Q: What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced?

A: Most professional audio devices are connected via balanced cables to minimize pickup of stray electrical noise. Consumer audio devices use unbalanced cables and are very prone to picking up noise, especially at low signal levels from devices such as microphones. Balanced circuits have an inherent ability to only pass audio signals and reject unwanted noise. Balanced refers to the fact that there are two symmetrical signal lines and one ground, while unbalanced uses just one signal line in reference to ground. Normally, XLR connectors are used in most balanced devices while unbalanced consumer gear normally use mini-plug connectors.


Q: What is the difference between MIC and LINE level?

A: Level refers to the relative strength of the signal and is measured in decibels. LINE level sources are much-amplified signals over MIC (microphone) level signals. Line level is normally -10 dBV for consumer gear and +4 dBu for pro gear while MIC levels are normally -60 dBu for dynamic microphones and -35 dBu for condenser microphones.


Q: What is meant by "low impedance"?

A: Impedance is an electrical term that refers to how much a device impedes the flow of current and is measured in ohms. While there is no set standard, low impedance usually refers to a range of between 150 and 600 ohms. Most professional audio microphones are low impedance. The DXA-2s, DXA-4 and DXA-6 adapters are designed to work with any low impedance source while the DXA-8 and DXA-FX adapters will work with any type of microphone regardless of the impedance.


Q: What about the sound quality?

A: The DXA-2s, DXA-4 and DXA-6 adapters are passive devices and are completely silent. The sound quality will only be as good as the audio source you are using. They are so quiet that the only noise you will hear will be from the preamps in the camcorder itself. The DXA-8 is an active device with very low noise preamps which will actually give you a cleaner signal by reducing the gain necessary in the relatively noisy preamps in the camera. The result will be an increase in the total signal to noise ratio for very clean audio.


Q: Do I need to use any batteries with the adapters?

A: Our DXA-2s, DXA-4 and DXA-6 adapters are passive devices that do not require any external power to operate. The DXA-6 uses a 9 volt battery for the phantom power only. The active DXA-8 and DXA-FX adapters need a 9 volt battery to operate.


Q: What devices can I connect to the adapters?

A: We recommend sensitive condenser type microphones and wireless receivers for our passive DXA-2s, DXA-4 and DXA-6 adapters for the best results. Our DXA-8 and DXA-FX adapters have built-in preamps which are ideal for dynamic mics and less sensitive condenser models. Any line level source from CD players, VCR's, audio mixers, etc. can also be connected to the DXA-2s, DXA-4 or DXA-6 adapters - simply activate the built-in attenuator switch.


Q: What is the difference between the DXA-4 and DXA-4P?

A: The adapters are identical except for the position of the mounting screw. The DXA-4 is designed for an optimum fit on the Sony VX1000, VX2000, VX2100 & FX1 camcorders, while the DXA-4P is ideal on the Canon GL1 or GL2.


Q: Can I attach the adapter to the camcorder and a tripod?

A: Yes, all of the adapters mount securely to the underside of the camcorder and also have a threaded insert on the bottom to mount to any standard tripod.


Q: Can I buy products directly from you?

A: We normally sell our products through authorized dealers that you can find listed on our website. However, we occasionally have reconditioned products in our warehouse that you can purchase from us at very attractive prices. These items are fully refurbished and come with the same one year warranty as our new products. Please contact us if you are interested in any of these items.


Q: How do I get my adapter repaired?

A: Should you ever require service on any of our products, please follow these five simple steps:

1.) Return the device to;

BeachTek Inc.
2120 Queen Street East
Suite 202
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4E 1E2

phone: 416-690-9457

2.) Include your name, address and phone number.

3.) Briefly describe the problem.

4.) Include a check for US$50.00 payable to "BeachTek Inc." if the unit is past the one year warranty period. For Canadian non warranty returns include a check for $60 + $4.20 GST for a total of CDN$64.20.

5.) Indicate "Canadian Goods Returning for Warranty Repair" on the shipping documentation and declare a nominal value of $5.00 for customs purposes to avoid broker fees when shipping from the U.S. or other international location.

Note: We recommend that you ship via courier such as UPS since air postal service can take several weeks to arrive. Once we receive your device it will be repaired or replaced promptly and returned to you via UPS.

If your adapter is several years old, you may want to consider purchasing a reconditioned adapter from us instead. This way you will not have to return the old unit and you will receive a much newer model with better features, performance and reliability. Your reconditioned model will also come with a full one year warranty. Contact us for details.