Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer

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The Azden FMX-42 is a portable 4-channel audio mixer designed for professional and semi-professional field audio capturing. The FMX-42 features 4 balanced 3-pin XLR microphone inputs with individually switched +48VDC phantom power. A pair of balanced XLR outputs provide line or mic level (switchable) signal to cameras, recorders, etc. Additional features include a switchable input limiter to reduce the possibility of overload distortion, Left / Center / Right Pan switches on all input channels and enhanced circuitry for improved signal-to-noise ratio. Overall, the Azden FMX-42 proves to be an affordable field mixing solution for event videos, ENG / EFP applications, documentaries, and more.

Balanced Mic Inputs
The FMX-42 features 4 XLR microphone inputs. The balanced inputs deliver high gain and low noise floor.
VU Meters
Dual analog meters provide a comprehensive read on audio level.
Balanced Line or Mic Level Outputs
Dual balanced line or mic level switchable outputs via XLR male connectors provide balanced audio signal to inputs on cameras and additional mixers.
2 Channel Addressable Outputs
Incoming signal from either channel can be assigned to either left or right outputs if signal isolation is desired.
Input Limiters
Both inputs feature high quality switchable limiters. The limiters protect against peak distortion due to overload.
Inputs Balanced XLR Female x4
Output Balanced XLR Male x2
1/4" Phone x1
3.5mm Mini x1
Monitor/Headphone Out 1/4" Phone
3.5mm Mini
ALT I/O No
Link Input/Output No
Impedance Line: 20 kOhms
Mic: 2 kOhms
Gain Standard: +4 dBu (> 10 kOhm load) -2 dBu (600 Ohm load)
Maximum: +20 dBu (>10 kOhm load) +13 dBu (600 Ohm load)
Hum & Noise Balanced Output: -120 dBu
(A weighted, Input Equivalent Level)
Frequency Response 20Hz - 30kHz (±1.5 dB)
Distortion < 0.005% @ 1 kHz (@ LINE position +19 dBu output)
Metering Standard Level: 0 VU (+4 dBu)
Control Voltage Out No
Phantom Power +48V (±4V)
Operating Temperature Not Specified by Manufacturer
Power Battery Requirement: 6 Alkaline "AA"
Battery Runtime: Approx. 10 hours (Meter Illumination & Phantom Power OFF)
External Power: 12VDC @ 200mA
Current Drain: 155mA (Meter Illumination & Phantom Power OFF - @ 9V)
195 mA (Meter Illumination OFF/Phantom Power ON w/2-SGM-1000 - @ 9V)
Base Dimensions (WxHxD) 8.6 x 1.9 x 5.9" (220 x 56 x 150mm)
Weight 6 lbs (2.72kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer
 
4.5

(based on 21 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (18)
  • Compact (17)
  • Excellent sound (16)
  • Simple controls (14)
  • Versatile (13)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Professional recording (15)
    • Outdoor events / games (11)
    • Amateur recording (5)
    • Music videos (5)
    • Performances (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (19)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Great Field Mixer!

    I needed a field mixer and just didn't have the budget to buy one of the more expensive models often recommended. After careful consideration I went with the FMX-42 from Azden. It is ...Read complete review

    I needed a field mixer and just didn't have the budget to buy one of the more expensive models often recommended. After careful consideration I went with the FMX-42 from Azden. It is well suited to my needs for a few reasons. One of which is that you can use this mixer with video cameras that both have and don't have XLR inputs (so consumer/prosumer and professional cams). You can use this mixer like you would a juicedlink or a beachtek. It has the 3.5mm stereo output as well as the XLR output which is switchable via a +4dbu to -36dbu settings (set to -36dbu for running to a consumer camera via 3.5mm stereo cable). This mixer also has the 1Khz tone to calibrate your levels as well as a monitor out so that you can monitor your audio at the mixer with a set of headphones (great for your boom guy). Big easy to read vu meters, 4 mic inputs, phantom power, and it comes with a field bag. The quality of the audio has been impressive. Also I emailed Azden twice with little questions and they called me within an hour or so and were very friendly/helpful. This is a great field mixer for the Indie film maker.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    [...]; but no monitor-in

    It's missing a monitor-in, so you'll be plugging your headphones directly into the camera beside you, but THAT means you can't switch quickly between BeforeCamera and AfterCamera audio ( without disturbing the camera ),...Read complete review

    It's missing a monitor-in, so you'll be plugging your headphones directly into the camera beside you, but THAT means you can't switch quickly between BeforeCamera and AfterCamera audio ( without disturbing the camera ), as you can with the Shure FP-33.

    Also missing a slate mic/tone.

    It *does* have the camera-level calibration tone, though ( unlike the cheaper ones ).

    Basically, if you can't afford the Shure, it's MUCH better to have this than to have nothing!

    If you CAN afford the Shure, though, that'll let you work more solidly.

    ( PS: being able to switch between to-the-mixer sound and from-the-camera sound quickly lets you quickly troubleshoot a broken connection:
    is it broken between the mixer & the camera ( switch/switch: hear the diff )
    once you know that, you can find it quick -- applies also to scrambled sound .. *where* is is scrambled? .. not needed often, but when it is, reducing aggravation before it wrecks the team vibe is worth it.
    particularly when the day-costs are many times the cost of the mixer )

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 21 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    5.0

    Solid Mixer!

    By Josh

    from Chicago, IL

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Accurate Controls
    • Easy To Use
    • Excellent Sound

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Events
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

      This mixer performs very well. I've only gotten a chance to use it on 4 professional gigs.

      Well built, good alternative to any of the low end "Sound Devices" field mixers.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Nice feel with this unit. Clean sound an

      By Rob

      from Australia - Ballarat

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Excellent Sound
      • Lightweight easy to use

      Cons

      • Don't use rechargables

      Best Uses

      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

      I haven't used it a lot and mainly done testing at this stage. Purchased unit for use in the field here in Australia for video presentation work, gives me easy accesss for additional mic inputs. Can switch to line or mic level. Seems clean outputs and easy control access. Use the Phantom power only unless it is needed, as this can cause noise on the output. But seems very low and insignifigant. Full testing on the unit is still underway. Rechargable batteries I don't think will last, as the voltage is a little low. Had to purchase a hirose connector and cheap 300ma power pack for use here in Australia. These parts are readily available as from August2011.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Meets my needs

      By Kelldog

      from Cincinnati

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Excellent Sound

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

          So far, so good. Crystal clear sound with a boom mic (Rode NT3), Canon HV30 and Beachtek DXA-2T.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Fantastic!

          By MOR

          from Pensacola, FL

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Compact
          • Easy To Use
          • Excellent Sound
          • Versatile

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Events
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

            I needed a field mixer for corporate training. I have run into issues with using audio systems at hotels. sometimes they just flake out and you lose your audio. I connect my wireless mic into the input and the camera into one of the outputs. I connect the other output into their audio system. This way if their system flakes out, I don't lose my clean audio. The people who are attending might not be able to hear, but i can.
            It was exactly what i needed.

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            I would recommend this

            By BC

            from fAIRFIELD

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Light easy

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Soundtracks

              Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

              used in efp

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Awesome Mixer!

              By Shane

              from San Francisco Bay Area

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Accurate Controls
              • Compact
              • Easy To Use
              • Excellent Sound
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Audio Video Production
                • Professional Recording

                Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                I'm really impressed with this product. I found it easy to use and it produces great audio. I'm using it with two lavalier and one boom mic with the audio outputs going to both a camcorder via XLR cables and a portable audio recorder. I use the phantom power to power my boom mic. The only downside is that it takes 6 AA batteries but they seem to last long enough. Great product!

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Great Mixer

                By Bongo

                from Eureka CA.

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Accurate Controls
                • Compact
                • Easy To Use
                • Excellent Sound
                • Versatile

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Events
                  • Music Videos
                  • Professional Recording
                  • Soundtracks

                  Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                  Pro Sound field mixing, on location wireless lav and boom. Love the tone gen. and slate mic.
                  Interviews,Film sound.

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  4.0

                  Good Replacement

                  By onick

                  from grand rapids, MI

                  About Me Experienced

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Accurate Controls
                  • Compact
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Excellent Sound

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                      We have used it for portable ENG style video productions; it replaces much older electro-voice
                      unit which was rehabbed, and placed as backup at public access tv station.

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Good Mixer

                      By G&P Productions

                      from Columbus, Oh

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Compact
                      • Excellent Sound
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                      • Difficult To Use

                      Best Uses

                      • Professional Recording

                      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                      This is a great product for the price! I used it on a shoot for a Canon 5d Mark ii... Although it was initially hard to get it synced up, after installing Magic Lantern and figuring out the best settings, it was great! It makes a WORLD of difference for your field sound engineer to have their own external mixer and ability to adjust the 4 channels with an adjustable stereo output! Very clean audio too.

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great Little Mixer!

                      By Bill

                      from Jackson, MS

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Accurate Controls
                      • Compact
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Excellent Sound
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Events
                        • Music Videos
                        • Professional Recording

                        Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                        Using this with my 5D and HVX200. Works great with both cameras. I had been recording directly into the HVX200, but this mixer is giving me much cleaner sound from my Sennhiser lav into the HVX200 and 5D
                        Works great and much cleaner audio.

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        I RECOMMEND

                        By TALYTA

                        from PIAUÍ, BRASIL.

                        About Me Experienced

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Accurate Controls
                        • Compact
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Excellent Sound
                        • Versatile

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                          THIS IS THE BEST MIXER IN TERMS OF COST EFFECTIVE, PROFESSIONAL QUALITY. I RECOMMEND.

                          Comment on this review

                          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Worked better than I expected

                          By DY

                          from California

                          About Me Experienced

                          Pros

                          • Accurate Controls
                          • Compact
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Excellent Sound
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Amateur Recording
                            • Events
                            • Music Videos
                            • Performances
                            • Professional Recording

                            Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                            I was looking for a clean mixer for my Rode NTG-3 shotgun mic for a video shoot with my Canon 5DMII for a Choral performance inside a large traditional church with a balcony in the rear and altar/stage in the front and 1,000 fixed seat capacity. The choir consisted of 200 singers along with a small orchestra situated on the stage. I wanted a mixer mic setup that would be sensitive to picking up the performance from where I was perched on the first row balcony. The NTG-3 was mounted on top of the Canon 5D with a shock mount and connected to an Azden FMX-42 mixer with phantom power turned on. The mixer was connected directly into the 5D onboard mic input. The audio results were outstanding way beyond what I was expecting. Glad not to have to use a separate recorder and synching in post. I first got this idea from 5DFilmMaking School, [...]. Where Alex explained how to use the Azden connected to a Canon 5DMII using Magic Lantern. Note however since I was using the Canon upgraded firmware 2.7 that disables automatic gain control with manual controls I did not require Magic Lantern. Everything worked out better than expected.

                            Comment on this review

                            (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            2.0

                            Get What You Pay For

                            By Vorsprung durch Technik

                            from Indianapolis, IN

                            About Me Experienced

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Compact
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Good price

                            Cons

                            • Created Noise in the Mix
                            • Poor Quality Sound

                            Best Uses

                            • Amateur Recording

                            Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                            I bought this mixer to use with a Panasonic HVX-200A and or a Canon 5D MarkII. Right off I noticed the VU meters did not work or work properly and the amount of "noise" created from the mixer was too much for any professional use. I contacted Azden and they called me back with suggestions on how to get the VU meters to work and to eliminate the noise, however, these suggestions did not help. I would give Azden a "A++" or a 10 star rating for their customer service with my case. Unfortunately I can not give a high rating for the mixer I received, did I get a lemon because I have heard good things about this mixer which is why I bought it.In the end I had to return it to B&H for a refund [...]In the end if you are a professional and need a professional mixer with no noise look else where, this may not be the mixer for you.

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            4.0

                            Good Mixer

                            By mr944s2

                            from Plymouth, NH

                            About Me Experienced

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Accurate Controls
                            • Compact
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Excellent Sound
                            • Versatile

                            Cons

                            • DC adapter

                            Best Uses

                            • Events
                            • Professional Recording

                            Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                            We have been using this mixer all over campus for special events and filming. It does not introduce noise into the audio systems we have. I like the controls and intuitive interface. Everything is well labeled. I love the portable nature of it so we do not have to drag out our large mixer for smaller venues. I do wish is came with the DC adapter. It is an unusual 4-pin plug that we have to special order.

                            Comment on this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Easy use. Best deal you can get.

                            By Cslmedia

                            from Taiwan, Republic of

                            About Me Experienced

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Accurate Controls
                            • Compact
                            • Easy To Use

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Events

                              Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                              Field video production use.

                              This device is doing decent job.
                              You won't regret to pay for this quality.

                              Comment on this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              Good little mixer

                              By afrueb

                              from Saint Charles, MO

                              About Me Experienced

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Accurate Controls
                              • Compact
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Excellent Sound
                              • Versatile

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Professional Recording

                                Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                                Fine field mixer. Used on remote productions with multiple microphones

                                Comment on this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                i enjoy it

                                By tyedyejon

                                from milwaukee, wi

                                About Me Experienced

                                Verified Reviewer

                                Pros

                                • Accurate Controls
                                • Compact
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Amateur Recording
                                  • Events
                                  • Performances
                                  • Professional Recording

                                  Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                                  i bought this because it went on sale finally. i use it with lunatec v-3 by grace design. i experimented a few times and got use to working with it. it is easy once you know what your doing if you didn't already. clip meters are nice.

                                  Comment on this review

                                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Works like a charm

                                  By Matt the Editor

                                  from Anchorage, AK

                                  About Me Novice

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Accurate Controls
                                  • Compact
                                  • Easy To Use
                                  • Excellent Sound
                                  • Versatile

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Events
                                    • Professional Recording

                                    Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                                    I love everything about it, perfect for what I am doing.

                                    Comment on this review

                                    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great Field Mixer!

                                    By OnTheFlipside

                                    from Denver, CO

                                    About Me Experienced

                                    Verified Reviewer

                                    Pros

                                    • Accurate Controls
                                    • Compact
                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Excellent Sound
                                    • Versatile

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Amateur Recording
                                      • Events
                                      • Music Videos
                                      • Performances
                                      • Professional Recording
                                      • Soundtracks

                                      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                                      I needed a field mixer and just didn't have the budget to buy one of the more expensive models often recommended. After careful consideration I went with the FMX-42 from Azden. It is well suited to my needs for a few reasons. One of which is that you can use this mixer with video cameras that both have and don't have XLR inputs (so consumer/prosumer and professional cams). You can use this mixer like you would a juicedlink or a beachtek. It has the 3.5mm stereo output as well as the XLR output which is switchable via a +4dbu to -36dbu settings (set to -36dbu for running to a consumer camera via 3.5mm stereo cable). This mixer also has the 1Khz tone to calibrate your levels as well as a monitor out so that you can monitor your audio at the mixer with a set of headphones (great for your boom guy). Big easy to read vu meters, 4 mic inputs, phantom power, and it comes with a field bag. The quality of the audio has been impressive. Also I emailed Azden twice with little questions and they called me within an hour or so and were very friendly/helpful. This is a great field mixer for the Indie film maker.

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (6 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      3.0

                                      [...]; but no monitor-in

                                      By Gonzo the Grape!

                                      from North East

                                      Pros

                                      • Good Value

                                      Cons

                                      • Missng 2 importnt featurs

                                      Best Uses

                                      • When just starting out

                                      Comments about Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:

                                      It's missing a monitor-in, so you'll be plugging your headphones directly into the camera beside you, but THAT means you can't switch quickly between BeforeCamera and AfterCamera audio ( without disturbing the camera ), as you can with the Shure FP-33.

                                      Also missing a slate mic/tone.

                                      It *does* have the camera-level calibration tone, though ( unlike the cheaper ones ).

                                      Basically, if you can't afford the Shure, it's MUCH better to have this than to have nothing!

                                      If you CAN afford the Shure, though, that'll let you work more solidly.

                                      ( PS: being able to switch between to-the-mixer sound and from-the-camera sound quickly lets you quickly troubleshoot a broken connection:
                                      is it broken between the mixer & the camera ( switch/switch: hear the diff )
                                      once you know that, you can find it quick -- applies also to scrambled sound .. *where* is is scrambled? .. not needed often, but when it is, reducing aggravation before it wrecks the team vibe is worth it.
                                      particularly when the day-costs are many times the cost of the mixer )

                                      Comment on this review

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                                      Batteries & Power

                                      Required item:

                                      Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                                      • Price: $1.50
                                       
                                      Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                                      • Price: $13.99
                                       

                                      Power Supplies

                                      Azden -  BC-27H Power Supply
                                      • Price: $50.00
                                       

                                      Cables

                                      Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
                                      • Price: $14.95
                                       

                                      Cases & Protection

                                      Azden -  FMX42C Carrying Case for FMX-42/FMX-42a
                                      • Price: $29.00
                                       

                                      Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-10 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.

                                      Porta Brace -  MX-FMX42A Mixer Case (Blue)
                                      • Price: $164.05
                                       

                                      This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.

                                      Headphones

                                      Audio-Technica -  ATH-M2X Headphone
                                      • Price: $19.99
                                       
                                      View all Accessories

                                      What's in the Box

                                      Azden FMX-42 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer
                                      • Nylon Carrying Case
                                      • 1-Year Limited Warranty
                                       
                                       
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