ma-300 vs beachtek at DVinfo.net

Evan C. King · March 30th, 2005, 12:49 AM

i'm gonna need an xlr adapter for my new gl2 and after some poking around i have found that people recommend the beachtek dxa-4p for the gl2 over the ma-300. why is this, what's wrong with the ma-300? i know from b&h the ma-300 is $164usd while the beachtek is $169usd, however i've got a local dealer that will sell me a brand new ma-300 for $139usd. so why opt for the more expensive beachtek over the ma-300 both provide xlr inputs so what could be the difference other than the shape of the adapters? a quick decision would be greatly appreciated.

Jay Massengill · March 30th, 2005, 10:06 AM

The BeachTek can accept mic-level or line-level signals. It can also double a single input to both channels, mix two signals to both channels, or keep both inputs separated. The MA300 can only keep both inputs separated.
The BeachTek is a more secure physical connection with the camera.

David Ennis · March 30th, 2005, 11:30 AM

In addition, the BeachTek has trim controls for each channel to reduce the incoming signal if necessary.

Darko Flajpan · April 1st, 2005, 03:38 PM

...yeah, BUT! MA 300 with shotgun mike looks sooo good... I went that way and regreted first time being surrounded with people, praying that noone will kick-off that expensive piece of plastic. Also, no 48V, no line input...sorry, but Beachtek option is great and works like a charm.

Mariano L. Honrado Jr. · April 4th, 2005, 06:28 AM

I don't own the MA300 but my vote goes to BeachTek, which I plan to buy if I can find a local distributor; or else I'll have to mail order it. The MA300 accepts only UNbalanced input, contrary to what the XLR jacks may suggest.

Mariano

Leonardo Silva Jr. · July 4th, 2005, 08:13 PM

OT: kababayan! mariano

This is a nice thread, i was about to buy an MA-300, but then, I would rather go for beachtek dxa-4p, am using a gl2. I presume this is a good choice right? i mean extending more like $5 to get a beachtekdxa-4p?

Leonardo Silva Jr. · July 4th, 2005, 08:16 PM

Sorry double post...

I forgot to ask, if i will be using a dxa-4p for my gl2, how am i suppose to mount it on the cam...any adapter for that or shall use a different stand for the mic? thanks again guys!

one mreo question...i noticed that dxa4p is mounted at the bottom of the cam, will i be able to put the cam on a tripod even if the dxa4p is attached to the cam?

David Ennis · July 5th, 2005, 11:18 AM

Yes BeachTeks are designed to be mounted to the bottom of the cam, then they, in turn, have mounting holes on the other side to mount to the tripod.

March 30th, 2005, 12:49 AM	#1
Evan C. King Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 532	ma-300 vs beachtek i'm gonna need an xlr adapter for my new gl2 and after some poking around i have found that people recommend the beachtek dxa-4p for the gl2 over the ma-300. why is this, what's wrong with the ma-300? i know from b&h the ma-300 is $164usd while the beachtek is $169usd, however i've got a local dealer that will sell me a brand new ma-300 for $139usd. so why opt for the more expensive beachtek over the ma-300 both provide xlr inputs so what could be the difference other than the shape of the adapters? a quick decision would be greatly appreciated.

March 30th, 2005, 11:30 AM	#3
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	In addition, the BeachTek has trim controls for each channel to reduce the incoming signal if necessary. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

April 1st, 2005, 03:38 PM	#4
Darko Flajpan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bjelovar, Croatia Posts: 153	...yeah, BUT! MA 300 with shotgun mike looks sooo good... I went that way and regreted first time being surrounded with people, praying that noone will kick-off that expensive piece of plastic. Also, no 48V, no line input...sorry, but Beachtek option is great and works like a charm. __________________ XM2 Sony DXC637P BetaSP

July 5th, 2005, 11:18 AM	#8
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Yes BeachTeks are designed to be mounted to the bottom of the cam, then they, in turn, have mounting holes on the other side to mount to the tripod. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

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March 30th, 2005, 10:06 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	The BeachTek can accept mic-level or line-level signals. It can also double a single input to both channels, mix two signals to both channels, or keep both inputs separated. The MA300 can only keep both inputs separated. The BeachTek is a more secure physical connection with the camera.

April 4th, 2005, 06:28 AM	#5
Mariano L. Honrado Jr. New Boot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 8	I don't own the MA300 but my vote goes to BeachTek, which I plan to buy if I can find a local distributor; or else I'll have to mail order it. The MA300 accepts only UNbalanced input, contrary to what the XLR jacks may suggest. Mariano

July 4th, 2005, 08:13 PM	#6
Leonardo Silva Jr. Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 124	OT: kababayan! mariano This is a nice thread, i was about to buy an MA-300, but then, I would rather go for beachtek dxa-4p, am using a gl2. I presume this is a good choice right? i mean extending more like $5 to get a beachtekdxa-4p?

July 4th, 2005, 08:16 PM	#7
Leonardo Silva Jr. Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 124	Sorry double post... I forgot to ask, if i will be using a dxa-4p for my gl2, how am i suppose to mount it on the cam...any adapter for that or shall use a different stand for the mic? thanks again guys! one mreo question...i noticed that dxa4p is mounted at the bottom of the cam, will i be able to put the cam on a tripod even if the dxa4p is attached to the cam?