I've had the Sign Video XLR Pro for about 2 years and have had great results with a Canon ZR70 with it. I'm not sure if the Beachtek has any other features, but I can attest to this one working very well.

http://signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr_adapter-audio-mixer.htm

I've seen this design on documentaries on TV, and with local news stations in the Orlando area as well. There seem to be a few companies producing a similar design and I don't know who invented it originally.

It doesn't provide phantom power, but it's clean and quiet and can also combine 1 XLR and 1 1/8" jack into each output channel (or switch it to mono). So technically you could have 4 sources plugged into here, mixed to 2 outs, and then 2 more XLR's on the back of the camera, recorded to 2 or 4 tracks.

A dedicated multitrack recorder might be a better route when you start combining that many sources, or at least a dedicated audio mixer and engineer to combine everything properly.

But, it can be done, which is the cool thing anyway.

Eric

Yep, I did jump.......i'm such a sucker! PIPELINE? are you trying to test me chris? LOL. I guess since i'm not fully aware of all the adapter specs and really not aware at all Im a lil shaky. The good thing is that I can ask here, in this forum, where(sob) newbies like me(sob) can ask questions and get (sob) decent answers. (yes, I am a live one). Assuming I get a cam that will need a beachtech, I will have to trust the video gods. but all it will take is 1 lil issue and I will oscilliscope the hell out of the freq to check if the x axis does not relate to the y axis and if there is a difference between the waves............ aw fuggheddaboutttit! I'll just trust ya!

It doesn't provide phantom power, but it's clean and quiet and can also combine 1 XLR and 1 1/8" jack into each output channel (or switch it to mono).


What????????????no phanton? how dare you suggest that eric!

I know! But then again, it's $100 less than the Beachtek Phantom powered units, and $20 less than the equivalent Beacktek models. :P

Thanks for that eric.....checking the link now(surfing)...............

There's a Panasonic DVC80 being offered (asking $1100) in the classifieds here, by a member who posts regularly. That might be worth considering (3-1/3" CCDs and has built in XLR).

I've seen alot of cameras mentioned but just curious why no mention of the dvx100a? It offers XLR, 24p etc. Would it fit your requirements? I will be selling one in great shape very soon.

sorry guys, I was out this weekend looking for cams. Thanks for the info rob, but, i cant see the post yet(newbie) can you link me to him? planetstudio@sbcglobal.net also, is that a good cam? I mean, I guess coming from you it would be(ass kissing). Also, if anyone needs to reach me about the post for cams, you now have the address. I am also looking at a vx2100 from BH.