Which type of XLR adapter is better?

Question

I have a Canon HG10 and am thinking about getting a microphone (most likely the Azden SGM-1X) but realize that I will need an XLR adapter to connect to the mini MIC jack on the camera. I have done some research and found that Beachtek makes affordable XLR adapters, but I don't know which one would be best.

Which XLR adapter would be best for a Canon HG10? The DXA-2S OR DXA-4?

Answer 1

The DXA-2s and the DXA-4 look like they go for about $180 each (B&H).

They look like they are very similar in capabilities, controls and connectivity - and they will do what you want.

I have used - and like - my DXA-6 for several years.

I don't know what you are planning on capturing to video... but you might want to check out the CX211 or CX231 from

http://juicedlink.com/index_files/CX_cam...

I recently got a CX231 and it is pretty cool - watch and listen to the comparison video at the website... it works just like that. I've used an Audio Technica AT-825 and an NRG Research SA-568 with it... I like the CX231 because it has phantom power (as does the DXA-6), but you may not need that.

Answer 2

Good question, and my answer is to get the Beachtek DXA-2S. The two Beachtek models you have narrowed it down to are the exact same price, and the exact same quality as far as I know. However, the DXA-4 is only compatible with specific camcorder models, the Sony VX1000, VX2000, and VX2100, and NOT the Canon HG10 (see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/13... )

The Beachtek DXA-2S however, is a universal XLR adapter, therefore compatible with your camera, and any other camera with a 1/8" mini-stereo input.

Regarding your second question of whether to buy an adapter versus a mini to XLR plug, that is anther great question! Unfortunately the more expensive adapter does have several advantages over the $20 cable:

(1) the cheap cables have been known sometimes to degrade the quality of sound, almost defeating the purpose

(2) the XLR adapters have the benefit of dual XLR inputs, not offered in a cheapo cable. This isn't all that important, but in some cases, it is best to capture audio from two different sources, and dual XLR inputs really come in handy

(3) the cheap audio cables can actually damage your camcorder microphone jack! The one module type in particular ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/43... ), they protrude from your camcorder, placing unwanted pressure on your mic jack, which can totally destroy it. This can be avoided with the cabled audio cords (like this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42... ). I have used several cabled ones such as these, and all I did was get a velcro strap to fasten the cable to my camcorder top handle, thus relieving the stress from my mic jack.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Answer 3

Look around on eBay. I got a DXA-2s, new in box, for $150 plus $5 shipping. While there aren't many DXA-2s listed too often, if you wait for one you will most likely get a good deal. Currently, there's one for $145 plus $10 shipping.

Juicedlink adapters are good, but considering that shipping is a flat $18.50, the cheapest one, CX211, will cost $191.50. However, these come with preamps, so it will be up to you. I have a Rode NTG-2 and HV20, and while there is hiss, I am not too concerned because 1. I saved $40, 2. the NTG-2 is a good mic with decent ouput levels so I can't turn down the levels to 25% on the camera, but I can turn them down to 50% without a problem and 3. the hiss is barely audible.

I've never used the Azden SGM-1X but I highly recommend the NTG-2 because of the rich, warm tone, rugged construction, and the ability to run off of one AA.

By the way, if you need a boom pole, I am selling painter's pole to boom pole adapters ;-)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...

Hope this helps!

EDIT:

By the way, just to clarify, the Beachtek DXA-2s is a passive device. Therefore, it uses no batteries and provides no gain although it can reduce the signal if it is too loud (trim and mic/line controls). The juicedlink mixers are active devices which means they use batteries and have preamps to boost the signal. Alternatively, (this is what I'm planning to do), you could get a Shure FP11 or similar preamp which would allow someone else to control audio levels and make things less complicated for you when shooting.

Answer 4

You could probably get away with the cable-only adapter, but what I've found is when you drop into manual audio mode, you want to be able to EASILY control the mic gain coming into the camcorder.

The built-in camcorder mic-gain controls are typically not easy to adjust - the "real" adapters like the BeachTek and juicedLink have very easily accessible k***s to control the gain so when you see you are peaking too much, it is easy and quick to bring the gain down. Also, you can control the left and right gain independently - which you cannot do from the camera.