Beachtek DXA-4 -Look inside at DVinfo.net

Viktor Carlquist · March 30th, 2005, 01:36 AM

Is this worth the $$$?

I can´t believe the prices they charge for these if you see whats in them.

http://vec.mine.nu/modules.php?set_a...view_album.php

Dave Largent · March 30th, 2005, 08:04 AM

All it is is a rheostat attenuator in a metal box.

Samuel Birkan · March 30th, 2005, 08:23 AM

So seeing this is there really any difference between this and something like the Shure XLR to Mini convertor with Attenuator for $40 ? (other than the mixing of 2 Mics

Jay Massengill · March 30th, 2005, 09:37 AM

The BeachTek type boxes give a secure connection to the camera or belt (Studio1 type). Most of them, but not all, use transformers to maintain a balanced connection as far as possible.
They also give the ability to attenuate the signal either in small steps or continuously.
They can either mix or keep separate the two main inputs.
They allow for using line-level or mic-level signals, as well as aux mini-plug inputs.
They can select different grounding schemes for eliminating ground loop hums.
The better models from BeachTek supply phantom power and/or extra gain control.
The Canon MA100 and MA200 often pick up electrical interference from the required power connection to the camera. They also don't allow for use of line-level signals, mixing of two inputs or doubling a single input.
The Shure adapter works well for a single mic, but requires that it be secured properly and doesn't have any controls for flexibility.

Bryan Beasleigh · March 30th, 2005, 10:03 PM

If'n you want to save money and feel you could make a similar product go for it. (These aren't Radio Shack parts) I've been in related tech fields for over 40 years and I wouldn't waste my time. There was a time when I had a metal shop at my disposal and carte blanch on parts but that was 30 years ago and in the military.

The unit is very well engineered, has excellence balance , mounts to the camara and it looks good.

i've used nothing but a 1/8 stereo to XLR adapter cable and had no problems abd i also own a DXA4, DXA8, DXA10, Sound Devices mix pre and a Sound Devices 302.

There will always be those that feel that it takes nothing to build such a unit until they actually try. Some people are also more easily pleased than others.

Dennis Bezuidenhout · March 31st, 2005, 05:41 AM

I felt the same about these mixing boxes, and did a little research as I was sure I could build my own. Was very surprised at the cost of the transformers. Therein lies the "secret" to the quality.

The transformers are the costly item ($100 ea is not unreasonable for quality units that cover the frequency range). Thereafter it is just a few components soldered together in a box that fits - and fits well.

Viktor Carlquist · March 31st, 2005, 06:13 AM

Im not saying its not a quality product, but the inside doesn´t really look professional.

The casings are made by Hammond http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg.htm

David Ennis · March 31st, 2005, 10:56 AM

I can understand your reaction, but you also have to remember that BeachTek does not build and sell in mass quantities. It's a specialty market. So they have to recover their costs and make a profit from relatively small sales volumes. That's why everything is so expensive in this field. The convenience and "fitness for use" is what we pay for. The inside of the Beach may not be pretty, but the design has stood the test of time for a lot of users under a lot of circumstances.

March 30th, 2005, 01:36 AM	#1
Viktor Carlquist Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Stockholm (Sweden) Posts: 30	Beachtek DXA-4 -Look inside Is this worth the $$$? I can´t believe the prices they charge for these if you see whats in them. http://vec.mine.nu/modules.php?set_a...view_album.php __________________ Canon EOS 7D, Canon XM2, MA-300, Azden SGM-1x

March 30th, 2005, 10:03 PM	#5
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	If'n you want to save money and feel you could make a similar product go for it. (These aren't Radio Shack parts) I've been in related tech fields for over 40 years and I wouldn't waste my time. There was a time when I had a metal shop at my disposal and carte blanch on parts but that was 30 years ago and in the military. The unit is very well engineered, has excellence balance , mounts to the camara and it looks good. i've used nothing but a 1/8 stereo to XLR adapter cable and had no problems abd i also own a DXA4, DXA8, DXA10, Sound Devices mix pre and a Sound Devices 302. There will always be those that feel that it takes nothing to build such a unit until they actually try. Some people are also more easily pleased than others. __________________ 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!"

March 31st, 2005, 05:41 AM	#6
Dennis Bezuidenhout New Boot Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Auckland Posts: 7	I felt the same about these mixing boxes, and did a little research as I was sure I could build my own. Was very surprised at the cost of the transformers. Therein lies the "secret" to the quality. The transformers are the costly item ($100 ea is not unreasonable for quality units that cover the frequency range). Thereafter it is just a few components soldered together in a box that fits - and fits well. __________________ DennisB

March 31st, 2005, 06:13 AM	#7
Viktor Carlquist Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Stockholm (Sweden) Posts: 30	Im not saying its not a quality product, but the inside doesn´t really look professional. The casings are made by Hammond http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg.htm __________________ Canon EOS 7D, Canon XM2, MA-300, Azden SGM-1x

March 31st, 2005, 10:56 AM	#8
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	I can understand your reaction, but you also have to remember that BeachTek does not build and sell in mass quantities. It's a specialty market. So they have to recover their costs and make a profit from relatively small sales volumes. That's why everything is so expensive in this field. The convenience and "fitness for use" is what we pay for. The inside of the Beach may not be pretty, but the design has stood the test of time for a lot of users under a lot of circumstances. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

March 30th, 2005, 08:04 AM	#2
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	All it is is a rheostat attenuator in a metal box.

March 30th, 2005, 08:23 AM	#3
Samuel Birkan Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 79	So seeing this is there really any difference between this and something like the Shure XLR to Mini convertor with Attenuator for $40 ? (other than the mixing of 2 Mics

March 30th, 2005, 09:37 AM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	The BeachTek type boxes give a secure connection to the camera or belt (Studio1 type). Most of them, but not all, use transformers to maintain a balanced connection as far as possible. They also give the ability to attenuate the signal either in small steps or continuously. They can either mix or keep separate the two main inputs. They allow for using line-level or mic-level signals, as well as aux mini-plug inputs. They can select different grounding schemes for eliminating ground loop hums. The better models from BeachTek supply phantom power and/or extra gain control. The Canon MA100 and MA200 often pick up electrical interference from the required power connection to the camera. They also don't allow for use of line-level signals, mixing of two inputs or doubling a single input. The Shure adapter works well for a single mic, but requires that it be secured properly and doesn't have any controls for flexibility.