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Rigging a Beachtek DXA-2T so it can be monitored?
Hi guys,
This is driving me mad. I hate using on-camera recording, even on our Z1s, but for run and gun stuff that we have to occasionally do on our DSLRs, it’s a necessary evil.
I have a Beachtek DXA-2T kicking around, but I had disregarded using it with a DSLR, as it has no onboard headphone output for monitoring. My question is, can the Beachtek be rigged to split the output reliably from the 3.5mm output, so one connection goes to the camera, and the other to a pair of headphones? I know it’s possible, but is it going to throw off the reliability of the signal from the Beachtek to the DSLR? I remember from back in the headphone splitter days (sharing an MP3 player with my girlfriend on a plane for example), that it would significantly reduce the volume to each headphone.
Any views on this would be great. Thanks in advance.
Ken
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5 Replies
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The output of most (maybe all) Beachteks are mic level so doing a split with a 3.5mm Y cord will only deliver a mic level signal at the earphone which is way to low to hear, even the ear phones would act as microphones in this sort of setup…..
In other words its not going to work… sorryThe difference between Knowledge and Wisdom is… Knowledge is the knowing of facts…. Wisdom is the sensible application of good quality knowledge…
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dang!
Oh well, looks like I’m going to have to just buy a better beachtek.
Thanks for the help/.
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Ken,
Something like this?
Regards,
Ty Ford
Audio Forum Leader
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Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
The audio implementation of DSLR cameras is quite substandard; after all, it’s a still camera being co-opted into video usage.
More and more it is becoming standard practice to treat a DSLR as a film camera and using a separate audio recording system. So instead of spending $300 to $450 on a one-trick-pony unit like the Beachtek or juicedLink get a decent low-budget digital audio recorder; currently popular are the Tascam DR-40 or DR-100mkII. The Zoom H4n also has a following. If you want to splurge a bit the Fostex FR-2LE, Marantz PMD-661, Roland R-26 and Tascam HD-P2 are all nice entry level pro recorders in the $500 to $700 range.
Syncing is fairly easy as you have the camera audio as a guide, and softwares like PluralEyes partially automate the process.
Peace,
Bob
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Filmmaking is the art of the invisible;
If anyone notices your work you haven’t done your job right. -
or this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=764543&is=REG&Q=&A=detailswith this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293005-REG/Sound_Devices_XL_3_XL3_Mini_Male_to.htmlAdvantage being it is mounted under the camera sandwiched between cam and tripod. Takes up little room. Handles the preamp of the sound so cam’s preamp can be turned down. Very good headphone monitoring. Does have RTN plug if you want to check for output from cam.
Way better than beachtek in every way. Will outlast your cam. Does not beat double system but does give you a neat package for run and gun.
MacPro4,1 2.66GHz 8 core 12gigs of ram. GPU: Nvidia Geoforce GT120 with Vram 512. OS X 10.6.x; Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170, Sony Z7U, Canon HV30/40, Sony vx2000/PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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