TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F

Product overview

The TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F is TASCAM's XLR microphone adapter kit for mirrorless cameras, supplied with the CA-AK1-F accessory shoe mount adapter: on compatible cameras it sends digital audio through the accessory shoe and takes its power from the camera.

Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with TASCAM HDDA mic preamps and a 3.5 mm input with plug-in power let you choose the right microphone for every set-up, from a single shotgun mic for interviews to a stereo pair or the line-level mix from a master mixer. Because the audio travels digitally into the camera, there is no loss of quality and no need to synchronise picture and sound in post production. The kit also includes the CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter, a battery holder and a 3.5 mm cable, so the same unit can feed the analogue mic input of virtually any camera.

Key features

• Digital audio transfer through the camera's accessory shoe with the CA-AK1-F adapter (fitted)
• Power from the camera through the shoe; the adapter is fixed with a tightening dial
• 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with HDDA preamps, MIC / LINE switching and +48V phantom power
• 3.5 mm input (INPUT 3) with plug-in power for a lavalier mic
• 48 / 96 kHz and 16 / 24-bit, following the camera's settings
• Attenuator 0 / 20 / 46 dB, low cut 80 / 220 Hz, auto level and limiter
• 1+2 LINK for stereo and an overload indicator for each input
• Analogue output in CAMERA or HEADPHONE mode for latency-free direct monitoring
• Detachable mic holder with shock mount, cable holder and a cold shoe on the top panel
• CA-AK1-AN cold shoe adapter and battery holder included for cameras with an analogue mic input

Digital audio straight into the camera

With premium AD converters and TASCAM know-how, the CA-XLR2d-F transmits clean, noise-free digital audio directly into a compatible camera through its accessory shoe with the CA-AK1-F adapter. There is no deterioration in sound quality, the audio is already in the video file, and the unit is driven by power from the camera, so a compatible camera is all you need. TASCAM publishes a tested camera list for the adapters.

HDDA mic preamps for every source

The high-performance HDDA preamps handle anything from room tone to explosions with low noise and a wide dynamic range. Each XLR/TRS input switches between microphone and line level and supplies +48V phantom power, so it accepts dynamic and condenser microphones as well as line-level signals from a mixer, and INPUT 3 takes a lavalier or other plug-in-power mic.

Built-in processing on simple switches

Auto level, a low-cut filter and a limiter sit on clearly labelled switches for each input, with a 0 / 20 / 46 dB attenuator and an overload indicator. The 1+2 LINK function adjusts the volume, level and limiter of both inputs together for stereo recording, and the SELECT switch chooses IN 1, IN 1+2 or IN 3 for the camera's recording channels.

Designed for a high degree of freedom

A cold shoe on the top panel takes extra accessories, the detachable mic holder has a vibration-resistant shock mount, and a cable holder keeps the wiring tidy around the camera. The analogue output works in headphone mode for latency-free direct monitoring, and the shoe adapter can be changed by the user.

In the box

• CA-XLR2d unit (with bottom connector cover)
• CA-AK1-F accessory shoe mount adapter (with connector cover, attached to the unit)
• CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter (with interface connector cover)
• Mic holder (attached to the unit)
• Battery holder (with connector cover)
• 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo mini cable
• Quick Guide (including warranty)
• TASCAM ID registration guide

CA-AK1-C, CA-AK1-N and CA-AK1-AN adapters are available separately; 2 AA batteries for the battery holder are sold separately.

TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F: frequently asked questions

Which cameras does the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F work with?

With its CA-AK1-F adapter it connects digitally to the compatible cameras on TASCAM's tested camera list. With the included CA-AK1-AN cold shoe adapter, battery holder and 3.5 mm cable it also works with virtually any camera that has an analogue mic input.

Does the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F need batteries?

No. On a compatible camera it is powered through the accessory shoe. The included battery holder with two AA batteries can power it instead, to save the camera battery; the digital kit needs a connection to a powered camera to operate.

Can I use condenser microphones?

Yes. INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 supply +48V phantom power on their XLR connectors, and INPUT 3 offers plug-in power for lavalier mics.

Can I monitor with headphones?

Yes. Set the OUTPUT switch to HEADPHONE for latency-free direct monitoring and adjust the volume with the VOLUME +/- buttons.

Where can I buy the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F in India?

The TASCAM CA-XLR2d-F is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Interview with a shotgun mic

Record clear dialogue on camera with a professional shotgun microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. With the camera off, slide the CA-AK1-F adapter into the camera's shoe and fix it with the tightening dial.
2. Set BATTERY POWERED to OFF and turn the camera on; audio goes to the camera digitally.
3. Set SELECT to IN 1, INPUT 1 to MIC or MIC +48V and LOW CUT to 80 Hz.
4. Set the volume while watching the OL indicator and the camera's meters, then record.

Tip: LEVEL at AUTO keeps speech at an even level.

Workflow 2: Two-person conversation

Give two speakers their own microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. With the camera off, slide the CA-AK1-F adapter into the camera's shoe and fix it with the tightening dial.
2. Set BATTERY POWERED to OFF and turn the camera on; audio goes to the camera digitally.
3. Set SELECT to IN 1+2 and each INPUT switch to MIC or MIC +48V.
4. Set each input volume and turn on the limiters for sudden peaks.

Workflow 3: Stereo music recording

Capture a performance in stereo with matched levels.

Connections

Setup

1. With the camera off, slide the CA-AK1-F adapter into the camera's shoe and fix it with the tightening dial.
2. Set BATTERY POWERED to OFF and turn the camera on; audio goes to the camera digitally.
3. Set SELECT to IN 1+2 and switch 1+2 LINK to ON.
4. Use ATT 20 dB or 46 dB for loud sources and set one volume for both inputs.

Tip: 1+2 LINK controls volume, level and limiter of both inputs together.

Workflow 4: Lavalier for vlogs

Record a presenter with a small clip-on microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. With the camera off, slide the CA-AK1-F adapter into the camera's shoe and fix it with the tightening dial.
2. Set BATTERY POWERED to OFF and turn the camera on; audio goes to the camera digitally.
3. Connect the lavalier to INPUT 3 and set SELECT to IN 3.
4. Set the INPUT 1 / INPUT 3 volume and record.

Workflow 5: Event feed from a mixer

Record the house mix of a talk, wedding or concert on camera.

Connections

Setup

1. With the camera off, slide the CA-AK1-F adapter into the camera's shoe and fix it with the tightening dial.
2. Set BATTERY POWERED to OFF and turn the camera on; audio goes to the camera digitally.
3. Set the INPUT switches to LINE and use the attenuator as needed.
4. Set SELECT to IN 1+2 for a stereo feed, link with 1+2 LINK and set the level.

Workflow 6: Monitoring on headphones

Listen to the microphones directly while you set up and shoot.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the headphones to the OUTPUT jack.
2. Set the OUTPUT switch to HEADPHONE.
3. Adjust the volume with VOLUME +/-.
4. Check each source while the audio goes to the camera digitally.

Tip: Headphone mode gives latency-free direct monitoring.