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

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.

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

Studio 1 makes a 3 channel XLR adapter.

Never used it, but it looks interesting.

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

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

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, 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