Best List: Beachtek DXA-SLR Ultra preamplifier
Hssssssssss.
Hssssssssss.
I told one of my favorite photographers, Mike Kepka, that I was trying to shoot a little video, but that my audio sounded horrid. He happens to be pretty decent videographer. And a little bit of a gearhead (at least in comparison to me).
“Get a Beachtek,” said Mike.
“What is the hell is that?” I said. “And do you have one?”
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He didn’t.
But he wishes he did.
And now I know why.
The Beachtek DXA-SLR Ultra is an audio preamplifier designed for your DSLR camera. You simply plug your microphone into it, then plug in your camera and set your levels. This allows you to get fantastic-quality audio synced with your video.
With the DXA-SLR Ultra’s pair of combo inputs (quarter-inch and XLR), you can get as creative as you like with this awesome piece of kit — and battery life is excellent.
I’m still working on microphone placement and dialing in levels based on the subject at hand and the room, but my audio quality is greatly improved over what I was getting straight from my camera. Hear the difference in the Kahney’s Korner blooper reel below.
Price: $469 list
Cult of Mac’s Best List is a roundup of a few of our favorite things. Read more Best List mini reviews.
Jim Merithew is director of content at Cult of Mac and Cult of Android. He is the former photo director of Wired and editor at large of Raw File, Wired’s photography blog. In more than 25 years as a journalist, including eight years at the San Francisco Chronicle, Jim has led award-winning teams and relentlessly spread the gospel of the bicycle. He also plays guitar in Pickle Horse. Follow him on Instagram (@tinyblackbox) and Twitter (@tinyblackbox).
3 responses to “Tiny preamp will solve your biggest audio problems”
You can also use a juicedLink. It does the same job, for less.
Well, it depends on what your needs/budget is. Some of the top film production companies will buy Nagra, which have been used as field recorders/pre amps for decades and they are seen as the top end, money no object. Zoom has some decent products and there are a couple of others that are used in the professional film production industry. Sweetwater and other places that cater to the professional audio/video market have various products to choose from.
You need a compressor. His audio is peaking badly.