BeachTek DXA-6vu User manual

Specifications
Input Level MIC setting: -36 dBu ideal
-6 dBu max
LINE setting: 0 dBu ideal
+36 dBu max
Output Level nominal MIC levels
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20 KHz (+/- 3 dB)
Phantom Power Dual regulated 48 volt power supplies
Current to 14 mA (direct short)
Level Meter LED indicators from -51 dBu to -33 dBu
Battery Type One 9 volt alkaline battery
LED battery indicator
Battery Duration 3 hours continuous use typical
Case Powder coated aluminum
Dimensions 5.25” L x 3.5” W x 1.25” H
Weight 16 oz
Limited One Year Warranty
This warranty covers any defects or malfunction in your new BeachTek adapter
for one full year.
BeachTek will replace any defective or malfunctioning adapter, within the
warranty period, with a new unit at no charge. The warranty does not cover
damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse. The device must
be sent to our service center at your expense.
Should you require service please contact us first before returning the unit to
us. Return instructions can be found on our website at www.beachtek.com/
questions.html
Upon receiving the returned adapter it will be inspected and replaced if found
defective. The unit will be shipped back to you within five business days at our
expense.
BeachTek Inc.
2120 Queen Street East, Suite 202
Toronto, Ontario M4E 1E2
tel [phone] • fax [phone]
email [email protected]
web www.beachtek.com
DXA-6vu
Operating Instructions for the DXA-6vu
Camcorder XLR Adapter
• Before using this high quality device, please read this
operating manual thoroughly to obtain the highest performance.
• Please contact us if you have any problems or questions.
The BeachTek DXA-6vu is a two channel, transformer balanced
XLR adapter with built-in 48 volt phantom power supplies for
powering two condenser microphones. It also features built in LED
meters to check input levels at a glance. This adapter is designed
to easily attach balanced or unbalanced type microphones to a
consumer or prosumer camcorder. The DXA-6vu gives you all the
benefits of using balanced audio devices for clean audio as well
as control over the signal levels to ensure the best possible sound
recording.
The DXA-6vu is very easy to set up and use. Its rugged construc-
tion ensures years of use and its compact size fits neatly under
any camcorder - can also be mounted to any standard tripod.
Since the adapter is a passive device, it is completely silent and
the premium transformers ensure superb audio.

Rear Panel Controls and Connections
5.) LED Level Indicators
The meter will show the signal levels of each channel going into the
camcorder. You can use this as a guide to monitor the levels for optimum
recording quality. The ideal setting is for the signal to be as high as possible
without activating the yellow -33 dBu LED.
6.) MONO / STEREO Switch
The MONO setting mixes both channels together and sends the audio to
both the right and left channels which is ideal when only one microphone is
being used. Stereo keeps both channels separated when two microphones
are connected to the adapter for two discreet audio channels. When in MONO
mode, be sure to keep the trim control on the unused channel fully clockwise
to reduce the loading effect on the working channel.
7.) Ground Lift Switch
Set the G1/G2 ground switch on the DXA-6vu to the position that gives you
the least amount of noise. This switch allows the input and output grounds to
be isolated to prevent ground noise on some Sony camcorders.
8.) XLR Inputs
The two XLR inputs can accept balanced or unbalanced connections. To
convert the input to unbalanced, simply ground pin 1 to 3 on the XLR input
cable. We recommend the use of sensitive condenser type microphones for
the best results. Dynamic microphones usually do not have sufficient output
levels and may result in an excessive amount of hiss from the high level of
amplification necessary by the camera’s audio preamplifiers. Microphones
with a sensitivity rating of greater than -40 dBV are ideal.
9.) AUX Input
To attach audio devices with mini-jack connectors, use the AUX input on the
adapter. This sends the signal to the right input and you should therefore
disconnect any cables from the right XLR connector to avoid interference.
10.) Output Cable
The attached shielded cable terminates in a gold plated, stereo mini plug
connector. Plug this into the microphone jack on your camcorder.
©2006 BeachTek Inc.
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Mounting and Connection
Mount the DXA-6vu securely to the tripod bushing on the under side of
your camcorder. Connect the cable from the DXA-6vu to the camcorder’s
microphone jack. The camcorder’s onboard microphone should now be
disabled. You are now ready to attach external audio devices to the adapter.
Adapter Controls and Connectors
1.) Power
Install a fresh 9 volt alkaline battery in the adapter if you wish to use
phantom power (battery is not required to pass the audio signal). Turn on the
unit to activate the phantom power supplies. The Power LED should light to
indicate good battery power. Turn off the power when not in use to conserve
battery power.
2.) Phantom Power
If your condenser microphone requires 48 volts phantom power to operate,
first connect the microphone to the adapter. Activate the PWR ON switch and
then the PH ON switch for the channel it is connected to. The LED above the
corresponding channel trim control should light to indicate that 48 volt power
is present. Do not plug dynamic microphones, unbalanced devices, wireless
receivers or feeds from mixing boards into the adapter with the phantom
power activated as it may damage the connecting device.
3.) MIC / LINE Switches
To connect a microphone to either channel of the DXA-6vu, set the
corresponding MIC/LINE switch to MIC. To connect a line level output from
a mixer to the DXA-6vu, set the MIC/LINE switch to LINE to activate a 40 dB
pad. This attenuates the signal to the proper level so that it will not overdrive
the input of your camcorder.
4.) Trim Controls
Each channel has a passive trim control that attenuates the input signal from
unity to no output. Adjust each trim control to give you a maximum reading
of -36 dBu on the level meter. The yellow LED should not activate. This will
give you the ideal recording level for the highest signal to noise ratio on most
camcorders
If your camcorder allows you to switch the Auto Gain Control (AGC) off, you
can use this option for manual control over the audio levels. Initially set the
camera gain to about 30% of maximum. You can then fine tune the camera
gain control to the proper recording level as recommended by the camera
manufacturer.
As a guide, the recording levels should be no higher than -12 dBFS (Full
Scale). Please refer to your camcorder’s user manual for more information on
setting the proper recording levels.