Audio Adapter

Audio Adapter

Why would I use a professional audio adapter interface (like Beachtek) instead of just a plug?

Why would I use a professional, powered adapter interface that is atleast $200 (like Beachtek DXA2S) instead of a simple $20 1/8" male plug to XLR female plug? The setup is for a Sony prosumer camcorder that is picking up one entry level professional shotgun mic (~$400).

The cable tail method will work, but be careful with the jack going into the camcorder. It is possible that the weight of the cable or accidental tugging can cause the plug to break off in the camcorder.

Beyond that, the are some additional advantages that an external small field mixer - or XLR adapter - can provide.

1) Since you did not tell us which Sony camcorder you are using, this may not apply. In many cases, the Sony camcorder's manual audio control is used through the LCD panel. My HDR-HC1 is like that. This makes it a bit of a challenge to easily adjust the input volume. With an XLR adapter, the volume controls are easy to access knobs.

2) The 1/8" stereo jack on the camcorder when used with a mono-mic, if the wire tail is not made correctly, will cause the audio captured to record to only one channel - not both left and right. The XLR adapter typically has a mono-stereo switch so if you plug a mic into one channel, when in mono mode, audio will be fed to both left and right channels.

3) If the 1/8" wire tail adapter is made with two XLR connectors (Right and Left), your camcorder's manual audio control cannot adjust the two channels independently. If you use two mics for different audio sources, and those audio source levels need to be independently adjusted, that won't happen. The XLR adapter - in stereo mode - would independently control the two different channel audio levels as separate channels. My Sony HDR-FX1 has a single audio control knob on the body of the camcorder that is easy to get to - but the one thumb wheel controls both left and right audio channels at the same time.

4) The audio pre-amps in camcorders are not exactly the best and largest available. Having the audio preamp as an external, standalone, dedicated device, manufactured for its specific purpose, can result in improved audio. May I suggest that you check out the audio samples at juicedLink.

5) Some XLR adapters can provide phantom power (though not the DXA-2S - the DXA6-s and juicedLink CX-231 can). Higher-end mics need power (whether self contained using a battery or phantom power). Using phantom power rather than mic-supplied power reduces the number of types and batteries required to operate - along with the flexibility of the XLR adapter. The same could be said about the wire/tail connection and a single battery for the mic - but the features of the XLR adapter are not available.

Buy a Grom Audio Car Adapter to Listen to Your Music

Many of the United States’ most technologically advanced consumers began their journey in today’s computer-savvy world with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the mp3 players in their pockets. Although the mp3 player is one of the most easy-to-use electronic devices being sold today, it consistently remains one of the most popular to buy among all types of electronics customers as well. People from all walks of life love the ability they now have to listen to all their favorite music whenever they want and wherever they go. In fact, in order to make that ability even more convenient, many companies have begun selling car adapters for mp3 players. The Grom Audio car adapter is an increasingly popular model for consumers for a variety of reasons.

One of the biggest reasons why the Grom Audio car adapter is becoming a popular choice among consumers is because of its easy installation. It connects directly into your car’s factory CD changer with just a few simple wires, so you’ll likely be able to get it working in a matter of minutes. It also charges your mp3 player as you drive, so you won’t have to worry anymore about low batteries.

Another reason why Grom Audio is so popular is because of its compatibility with many types of vehicles. Honda and Acura are two of the most popular car brands that have many models compatible with Grom Audio, but you can also use this car adapter in certain models of Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and more. In order to determine for sure whether it will work in your car, you should contact a car audio installation company. Grom Audio is also compatible with a number of different mp3 players, including the popular Apple iPod series. A car audio installation company will also be able to tell you if your mp3 player is compatible with this car adapter.

With the Grom Audio car adapter, you have a few different options of how you can control your music. Standards controls include the mp3 player itself and your car’s factory radio controls. Depending on your vehicle, you may even be able to use the controls on your steering wheel to search through music and possibly create playlists while you drive. In some car models you may also be able to control your music from a remote control. To see if these options are available to you, you should contact a car audio installation specialist for details.

The most important feature of the Grom Audio car adapter is the quality of sound you will be able to have in your car. Depending on your car’s factory stereo system, you’ll be able to enjoy CD quality to digital quality sound. The sound won’t receive any interference from FM stations or a potential cassette player, and obviously won’t skip or jar, like a CD, when you drive on uneven surfaces. You really can enjoy the same great sound you get from your mp3 player from the comfort and convenience of your car stereo.

About the Author

Joel McLaughlin
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Audio Adapter

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