My MA100 is messed up again. I've had it repaired once, and I'd rather not do it again. The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two? I know the Beachtek doesn't double as a shoulder pad, but that's not a big concern, seeing has how the MA100 barely doubles as a shoulder pad.

<<<-- The question is, do I get a new one, or get an equivalent beachtek XLR adapter? What are the big differences between these two?>>>

I would highly recommend buying a beachtek DXA-6.

Reasons:

Phantom Power: DXA-6 yes, 2 channels - MA100 None
Variable gain control: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No
Ability to take +4dBu line level input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No (distortion)
Ability to plug in 1/8" stereo mini input: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No
Ground lift: DXA-6 Yes (two flavors) - MA100 No
Mono input, but can flip switch to record to 2 channels: DXA-6 Yes - MA100 No

I really like my Beachtek, the customer service is great
(I lost phantom on my old unit, they shipped a new model without prompting)
and the sound quality is very good. Jay Rose of DV mag agrees.

That model you mentioned, is it the one for the XL1s?

I have an XL1, so my guess is that it should work perfectly. It has
a stereo mini output that plugs into the stereo mini part of the
XL1 mic's input (the other submini hole is for mic power).

If you want to use the RCA inputs, plug on an adapter.

Why is the DXA 6 substantially better than the DXA 4C, which is, in beachtek's words, made for the XL1?

Call Harry at Beachtek and talk with him. They are really nice people and will tell you everything you want to know. (Harry is the owner)

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

Talked to Harry. He said the advantage on the DXA 6 was simply the 48v phantom power. The beachtek, he claims, will have less hiss than a Canon XLR adapter.


THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Can you screw the DXA 4C beachtek adapter, should you so desire, into the hole on the tilted part of the XL1s? I've discovered that when handheld, it's much easier when the center of the camera is on your shoulder, and not the back of the camera. . .so I'd want to be able to attach the adapter to both holes.