Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer
The Azden FMX-42a is a portable 4-channel audio mixer designed for professional and semi-professional field audio capturing. The FMX-42a 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. A 10-pin camera return is also provided. Overall, the Azden FMX-42a proves to be an affordable field mixing solution for event videos, ENG/EFP applications, documentaries, and more.
- Balanced Mic Inputs
- The FMX-42a 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
- Camera Return
- A 10-pin camera return is provided for video applications
| Inputs | 4 x Balanced XLR Female |
| Output |
2 x Balanced XLR Male 1 x 1/4" Phone 1 x 3.5mm Mini 1 x 10-Pin Camera Return |
| 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: +4dBu (> 10 kOhm Load) -2dBu (600 Ohm Load) Maximum: +20dBu (>10 kOhm Load) +13dBu (600 Ohm Load) |
| Hum & Noise | Balanced Output: -120dBu (A weighted, Input Equivalent Level) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 30kHz (±1.5dB) |
| Distortion | < 0.005% @ 1 kHz (@ LINE Position +19dBu Output) |
| Metering | Standard Level: 0 VU (+4dBu) |
| 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) 195mA (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(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (11)
- Compact (8)
- Good audio (6)
- Lightweight (5)
- Versatile (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional recording (10)
- Outdoor events / games (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (10)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I use this mixer for location/eng sound for video production. The mixer is built solid and has all the functions needed for location sound. I like the VU meters and the limiters work well.For the low price...well worth it.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
We got a zoom and needed a good way to pipe two audio inputs into it from different sources.
This mixer seems to be working out well for that.
I've used it with a lav and boom and it offered good level control for booth piping each to a different channel.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I use this for doing production sound and for the price point, this unit works well and is quite quiet. I run this unit into a Sound Devices 702 and get consistently good results. It's easy to use and pretty rugged. I'm using it until I upgrade to an Sound Devices 788 or Zaxcom Deva. I wouldn't say it's in the league of of any of the Sound Devices mixers on the market but if you are looking for a good field mixer at a very good price then this one certainly does the job.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
For our field use this little mixer is excellent.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I use this for recording with my 5D Mkii. I use it for personal use. It beats the heck out of anything else I've tried.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Events
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
Had to pick this mixer up last minute when my FP-33 died right before a big shoot. For under 600 dollars this is a great field mixer. It can output up to three stereo mixes at the same time! Very easy to use and even came with a decent bag to get started with. I wish a it had a separate volume pot for headphone monitoring but other than that IT ROCKS!!!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Solid build
Cons
- No battery check feature
Best Uses
- ENG
- Events
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I am a broadcast ENG audio mixer and just used my new FMX-42a on a 5 day shoot.
I have used a Shure FP-32 for 10 years and it finally needed to be replaced.
Overall, great sound, intuitive controls, solid build and feel for the Azden.
Also, great to have the 4th channel if needed.
The camera return feature on the 42a worked well and was worth the extra expense over the FMX-42.
Only things I missed from the Shure was a battery charge check feature and a front panel headphone level control. The level control on the FMX-42 is on the side of the mixer - good so you don't accidentally hit it, but hard to reach through my audio vest.
Battery performance was excellent.
VU meters were responsive and accurate. Great mixer especially for the price and a great replacement for the Shure FP32.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
good for the price. needs a little more gain on channel knobs. needs more output gain control other than the two positions it gives. also, switch batteries often! when they run the slightest bit low you loose a lot of power in the unit. everything then must be cranked up and the the risk of blown out sound happens, especially when rolling with lavalieres.
overall, it is not a sound devices 442, but for the money very acceptable.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I use this mixer on a web show I produce. The audio quality is great for the price. I does exhibit a very small amount of hiss, but only when both the channel and master gain are maxed out, and only with certain mics.
The return audio is great, as I can use it for mixing more than two channels with my H4n. Lasted 7 hr with Ni-Mh's phantom power and meter lights on. Azden makes great stuff, don't underestimate them.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I work with sound for video (commercials, industrials, etc.) and it is hard to beat this unit for the price. I've only used it for one job so far but I have done quite a bit of testing.
Pros:
Multiple dBu input settings (+4 Line, -30 Mic, -55 Mic).
So far, very good sound quality.
Batteries last quite a while.
4 XLR inputs, each with separate 48v phantom switching.
10 pin Hirose connector for break away cable is a must for me.
Being able to switch monitoring between output and return signals is great.
Not mentioned in the literature or anywhere else that I can find... you can output to at least 2 recorders! If you use the 10-pin with a breakaway cable, then the standard output XLR's are free also and when I tested them at the same time, I got no downgrade in signal. This means output to a camera and a recorder, or 2 cameras, or 2 recorders. Also, there is a 1/8" stereo output jack (-36 dBu) that I haven't tested yet, making a possible 3rd output!
Although small, it feels and looks sturdy.
Comes with a carrying bag. Nothing to write home about, but at least there is one.
Cons:
Does not come with an A/C to D/C power supply! What the Heck? You have to order it separately. This is the main reason I dinged this review down to 4 stars. Also, if you order one from Azden, make sure you order it with the correct connector... it takes a 4-pin Hirose and not a standard coax that they will send you if you order the PS that is stated on their web site. I had to send mine back for them to exchange it. Order the BC-27H (H is for Hirose), not the BC-27.
The power / low battery indicator led is very tiny and easily not noticed. They should have it blink when battery power is low and not just change color.
The inputs are only XLR. It would make the unit more versatile to have these as combination XLR / 1/4" TRS connectors.
The instruction manual is very sparse and lacks a lot of info that I had to learn by going online or testing.
It would be nice for Azden to add to the output switch -10 dBu for consumer line signal in addition to the +4 professional line signal and the -36 mic line output already supplied. Some digital recorders out there use -10 for their line input.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Azden FMX-42a 4-Channel Microphone Field Mixer:
I've used this product on 2 productions so far and I am very pleased with it. It is dead simple to use, it seems to be very well built, battery life is excellent. I love the tone generator – I use it all the time to adjust levels on multiple cameras. The only thing I wish it had was a mute button for each channel.
Displaying reviews 1-11
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- Price: $46.14
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- Price: $29.00
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Headphones
- Price: $19.99
What's in the Box
- Nylon Carrying Case
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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