Difference?

[trspballer7]

What is the difference between these two, besdies the fact that the xlr inputs are on the side:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/136400-REG/Beachtek_DXA4P_DXA_4P_Audio_Adapter_for.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335809-REG/Beachtek_DXA2S_DXA_2S_Dual_XLR.html

?

[stikyfingas]

I think its the mounting plate on the top. IMHO If you going to going to spend the money on a beachtek you should get one that supplies phantom power.

[trspballer7]

and what is that exactly? does it provide it's own power so it doesn't suck it all from the camera?

[Fisherking]

No, phantom power means that the XLR input saps power from the unit to supply power to the microphone. It doesn't just apply to XLR inputs - 'phantom power' basically means supplying power through an input to power an external device. USB, for example, supplies phantom power - that's why you don't need to plug in most external harddrives. It sure as hell isn't because they don't need electricity to run.

[trspballer7]

but what if my mic has phantom power, that means it won't really need the power from the camera, so will that be okay? will the beactek take ALOT from the camera?

[Fisherking]

The mike doesn't 'have' phantom power. The mixer supplies phantom power and the mike may possibly (as most decent mikes are wont to do) run on phantom power.

'Phantom power' transmits power through audio cables -- most mixers will supply phantom power, letting the mike sap its power. Most decent condenser mikes run on phantom power.

I don't know the particulars of the BeachTech, but the website states that the DXA-6A supplies phantom power -- ergo, it will power the mike on its lonesome, letting it sap some of its power (it takes a nine-volt battery). If you get the one that doesn't supply phantom power, you're probably going to need a battery-mike, as it has to get the power somewhere.

The BeachTech is apparently a passive device. It transforms the input from the mike, but strictly doesn't require any power on its own, as it doesn't actually generate any current.

I'm confused. What's the problem?

[stikyfingas]

Phantom power is a way of powering microphones through XLR cables. Phantom power is beter than using a bttery power microphone some mics can use either battery or phantom power if you look at the specs http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300615-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897_AT897_Short_Condenser.html (look at the specifications tab). you will see the performance of the mic using phantom power vs battery; phantom is superior.
Higher end mics will only work off phantom power.

What I meant was if you are going to spend $200 to use a beachtek to change XLR to 3.5mm instead of just using a $20 XLR to 3.5mm adaptor. But if you want to spend the extra money you might as well buy a beachtek that supplies phantom power so you get better mic performance and you can use better quality mics.

if your camera has 3.5mm input nothing will draw power from your cam; phantom power is over XLR

[trspballer7]

oh alright. Well if I have enough money to afford one of the higher end ones, Ill probably buy it. I am not buying one for a few months, I am just getting my info now so ill be prepared later. Thanks for all of the answers.