Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter

  • Free Item Included:
  • Beachtek MultiMount 5D Camcorder/Camera Accessory Shoe Bracket ($81.80 Value)
  • Price: $389.00
  • Free Item Included:
  • Beachtek MultiMount 5D Camcorder/Camera Accessory Shoe Bracket ($81.80 Value)
  • B&H # BEDXASLR
  • Mfr# DXA-SLR

Product Highlights

  • For DSLR Cameras
  • AGC Disabling Feature
  • 2 Balanced XLR Inputs
  • Mic / Line Switchable
  • Switchable +48V Phantom Power
  • Headphone Monitor Output
  • Mono / Stereo Output Switch
  • Low Noise Preamps with Gain Settings
  • RCA and Aux 1/8" Mini Inputs

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The BeachTek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter is designed to provide professional audio signal to the increasing number of DSLR cameras used to shoot video. The DXA-SLR is powered with a 9V battery, and its active electronics feature 2 balanced XLR preamplifiers with a mic/line level input switch, AGC (Automatic Gain Control) disable, and +48V phantom power to condenser microphones.

The DXA-SLR mounts to the base of your camera. Easily connect condenser and dynamic microphones, wireless microphone receivers, external mixers, consoles, etc. Dedicated RCA phono monitor connections are provided for playback monitoring and a 1/8" (3.5mm) Aux jack is ideal for wireless receivers with mini outputs.

Sturdy die-cast aluminum chassis
Camera mounting bolt
Record/Playback monitor
AGC Disable feature
Headphone jack
Headphone volume control
Mono / Stereo output switch
Line / Mic input switches
Ultra-slick trim controls
Phantom power switches
Good/Peak level indicators
Two balanced XLR inputs
Auxiliary mini-jack input - ideal for wireless mics
Output mini-jack to camcorder
RCA inputs for playback monitoring
Low noise preamplifiers with HI/LO gain settings
Maximum Input Level Lo Gain: +6dBu
Hi Gain: -12dBu
Output Level Nominal Mic Level
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (+/- 1dB)
Gain Lo Gain: 0dB
Hi Gain: 15dB
Phantom Power Dual Regulated 48 Volt Power Supplies
Current to 14mA (Direct Short)
Indicators Green indicates good output level
Red indicated overload
Batteries x1 9V Alkaline or Lithium Battery
Recommend Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Batteries from iPowerUS
Dimensions (LxWxH) 4.25 x 4 x 1.75" (108 x 102 x 44mm)
Weight 12 oz (0.34 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter
 
4.2

(based on 38 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (14)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (25)
  • Lightweight (13)
  • Compact (12)
  • Good audio (12)
  • Interfaces well with camcorder (12)

Cons

  • Pricey / poor value (5)

Best Uses

  • Outdoor events / games (9)
  • Shooting indoors (9)
  • Shooting outdoors (9)
  • Travel (7)
  • Amateur recording (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Experienced (14), Film professional (11), Tech savvy (7)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (15)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

DXA-SLR solves Canon 7D audio problem

I love DSLR cameras with video recording capabilities, and so I was happy when Canon finally released the EOS 7D with its video recording capability. Surprisingly, when I purchased my Canon 7D and did...Read complete review

I love DSLR cameras with video recording capabilities, and so I was happy when Canon finally released the EOS 7D with its video recording capability. Surprisingly, when I purchased my Canon 7D and did a few test video recordings, I was disappointed with the quality of sound in the video. I began to explore many opportunities by adding on condenser mics such as Rode VideoMic which I usually use together with BeachTech DXA-6A for my Sony VX2100. Before then, I had read many reviews on BeachTech DXA-SLR audio adaptor which has +48v phantom power for condenser mics that need to boost up their power. For those who don't know yet, one of the major problems with Canon 7D audio feature is the Auto Gain Control (AGC) which makes the camera pick up unnecessary "hiss" noise during recording. DXA-SLR has a little switch and when used, it easily overcomes the AGC problem. To my amazement, when I switched the DXA-SLR AGC disable to the "on" position, and plugged in my Rode VideMic the recorded sound was splendid. The sound was even more powerful than what I usually get from my Sony VX2100 (3CCD MiniDV video camera). There is also a headset input that makes you listen in to the recording to give you an idea what you are doing. There is yet another good feature of this little box which is very helpful, that is, there are gain switches found underneath it. These switches have +15db for either of the two channels and you can set it "high" or "low" depending on how you want the quality of the recording to be. Honestly, I can't say how much I love this little gizmo; before I purchased it, I had put all my hopes on the day "Magic Lantern" would come out with 7D version of their audio manipulative firmware that has the capability to disable the troublesome AGC. But let's thank God beachtech DXA-SLR has saved the situation for Canon 7D owners. So far, there is one thing I don't like about DXA-SLR. That is, there is no audio meter on the box like the one found on DXA-5DA that tells you how high or low your recording is. The way DXA-SLR looks like, you always have to rely on your headset to determine the loudness of your recording. Sometimes this can be frustrating when you are in a small room or hall. But on the whole, I have not wasted my money. If you are a canon 7D owner, please give it a try, and you won't regret for buying DXA-SLR.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Not Ideal, but the Best for Now

For run n gun ENG work; especially one-man-banding it with an HD-DSLR, audio is a huge sticking point. The beachtek adapter does a decent job at getting professional audio into the camera, with ...Read complete review

For run n gun ENG work; especially one-man-banding it with an HD-DSLR, audio is a huge sticking point. The beachtek adapter does a decent job at getting professional audio into the camera, with the lack of any other compact, non-field-mixer options (there's only so much we can carry by ourselves!) it's probably the best option out there right now.

That's not to say it's perfect. The pre-amps are noisy, ground hums come and go, clicks show up, the LED metering lights (another draw-back; only one light to indicate signal and no return monitoring from the camera) create a noise of their own. All of this can be filtered out quite easily in post, but isn't the point of ENG gear to keep post to a minimum?

After my first shoot I contemplated returning the box, but it's grown on me, especially in the face of no other viable option for the one-man-band ENG crew.

If at all possible get a dedicated audio engineer with a boom pole and a field mixer; if not, the Beachtek box will do.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 38 customers

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5.0

A must have for documentary films.

By Rodajoda

from Mission, Tx

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Easy To Use

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Documentary Films
    • One man project
    • Tight schedule projects

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    This little box saved me hours of post-production. If you are planning to make a documentary film, you MUST record audio into the camera even if it is a DSLR. I was the sound recordist for this project, but also I made the re-recording mix, so I bought this piece of hardware one month before the shooting schedule to make some tests. Other options was to use a TC generator or use Plural Eyes plug-in to sync all the audio. Fortunately there was no need for this. We used Canon 60d, 5d and Lumix GH-1. I have not tried it with AGC.

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Excellent Sound

    By Orie

    from Delaware Ohio

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • Bulky/Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Amateur Recording
    • Events
    • Performances

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    We use this with a Canon EOS 60D. Sound is incredibly clear, the immense amount of fuzz that once existed in audio recorded straight to the camera is virtually gone! While it definitely adds a bit of heft to the camera it's nothing that makes it unwieldy. Everything is very accessible and nothing is blocked when attached to the camera.

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    AUDIO ADAPTER WORKS FOR DSLR CAMERAS

    By Maqueno

    from North Miami Beach, Fl.

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Durable

    Cons

    • Bulky/Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Amateur Recording
    • Home Studio
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    This is an ingenious device. It allows you to put two mikes on a camera that normally should only take one. Also, you can override the automatic controls and set manual levels. It's a little bulky, but it that's the price you pay for this functionality.

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Professional and Easy to Use

    By rbmcky

    from Fountain Valley, CA

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • Pricey / Poor Value

    Best Uses

    • Events
    • Performances
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    We started using the DXA-SLR adapter with our DSLR and it's amazing. We are now able to record live audio during our events and be able to have synced audio in post. This is a great product. Only thing is that it's a bit pricy. Other than that, it's perfect.

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Great but a bit expensive though

    By lev642

    from Chapel Hill, NC

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Durable
    • Lightweight
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • EXPENSIVE

    Best Uses

    • Amateur Recording
    • Events
    • Home Studio
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    This is a great kit, a bit expensive though... and takes a bit of practice to get the sound right. I paired this with the DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter by BeachTek and EW112-p G3 Camera Mount Wireless Microphone System with ME2 Lavalier Mic (A / 516 - 558 MHz) by Sennheiser Electronic... I do interviews on my Nikon d7000... Still learning but really happy with this purchase.

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    My second BeachTek audio interface

    By Craiger

    from Nevada City, CA

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Versatile

    Cons

    • No external power

    Best Uses

    • Events
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

    I have been using a BeachTek audio interface box on my Sony VX2100 for years with no problems so when I got a Canon 60D I went to the BeachTek site and found the DXA-SLR. Easy to setup and use. Would be nice to have a external power supply option for long shoots.

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    The problem solver but not the solution.

    By Jake

    from Brooklyn

    About Me Professional Musician

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Easy To Use
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Limited Functions
    • No Meter

    Best Uses

      Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

      The DXA-SLR allows direct input of two audio channels for DSLR Cameras. I use it on my Canon 5D Mark II (for which this Beach-Tek model was designed) and 7D.

      Using the manual audio setting in my 5D, it is fairly simple to set general levels for my mics while using it with the 7D requires dumping and analyzing a clip in the computer. This is very important, because the BeachTek has no live metering capabilities, making it hard to tell when your signal peaks or becomes too soft, other than your own ear.

      The audio quality is good after getting your levels set correctly, but the cameras themselves only allow 16 bit audio depth, which is enough, but as bigger gets smaller I find that 24 bit is becoming more the standard.

      For the price, I think these products are wonderful. But in general, I find that the BeachTek is a problem solver, not the solution.

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Adapter is a must for Sony NEX

      By OF&VP

      from Northwest Arkansas

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

            We use the adapter anytime we need to record audio other than with the shot gun mic on the NEX camera. The flexibility of line or mic input and Phantom power with the XLR connectors makes the system just like our broadcast DBeta and XDCAM systems so all of our audio accessories are available to the NEX.

            The AGC defeat is great.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Adapter on the go

            By Bo

            from Arlington, VA

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Clear Sound
            • Compact
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • Pricey / Poor Value

            Best Uses

            • Amateur Recording
            • Events
            • Home Studio
            • Mobile DJ
            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

            I have used this several times before I finally purchased it and it picks up audio one hundred percent of the time. That's all I have to say.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            The all or nothing Adapter

            By Bo

            from Arlington, VA

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Clear Sound
            • Compact
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • Pricey / Poor Value

            Best Uses

            • Amateur Recording
            • Events
            • Home Studio
            • Mobile DJ
            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

            I have used this several times before I finally purchased it and it picks up audio one hundred percent of the time. That's all I have to say.

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            GREAT iNVENTION

            By Harry

            from Boston

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Clear Sound
            • Compact
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Versatile

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Events

              Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

              I use this with a Canon 7D. It works well. A little bit difficult to get used to but works like a charm. I'm really impressed with the DXA-SLR and it's the only way to get good sound from your 7D. I like that it is light weight and easy to use.

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              great product!

              By Lydia

              from Towson, Maryland

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Clear Sound

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Amateur Recording
                • Events

                Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                I use this with my canon t3i. it works well. i havent gotten much of a chance to get to know the product but so far it works great. some agc problems, im not sure if its because of my microphone or the product. i think its my mic. also im not really sure how to use the 3.5 mm jack yet. that might have been confusing for some.

                Share this review

                (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                1.0

                Too expensive, bulky and poor quality.

                By Nick

                from CA

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                • Limited Functions
                • Poor Sound Quality
                • Pricey / Poor Value
                • Unreliable

                Best Uses

                • Paperweight

                Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                I really didn't want to use an external recorder, so I got this. I wish someone had smacked me before I bought it. The amount of work to clean up the audio this produces takes far longer than the amount of time it takes to sync external tracks. You can't preview the actual audio going into the camera.

                The fact of the matter is that these DSLR's weren't built for recording audio. Certainly not at the quality anyone upgrading from a cheap camcorder would expect. Just get the Zoom H4n. Trust me, it is enormously more useful, better quality and even cheaper.

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Compact and easy to use

                By alex carbonell

                from Spain, Catalonia , Barcelona

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Compact
                • Easy To Use
                • Versatile

                Cons

                • Battery consumption fast

                Best Uses

                • Events
                • Performances

                Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                Easy to use, compact, light and good sound. Can also be used in cameras that have input minijack

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Excellent choice for DSLR audio

                By A/V pro

                from Amherst MA

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Clear Sound
                • Easy To Use
                • Lightweight
                • Versatile

                Cons

                • Pricey / Poor Value

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                  Provides far superior audio to built in camera mic. Sturdy XLR inputs. Headphone jack a plus. Ability to use 2 mics and adjust levels individually. The disable auto gain feature works superbly. Puts less stress on 3.5mm audio input jack than using a cable directly to the camera. Recommended for serious audio on a DSLR. Price is a bit steep. Access to high/low gain switch is on bottom, so you need to detach from camera to change, which is a minor inconvenience.

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  A must have for video producers

                  By Reverendmake

                  from Austin, TX

                  About Me Film Professional, Tech Savvy

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Good Interface With Camcorder
                  • Improves Performance
                  • Quality Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Upgrade

                    Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                    The DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter by BeachTek is a must have if you are video producer without a sound recordist.

                    Positives: Easy to use. Great sound quality, no distortion. Stereo inputs and multiple input/output types.

                    Cons: No way to monitor actual audio from camera, but that is more a limitation of the DSLR than the DXA-SLR Adapter

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    A must for DLSR videography

                    By MCHS

                    from Katy, Texas

                    About Me Tech Savvy

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Good Interface With Camcorder

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • DSLR Video

                      Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                      I use this with my video technology class to achieve professional quality audio. It works well, and is very versatile. My only complaint is that it is difficult to change the battery.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Can't recored without it

                      By Noussier

                      from Coral Springs

                      About Me Film Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Good Interface With Camcorder

                      Cons

                      • Flimsy Design

                      Best Uses

                      • Shooting Outdoors

                      Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                      it's really a good product,am use it as portable mixer

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Great little unit

                      By JJ

                      from Plymouth, WI

                      About Me Film Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Good Interface With Camcorder
                      • Improves Performance
                      • Lightweight
                      • Quality Construction

                      Cons

                      • No VU Meter

                      Best Uses

                      • Shooting Indoors
                      • Shooting Outdoors

                      Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                      A nice solution to the lack of pro audio on the Canon 7D. Not perfect by any means, but it works and works well.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Best Solution for the 7D

                      By BCI

                      from Austin TX

                      About Me Film Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Good Interface With Camcorder
                      • Improves Performance
                      • Lightweight
                      • Quality Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Shooting Indoors

                        Comments about Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter:

                        So far this is the Best Pro Audio Solution for the 7D. You have to check your audio b/c the headphones do not monitor what the camera actually records but all in all I m able to get pro audio out of this unit. Does what is says and the build construction is excellent much better than the Juiced Link.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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                        Batteries & Power

                        PerfPower -  Go Green 9v Battery
                        • Price: $1.95
                         

                        Cables

                        Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR-M to Angled 3-Pin XLR-F Straight Audio Cable (1.5')
                        • Price: $19.99
                         

                        Headphones

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

                        What's in the Box

                        Beachtek DXA-SLR Active Audio Adapter
                        • 3.5mm to 3.5mm Output Cable
                        • 3.5mm to 2.5mm Output Cable
                        • AV Cable
                        • 1 Year Warranty
                        Included Free
                         
                         
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