MA100 or Beachtek? at DVinfo.net

Josh Bass · August 26th, 2003, 02:02 PM

My MA100 is messed up again. I've had it repaired once, and I'd rather not do it again. The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two? I know the Beachtek doesn't double as a shoulder pad, but that's not a big concern, seeing has how the MA100 barely doubles as a shoulder pad.

Jacques Mersereau · August 27th, 2003, 11:45 AM

<<<-- The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two?>>>

I would highly recommend buying a beachtek DXA-6.

Reasons:

Phantom Power: DXA-6 yes, 2 channels - MA100 None
Variable gain control: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No
Ability to take +4dBu line level input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No (distortion)
Ability to plug in 1/8" stereo mini input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No
Ground lift: DXA-6 Yes (two flavors) - MA100 No
Mono input, but can flip switch to record to 2 channels: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No

I really like my Beachtek, the customer service is great
(I lost phantom on my old unit, they shipped a new model without prompting)
and the sound quality is very good. Jay Rose of DV mag agrees.

Josh Bass · August 27th, 2003, 12:40 PM

That model you mentioned, is it the one for the XL1s?

Jacques Mersereau · August 27th, 2003, 01:08 PM

I have an XL1, so my guess is that it should work perfectly. It has
a stereo mini output that plugs into the stereo mini part of the
XL1 mic's input (the other submini hole is for mic power).

If you want to use the RCA inputs, plug on an adapter.

Josh Bass · August 30th, 2003, 11:33 PM

Why is the DXA 6 substantially better than the DXA 4C, which is, in beachtek's words, made for the XL1?

Bryan Beasleigh · August 31st, 2003, 08:47 AM

Call Harry at Beachtek and talk with him. They are really nice people and will tell you everything you want to know. (Harry is the owner)

http://www.beachtek.com/company.html

Josh Bass · September 2nd, 2003, 03:42 PM

Talked to Harry. He said the advantage on the DXA 6 was simply the 48v phantom power. The beachtek, he claims, will have less hiss than a Canon XLR adapter.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Can you screw the DXA 4C beachtek adapter, should you so desire, into the hole on the tilted part of the XL1s? I've discovered that when handheld, it's much easier when the center of the camera is on your shoulder, and not the back of the camera. . .so I'd want to be able to attach the adapter to both holes.

August 26th, 2003, 02:02 PM	#1
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	MA100 or Beachtek? My MA100 is messed up again. I've had it repaired once, and I'd rather not do it again. The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two? I know the Beachtek doesn't double as a shoulder pad, but that's not a big concern, seeing has how the MA100 barely doubles as a shoulder pad. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

August 27th, 2003, 11:45 AM	#2
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	Re: MA100 or Beachtek? <<<-- The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two?>>> I would highly recommend buying a beachtek DXA-6. Reasons: Phantom Power: DXA-6 yes, 2 channels - MA100 None Variable gain control: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No Ability to take +4dBu line level input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No (distortion) Ability to plug in 1/8" stereo mini input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No Ground lift: DXA-6 Yes (two flavors) - MA100 No Mono input, but can flip switch to record to 2 channels: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No I really like my Beachtek, the customer service is great (I lost phantom on my old unit, they shipped a new model without prompting) and the sound quality is very good. Jay Rose of DV mag agrees. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

August 27th, 2003, 12:40 PM	#3
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	That model you mentioned, is it the one for the XL1s? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

August 27th, 2003, 01:08 PM	#4
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	I have an XL1, so my guess is that it should work perfectly. It has a stereo mini output that plugs into the stereo mini part of the XL1 mic's input (the other submini hole is for mic power). If you want to use the RCA inputs, plug on an adapter. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

August 30th, 2003, 11:33 PM	#5
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Why is the DXA 6 substantially better than the DXA 4C, which is, in beachtek's words, made for the XL1? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

August 31st, 2003, 08:47 AM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Call Harry at Beachtek and talk with him. They are really nice people and will tell you everything you want to know. (Harry is the owner) http://www.beachtek.com/company.html

September 2nd, 2003, 03:42 PM	#7
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Talked to Harry. He said the advantage on the DXA 6 was simply the 48v phantom power. The beachtek, he claims, will have less hiss than a Canon XLR adapter. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Can you screw the DXA 4C beachtek adapter, should you so desire, into the hole on the tilted part of the XL1s? I've discovered that when handheld, it's much easier when the center of the camera is on your shoulder, and not the back of the camera. . .so I'd want to be able to attach the adapter to both holes. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB