Before You Begin
These instructions refer to the use of this adapter with DSLR cameras unless otherwise noted.
1) Since there are no preamplifiers in the passive adapter, it is important that you use sensitive
condenser microphones to get the best performance out of the DSLR camera. Most DSLR cameras
have very noisy preamplifiers so a sensitive microphone will give you the best signal to noise ratio.
2) Do a few test recordings and check playback on the camera to be sure that the audio is captured as
expected. Since there is no output audio jack on most cameras, there is no way to ensure that what you
are monitoring is being recorded by the camera.
3) The audio that you hear from headphones connected to the phone jack on the adapter is not exactly
the same as the audio you will hear on play back from the camera.
4) Note that you cannot monitor audio on playback through this device.
5) Please read and understand the use of the AGC DSBL feature before using this function.
Supplied Accessories
• 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm output cable
• 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm output cable
Quick Setup Guide
1) Mount the DXA-5Da adapter to the camera.
2) Connect one of the supplied output cables from the MIC jack on the adapter to the MIC input on the
camera.
3) Install a fresh alkaline or lithium battery in the adapter.
4) Set the GROUND switch on bottom of adapter to G1.
5) Set the LIN/MIC switch to MIC for microphones or LIN for mixers.
6) Connect your audio sources to the adapter.
7) Set the M/S switch to M for mono when using one channel or to S for stereo when using two
channels.
8) Set the AGC DSBL switch to the left for off. Before using this function, please read the information
supplied in this manual for a detailed explanation of how this feature works.
9) Turn the adapter PWR switch on. The LCD screen should activate.
10) Adjust the level controls for each channel fully clockwise to 10 for no attenuation. Adjust the trim
controls only if the input signals exceed -36 dBu on the level meters.
11) Note that the level meters on the adapter monitor the signal strength from your sound source. It is
normal if you do not see the meters move. They will only register when using sensitive type microphones
or when you are attached to a mixer or wireless microphone.
12) Plug your headphones into the PHONE jack on the adapter and adjust the VOLUME control to a
comfortable level. Be sure that you hear audio on both channels from the connected devices.
13) Do a test recording and playback to ensure that the captured audio is satisfactory. Note that you will
not hear audio on playback through the adapter.
Basic Operation
After following the above Initial Setup, you should be ready to start recording.
1) The level meters on the adapter monitor the signal strength from your sound source. It is normal if you
do not see the meters move. They will only register when using sensitive type microphones or when you
are attached to a mixer or wireless microphone.
2) Keep the trim controls at the maximum setting for unity gain. Only adjust the trim controls if the input
signals exceed -36 dBu on the level meters. If you have a mixer or some other form of amplified signal
connected to the adapter, adjust the trim controls to give you a peak reading of -36 dBu. This is the
“sweet spot” for attaining the highest signal to noise ratio from the camera preamplifiers.
3) Adjust the VOLUME control for the headphones to a comfortable listening level.
4) Do a test recording and play back the audio to determine if the captured audio is acceptable. Note
you will not be able to monitor the playback audio from the adapter.
5) The Auto Gain Control (AGC) in the camera will vary the amount of gain depending upon the input
signal level. During quiet moments, the AGC will increase the gain, which will also increase the amount
of hiss from the camera preamplifiers. See “Using the AGC DSBL Feature” below to reduce this problem.
Adapter Controls
PWR Switch
Activates power for the LCD meter, AGC disable feature and headphone amplifier
LIN/MIC Switches
Selects microphone or line level input on each channel
LEFT and RIGHT Level Controls
Trim controls to adjust output level on each channel
M/S Switch
Selects mono or stereo output mode
Volume Control
Adjusts the headphone volume level
PHONES
Headphone jack to monitor the audio coming out of the adapter
G1/G2 Switch
Ground selection switch
LEFT and RIGHT XLR Inputs
Two balanced XLR inputs attach to professional microphones or other audio gear such as mixers and
sound boards
R AUX Input
Unbalanced input for connecting to a wireless receiver or other device that has a mini-plug output cable
MIC OUT
Output jack for connection to the camera
AGC DSBL Switch
Disables the Auto Gain Control feature in the camera
LCD Display
Back lit display shows the level meters, battery indicator and position of the various switches on the
adapter
Advanced Operation
Using the AGC DSBL Feature
This switch is a means to disable the wild swings of the Auto Gain Control in the camera. It activates an
inaudible tone of 20 kHz to the left channel (when set to STEREO operation) that prevents the Auto Gain
Control from increasing the gain to its maximum level. This reduces the hiss that normally occurs when
the camera is recording audio during quiet moments. The tone is recorded by the camera but can be
easily filtered out if necessary. You can still use the left channel for recording normal audio at the same
time as the AGC DSBL feature is active.
When this feature is active, you will see 2 or 3 bars indicate on the level meter for the left channel (when
the M/S switch is set to S for stereo) which verifies that the tone is being sent to the camera.
You may also want to record audio only on the right channel and leave the left channel unused for the
AGC control signal if this tone presents a problem down the line. In this case, you should set the M/S
switch to S for stereo to keep the AGC signal separated from the recorded signal.
Again, it is important that you do a test recording and play back the audio to see if it is acceptable.
The AGC DSBL feature will lower the gain on the camera, which will require a sensitive microphone for
best results.
