Operating Manual DXA-SLR PRO Professional XLR 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 PRO is a two-channel, active XLR adapter with built-in preamplifiers for attaching external microphones and other audio gear 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 PRO 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 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……………………………………………...... 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 PRO 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 other audio sources to the adapter XLR inputs 6) Set the GAIN switches to HI. 7) Set the LIMITER switches to ON. 8) Set the MONITOR switch to REC.
13) Turn the adapter PWR switch on. The power LED should indicate green. 14) 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. 15) 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.
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 2
7 M/S Switch Selects mono or stereo output mode 8 LIN/MIC/PH Switches Selects LIN for line level, or MIC for microphone level for each input. The PH setting selects microphone level input and activates phantom power.
Side Panel 14 8 16 15 Side Panel 14 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 15 OUT Output jack for connection to the camera 16 MONITOR IN Input jack for connecting the AV cable to the camera 6
Setup Guide Battery Installation 1) The DXA-SLR PRO 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 XLR inputs. 2) Set the LIN/MIC/PH switch to: • MIC when connecting self powered microphones or most wireless receivers • LIN when taking a line level feed from a mixer or sound board. • PH if your microphones require phantom power to operate.
7) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one microphone. Set the unused channel level control fully counter-clockwise to 0 to disable it to prevent noise. When using two microphones, you should normally set the switch to S for stereo to keep each channel separated. 8) Set the AGC DSBL switch to the left so that it is deactivated. 9) Set the LEFT and RIGHT level controls fully counterclockwise to 0. 10) Plug your headphones into the PHONES jack to monitor the audio.
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 transformer balanced XLR connectors • 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: -3 dBu LINE level: +14 dBu 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.
