Summary of Contents for BeachTek DXA-SLR PRO
- Page 1 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. 2012...
- Page 3 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.
- Page 4 The DXA-SLR PRO is very easy to set up and use. It allows you to connect a wide variety of audio devices including wireless systems, mixers, sound boards and professional condenser microphones that require 48 volt phantom power to operate.
- Page 5 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...
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Page 6: Table Of Contents
Contents Before You Begin Supplied Accessories Quick Setup Guide Adapter Connectors and Controls Setup Guide Basic Operation ..Advanced Operation Features Specifications ..Warranty Information ..... -
Page 7: Before You Begin
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. -
Page 8: Quick Setup Guide
Ensure the POWER switch is set to OFF before you begin. Install a fresh alkaline or lithium battery in the adapter. Mount the DXA-SLR PRO adapter to the camera. Connect the supplied output cable from the OUT jack on the adapter to the MIC input jack on the camera. - Page 9 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.
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Page 10: Adapter Connectors And Controls
Adapter Connectors and Controls Front Panel PWR Switch Main power switch for adapter PWR LED Green indicates power on and good battery condition Red indicates low battery voltage MONITOR Switch Selects headphone monitoring from either the microphones during recording, or playback audio from the camera AGC DSBL Switch Disables the Auto Gain Control feature in the camera PHONES... - Page 11 M/S Switch Selects mono or stereo output mode 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. 12V/48V Switch Selects either 12 or 48 volt phantom power for condenser microphones that require phantom power to operate LEFT and RIGHT Controls Individual adjustment controls to adjust output levels on each...
- Page 12 Side Panel Side Panel 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 Output jack for connection to the camera MONITOR IN Input jack for connecting the AV cable to the camera...
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Page 13: Setup Guide
Setup Guide Battery Installation 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. To install the battery unlatch the drawer by pushing in and over on the drawer front, releasing and sliding the drawer out. - Page 14 Initial Setup Connect your microphones or other audio gear to the adapter via the XLR inputs. 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.
- Page 15 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. Set the AGC DSBL switch to the left so that it is deactivated.
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Page 16: Basic Operation
Basic Operation After following the above Initial Setup, you should be ready to start recording. Turn the adapter PWR switch ON. The power LED should light green indicating good battery voltage. Red indicates low battery warning. Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to give you an average reading of about -12dB on the VU Meter. - Page 17 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.
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Page 18: Advanced Operation
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. -
Page 19: Features
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 3.5 mm phone jack Auto Gain Control Disable Controls the wild swings of the AGC in the camera to reduce hiss Phantom Power Switchable 12V/48V phantom power for both channels VU Meter... -
Page 20: Specifications
Specifications Maximum Input MIC level: -3 dBu Levels LINE level: +14 dBu Output Level Nominal MIC levels Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) Less than 0.01% @ 1kHz, -30 dBu input S/N Ratio 85 dB @ 1 Khz, -30 dBu input Gain LO gain: 0 dB HI gain: 20 dB... -
Page 21: 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. -
Page 24: Contact Information
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.com...
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