The BeachTek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter is designed to enhance audio quality with virtually any HDSLR camera by providing high quality XLR inputs, AGC disabling, built-in limiting, headphone monitoring, comprehensive metering and more. Connect up to two microphones and provide 12 or 48V phantom power to professional condenser microphones.
Each channel features a gain control switch with 0 and 15dB settings, and the low-noise preamplifiers and throughput ensure pristine audio quality, wide frequency response and detail. The AGC (Automatic Gain Control) disabling feature eliminates audio level fluctuations that can ruin an otherwise good take. The unit is built tough, mounts to the base of HDSLR cameras, and its rear mounted VU meter displays level in 3 dB increments.
Note! Certain cameras, including Panasonic Lumix and Nikon cameras, require particular cables for proper functioning.
| Maximum Input |
Mic: -3 dBu Line: +14 dBu |
| Output Level | Nominal microphone levels |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 Khz, +/-0.5 dB |
| THD | less than 0.01% @ 1 kHz, -30 dBu input |
| SNR | 85 dB @ 1 kHz, -30 dBu input |
| Gain |
LO Gain: 0 dB HI Gain: 15 dB |
| Phantom Power |
Dual regulated 12 or 48 V power supplies
1
Please Note:Current to 14 mA (direct short) close |
| VU Meter | -18 dB to +3 dB in 3 dB increments |
| Power Requirements | 9 V alkaline or lithium battery |
| Battery / Runtime |
Alkaline: 3 hours typical (no phantom) Lithium: 8 hours typical (no phantom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 6 x 3.75 x 1.75" (152 x 95 x 45 mm) |
| Weight | 18 oz (510 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Very Good, not perfect
I use the DXA-SLR Pro on a DSLR rig (Canon 7D) . I chose to mount it separately from the camera because of how I have my lens mounts (the DXA would make the...Read complete review
I use the DXA-SLR Pro on a DSLR rig (Canon 7D) . I chose to mount it separately from the camera because of how I have my lens mounts (the DXA would make the camera sit too high on the rig).
The good news is that it sounds very good considering the mini plug into the camera. It's solidly built and has a clean signal. The limiters work pretty well, though I can sense a tiny bit of crunch as they kick in. The AGC disable works perfectly and the device has lots of little features, making it fairly capable and flexible. I can use it with my lav and shotgun mics.
Things that need to improve include the weird audio noises and crackling sound that you hear on playback. May not be anything that can be done about that given that this whole device is a work around for in appropriate audio on DSLRs. Those noises only happen when reviewing from the camera. You will NOT hear them in your video editing application.
Also, the meters are not as helpful as I would like. For example, if your target level is -12db, you only have 3-4 meter bars to provide visual reference. All the space above that is wasted. I would prefer some kind of metering that is disproportionally weighted to expand the -18 to -12db range, providing more subtlety in that range. It's hard to be really confident with your recording level using these meters. I had to do some testing with my video files in Final Cut Pro to get a better sense of what levels I could expect.
Another thing is that the headphone volume is quieter during record mode than it is in playback mode. I don't know why that is. I often want my headphones to be just a little bit louder while recording and I can't quite get there with this device. It's still very usable, but I just want a little more oomph while recording.
My final complaint is that the "Disable AGC" button is in a terrible position. It's right above the Record/Playback switch, which means you can easily disable or enable the Disable AGC option as you review/playback your footage. Not good. Given that one of the entire points of this device is AGC Disabling, you'd think they would have positioned that in a safer spot.
I've never used a similar device, so I don't have any point of comparison. It's a very good decide that solves a major problem on the Canon 7D. For that alone it's well worth the money and does a very nice job. I'm thrilled to be able to record directly into the 7D and avoid the extra nuisance of external recorders. I don't' know that there's anything better out there.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good but bulky
I use this with my Canon 5D Mark II when shooting interviews. First the cons: It's heavy. You can't get to the battery door on the camera to switch batteries without taking the Beachtek...Read complete review
I use this with my Canon 5D Mark II when shooting interviews. First the cons: It's heavy. You can't get to the battery door on the camera to switch batteries without taking the Beachtek off first so you'll need the battery grip for your camera if you use this. The pros:The heaviness is due to it's crazy awesome construction. I expect this to last in spite of years of travel. I've only had it a week though so I can't speak to longevity of product life just yet. Sound quality is quite good. It works off a 9 volt battery. Summary:How hard could it be to design one that not only uses the Canon batteries, but powers the camera at the same time so I don't have to use the battery grip in addition to this add-on. It would be nice to not have 50 add-ons.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 36 customers
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I love this device. It works as advertised and has transformed my DSLR into a filming rig with top quality sound. It's easy to use and setup (be sure to read the instruction manual). Sound is clear and crisp.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I was looking for something that would fill the gap for adding XLR audio for a DSLR / camcorder package. I would have like to have seen a 3.5mm input option for one of the inputs so if you have a Rode Video microphone that you can add this without having to use an 3.5mm to XLR input. But I knew this when buying this, so no regrets! And yes I know Beachtek has the DXA-SLR MINI PRO, but I wanted to have XLR inputs.
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Not the GREATEST audio. But still very professional audio and an absolute must have for DSLR filmmakers
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I had to disregard suggested setting for Canon Rebel T4i. Using a Audio Technica shotgun required the internal camera audio input setting at less than 25% with high gain on DXA.
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I am still learning how to best use this product, but what I see, I like. I wish there was one model that can be used for cameras and for camcorders. It feels stable.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I bought the Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO to use with my new Panasonic GH2 and it works great. I is a must have to get the great sounding videos. It's light weight and compact, easy to use and built like a take. Great tool to have in a your arsenal.The only thing I wish it had was a 9vdc wall adapter.
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Immediately I like the idea of the product. My plan was to use it for a DSLR shoot. The earphone volume was too low and there was a hiss throughout the recording.
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I didn't mind syncing before, especially since I use Plural Eyes, but handing the footage of to others to edit, they would freak. Problem resolved. I find the quality to be as good as Zoom H4N recorder.
It was a cinch to set up and start using immediately.
Pros
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
this is great for docs or having a fast turn around time. no syncing needed ! monitoring and levels / xlr makes my DSLR 10 times better!!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Perfect accompaniment to your DSLR. Finally sound no more has to take the back seat. Beachtek has created a solid, dependable, easy to use device that delivers clean sound to your DSLR.
Now you have the sound quality that you desire, without the need for a separate recording device, followed by a session in post, syncing your rushes.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I use this all the time, its compact, field friendly, so I don't leave for a
Shoot without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Best thing I ever bought. It has totally made my DSLR cable free. I use a wireless rig with it and works great. Sound is fantastic. I used to have to bring my motu and my laptop with me to capture good sound, but not anymore! Its also very well crafted. Would recommend to anyone.
Pros
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Perfect to do interviews and documentary films.
Pros
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Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Using this DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter makes my Sony a77 a great
video camera with professional results.
Easy set up and the meter is great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
We shoot primarily on DSLR platforms. This piece couldnt have met our need for proper audio inputs and monitoring in a better way. It feels similar to a battery grip and doesn't weigh very much.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I use the DXA-SLR Pro on a DSLR rig (Canon 7D) . I chose to mount it separately from the camera because of how I have my lens mounts (the DXA would make the camera sit too high on the rig).
The good news is that it sounds very good considering the mini plug into the camera. It's solidly built and has a clean signal. The limiters work pretty well, though I can sense a tiny bit of crunch as they kick in. The AGC disable works perfectly and the device has lots of little features, making it fairly capable and flexible. I can use it with my lav and shotgun mics.
Things that need to improve include the weird audio noises and crackling sound that you hear on playback. May not be anything that can be done about that given that this whole device is a work around for in appropriate audio on DSLRs. Those noises only happen when reviewing from the camera. You will NOT hear them in your video editing application.
Also, the meters are not as helpful as I would like. For example, if your target level is -12db, you only have 3-4 meter bars to provide visual reference. All the space above that is wasted. I would prefer some kind of metering that is disproportionally weighted to expand the -18 to -12db range, providing more subtlety in that range. It's hard to be really confident with your recording level using these meters. I had to do some testing with my video files in Final Cut Pro to get a better sense of what levels I could expect.
Another thing is that the headphone volume is quieter during record mode than it is in playback mode. I don't know why that is. I often want my headphones to be just a little bit louder while recording and I can't quite get there with this device. It's still very usable, but I just want a little more oomph while recording.
My final complaint is that the "Disable AGC" button is in a terrible position. It's right above the Record/Playback switch, which means you can easily disable or enable the Disable AGC option as you review/playback your footage. Not good. Given that one of the entire points of this device is AGC Disabling, you'd think they would have positioned that in a safer spot.
I've never used a similar device, so I don't have any point of comparison. It's a very good decide that solves a major problem on the Canon 7D. For that alone it's well worth the money and does a very nice job. I'm thrilled to be able to record directly into the 7D and avoid the extra nuisance of external recorders. I don't' know that there's anything better out there.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
it have every that you need right in your face... Sound clean but it can be better it have a little "hiz"
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Very clean and easy to use. Makes getting pro audio into a DSLR a piece of cake.
A couple of things I'd like to see...an output level switch (mic/line) in case you wanted to run to a device that took line level only (laptop).
And by mounting this, it covers the battery hatch. I could use with a battery grip but it would make the rig too tall. SO...would be cool if it could have a battery output similar to my switronix PB70. OR make it into an official grip for each camera and then the camera batteries could power everything.
These are of course dreams that will never happen BUT it's hard to find faul with this as it does exactly what it needs to do.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
Used it with an Azden shotgun mic with a 5D3, found the best setting for me was the audio set to the 1st bar on the 5D, the dial on the DXA to the 3o'clock position, high gain....the results were awesome, very little hiss. Yes it adds bulk, but the quality of sound is way worth it. Haven't tested how long the 9 volt lasts, but will find out soon. Looking into lithium rechargeables with 500mah at @. I can't wait to test 2 Sony wireless lavs into the DXA and see how it performs. Yes this is built like a tank.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO HDSLR Audio Adapter:
I was trying to replace my "go to" DVX100B camera that was a phenomenal video/audio camera... but alas it was standard definition.
When I purchased the Canon 60D to shoot video... I knew I needed something that would allow me to record with my XLR wireless microphones. Many people suggested the Zoom H4N, but there were a few drawbacks for me personally.
1. The "dual system" means that you have to remember to hit "record" and "stop" before and after every take.
2. You have to sync the audio in post production... which can turn into a nightmare if all the files aren't organized.
3. Mounting the H4N to the same shoulder mount is awkward.
These factors lead me to find the DXA-SLR Pro and I couldn't be happier since receiving the product.
First off, it fits the Canon 60D like a glove and the XLR plug ins are close enough to reach the two wireless receivers that I mount above the camera. It provides quick adjustments to the levels going into the camera, and the audio quality is stellar.
Overall, a perfect product for those who are looking to add XLR ports to their DSLR camera.