Fixing FX1 Audio
 

Agh. I feel like my head is going to explode trying to figure all this out.

The situation: I’m purchasing an FX1 shortly, and will also be spending some money on improving its audio. From what I understand I need to buy two things… a mic, and some sort of XLR converter. The mic question is the easy one, so I’ll ask that first.

The Mic: I’ll primarily be using the camera to shoot independent movies, so I’ll need something that I can boom in. Would a shotgun mic be ideal for this type of situation? If so – I’m probably looking at getting the Rode NTG-2… but if someone could explain to me the difference between that mic and the NTG-1 – that would be fantastic. If there are suggestions for other mics around the same price – they are also welcome.

The XLR Converter: From what I understand I’ll need some sort of converter to run a half way decent mic – and that what I should be looking at is something like a Beachtek DXA-4P. Or would I be better off getting the DXA-6 because it has phantom power. How important is phantom power?

I know these are pretty noobie questions – but I haven’t been able to find an idiots guide to audio yet. So I’d be grateful for an advice I can get. :)

Hi Daniel

I have an FX1 and it works fine with any of the XLR adapters.

I actually have the Sign Video XLR PRO but the Beachtek is more widely available:

DXA- 4 - Passive but will take two mics if they are either dynamic or powered by a battery

DXA-6 is useful because of the phantom power.. but not essential

DXA- 8 which has pre amps and limiters and is very good as it acts pretty much as a mini audio mixer...

Anyone of these will get your XLR mic to work well with the FX1.

Mic wise I have an Audio Technica 897. Nice mic and about the best you'll find in this price range. To get a better mic you'll need to spend a lot more money.

I have this mic on a Beyerdynamic EA86 shock mount.. although I'm looking at the Creative video adapter to mount on the side of the LCD screen..

Regards
Gareth

I use a DXA-4 with my FX1 and it works great.

I've got an Azden 2x shotgun mic.