Azden FMX-DSLR left channel issue

[Setiawan Kartawidjaja]

Hi there,

I just bought an Azden FMX-DSLR as portable mixer, output to audio mini jack.
Although it is designed for DSLR, I'm sure it will also fit to most small camcorders with mini jack inputs.

But, as I test, there is a 'hiss' on the left channel, even without any cables attached.
Settings:
CH L & R = Line: Mic 1
Gain = Low
Volume = 0
DC48V CH R & L = OFF
AGC = OFF
Output = ST
Moni = Output

As seen on attachments:
IMAG0444-web.jpg:
>On camera (here is Sony FX1 - tried also on VG20 - same result), there is constant signal like this.
AudioSpectrum.jpg
>As seen on Audio Spectrum graph in KDEnlive Linux video editor, a signal in 20 kHz.
Timeline.jpg
>A waveform preview as seen in Sony Vegas Pro.
Blank problem.wav.wav
>Audio sample as recorded.

I called the store where I bought the equipment, and have a test with other FMX-DSLR unit, and the result is the same.
I couldn't find further info of this issue, but, I guess this shouldn't be normal...?

Any other Azden FMX-DSLR users can help ?

Thanks,

Setiawan

[Steve House]

Some hiss is normal for an unterminated input; input noise needs to be measured with the signal bridged to ground through an appropriate resistance in order to get an accurate indication. That being said, it is an Azden...

[Setiawan Kartawidjaja]

Thanks Steve,

How about other brands? Any suggestion for other one?

[Richard Crowley]

You won't find many Azden fans here. Perhaps you should consider yourself lucky that at least the right channel seems to work. (only half-kidding.)

[Setiawan Kartawidjaja]

no prob Richard. thanks.
That should already describe everything...
I have return it and store kindly accept it.

Now looking forward for recommended alternative... Suggestions?

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Setiawan Kartawidjaja

Thanks Steve,

How about other brands? Any suggestion for other one?

Sound Devices is the go-to mixer and I own a 442. If three channels is enough, the SD302. If stereo covers your needs, consider the SD MixPre-D. There are other decent options between the Azden level products and SD. For example, there's another thread running right now about the Shure FP33. I'd get a used one of those from a reliable professional source before buying a brand new Azden any day of the week. Wendt is another respected brand, offering a 3-channel model running a little over a kilobuck.. Though I haven't used one personally, I have read good reports about Twelco..