Mike Pre-amp Question about VX2100 at DVinfo.net

Steve McDonald · May 16th, 2004, 06:12 PM

If you use the Beachtek DXA-8 powered XLR adaptor with pre-amp function on a VX2100, will this fill the need for an external pre-amp, if you have the Winter mike-input modification done?

Another issue about this Winter modification----what effect will this have on the status of the warranty, either the short factory coverage or an extended warranty from an independent company?

Steve McDonald

Mike Rehmus · May 16th, 2004, 08:10 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Steve McDonald : If you use the Beachtek DXA-8 powered XLR adaptor with pre-amp function on a VX2100, will this fill the need for an external pre-amp, if you have the Winter mike-input modification done?

That I don't know, Bryan?

Another issue about this Winter modification----what effect will this have on the status of the warranty, either the short factory coverage or an extended warranty from an independent company?

It will terminate your warranty. It will be interesting to see what happens when a camera with this modification breaks. Will Sony even work on it?

Steve McDonald -->>>

Bryan Beasleigh · May 16th, 2004, 11:36 PM

The modifiedVX2000/2100/PD150/170 all require a line level input.
The DXA-8 is mic level.

The mod would void the warranty but then if the repair had nothing to do with audio i doubt the tech would even notice.

Unless you go banana crackers on high end mics, it's not really worth doing. The VX series with a strong input will yield adequate audio.

With the DXA-8 I was able to set the manual gain at 20-25%. using a dynamic with a 2.5mv input I had to go to 40%. in my experience the VX pre is ok up to 60%.

http://www.dvfreelancer.com/articles/beachtekDXA-8.html

Dave Largent · May 17th, 2004, 04:23 AM

Interestingly -- and I can't find anymore where I saw
this posted -- someone had shown a graph they
did (using audio test equipment) of the VX noise floor, and there was no difference in it between having the
VX in line level input versus having it in mic level input.
It was about -48dB for line and -47dB for mic,
if memory serves me. At any rate, I do know
for sure that it was only 1dB difference.

Mike Rehmus · May 17th, 2004, 09:46 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Bryan Beasleigh :
The mod would void the warranty but then if the repair had nothing to do with audio i doubt the tech would even notice.
-->>>

Depends on whether the Sony repair center does any sort of 'standardized' test that is a normal part of their trouble-shooting routine. If the camera does not respond normally, they may open it up, find the mod and just return the camera unrepaired.

If they did agree to repair it, and I think flat-rate would be out of the question, the first thing they would want to do is replace the modified circuits to get the camera back to stock.

Why? Because they don't know what the modifications are supposed to accomplish, have no specs and no test routines. So they cannot provide a 90 day warranty because the camera will not meet original specs.

It would be interesting if someone wanted to call Sony repair and ask them about this and then report back. Remember there are two different repair organizations involved depending on if it is the consumer or pro version of the camera.

May 16th, 2004, 06:12 PM	#1
Steve McDonald Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 366	Mike Pre-amp Question about VX2100 If you use the Beachtek DXA-8 powered XLR adaptor with pre-amp function on a VX2100, will this fill the need for an external pre-amp, if you have the Winter mike-input modification done? Another issue about this Winter modification----what effect will this have on the status of the warranty, either the short factory coverage or an extended warranty from an independent company? Steve McDonald

May 16th, 2004, 08:10 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Re: Mike Pre-amp Question about VX2100 <<<-- Originally posted by Steve McDonald : If you use the Beachtek DXA-8 powered XLR adaptor with pre-amp function on a VX2100, will this fill the need for an external pre-amp, if you have the Winter mike-input modification done? That I don't know, Bryan? Another issue about this Winter modification----what effect will this have on the status of the warranty, either the short factory coverage or an extended warranty from an independent company? It will terminate your warranty. It will be interesting to see what happens when a camera with this modification breaks. Will Sony even work on it? Steve McDonald -->>> __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 16th, 2004, 11:36 PM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The modifiedVX2000/2100/PD150/170 all require a line level input. The DXA-8 is mic level. The mod would void the warranty but then if the repair had nothing to do with audio i doubt the tech would even notice. Unless you go banana crackers on high end mics, it's not really worth doing. The VX series with a strong input will yield adequate audio. With the DXA-8 I was able to set the manual gain at 20-25%. using a dynamic with a 2.5mv input I had to go to 40%. in my experience the VX pre is ok up to 60%. http://www.dvfreelancer.com/articles/beachtekDXA-8.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!"

May 17th, 2004, 09:46 AM	#5
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	<<<-- Originally posted by Bryan Beasleigh : The mod would void the warranty but then if the repair had nothing to do with audio i doubt the tech would even notice. -->>> Depends on whether the Sony repair center does any sort of 'standardized' test that is a normal part of their trouble-shooting routine. If the camera does not respond normally, they may open it up, find the mod and just return the camera unrepaired. If they did agree to repair it, and I think flat-rate would be out of the question, the first thing they would want to do is replace the modified circuits to get the camera back to stock. Why? Because they don't know what the modifications are supposed to accomplish, have no specs and no test routines. So they cannot provide a 90 day warranty because the camera will not meet original specs. It would be interesting if someone wanted to call Sony repair and ask them about this and then report back. Remember there are two different repair organizations involved depending on if it is the consumer or pro version of the camera. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 17th, 2004, 04:23 AM	#4
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Interestingly -- and I can't find anymore where I saw this posted -- someone had shown a graph they did (using audio test equipment) of the VX noise floor, and there was no difference in it between having the VX in line level input versus having it in mic level input. It was about -48dB for line and -47dB for mic, if memory serves me. At any rate, I do know for sure that it was only 1dB difference.