BeachTek Phantom Adapter DXA-6A - Manual (Page 2)

Rear Panel Controls and Connections
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Output Cable
The attached shielded cable terminates in a gold plated, stereo
mini plug connector. Plug this into the microphone jack on your
camcorder
Bottom Dip Switches
7. MIC / LINE Switches
To connect a microphone to either channel of the DXA-6A, set the
corresponding dip switch (SW1 for right and SW3 for left) to MIC.
This is the default factory setting. To connect a line level output from
a mixer to the DXA-6A, set the corresponding dip 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.
8. Ground Lift Switch
To eliminate any noises caused by ground loops, you may have
to adjust the setting of the ground switch. Set SW2 dip switch on
the DXA-6A to either the G1 or G2 setting depending upon which
position that gives you the least amount of noise. This switch allows
the input and output grounds to be isolated to prevent ground noise.
The factory preset is G1.
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Mounting and Connection
Mount the DXA-6A securely to the tripod bushing on the under
side of your camcorder. Connect the cable from the DXA-6A to the
camcorder’s microphone jack and set the input mode of the camera
to “MIC”. 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 beside 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. Trim Controls
You can use the automatic gain control (AGC) in the camera to
adjust the optimum audio levels for recording. The DXA-6A trim
controls should normally be set as high as possible to achieve the
maximum signal to noise ratio. If necessary, adjust either the left
or right trim control to balance both inputs so they are of equal
amplitude. You may have to use the trim controls to reduce the
signal strength to avoid distortion if you are using very sensitive
microphones or recording very loud sounds. You should monitor the
audio with headphones connected to the camera to ensure good
quality audio.
You can also switch the AGC off for manual control over the audio
levels. Initially set the camera gain to about 30 to 50% of maximum.
If necessary, adjust either the left or right trim control to balance
both inputs so they are of equal amplitude. Then set the desired
recording level with the manual level control on the camcorder. As
above, you may have to adjust the trim controls when using sensitive
microphones or recording very loud sounds.