Rolls MX54 Mixer at DVinfo.net

Pete Wilie · December 20th, 2004, 01:42 PM

Hi all,

Anyone have experience or comments on the Rolls MX54 3 Channel Battery Powered Stereo Microphone Mixer
http://www.rolls.com/new/mx54.html?

I'm looking to use it with a Canon GL2 on location.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · December 20th, 2004, 01:45 PM

As much as I hate to say it....it's noisy.
Rolls is here in Utah, and the guy that owns Rolls gave me my start (sort of) in audio nearly 30 years ago. He also started DOD, which became Digitech, which is now Harman Electronics.
Nice device, just noisy.

Pete Wilie · December 20th, 2004, 01:59 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

Too bad, it "looked good" in print. :) and was only $120 at B&H.

Can you suggest an alternative in the same price range?

Douglas Spotted Eagle · December 20th, 2004, 02:18 PM

Unfortunately Pete, in that price range most things will be noisy.
I've had good luck with my little Samson MixPad WHEN the batteries are fresh, or when it's plugged in, it's not too bad. Still has noise, and frankly, I don't know that it's a whole lot better than the Rolls. It might be just a different frequency of noise.

Bryan Beasleigh · December 20th, 2004, 02:27 PM

Try either the Beach Tek DXA8 or the newer DXA-10

http://www.beachtek.com/products.html

Pete Wilie · December 22nd, 2004, 09:26 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle : Unfortunately Pete, in that price range most things will be noisy.. -->>>

Douglas,

I wonder if you could help me learn to select these type of devices? What tells you the Rolls MX54 is "noisy"?

Is it your personal experience, or do any of the following specs indicate this:

SPECIFICATIONS
Input Impedance: 600 Ohms
Output Impedance: XLR 600 Ohms
THD + Noise: .02%
S/N Ratio: 84 dB
Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 16 kHz (+0 / -3 dB)
Max Output Level: + 14 dB
Max Input Level: -14 dB
Max Gain: +60 dB
Low Cut: -3 dB @ 100 Hz
Current Draw: 20 mA
Phantom Power: +18 VDC
Connectors: 3 Female XLR, 2 Male XLR, 1 1/4" TRS,
DC Power Jack
Size: 5.3" x 3.7" x 2"
Weight: 1 lbs.

I'm thinking the S/N rato may be a little low. What would be an acceptable level?

Thanks.
Pete

December 20th, 2004, 01:42 PM	#1
Pete Wilie Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 331	Rolls MX54 Mixer Hi all, Anyone have experience or comments on the Rolls MX54 3 Channel Battery Powered Stereo Microphone Mixer http://www.rolls.com/new/mx54.html? I'm looking to use it with a Canon GL2 on location.

December 20th, 2004, 01:45 PM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	As much as I hate to say it....it's noisy. Rolls is here in Utah, and the guy that owns Rolls gave me my start (sort of) in audio nearly 30 years ago. He also started DOD, which became Digitech, which is now Harman Electronics. Nice device, just noisy. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

December 20th, 2004, 02:18 PM	#4
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Unfortunately Pete, in that price range most things will be noisy. I've had good luck with my little Samson MixPad WHEN the batteries are fresh, or when it's plugged in, it's not too bad. Still has noise, and frankly, I don't know that it's a whole lot better than the Rolls. It might be just a different frequency of noise. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

December 20th, 2004, 02:27 PM	#5
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Try either the Beach Tek DXA8 or the newer DXA-10 http://www.beachtek.com/products.html __________________ 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!"

December 20th, 2004, 01:59 PM	#3
Pete Wilie Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 331	Thanks for the heads up. Too bad, it "looked good" in print. :) and was only $120 at B&H. Can you suggest an alternative in the same price range?

December 22nd, 2004, 09:26 PM	#6
Pete Wilie Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 331	<<<-- Originally posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle : Unfortunately Pete, in that price range most things will be noisy.. -->>> Douglas, I wonder if you could help me learn to select these type of devices? What tells you the Rolls MX54 is "noisy"? Is it your personal experience, or do any of the following specs indicate this: SPECIFICATIONS Input Impedance: 600 Ohms Output Impedance: XLR 600 Ohms THD + Noise: .02% S/N Ratio: 84 dB Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 16 kHz (+0 / -3 dB) Max Output Level: + 14 dB Max Input Level: -14 dB Max Gain: +60 dB Low Cut: -3 dB @ 100 Hz Current Draw: 20 mA Phantom Power: +18 VDC Connectors: 3 Female XLR, 2 Male XLR, 1 1/4" TRS, DC Power Jack Size: 5.3" x 3.7" x 2" Weight: 1 lbs. I'm thinking the S/N rato may be a little low. What would be an acceptable level? Thanks. Pete