FX1 audio performance

Jim Nogueira · March 28th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Up to now I have been using a PD150, which had a MIC ATT switch that could be set for either channel. When the DJ started to pump up the volume, I would activate the attenuation to keep the audio from distorting. Can anyone comment on their experience with the FX1 in a similar situation. Thanks.

Michael Liebergot · March 28th, 2008, 08:47 AM

You are able to pad the signal in the menu, but there isn't a quick switch on the outside like the PD150/170 has.

I use a Beachtek DXAFX XLR box on the FX1 so I have the ability to take dual XLR inputs and instantly pad my signal if needed or independently lower my audio.

The Beachtek box has pretty good built in pre amps and padding. So that works fine for me.

Jim Nogueira · March 28th, 2008, 11:19 AM

Thanks, Michael. I'm going to be using the Beachtek DXA-6HD FX1 box (with the built-in preamps), so that's great news that it's works well for you. From my testing, the sound is really noise-free.

Michael Liebergot · March 28th, 2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Nogueira

Thanks, Michael. I'm going to be using the Beachtek DXA-6HD FX1 box (with the built-in preamps), so that's great news that it's works well for you. From my testing, the sound is really noise-free.

Yeah the 6HD looks to be a great box.
I have the older FX box that was just replaced with the DXA-6A.
I really like the idea of the HD box that you have goes through the line in, thus avoiding the noisy Sony mic preamps. So your box is even quieter than mine.

Jim Nogueira · March 28th, 2008, 12:42 PM

Yeah, I wasn't going to buy the 6HD at first because of the higher price. But Harry from BeachTek talked me into it, and I'm glad now that he did.

Could I ask you also how long a fresh battery lasts in your Beachtek? Mine takes one 9 volt, and the manual says 4 hours typical with no phantom. I was hoping to use use phantom power on one channel for the shotgun mic (Sennheiser K6 w/ ME66). I could use a battery in the K6 module (one AA) instead, but that starts to get into a lot of battery changes for a full wedding day.

Thanks again. - Jim.

Michael Liebergot · March 28th, 2008, 01:19 PM

Jim, my batteries last around 4 hours.
I wish that someone would make a unit that runs on AA batteries instead of 9v, as 9v suck. most of my shoots run 8-12 hours during any given day, and I have to have to worry about having a fresh set of batteries in because I might miss something.
I'm not to worried about phantom power, as I use mics that run on both phantom and AA batteries (wireless receivers and Rode NTG mics). So I save a bit of juice by going this route.
Sometimes I do wish that I went with a Z1 at some point (I use 2 FX1's) and not have to worry about battery power for XLR inputs.

Jim Nogueira · March 28th, 2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Liebergot

I wish that someone would make a unit that runs on AA batteries instead of 9v, as 9v suck. most of my shoots run 8-12 hours during any given day, and I have to have to worry about having a fresh set of batteries in because I might miss something.

That's exactly my concern as well. I also debated between the FX1 and Z1, and decided to go with two FX1s like you did.

I don't know how you feel about using rechargeable batteries, but Harry from BeachTek recommended them, and sent me the website of a supplier. If I can locate it, I'll send it to you. In the past, I've always used Duracells.

Michael Liebergot · March 28th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Nogueira

That's exactly my concern as well. I also debated between the FX1 and Z1, and decided to go with two FX1s like you did.

I don't know how you feel about using rechargeable batteries, but Harry from BeachTek recommended them, and sent me the website of a supplier. If I can locate it, I'll send it to you. In the past, I've always used Duracells.

That would be great.
I have been leary of using rechargeables, because they seem to drain faster than regular akalines.
I don't know if anyone makes long lasting lithium 9v batteries but they might work good as well.

Jim Nogueira · March 28th, 2008, 08:51 PM

Hi Michael,

The 9v battery that BeachTek recommends is the rechargeable Lithium Poly from iPowerUS. 500 mAh.

www.iPowerUS.com

Jim

Michael Liebergot · March 29th, 2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Nogueira

Hi Michael,

The 9v battery that BeachTek recommends is the rechargeable Lithium Poly from iPowerUS. 500 mAh.

www.iPowerUS.com

Jim

Thanks Jim, just placed an order with Marketek online for the charger and 8 batteries.
I remember seeing them online before but never picked them up for some reason.

Jim Nogueira · March 29th, 2008, 02:44 PM

I ordered a charger and batteries as well.

Michael Liebergot · April 1st, 2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Nogueira

I ordered a charger and batteries as well.

Let me know how they work out for you.
I won't have mine for a little bit, as Markertek doesn't currently have them in stock. That's aright as I don't need them right away anyway.

Jim Nogueira · April 5th, 2008, 09:38 AM

Michael, I actually ended up cancelling the order after I found another option.

http://www.ultralifebatteries.com/su....php?ID=5&topn

These batteries are supposed to last 4-5 times longer that an alkaline. Like you, I have been leary of using rechargeables. So, I ordered and received 10 of them and will be trying them out at a couple of weddings at the end of the month. I'll post results.

Doing a google search, there's now a site showing the batteries for $4.29 each (I paid $4.95 at Trew Audio).

Michael Liebergot · April 7th, 2008, 11:14 AM

Jim they look good.
I received my rechargeables an charger on Firday, and will be doing some testing with them soon.

I may order some of the batteries that you mentioned, and use them for backup and see which I like better. Al in all I always being plenty of backup juice for shoots. This is also why I purchase 8 of the Li-Poly rechargables.

March 28th, 2008, 08:23 AM	#1
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	FX1 audio performance - receptions Up to now I have been using a PD150, which had a MIC ATT switch that could be set for either channel. When the DJ started to pump up the volume, I would activate the attenuation to keep the audio from distorting. Can anyone comment on their experience with the FX1 in a similar situation. Thanks.

March 28th, 2008, 08:47 AM	#2
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	You are able to pad the signal in the menu, but there isn't a quick switch on the outside like the PD150/170 has. I use a Beachtek DXAFX XLR box on the FX1 so I have the ability to take dual XLR inputs and instantly pad my signal if needed or independently lower my audio. The Beachtek box has pretty good built in pre amps and padding. So that works fine for me. __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com

March 28th, 2008, 01:19 PM	#6
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	Jim, my batteries last around 4 hours. I wish that someone would make a unit that runs on AA batteries instead of 9v, as 9v suck. most of my shoots run 8-12 hours during any given day, and I have to have to worry about having a fresh set of batteries in because I might miss something. I'm not to worried about phantom power, as I use mics that run on both phantom and AA batteries (wireless receivers and Rode NTG mics). So I save a bit of juice by going this route. Sometimes I do wish that I went with a Z1 at some point (I use 2 FX1's) and not have to worry about battery power for XLR inputs. __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com

April 7th, 2008, 11:14 AM	#14
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	Jim they look good. I received my rechargeables an charger on Firday, and will be doing some testing with them soon. I may order some of the batteries that you mentioned, and use them for backup and see which I like better. Al in all I always being plenty of backup juice for shoots. This is also why I purchase 8 of the Li-Poly rechargables. __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com

March 28th, 2008, 11:19 AM	#3
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	Thanks, Michael. I'm going to be using the Beachtek DXA-6HD FX1 box (with the built-in preamps), so that's great news that it's works well for you. From my testing, the sound is really noise-free.

March 28th, 2008, 12:42 PM	#5
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	Yeah, I wasn't going to buy the 6HD at first because of the higher price. But Harry from BeachTek talked me into it, and I'm glad now that he did. Could I ask you also how long a fresh battery lasts in your Beachtek? Mine takes one 9 volt, and the manual says 4 hours typical with no phantom. I was hoping to use use phantom power on one channel for the shotgun mic (Sennheiser K6 w/ ME66). I could use a battery in the K6 module (one AA) instead, but that starts to get into a lot of battery changes for a full wedding day. Thanks again. - Jim.

March 28th, 2008, 08:51 PM	#9
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	Hi Michael, The 9v battery that BeachTek recommends is the rechargeable Lithium Poly from iPowerUS. 500 mAh. www.iPowerUS.com Jim

March 29th, 2008, 02:44 PM	#11
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	I ordered a charger and batteries as well.

April 5th, 2008, 09:38 AM	#13
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	Michael, I actually ended up cancelling the order after I found another option. http://www.ultralifebatteries.com/su....php?ID=5&topn These batteries are supposed to last 4-5 times longer that an alkaline. Like you, I have been leary of using rechargeables. So, I ordered and received 10 of them and will be trying them out at a couple of weddings at the end of the month. I'll post results. Doing a google search, there's now a site showing the batteries for $4.29 each (I paid $4.95 at Trew Audio).