The SmartRig, an easy solution to connect any professional microphones to iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad and Android devices, is not the only product from Saramonic, a professional sound equipment company from China focused on producing audio adapters, microphones and portable recorders.
While some of the promised products, like the portable recorders – apparently similar to models we know from other brands -, or microphones, are not yet available, the company has an ample offer of solutions in terms of audio adapters, allowing users to connect professional audio recording equipment and microphones to their cameras.
Input and output on the models available follow industry standards, so it is easy to use these devices with multiple cameras, microphones, headphones and other audio and video equipment. Check the manufacturer’s website for detailed information on each product.
SmartMixer
The Saramonic SmartMixer is a compact and lightweight audio interface with phantom power and amplifier, ideal for iOS and Android mobile devices video production.
The interface features one mini XLR input for balanced microphones and two microphone/line inputs for the included condenser microphones or other user-supplied microphones. A volume control knob and level meter allow easy adjustment of the input level. A headphone monitor output allows you to monitor the input and playback signal. The SmartMixer costs $78.12.
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The audio adapter, used to improve audio quality of smartphones, is a more sophisticated solution than the SmartRig presented here at PVC recently. The essential characteristics, also present in many of the other products in Saramonic’s line, are as follows:
- Two 1/8 (3.5 mm) stereo line/mic inputs
- One mini XLR microphone input ( a mini-XLR to standard-XLR cable included)
- +48V phantom power
- One 1/8 (3.5 mm) stereo line output to headphone
- One 1/8 (3.5 mm) headphone monitor output
- REC/PLAY monitor switch
- Independent L/R level meters
- Volume control knob
- Includes two plug-in power condenser microphones
- Includes a device holder and aluminium hand grip
- Power provided by 9V battery
SR-AX100
The Saramonic SR-AX100 is a 2-channel audio adapter ideal for shooting videos with any DSLR camera or camcorder. The adapter provides users with a compact dual-mic mounting and audio mixing solution, which allows to easily mount and control two mics or wireless receivers. It requires no batteries or power source. Price: $46.87.
The Saramonic SR-AX101 is a 2-channel XLR audio adapter which allows users to connect a wide variety of professional audio devices, including balanced XLR microphones, wireless microphones, preamplifiers and more to any DSLR camera or compact camcorder that features a 3.5mm aux mini-jack input.
Saramonic’s technical information indicates that “the passive operation provides you superb sound quality with an extremely wide dynamic range, and no batteries or power source are needed.”
The SR-AX101 is, according to Saramonic, “simple to set up and use. With the trim control knobs for each channel, you can adjust the recording levels. It’s a compact and economical way to add excellent audio to your camcorder”. Price: $96.86.
BMCC-A01
The Saramonic BMCC-A01 is a 2-channel XLR audio adapter, specially designed for Blackmagic Cinema Camera. A wide-variety of professional audio devices like XLR mics, wireless mics, boom mics and mixing boards can be connected to the camera via this adapter.
The BMCC-A01 allows users to record high quality audio directly to the camera, eliminating the need of a separate audio recording device and syncing in the post editing work. Audio from the microphones will be passed to the camera through the BMCC-A01 with or without the use of a 9V battery. Advanced functions such as level meter, 12V/48V phantom power and LED indicator are available by using a battery.
It should be noted that this adapter does not have a preamplifier. For best results, says Saramonic, use with condenser microphones that provide a strong output signal. Price: $148.42.
SR-AX104
The Saramonic SR-AX104 is a 2-channel XLR audio adapter with preamplifiers and phantom power, ideal for any DSLR cameras with a built-in microphone jack. The SR-AX104 level meter allows users to verify the proper input levels in real time, while the output signal can be adjusted with the level controls for optimum recording. The phone jack lets users monitor the audio from the adapter during recording, or from camera during playback. The AGC disable feature reduces noise during quiet moments of recording. Price: $164.04.
The Saramonic SR-AX107 is a 2-channel XLR audio adapter featuring preamplifiers and phantom power controls. The SR-AX107 allows you to connect microphones, wireless microphones, digital recorders, external audio mixers, soundboards and more to your DSLR camera or camcorder via two balanced XLR inputs.
Designed to save hours in post-production, the SR-AX107 includes an on-board level meter to verify the proper input levels in real time, while the output signal can be adjusted by the level controls for optimum recording. The dual headphone jacks allow you monitor the audio from the adapter at the input and output points. The Saramonic SR-AX107 features an Isolation Transformer which provides a completely noise free and pure sound. Price: $195.29.
Final notes
Consumer reports on most of the products mentioned here are mostly positive. The only completely negative comment found is from one user who bought the Saramonic BMCC-A01 for Black Magic Cinema Camera to use with a DSLR and made a negative evaluation… because it did not fit. Strange choice, as there is a version for DSLRs, so it should not be counted.