to adapter before plugging or unplugging any microphones or equipment to or from the adapter.
Contents Before You Begin……………………………………………… Supplied Accessories…………………………………………. Quick Setup Guide…………………………………………….. Adapter Connectors and Controls…………………………… Setup Guide……………………………………………………. Basic Operation……………………………………………...... Advanced Operation………………………………………….. Features………………………………………………………… Specifications………………………………………………..... Warranty Information………………………………….............
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) Please read and understand the use of the AGC DSBL feature before using this function. 4) Panasonic Lumix GH1 and GH2 require a special 2.5mm mic cable which is available from our Online Store.
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 MINI 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 microphones or wireless receiver to the adapter inputs. Mono mics and most wireless receivers connect to the L or R inputs. Stereo mics connect to the ST input.
12) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls for each channel to get an average reading of -12dB on the VU Meter. The LIMITER LEDs should flash red when activated by the audio signals. 13) Plug your headphones into the PHONE jack on the adapter 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 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 microphones during recording, or playback audio from the camera 4 AGC DSBL Switch Disables the Auto Gain Control feature in the camera 5 PHONES Headphone jack to monitor the audio from microphones or camera 6 Volume Control Adjusts the headphone volume level F
7 M/S Switch Selects mono or stereo output mode 88 LEFT and RIGHT Controls Individual adjustment controls to adjust output levels on each channel 9 VU Meter Indicates the sound level in dB for each channel 10 LIMITER LEDs Indicates limiter activation when the input signals becomes too high 11 Gain Switch Selects LO for unity gain or HI for +20dB boost 5
Side Panel 12 8 15 13 14 Side Panel 12 LEFT and RIGHT Mini-jack Inputs Two mono inputs to attach mono microphones or wireless receivers 13 STEREO Mini-jack Input One stereo input to attach to stereo microphones 14 OUT Output jack for connection to the camera 15 MONITOR IN Input jack for connecting the AV cable to the camera 6
Setup Guide Battery Installation 1) The DXA-SLR MINI 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 microphones or other audio gear to the adapter via the MONO or STEREO inputs. Mono mics and most wireless receivers connect to the L or R inputs. Stereo mics connect to the ST input. 2) Set the MONITOR Switch to REC to monitor the audio from the microphones during recording. 3) Set the GAIN switch to HI. This is the normal setting for most microphones.
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 about -12dB on the VU Meter. 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.
Advanced Operation Using the AGC DSBL Feature This switch disables the wild swings of the Auto Gain Control in the camera. It activates an inaudible tone of 20 kHz to the left channel (when set to STEREO operation) that prevents the Auto Gain Control from increasing the gain to its maximum level. This reduces the hiss that normally occurs when the camera is recording audio during quiet moments. This inaudible tone is recorded by the camera but can be easily filtered out if necessary.
Features Inputs • • • Two mono mini-jack connectors One stereo mini-jack connector Loop back for playback monitoring Outputs • Unbalanced stereo mini-jack for connection to the camera Headphone Monitor • • Built-in headphone amplifier with volume control 3.
Specifications Maximum Input Level +4 dBu Output Level Nominal MIC levels Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) THD Less than 0.01% @ 1 kHz, -30 dBu input S/N Ratio 85 dB @ 1 Khz, -30 dBu input Gain LO gain: 0 dB HI gain: 20 dB VU meter -18 to +3 dB in 3 dB increments Battery Type One 9 volt alkaline or lithium battery Battery Duration 3 hours typical with alkaline battery 8 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.
