GEAR
THAT’S AZDEN PRICE!
Audio expert Azden is making huge waves in filmmaking. Its range of excellent kit is full of the attention to detail Japanese tech firms are known for – and they won’t break the bank. We tried four different products and all were impressive performers, with great spec and innovative technology. Starting with two DSLR-style on- camera mics, the £294/$299 SMX-30V and £306/$249 SMX-30 link to your camera with a 3.5mmmini-jack. Most mics are either shotgun-style, ideal for picking out a single voice, or a pair of stereo mics great for ambient sound, outdoor events or live music. Both the Azden units have a pair of built-in stereo mics and a mono shotgun video mic, too. The biggest difference is the SMX-30’s switch that allows you to select the mono or stereo mics. But the SMX-30V also acts as a stepless mixer, using a single large knob on the back of the mic. Adjust the sound between the built-in stereo mics, the mono shotgun mic, or a mixture of the two – a unique function that brings more control to camera-top DSLR-type mics. It’s great for picking out the voice of a speaker, or capturing ambient sound in the room. The SMX-30V lasts for up to 100 hours – four times that of the SMX-30. Both mics have a +20dB gain boost switch for turning down the in-camera pre-amps, giving better quality sound. It’s a tried and tested technique for several manufacturers. There’s also a -10dB pad, in case you record in very loud places like rock gigs. A low-cut filter switch reduces frequencies below 120Hz, ideal for cutting hum from traffic, air con units or even wind.
The Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro+ connects any mic to any camera – perfect for mirrorless and DSLR cameras that don’t have XLR inputs or adjustable, multi- channel audio. For just £229/$229, connect wireless systems, camera- mounted mics, handheld or boom XLR mics to your camera with this handy device. It features a built-in XLR connector with 48-volt phantom power for using pro XLR mics, two 3.5mmmono, and one 3.5mm stereo mini-jacks with plug-in power that’s ideal for DSLR-specific mics. The sturdy DXA-Micro Pro+ has a built-in battery that works for up to ten hours, plus a micro USB jack for charging or externally powering the adapter. A removable cheese plate accepts a variety of accessories, and Beachtek offers an optional baseplate for use on a rod-based camera rig. Different input options allow one mic to plug into one input, and a second – like a wireless system– into another. Two distinct channels can now be recorded, and adjusted separately with the two large knobs on the back of the unit. Level indicator lights inform you of any peaking, too. And if you use one mic recording to both channels, one can be set at a lower gain level in case there are sudden loud noises. THE MISSING LINK
The real strength is the Beachtek’s powerful, low-noise pre-amps, which have dual gain settings and are leagues better than the in-camera amps. Drop the in-camera gain very low to reduce hiss and give a far cleaner signal. It’s easy to use, there are real knobs and switches, not complicated menus – and it really boosts your audio quality. beachtek.com
CHOICE MICS Azden’s SMX-30V (below) gives you real control – the knob on the back adjusts built-in stereo mics, the mono shotgun mic, or a combination
REAL SWITCHES The Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro+ (top) is a sturdy system, easy to use, with real knobs and switches (above), not complicated menus
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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