TASCAM CA-XLR2D-F

A Flexible Concept for Recording Professional Audio With Virtually Any Camera

The CA-XLR2d is a two-channel microphone adapter and preamplifier that allows external microphones to be used to record high-quality professional stereo sound with a mirrorless or other camera. The audio signal is transferred directly to the camera – in digital or analogue form – and recorded along with the video signal, eliminating the need for subsequent synchronisation and reducing post-production time.

Choose the Most Suitable Microphone for Your Film Recording

Choose the appropriate microphone or input that matches your application. From a single shotgun mic for interviews or dialogue, to dual dynamic or condenser mics for stereo imaging, or the entire audio mix fed from the main mixer using a line-level connection – with the CA-XLR2d you are well prepared for whatever shooting and filming is ahead.

High-Performance A/D Converter for Pristine, Natural Sound

Thanks to Tascam’s long-standing expertise in audio technology and premium A/D converters, the CA-XLR2d stands for clean, noise-free, professional sound. By sending a digital audio signal directly to the camera via a compatible accessory shoe, there is no second conversion step which could add noise or distortion. And it frees you from the work of subsequently synchronising picture and sound in post-production.

The CA-XLR2d is powered by a compatible camera via its hot shoe which means you don’t need an additional power supply and your setup remains compact and clean (compatible manufacturers: Canon, Fujifilm).

Use The Microphones And Other Equipment You Need for Your Session

The CA-XLR2d is so flexible that you can use it with the microphones and gear you need for your particular film session. The top-mount cold shoe, for example, is resistant to vibrations, noise-friendly and can hold your favourite mic or a wireless receiver or transmitter. Two XLR/TRS input terminals and one 3.5-mm stereo mini input are available for virtually any dynamic or condenser handheld, shotgun, lavalier or other microphone.

Built-In Processing With User-Friendly Control for Highest Recording Quality

The included audio processing features such as auto-level, low-cut filter and limiter can be accessed using convenient switches. The CA-XLR2d can also link two input channels, which allows you to control the input gain as well as the LEVEL and LIMITER settings simultaneously for the left and right channels when recording in stereo.

Premium sound quality is achieved by professional-grade electronics, 16-bit/24-bit resolution and sampling frequencies of 48 kHz or 96 kHz.

Achieve High Sound Quality With Your Current Camera

Don’t worry if your camera’s hot shoe cannot handle a digital audio signal nor power the Tascam mic adapter. The CA-XLR2d-AN analogue kit can be used with virtually any camera that has an analogue audio input. Attach the included battery box (two AA batteries) and connect the analogue output of the CA-XLR2d to the microphone input of the camera with the included stereo audio cable. This allows you to benefit from the high-quality microphone preamplifiers and audio processing functions and significantly improve the sound of your film recordings.

Features

• Two XLR/TRS input terminals to use the optimum microphone according to the set and environment
• High-performance A/D converter transmits digital audio directly and without deterioration to the camera via the accessory shoe (compatible manufacturers: Canon, Fujifilm)
• Power can be supplied from the camera body via the corresponding accessory shoe (compatible manufacturers: Canon, Fujifilm)
• High-performance Tascam HDDA mic preamplifier for high sound quality, low noise and wide dynamic range (switchable mic/line level, switchable 48V phantom power supply)
• Additional 3.5-mm stereo mini jack input for a lavalier mic or a microphone requiring plug-in power
• Compatible with virtually all cameras that have an analogue input by using the included items (battery box, cold shoe mount adapter, detachable microphone holder with shock mount mechanism and analogue audio cable)
• Cold shoe mount on top for extra adapters or accessories
• Analogue audio output that supports two modes:
• Camera mode: Allows to transmit audio to the microphone input of the camera
• Headphone mode: Allows direct monitoring with headphones
• Replaceable shoe connection adapter
• CA-AK1-C and CA-AK1-F available for use with Canon or Fujifilm cameras
• One CA-XLR2d can be used with both Canon and Fujifilm cameras by replacing the shoe connection adapter
• Switchable input level attenuation: 0 dB / 20 dB / 46 dB
• Switchable low-cut filter: Off / 80 Hz / 220 Hz
• Switchable limiter
• Auto-level function
• Overload indicator for each input
• Input level, auto/manual setting and limiter of inputs 1 and 2 can be stereo-linked
• Transparent protective cover to prevent unintentional changes of settings
• Convenient cable holder

Specifications

A/D conversion

• Sampling frequency: 48 kHz / 96 kHz
• Bit width: 16 bit, 24 bit (Fs and bit width are synchronized with the settings of the connected camera)
• Number of audio channels: 2

Analogue audio inputs

• Mic inputs 1, 2 (balanced): XLR-3-31 equivalent (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) (phantom power available)
•   Input impedance: ≥2 kΩ
•   Maximum input level: +6 dBu (ATT set to 46 dB)
•   Minimum input level: –60 dBu (ATT set to 0 dB)
•   Gain range: 66 dB
• Line inputs 1, 2 (balanced): 6.3-mm standard TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) (phantom power not available)
•   Input impedance: ≥10 kΩ
•   Maximum input level: +24 dBu
•   Rated input level: +4 dBu
•   Gain range: 66 dB
• Mic input 3 (unbalanced): 3.5-mm 3-pole mini jack (supports plug-in power)
•   Input impedance: ≥2 kΩ
•   Maximum input level: +6 dBV (ATT set to 46 dB)
•   Minimum input level: –60 dBV (ATT set to 0 dB)
•   Gain range: 66 dB
•   Plug-in power: 2.7 V (0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms)

Analogue audio outputs

• Headphones/Camera output: 3.5-mm stereo mini jack
•   Output voltage: 0.29 Vrms (fixed, when set to headphones)
•                           0.5 Vrms (output volume max., when set to camera)
•   Headphones impedance: 16–250 Ω

Audio performance

• Mic preamp EIN (equivalent input noise): ≤–120 dBu (150 Ω, GAIN at max., A-weighted)
• Dynamic range: ≥95 dB (22-kHz LPF, A-weighted)
• Frequency response (XLR to digital input): 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5 dB / –1 dB (Fs = 48 kHz)
•                                                               20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5 dB / –1 dB (Fs = 96 kHz)

Power supply and other specifications

• Power supply: 2 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium-ion)
•                      Power through accessory shoe of compatible camera
• Power consumption: 2 W (maximum)
• Dimensions (w × h × d, without protrusions): 88 mm × 119 mm × 110 mm
• Weight: CA-XLR2d-F: 331 g
• Operating temperature range: 0–40 °C

Included items

• CA-XLR2d unit*
• CA-AK1-F accessory shoe mount adapter (attached to unit)*
• CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter*
• Battery holder*
• Mic holder (attached to unit)
• Quick Guide (including warranty)
• 3.5-mm stereo mini jack cable