BeachTek DXA-BMD User manual

DXA-BMD
Passive Audio Adapter for the BlackMagic Cinema Camera
This operating manual explains the adapter function settings
and how to use the adapter to record audio into the camera.
©Beachtek Inc. 2013
Operating Manual

Thank You for Purchasing a Beachtek Product
Congratulations on purchasing the DXA-BMD. This adapter will provide
you with exceptional performance to enable you to record professional
audio directly to your camera.
Before using this high quality device, please read this guide
thoroughly to obtain the highest performance.
Please contact us if you have any problems or questions.
Description
The Beachtek DXA-BMD is a two-channel, passive audio adapter for
connecting professional audio gear from boom mics, wireless mic and
mixing boards to the Blackmagic Cinema Camera.
The DXA-BMD uses exceptionally low noise, wide bandwidth, balancing
transformers for pure, clean audio with no electronics to get in the way.
This allows you to record high quality audio directly to the camera which
will always be in sync with the video. Direct audio recording eliminates
the need to have a separate audio recording device and syncing the
audio in post editing.
The transformer balanced inputs provide electrical isolation for the
camera and also to reduce the possibility of ground loop noise. Built-in
VU meters makes it easy to verify the proper signal levels at a glance,
while the level controls allow you to adjust the output signal for optimum
recording. The built-in phantom power feature powers professional boom
mics requiring 48 volts to operate.
The adapter mounts to the bottom of the camera and can also be
mounted to any standard tripod.

Contents
Before You Begin……………………………………………………….. 1
Supplied Accessories…………………………………………………... 1
Quick Setup Guide……………………………………………………… 2
Adapter Connectors and Controls…………………………………….. 4
Setup Guide……………………………………………………………... 6
Basic Operation…………………………………………………………. 8
Features…………………………………………………………………. 9
Specifications…………………………………………………………… 10
Warranty Information…………………………………………………… 11

Before You Begin
1) These instructions refer to the use of this adapter with the
Blackmagic Cinema Camera.
2) This adapter does not have a preamplifier to increase the signal
levels from the inputs – the output level will only be as strong as
the input level. Be sure to use sensitive mics that provide a strong
output signal.
3) Some Sony wireless mics have very low output levels which will
not give you good results without some form or preamplification.
4) When using Sennheiser EW100 wireless mic systems, set the
receiver output to 0dB for the best performance with this adapter.
5) Note that if you overload the MIC input on the camera, it will switch
to LINE mode and you will lose your signal. You will have to turn
the camera off and back on to reset the input mode to MIC.
Supplied Accessories
Two ¼” TRS output cables
1

Quick Setup Guide
1) Ensure the POWER and PH Voltage switches are set to OFF.
2) Install a fresh alkaline or lithium battery in the adapter.
3) Mount the DXA-BMD adapter to the camera.
4) Connect the supplied output cables from:
a. OUT 1 jack on the adapter to the AUDIO IN 1 jack on the
camera
b. OUT 2 jack on the adapter to the AUDIO IN 2 jack on the
camera
5) Connect your audio gear to the L and or R inputs of the adapter.
6) Set the camera audio menu as follows:
a) Microphone Input: 0%
b) CH 1 and CH 2 Input Levels
Mic for microphones and wireless mics
Line for mixers
c) CH 1 Input: 30%
d) CH 2 uses Ch 1 Input: Off
e) Ch 2 Input: 30%
f) Speaker Volume: 25%
7) Set the VU Meter switch on the adapter to either LINE or MIC to
match the above setting.
8) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one channel or to S for
stereo when using two channels. When in mono mode, keep the
unused channel level control fully clockwise. This will isolate the
unused channel from the working channel so it will not cause any
interference.
9) Turn the adapter PWR switch on. The power LED should indicate
green.
2

10) Only turn on PHANTOM on either channel if you are using a
phantom powered mic attached to that channel.
11) Set the PH VOLTAGE switch to either 12V or 48V if either channel
requires phantom power.
12) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to get an average
reading of between -12dB and 0dB on the VU Meter.
13) Plug your headphones into the phone jack on the camera and
adjust the camera volume control to a comfortable level.
14) You are ready to record.
3

Adapter Connectors and Controls
Front Panel
PWR Switch
Main power switch for adapter
PWR LED
Green indicates power on and good battery condition
Red indicates low battery voltage
MODE Switch
Selects M for mono or S for stereo output mode
VU METER
Selects VU meter calibration for either LINE when camera is set to
LINE input or MIC when camera is set to MIC input.
LEFT and RIGHT Controls
Individual adjustment controls to adjust output levels on each
channel
VU Meter
Indicates the sound level in dB for each channel
L and R Inputs
Balanced XLR inputs
L and R PH LEDs
Red indicates activation of phantom power
Side Panel
OUT 1 and OUT 2
Output jack for connection to the camera
PHANTOM
Activates phantom power for each channel
PH Voltage
Selects phantom voltage of 12V, 48V or OFF
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
100
11
8

Front Panel
Side Panel
5
1
2
3
6
4
5
7
9
10
11
8

Setup Guide
Battery Installation
1) The DXA-BMD operates on one 9 volt battery. We recommend
that you use either an alkaline or lithium type battery for the
longest operating time.
2) To install the battery unlatch the drawer by pushing in and over on
the drawer front, releasing and sliding the drawer out. Insert the
battery with the “+” positive terminal lined up with the “+” indicator
on the battery compartment. Slide the battery drawer closed until it
clicks into place.
Note that the battery is not required to pass the audio signal if phantom
power is not required. The battery is only used for the VU meter and
phantom power. The audio will continue to be sent to the camera even if
the battery goes dead or the unit is switched off.
Mounting and Connecting the Adapter to the Camera
1) Ensure that the camera and adapter are both switched off.
2) Line up the mounting bolt on top of the adapter to the tripod hole
on the underside of the camera. Carefully turn the adapter
mounting knob on the front panel to the right, to screw the
adapter squarely into the camera. Snug the adapter to the
camera, but do not over tighten.
3) Connect each of the supplied output cables from the OUT of the
adapter to the AUDIO IN on the camera.
6

Initial Setup
1) Be sure that the PH Voltage is set to OFF
2) Set the PHANTOM switch for each channel to OFF as well
3) Set the camera audio menu as follows:
a) Microphone Input: 0%
b) CH 1 and CH 2 Input Levels
Mic for microphones and wireless mics
Line for mixers
c) CH 1 Input: 30%
d) CH 2 uses Ch 1 Input: Off
e) Ch 2 Input: 30%
f) Speaker Volume: 25%
4) Set the VU Meter switch on the adapter to either LINE or MIC to
match the above setting.
5) Connect your microphones or a feed from a mixer to the adapter
via the L and R balanced XLR inputs.
6) Only turn on PHANTOM on either channel if you are using a
phantom powered mic attached to that channel. Never activate
PHANTOM when connecting wireless mics, dynamic mics, mixing
board or any device with an unbalanced (mini-plug) output.
7) Set the PH VOLTAGE switch to either 12V or 48V if either channel
requires phantom power. Some mics can operate on the lower 12V
setting to save battery life. If no phantom power is required on
either channel, keep the switch in the OFF position.
8) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one input. Set the
unused channel level control fully clockwise to isolate it from the
working channel. When using two inputs, you should normally set
the switch to S for stereo to keep each channel separated.
9) Plug your headphones into the phone jack on the camera to
monitor the audio.
7

Basic Operation
After following the above Initial Setup, you should be ready to start
recording.
1) Turn the adapter PWR switch ON. The power LED should light
green indicating good battery voltage. Red indicates low battery
warning.
2) Adjust the LEFT and RIGHT level controls to give you an average
reading of between -12dB and 0dB on the VU Meter. Be sure not
to exceed 0dB. This will provide a good signal level to the camera
and still offer plenty of headroom for higher transient signals.
3) Adjust the headphone volume control on the camera to a
comfortable listening level.
4) You are ready to record.
Notes on Getting the Best Audio Performance
The most common problem in recording professional audio on today’s
DSLR cameras is the hiss generated by the camera preamplifiers. You
will never completely eliminate all hiss, which is normal, but you can
reduce it so that it is no longer a problem.
The most important thing to remember when recording audio is to set the
audio levels correctly as explained in this manual.
Setting the levels too low will give you a poor signal to noise ratio and
lead to poor results. Also, setting the levels too high will cause clipping
and distortion. Having the proper levels will ensure that good clean audio
signals are being sent to the camera for the highest quality audio.
8

Features
Inputs
Two balanced Neutrik XLR connectors
Outputs
Two balanced TRS ¼” jacks for connection to the camera
VU Meter
Easy to read level meters indicate proper signal level for each
channel
Level Controls
Adjusts signal level output on each channel
Phantom Power
Provides 12 or 48 volt phantom power for professional boom mics
Power
Easily replaceable 9 volt battery
Low battery indicator
Case
Sturdy die-cast aluminum enclosure
9

Specifications
Input Levels MIC level: 0dB on the VU meter at -44dBu input
LINE level: 0dB on the VU meter at +10dBu input
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
THD Less than 0.01% @ 1 kHz, -30dBu input
S/N Ratio 85 dB @ 1Khz, -30dBu input
Gain Unity
VU meter -18 to +3dB in 3dB increments
Battery Type One 9 volt alkaline or lithium battery
Battery Duration 6 hours typical with alkaline battery
(no phantom) 12 hours typical with lithium battery
Dimensions 6” x 3.75” x 1.75” (L x W x H)
(152 mm x 95 mm x 44 mm)
Weight 18 oz (0.51 kg)
10

Warranty Information
Limited Two Year Warranty
This warranty covers any defects or malfunction in your new Beachtek
adapter for two years from date of purchase.
Beachtek will replace or repair any defective or malfunctioning adapter,
within the warranty period, 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 under the Support option.
Upon receiving the returned adapter it will be inspected and replaced or
repaired if found defective. The unit will be shipped back to you within
five business days at our expense.
11

Contact Information
Address
Beachtek Inc.
480 Osprey Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada V1Y 5A5
Phone
778-478-9872
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.beachtek.com