Beachtek DXA2s and general mic questions.

[Cliff Hepburn]

I've got some questions about setting volume controls on my new mic setup.

Here's what I've got;
TRV950, AT897, and Beachtek DXA 2s.

Where should I set the in camera volume control relative to the Beachtek? The instructions state that the Beachtek should be turned all the way up and adjust the levels using the camera controls. Wouldn't all the way up result in distortion?
Also, it's much easier turning the controls on the adapter than menuing my way with the in camera controls.

I'm going to be using this mainly in mono mode, the instructions that came with it states "When in MONO mode, be sure to keep
the volume control for the unused channel fully clockwise to reduce the loading effect on the working channel."
Fully clockwise would be set to 10. Does this make sense? I'd think it would need to be set to 0.

Oh and while I'm at it, while I think I'm going to use this mostly with boom, inevitably this will end up on my camera. Is there any real difference in camera mounted shock mounts. I'm looking for one that won't scratch the finish of the mic but hold it firmly and can be used both on and off camera. Any suggestions.

Thanks in advance for answering my newb questions.
sorry if this had been answered b4, I didn't know how to keyword it to get results.

[Vic Owen]

Here's a few answers:

The Beachtek is a passive device -- setting the gain controls to maximum results in no distortion within the device.

The gain controls increment in fixed stops -- it's not a smooth transition -- if you can live with that, it's OK.

Turning the gain down to minimum on an unused channel will, in fact, load the other channel due to the internal circuitry -- leave it at max. You can experiment with this and hear the effect.

[Jose di Cani]

why not check the behringer preamp for 50 dollars.