21Mar Azden FMX-DSLR Review video
Over all I’d say the Azden FMX-DSLR is a pretty good buy. It’s more straightforward and easy to use than a Juicedlink RM333 and it’s less expensive than the Beachtek DXA-SLR. It also offers up a few more routing and mixing options as well as lav power via the 3.5mm jack.
As I mentioned in the video, my only real complaint with the Azden FMX-DSLR is the location of the phantom power switches. While this is a bit of a pain, I’m sure many people would be happy to put up with it for the $40 price savings the Azden offers over its nearest competitors. As long as the Azden can maintain a price advantage I think the Azden FMX-DSLR is a great buy.
I’m currently working on an audio comparison test between the Azden FMX-DSLR, Beachtek DXA-SLR, and the Juicedlink RM333. Hopefully I’ll have something out next week before I head off to NAB. Also drop me a line on Twitter if you are going to be at NAB this year, it’s always fun to have a meetup and drink with some fellow filmmakers.
March 21st, 2014 at 10:14 pm
Nice one. I like the knobs. Only preamp I have is a RM333 I got used on eBay. I know you’re not a big fan. I actually thought this Azden would be cheaper, was surprised at $260.
March 21st, 2014 at 10:58 pm
All of the XLR adapters are pricy new, but used the prices drop off. I paid less than $130 a peace for the two beachtek DXA-SLR units I use, but the RM333 was around $400 new. If you are buying new, the Azden is one of the more affordable options.
March 21st, 2014 at 10:20 pm
how’s it compare to the tascam dr-60D? curious as we’ll finally get to use our tascam in the field in april.
March 21st, 2014 at 10:55 pm
Battery life is much better on the Azden, but the Tascam is a full field recorder as well as a pre and it has more gain than the Azden. If I can, I usually record directly into the camera simply because I don’t like to deal with syncing. In the field I use the Tascam DR-60d more often, but if I just need to run a few wireless packs into a 5d or t2i Something like the Azden or Beachtek is my first pick.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:16 pm
So there’s no output that you can use to run a line into the camera from the Tascam DR-60D?
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:18 pm
You can feed your Tascam DR-60d audio directly into your camera. I generally use the line out port, but there’s a camera port with adjustable levels as well.
May 6th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Right now we have a Canon T3i and use the Tascam 40d with mic and sync in post. We are looking at upgrading. Is it better to buy a Azden FMX-DSLR or spend more money on a portable field mixer over 500 bucks?
May 10th, 2014 at 2:07 am
I really depends on the mixer you are looking at.