The Camera Preamp That Covers All the Bases

[@blockbusterlatefees7713]

Still relevant 4 years later. Such important information that 95% of KZbinrs don't talk about at all. Thanks 👍

[@TechBytesRN]

I have been very happy with the Beachtek DXA. I got it because I have been doing different videos where I needed to change the mic while filming. The DXA allows me to do just that. It works great with the Lumix G7 that I have. Even when I am using just a single microphone, I still use the DXA. I have the G7 preamps dialed down quite a bit and use the DXA instead for that purpose. You cant go wrong with this device !

[@SauceStache]

Ive been researching preamps all day today! I love when you read my mind!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Bam! This one is a winner for sure! One of the better options under $500.

[@ScottGormanscottgorman]

Great video Caleb. I have the Beachtek DXA-SLR ULTRA and it is an essential component to my GH5 live streaming kit. It allows me to combine 2 XLR inputs and output a dual mono signal to the camera/encoder (VidiU). Even the DMW-XLR1 add-on for the GH5 does not do this (according to Panasonic at NAB). Beachtek are a great brand with excellent build quality. Good on you for highlighting them.

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

Wait. 4:55. The Rote Video Micro has a Combo Coldshoe+female 1/4 Thread, so why don't you just thread it at the top of the unit?

[@frederickbucking2211]

My Røde Video Micro has a combo coldshoe + female 3/8" thread which is compatible with Røde boompoles but not with the Beachtek's 1/4" thread. However, I can attach the coldshoe to the Beachtek with the Røde Video Micro pointing forward, backward, up or down, and I don't understand why the reviewer in this video can't. Also, my Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro Audio Adapter was made in China, not Canada but there's nothing wrong with that.

[@livingtech1407]

Thank you Caleb! I've just ordered the Deity S-Mic 2 and am also awaiting receipt of this Beachtek DXA-MICRO PRO pre-amp. You hit all the points that I wanted, and more. Thanks again!

[@SNXMD]

In your opinion how does this preamp hold up against others? Saramonic, the Panasonic bolt on, etc.

[@markkovalcson7243]

I picked up a DXA-micro pro last week partly based on your review. With my Rode Videomic Pro I picked up a background hum that made it unusable. I also found that using the 48V phantom power on my Sony XLR shotgun mic it didn't have enough gain so my levels were weak. I tried a Cosmic XLR adapter which was loud enough, but also a bit noisy. Ironically I found the easiest fix was to use a cheap $99 Syco wireless lav that has the option of up to +15dB of gain into my camera. I could plug my Rode mic into that and I was able to drop my gain down to 4. 1 is the lowest for my Nikon D500. That gave me a solid noise floor. And I still have a wireless mic since it came with a pair of Tx's and mics. For my XLR mics, I ended up pulling out my "old" Focusrite Scarlett 212. I say "old" because I think the product going by the same name has changed. I could run my phantom and non-phantom powered XLR mics into it and it had plenty of clean gain for my cameras. It has 2 XLR jacks in front and 1/4" cables out the back for 2 channels. So I could run 1/4" to 1/8" into my camera and get a very clean sound. Maybe I got a bad unit. I was just surprised because I've seen more than one positive review of the Beachtek preamp.

[@dominey]

Thank you for including (at the very end) a mic test using just the camera preamp! Was hoping you'd include that for comparison.

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Your video has an excellent audio quality. Very listenable.

[@blockbusterlatefees7713]

Just bought it. My Sony a6400 noise floor was so bad, not even this DXA could save it. My camera seemed to be overriding the preamp and the same noise floor appeared no matter what. Returning my a6400 and getting a new one, hoping it's better.

[@ryclarkmediaarts8845]

Woohoo....more things to buy!!! THanks Caleb!

[@jefferson.castillo]

Thx for clarifying all my questions. Now I gotta get this! 🎤

[@michaelmeixner]

Great video and product. Simple yet very functional.

[@JeffCorcelius]

I'm using the Azden version of this. I like it especially to record to a separate audio recorder.

[@gordonnorton5725]

Which is better for beginners - Saramonic Smartrig+ or this preamp?

[@sbsphotographer]

Great review! You could mount the beachtek underneath the camera (foot is removable) and place the mic onto the camera's hot shoe, problem solved... Bonus no cables dangling in front of your screen :)

[@K_Fell]

@DSLRVideoShooter I noticed in your examples that as soon as you started recording with a3.5mm mic (vs. XLR) that you were using the left recording channel, rather than the mono channel that you demonstrated when explaining how to set it up. Could you please explain why? Thank you!

[@crossnetworkllc]

Get a tascam dr60. It's just 20 bucks more and it can do WAY MORE. And has multiple power options other than battery. And nobody likes 9v batteries.

[@ArneList]

Yes, and you cant put it onto your camera and have to go through a menu and manual. Not everybody wants that hassle, when working lightweight. And of course, at the end of the day, you may own both devices for different jobs ;)

[@meshmut]

What a great review, you covered all I needed to know. Many Thanks. you forgot to mention when the output M-S is used.

[@Ka0z5555]

Saramonic smart rig + or this one?

[@giosanfilippo]

I've been wanting this for some time now, my only doubt was whether the videomicro worked with it and now it's a done deal! Thanks!

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

Hi Caleb. Another enjoyable and practically useful review. I bought one myself off the back of your review. I have yet to test it out. But I do like the form factor and the options it affords. What I would just like to comment on is the packaging.....what you may say. Gripe about the packaging it comes in from BeachTek? You are buying a preamp not packaging! Yes but I live in U.K. I bought from Amazon US as even with the Custom charge still bit cheaper than sourcing directly from U.K. Supplier. Mine was packaged in a plastic bifold blister style package. Like you buy a pair of headphones. Shipped by Amazon in a Jiffy bag all the way from US. Now I know BeachTek have moaned about the quality of components in so called rip off Chinese manufacturer products like Saramonic (questionable objectivity aside). I have bought and own Saramonic products and have found the quality of the product very good. They also take the care to package in a very sturdy box that is foam lined so the pre amp is well protected. I have yet to test to ensure it survived in full working order the journey across the pond in such flimsy packaging. Perhaps BeachTek could take a leaf out of the Saramonic (et al) textbook. Learn a lesson or two and package their products more robustly. Particularly when they cost more than their competitors.

[@spritual_enlightenment]

Hi Caleb, I'm getting confused with Mono/Stereo output. Will you make a separate/dedicated video for this? Thanks in advance.

[@brian80ish]

WOW!! Don't know how I missed this video! Thank you so much!

[@simianinc]

The first thing I thought when the video started was, "hey, the shoe mounts are facing the wrong way." And then your review confirmed it. They may complain about Saramonic, but at least Saramonic allow you to point your mic at your talent

[@dslrvideoshooter]

The nice thing about this setup is gear won't fall down and out if loosened. But unfortunately a lot of gear/mics don't have perfectly square male cold shoes.

[@David_Lee_33]

Hello there I have a Cannon 600d i want to go out and make videos of our water falls.. there big and loud . I don’t know anything about what I need to buy to do this. I want to have two mics one low to the water and one up in the air for a clear separation of both channels for a full stereo sound like a asmr what setup...mics, mixer ext.do you recommend to do this. I would love your help/ input.....Thanks

[@markshirley01]

This is the one I think is really useful - you can put 2 Rode filmaker pros on the hot shoe and then feed the audio into the camera ----- BeachTekMCC2) Two Channel Audio Adaptor

[@BYWhistory]

Did you mention the other thing you didn't like about the device? I know you mentioned the shoe mount but I didn't catch what the second thing was.

[@DalelCampbell]

BYW History I was waiting for the second thing too!

[@BYWhistory]

I was assuming it was the battery life. I have one and with phantom power it only lasts 1.5 - 2 hours tops vs my juicedlink which lasts seemingly forever.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

BYW History I ended up cutting it out for time and forgot to remove my "other thing" sentence. It was 9 volt batteries. They aren't very fun to use! I was fine cutting that part out because most preamps like this also use 9v batteries.

[@Beachtek]

Thanks for the review! Yes, we agree about the 9 volt battery life - that's why we've just launched the DXA-MICRO PRO+ with all the most asked for features: Built-in LiPo battery that will power the unit for up to 10 hours Micro USB power jack for charging and external power Removable Cheese plate to easily mount accessories beachtek.com/product/dxa-micro-pro-plus/

[@David-ud9ju]

Another major downfall in this product is that it only has 1 XLR input. All of its competitors and many cheaper products have 2 XLR inputs.

[@charbax]

Thanks for your video! I've been looking at all those 7 options you were showing in that other video, and I searched online for what Saramonic and Beachtek seem to have, but I can't find what I'm looking for. I want to record my stereo shotgun Sennheiser MKE440 and my Saramonic UWMIC9 lapel receiver at the same time into stereo. I don't want to do any post production, I want the sound to go to stereo even from my mono Saramonic UWMIC9 receiver. Should I split that into left and right using an adapter? I wish there was a device like this beachtek that simply had 2 stereo mini jack inputs for use with stereo or mono microphones and not all this other stuff (xlr, separate left/right mini jack, headphone preamp whatever that's for etc) that I don't need and simply a way to adjust audio volume on both microphones that both go into stereo. Here it seems it only lets me adjust volume for left and right channels separately so I guess this is not what I am looking for.

[@David-ud9ju]

You can't turn a mono track into a stereo track. A mono track just plays the same thing out of both speakers.

[@disablemycable]

Thanks for this great review! I was wondering why the Canon 6D preamps were so noisy.. This is the solution!

[@richbarrett]

The XLR Shotgun you used sounded good, but you never specified the brand/model. Would you mind sharing that? Thanks for the review!

[@lukask.6698]

Rich Barrett probably one of his rode ntg

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

Beachtek makes quality gear!

[@milgeekmedia]

Just watched this - missed it first time round for some reason - and that SAFTY TRACK tip was excellent! Thank you (never heard that before).

[@REASONFORTRUTH]

Fantastic job. You provided details but very practical. I will be following you. Fantastic job.

[@rossthomas4738]

Caleb, I just bought this using your link. Thank you for the informative content my man.

[@EposVox]

This is pretty cool.

[@rayrapphaelbisnar]

THAT MONITOR WONT WIPE ITSELF CALEB.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

caleb- as always, i very much appreciate your efforts and sharing. i especially appreciate your continued focus on sound recording. how does this beachtek compare to something like the tascam dr60 which is a pre-amp and recording tool? are the beachtek preamps better/worse/same as the tascam's? again, thanks for the vid and thumbs up.

[@SNXMD]

Fully torqued right meow. I'm so glad you are doing pre-amp and lighting stuff. Love ya boo.

[@amarolionheart3195]

Canon User here please don't call our gear poor... Highest quality Camera I have ever used and will not change my Canon's for any other system especially a Nikon!

[@JeremyHalterman]

Just a quick tip: If you have a VideoMicro like the one Caleb used in this video or another mic that has a 3/8" female thread, you can attach it to the 1/4" on the top of this unit by sticking one of these adapters www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKYWWMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2n3GzbF7VWMJH in the bottom of the mic. This will allow you to position the mic directly forward or backward instead of up or down (what were they thinking??). If you’re nervous about clicking links in YT comments, just go to Amazon and search for Foto&Tech 5 Pieces Metal 1/4" to 3/8" Convert Screw Adapter for Tripod Monopod Ballhead DSLR SLR

[@harrycohn5807]

This Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro Audio Adapter preamp or the Saramonic SR-AX100. I just want to use two mics going into the camera and don't want to use a splitter.

[@Jimmyageek]

i already did the review few months ago and love it

[@aekinci]

Hi, can you make a video about using of the sound mixers?

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

Still relevant. Thanks for the effort and the sharing. During this COVID madness, I hope you and yours are well. I was wondering if you can put a mic into either left or right 3.5” input, engage the mono switch and then be able to record different levels to separate tracks within a Canon dslr? When using one 3.5mm mic, can setting up the safety track only be done when in stereo mode? Thumbs up.

[@saturn1127]

so the XLR is only a mono imput? So you can't do the safety track with it?

[@danieldougan269]

So, if I throw this on my OM-D E-M1 Mark II, the camera's audio will sound better?

[@SchoolForProphets]

U know u can turn the micro towards u and u can still slide it thru the device with it pointing towards u... lol.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

One thing that confuses me is that the Rode Videomicro takes its power from the camera, so I assume that this device also provides that power, or is it simply linked through via the inputs/outputs to the camera.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Correct. Annoyingly, many non-camera audio devices don't supply that power. Luckily this unit does!

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

That's nice to know. I'm not at the same enthusiast level, and tend to use a Panasonic HC-VX870 camcorder, which I believe has better pre-amps than some DSLRs. Is this true?, and would anyone using a mid range "prosumor" camcorder benefit from using the device featured in this video ?

[@sverrequist3194]

Really great review! Thank you. Will it work just as good with a smartphone (iPhone 12 Max pro)? With all the details.

[@shanecalderon3372]

Do you think this can work with the Red

[@billycasimir1469]

Hey Caleb, I'm thinking about getting the zoom H4n Pro. Do you think these 2 will work well together?

[@shawnwright240]

I never heard the second thing you did not like. As for the vertical mic - do they make a adapter to make it go horizontal, if you want? love this device. Very interested.

[@joebuslife9275]

@DSLR Video Shooter What does the mono stereo switch do? you never talked about it?. Also if you plug in a stereo mic into the L channel for instance does it take both channels from the mic and put it into the L channel of the beachtek or does it just take the left channel from the mic and put it through to the Beachtek? Thanks

[@rafibernardo]

Is there a version of this with XLR inputs? If so I'll buy it right now.

[@badhonebrahim7707]

that lumnix looks so manly... the aesthetics is mind blowing..

[@AngelAnderson]

Between the beachtek and the saramonic+ what's your choice?

[@KOULISPAHAS]

Thank you for all the informations really thank you! Will this work on a NX1 Samsung Dsrl? Does it only match with only specify cameras?

[@polakdan]

4:56 The Rode Video Micro has a 1/4"-20 female you could use just as easily, and have the mic pointing forwards...

[@angeldrover119]

Hi Caleb! I am wondering if PREAMPS can help my audio output louder if I adjust the gain knob level a bit higher? Here's my problem, I have an affordable shotgun MIC ( and I trie to play around with its db switches, but I find the audio output weak during a live stream (via Zoom to OBS to FB Live). I am contemplating to get a RODE mic pro, but this "preamp" devices caught my attention. Again, I want my audio to be louder a little bit during a live stream. So here's my simple setup: shotgun mic connected to an external sound card to my MacBook Pro via usb. Your professional technical-know-how on this matter is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@marcelopalacios3424]

Could you do a comparison using the Tascam DR-60D MKII as a pre-amp versus the Beachtek? They are both the same price, but you have the added advantage to record sound audio separately on the Tascam if you wanted.

[@4rgd343]

Is it possible to use this to connect the Rode Videomicro to a PC?

[@KaranSingh-ji1fu]

what lens do you use to shoot your videos when you use G85/GH5

[@chrisklugh]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bam5pIWwfa98frs

[@adilsheikh3480]

What is ur recording interview with two cameras?

[@CrowClouds]

How do you make your background? Thanks.

[@Taskereeno]

How does this compare to the Panasonic XLR adapter for the GH5?

[@davidjfisher]

Hi Caleb......great video.... hello from the UK...how would you say this compares to the equivalent Saramonic model...maybe the PAX-2?

[@AndrewBehm]

At that price, it might be worth purchasing instead of an H4n or similar

[@dslrvideoshooter]

If you don't need external recording, I'd take this over an H4n any day!

[@AndrewBehm]

Much more compact and an easier workflow. I can see why!

[@darc1027]

Ok I have earbuds plugged into the "phone" input on the DXA- Micro. I use a Rode NT5 mic connected using the XLR jack on the side of the DXA. I can only hear audio in the right earbud I am not sure if the left is recording the audio. I can see the audio display on the back of the Canon 6D for the left audio but I don't think it's recording. Any idea how to fix this? Thank you awesome videos man.

[@tinanightray6370]

Can it be connected to my camera Nikon D3400 ? Because I only have usb and hdmi

[@JAMESCC88]

Thinking about picking this up with a g7, but I have a question: will this external pre-amp bypass the internal pre-amps of the G7, or will it just send the signal through the inferior internal pre-amps of the G7?

[@aotdpro]

My question is...why record in mono instead of stereo?

[@shanecalderon3372]

I just wanted to know is it possible to set up with a Red Epic Scarlet

[@NewbArchitect]

How much gain would you need for a dynamic mic? Is there enough on this?

[@KOULISPAHAS]

Does this preamp eliminates the Hiss Sound?

[@MikeKoGTC]

that rode video micro can't screw in to the mount on top?

[@TheNortherner88]

A question I can't seem to find an answer to; is it better to run a battery powered mic with it's own power like the Video Mic Pro and a passive adapter like the beachtek MCC-2 or a setup like this with a non-powered mic and powered pre-amp? Thanks

[@magnusgotander3954]

It was a while since you reviewed this but didnt you test in combo with a ver much used Sennheiser AVX system. ? How would that work ?

[@yuyumcgeoy]

Hey Caleb, I am slightly confused when to set to M or S. I get that if I wanted to use two different mics on separate channels, I'd put one in the left, one in the right, and then set the switch to S so in premiere I can separate each channel onto different tracks. But when would I use M? In your tutorial you use M when you are creating a safety track. But wouldn't you want the safety track to be on a separate channel instead of combined with the higher db version? Could someone let me know if they know the answer to this? Thanks!

[@JWS1968]

Saramonic SR-AX107 or this Beachtek device. Which one would you choose? The Saramonic has a LIMITER i'm told, but is it any good? Curtis Judd says he thinks the limiter in the DR60-D mark 2 although its a digital limiter still has a decent amount of dynamic range and so is usable. I have a Juicedlink CX231 at the moment which gives great audio but I need a headphone output that actually has enough volume to be usable.

[@Channel8eight]

Great video Caleb, was any work done on the Rode VideoMicro audio in post? Struggling to get clean audio with mine.

[@davidhartwig1194]

It can also be your pre-amp! Are you perhaps using it directly into a Canon DSLR?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

No post audio work was done on the tests. This unit did all the work in regards to keeping the audio clean.

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

Could this go into a h5 using their preamp and not zoom’s??

[@ManualPodcast]

I m shooting a movie with 5d mark iv ,my question is can i get movie quality audio with this preamp and rode video mic/video mic pro ?

[@teleandtwin65]

what cage Is that? any issues with it?

[@zacjohnson452]

Hey DSLR video shooter your doing awesome! Any tips for desktop mics? And also could you make a comparison video on different desktop mics?

[@pauloancarvalho]

You can actually mount the rode video micro on that top screw of the unit using a converter that comes with all the manfrotto tripod mounts. Just take a look at the bottom of your rode video micro mount! ;)

[@BigDanASMR]

Paulo A. Carvalho does it improve the audio of a rode video micro?

[@pauloancarvalho]

Big Dan ASMR no, it just makes possible mounting it on a tripod, which you can’t without that screw converter.

[@BigDanASMR]

Paulo A. Carvalho just to make sure, I meant the preamp, not mounting it on top. I do have the conversion screw though that's not a problem whatsoever. Lol thanks for answering

[@pauloancarvalho]

Big Dan ASMR yes! The preamp increases the quality because sometimes the camera preamps are not very good!

[@BigDanASMR]

Awesome thanks! I've sort of received mixed responses, and I figured you actually had experience with the micro and the beachtek. Thanks so much for responding

[@samistark3229]

Can this device work for DSLR Mark II?

[@biblestudyfamily136]

I have a Takstar mic Better to upgrade mic to Rode or get a preamp?

[@greenhouse1702]

Can this work for a Sony a6000, kindly let me know thanks.

[@InstagramNews]

support for PC or not, please infomation for me

[@rudyp2201]

Do you recommend rose sc4 or sc7 to connect to iPhone and record in iPhone. Sc7 isn't working. Not sure what to do. I have it on mono and the sc7 going from beachtek to iPhone 6s? Confused😔

[@atlasmoon5497]

@DSLR Video Shooter hey, do you have any ideas on how to set up a mic facing forwards instead of up? Kinda crazy that they would put it like that but it is what it is, cheers

[@davidaliperti]

what is the mic input impedance of a dslr?

[@rickraub5448]

I just bought a Canon 80d and the only record on the Left Channel right now. What can I do with the camera to make it record on both channels like my Canon t6i does?

[@DavidGriffin]

Caleb, have you tested/tried or used this one Marantz Professional PMD-602A 2-Channel DSLR Audio Interface? Its like the beachtek but for only $99

[@2098gian]

I have a Sony a6500 can i use it to monitor the audio and can i connect, let´s say a rode videomic to monitor it?

[@AdamRasheed]

did you forget to switch the safety track on?

[@asjesus1]

I have a zoom H1 that i use as my mic preamp to use directly into my camera via the headphone jack. I was wondering how much less noise can i achieve using the beachtek compared to my actual setup. Maybe you can help me, Thanks

[@kyleruffen9737]

This preamp sounds amazing! Has anyone tried using it with a Sony Alpha A6300/6500?