The Tascam XLR Microphone Adapter Kits that were teased last year are now available to pre-order. They are scheduled to start shipping on the 29th of January.
There are three versions of the Tascam XLR Microphone Adapter Kits:
- Tascam CA-XLR2d-C XLR Microphone Adapter Kit for Cameras (Canon) $499 USD
- Tascam CA-XLR2d-AN XLR Microphone Adapter Kit for Cameras (3.5mm Analog) $449 USD
- Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR Microphone Adapter Kit for Cameras (FUJIFILM) $499 USD
Essentially, all of these Tascam XLR Microphone Adapter Kits offer the same inputs/outputs and functionality. The only real difference is that the CA-XLR2d-C XLR and the CA-XLR2d-F XLR feature a hot shoe interface that lets them pass through both power and audio. The CA-XLR2d-AN can only utilize a 3.5mm stereo output to send audio to a camera.
Finally a decent audio solution for Canon mirrorless cameras
Canon has been way behind the eight ball when it comes to audio solutions for its mirrorless hybrid cameras. While Sony and Panasonic have had hot shoe interface XLR adapter modules for years and years Canon has stuck with a 3.5mm mic input.
Finally, there is a hot shoe XLR audio module that will work with the R3, and XF605.
The Tascam CA-XLR2d-C integrates directly with the new hotshoe on the Canon R3, XF605, and future Canon cameras. This allows the camera to directly power the XLR module and to transfer the audio without any need for cables.
The CA-XLR2d-C features two XLR inputs and a 3.5mm mic input. It has settings for line and mic and the ability to provide phantom power.
There is also a headphone out jack that can also be switched to a 3.5mm output if you wanted to use this adapter on another camera and not the R3 or X605.
On top of the XLR Adapters, there is a cold shoe mount for attaching radio mics, etc.
Key features
- Adapts XLR Mics to Camera Input
- Canon Mount for Digital Audio & Power
- HDDA Preamp + Analog/Digital Converter
- Provides 48V to Condenser Mics
- 3.5mm Stereo Microphone Input
- 3.5mm Output for Headphones/Camera
The accessory shoe allows the camera to supply the adapter with power for the analog-to-digital converter and the 48V phantom power needed for condenser microphones. Two AA batteries will also power the unit, and the 3.5mm output jack will connect to just about any camera’s 3.5mm audio input, using the supplied cable; meaning the CA-XLR2d-C can work as an analog audio adapter with a wide variety of mirrorless/DSLR cameras. The audio output can also serve as a headphone jack for real-time monitoring in the field.
Tascam claims that the XLR Microphone Adapter Kits are equipped with a high-definition discrete-architecture microphone preamplifier that can process anything from room tone to explosions, making it well suited to a wide range of sets and environments. Each input supports microphone/line-level switching and a +48V phantom power supply. The Adapter Kits allow the input of dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, and line-level audio signals from a mixer.
Internal processing options such as Auto Level, a Low-Cut Filter, and a Limiter are all available. The 1+2 LINK function allows you to adjust the L/R volume simultaneously when recording in stereo. The unit supports 16/24-bit rates and 48/96 kHz sampling rates.
The CA-XLR2d-AN doesn’t get its power from the camera because it doesn’t feature a hot shoe like the other two versions. Instead, you need to power it through two AA batteries that you place in the detachable battery box.
What do you get in the kits?
CA-XLR2d-C
CA-XLR2d unit (with bottom connector cover) × 1
CA-AK1-C accessory shoe mount adapter (with connector cover/attached to unit) × 1
CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter (with interface connector cover) × 1
Battery holder (with connector cover) × 1 (Note) Separately, two AA batteries are required
Mic holder (attached to unit) × 1
Quick Guide (including warranty) × 1
3.5mm(1/8″) stereo mini cable × 1
TASCAM ID registration guide × 1
CA-XLR2d-F
CA-XLR2d unit(with bottom connector cover) × 1
CA-AK1-F accessory shoe mount adapter (with connector cover/attached to unit) × 1
CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter (with interface connector cover) × 1
Battery holder (with connector cover) × 1 (Note) Separately, two AA batteries are required
Mic holder (attached to unit) × 1
Quick Guide (including warranty) × 1
3.5mm(1/8″) stereo mini cable × 1
TASCAM ID registration guide × 1
CA-XLR2d-AN
CA-XLR2d unit (with bottom connector cover) × 1
CA-AK1-AN cold shoe mount adapter (attached to unit) × 1
Battery holder (with connector cover) × 1 (Note) Separately, two AA batteries are required
Mic holder (attached to unit) × 1
Quick Guide (including warranty) × 1
3.5mm(1/8″) stereo mini cable × 1
TASCAM ID registration guide × 1
Optional Items
Accessory shoe mount adapter
CA-AK1-C (Accessory shoe mount adapter for Canon)
CA-AK1-F (Accessory shoe mount adapter for FUJIFILM)
CA-AK1-AN (Cold shoe mount adapter)
What cameras have the CA-XLR2d been tested with?
Above you can see the list of cameras that Tascam has tested the CA-XLR2d with. As you can see some of the Fujifilm cameras will be able to use the adapter later in the year after firmware updates have been implemented.