Bah, Beachtek help please :) at DVinfo.net

Ben Piff · February 17th, 2007, 03:55 PM

Sorry for the double thread, something didn't work with the first thread. So I have a VX2000 and a Panasonic AG-MC100 mic, and I haven't been able to get any audio readings with this. I'd appreciate any tips here or by chat on aim or msn. Thanks, ben

Robert Martens · February 17th, 2007, 04:10 PM

I'd say to make sure the microphone has a fresh battery (if it needs phantom power, you're out of luck, as the DXA-4 doesn't provide it), make sure the switch below the camera's 3.5mm minijack is set to Mic, and try both of the Beachtek's ground positions (the switch on the front with "G1" and "G2" options) for starters.

Ben Piff · February 17th, 2007, 04:42 PM

Good idea bud, didn't think about batteries, but I really can't see any easy way to open this mic. Nothing to twist open. Hmmm. Also I can't see the G1 G2 options anywhere.

Robert Martens · February 17th, 2007, 04:52 PM

After a quick search, which I probably should have done in the first place, I see this is the same mic that comes with the DVX100, is that correct? Not being familiar with the camera, I can't be sure, but I would suspect it is in fact using phantom power. This suspicion is furthered now that you say there's no way to open the mic. And, after all, as far as I know, none of the mics we see included with these cameras use batteries.

I'd try another mic, if you have one, that is battery powered, or try connecting the mic to a mixer or other such device that can deliver phantom power, then connect that to the Beachtek to see if we're on the right track.

I wouldn't worry about the ground switch (I could've sworn the DXA-4 had one, but I can't find mine at the moment, I've been using a 6) now that I know about the lack of a battery option; I'd say that's most likely the cause.

Ben Piff · February 17th, 2007, 05:02 PM

That totally makes sense, I really appreciate your perspective! I have a feeling the seller will give me some of the money back for the mic, or maybe I should just sell it on ebay. It's a shame that I don't have easy access to any other mics, and the local shops don't have any to test. Ah well, this is good closure on the issue!
Cheers, Ben

February 17th, 2007, 03:55 PM	#1
Ben Piff New Boot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SAINT LOUIS Posts: 17	Bah, Beachtek help please :) Sorry for the double thread, something didn't work with the first thread. So I have a VX2000 and a Panasonic AG-MC100 mic, and I haven't been able to get any audio readings with this. I'd appreciate any tips here or by chat on aim or msn. Thanks, ben

February 17th, 2007, 04:10 PM	#2
Robert Martens Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 820	I'd say to make sure the microphone has a fresh battery (if it needs phantom power, you're out of luck, as the DXA-4 doesn't provide it), make sure the switch below the camera's 3.5mm minijack is set to Mic, and try both of the Beachtek's ground positions (the switch on the front with "G1" and "G2" options) for starters.

February 17th, 2007, 04:42 PM	#3
Ben Piff New Boot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SAINT LOUIS Posts: 17	Good idea bud, didn't think about batteries, but I really can't see any easy way to open this mic. Nothing to twist open. Hmmm. Also I can't see the G1 G2 options anywhere.

February 17th, 2007, 04:52 PM	#4
Robert Martens Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 820	After a quick search, which I probably should have done in the first place, I see this is the same mic that comes with the DVX100, is that correct? Not being familiar with the camera, I can't be sure, but I would suspect it is in fact using phantom power. This suspicion is furthered now that you say there's no way to open the mic. And, after all, as far as I know, none of the mics we see included with these cameras use batteries. I'd try another mic, if you have one, that is battery powered, or try connecting the mic to a mixer or other such device that can deliver phantom power, then connect that to the Beachtek to see if we're on the right track. I wouldn't worry about the ground switch (I could've sworn the DXA-4 had one, but I can't find mine at the moment, I've been using a 6) now that I know about the lack of a battery option; I'd say that's most likely the cause.

February 17th, 2007, 05:02 PM	#5
Ben Piff New Boot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SAINT LOUIS Posts: 17	That totally makes sense, I really appreciate your perspective! I have a feeling the seller will give me some of the money back for the mic, or maybe I should just sell it on ebay. It's a shame that I don't have easy access to any other mics, and the local shops don't have any to test. Ah well, this is good closure on the issue! Cheers, Ben