Why beachtek versus other mini mixer at DVinfo.net

Dwight Flynn · July 12th, 2004, 10:41 AM

Ok you sound gurus, I have one of those comparison advice questions. What am I getting when I use a device like the beachtek DXA-8 versus let's say a small 10 or 12 channel mixer from mackie for about the same price? Note, I am using the At897 and 825 and a HD10U video camera (which for some unexplained reason has only automatic sound settings).

Thanks

Douglas Spotted Eagle · July 12th, 2004, 10:59 AM

With the DX8, you don't have the 8/12/16 channels of input that you have with a small Mackie, but you gain tremendous portability and at least 2 fewer cables. (mic to board, board to cam)
You DON'T have EQ, auxes, busses, or meters with the Beachtek, but most field production guys don't need those things, or they've learned to set levels correctly at camera.
If you are using the 825 plus the 897, you are already 1 channel over what you can do with the Beachtek though. (assuming you are using the 825 in stereo) So, that leaves you needing a 4 channel device, I'm not aware of any 3 channel devices anymore, but there might be.

Bryan Beasleigh · July 12th, 2004, 11:07 AM

Portability and build. The Beach is small, sturdy and fits under your camera. It also operates on one 9 volt battery. It also seems (to me anyway) that the quality of the components on the inexpensive studio mixers can't be that good. Pots and faders by the yard, so to speak. JMO

Jeff Toogood · July 12th, 2004, 11:09 AM

Studio 1 makes a 3 channel XLR adapter.

Never used it, but it looks interesting.

http://www.studio1productions.com/xlr-bp_3_pro.htm

Dwight Flynn · July 12th, 2004, 11:15 AM

Thanks guys, I will look into the Beachtek and Studio 1 option first for the portability (and the Mackie when $$$$ permits). BTW I am only using one mic at a time, not both. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks

Douglas Spotted Eagle · July 12th, 2004, 11:15 AM

Bryan,
The pots and faders found on the low end mackie's are very, very, good. That's how they got popular so fast. Lo noise, high performance.

Jeff, I'd forgotten about the Studio Devices 3 channel. Thanks for the reminder. Their products seem to be quite good on paper. Never used them myself.

It's usually all about portability though, Dwight. Unless you've got a crew, you need to have gear that helps YOU be the crew.

Dwight Flynn · July 12th, 2004, 11:22 AM

Douglas, you're right. Usually on a shoot I have two other guy with me, but we still come up short on manpower, so portability and ease of use can overcome a lot of other shortcomings. Though an EQ option with portability would be nice.

Thanks

July 12th, 2004, 10:41 AM	#1
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Why beachtek versus other mini mixer Ok you sound gurus, I have one of those comparison advice questions. What am I getting when I use a device like the beachtek DXA-8 versus let's say a small 10 or 12 channel mixer from mackie for about the same price? Note, I am using the At897 and 825 and a HD10U video camera (which for some unexplained reason has only automatic sound settings). Thanks

July 12th, 2004, 10:59 AM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	With the DX8, you don't have the 8/12/16 channels of input that you have with a small Mackie, but you gain tremendous portability and at least 2 fewer cables. (mic to board, board to cam) You DON'T have EQ, auxes, busses, or meters with the Beachtek, but most field production guys don't need those things, or they've learned to set levels correctly at camera. If you are using the 825 plus the 897, you are already 1 channel over what you can do with the Beachtek though. (assuming you are using the 825 in stereo) So, that leaves you needing a 4 channel device, I'm not aware of any 3 channel devices anymore, but there might be. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

July 12th, 2004, 11:07 AM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Portability and build. The Beach is small, sturdy and fits under your camera. It also operates on one 9 volt battery. It also seems (to me anyway) that the quality of the components on the inexpensive studio mixers can't be that good. Pots and faders by the yard, so to speak. JMO __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

July 12th, 2004, 11:09 AM	#4
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	Studio 1 makes a 3 channel XLR adapter. Never used it, but it looks interesting. http://www.studio1productions.com/xlr-bp_3_pro.htm __________________ Toogood Studios

July 12th, 2004, 11:15 AM	#6
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Bryan, The pots and faders found on the low end mackie's are very, very, good. That's how they got popular so fast. Lo noise, high performance. Jeff, I'd forgotten about the Studio Devices 3 channel. Thanks for the reminder. Their products seem to be quite good on paper. Never used them myself. It's usually all about portability though, Dwight. Unless you've got a crew, you need to have gear that helps YOU be the crew. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

July 12th, 2004, 11:22 AM	#7
Dwight Flynn Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 393	Douglas, you're right. Usually on a shoot I have two other guy with me, but we still come up short on manpower, so portability and ease of use can overcome a lot of other shortcomings. Though an EQ option with portability would be nice. Thanks