Question re. Z50+Beachtek DXA-MAX+Rode Videomic Pro Plus

Thank you for your response.  I've added some answers, below.

Andrew S10 wrote:

I don't have that specific combination, I have a Nikon D7000 & Sony A6300, and a really old Beachtek DXA-6, but I don't use it anymore, as my JuicedLink RA222 sounds much cleaner.

I need you to clarify some things.

Are the DXA-MAX gain switches flipped to high?

Yes.  Gain switch are HIgh on the DXA-MAX.  The Rode is set to 0dB (default).

Is the DXA-MAX trim knob cranked to max?

No.  That's the puzzling thing.  The instructions to the DXA-MAX are that you match the DXA-MAX and the camera mic gain so that they are both peaking at 0dB, and then you leave the camera gain alone and adjust the DXA-MAX to the desired level.  But following these instructions, the camera mic gain is in the middle (10 on a 1-20 range on the Z50), which I thought defeated the purpose of the using the audio amplifier.

When I plug the Rode directly into the camera, the manual gain setting in the camera also is in the middle to recording at around -12dB.  So if the purpose of the DXA-MAX is to reduce the noise floor by allowing you to turn down the camera mic gain, that doesn't seem to be happening.

Is the Videomic Pro gain set to +20 dB?

No.  0dB.  I'm going to try setting it to +20dB on the Rode plugged directly into the camera.  If I try that through the DXA-MAX with it's gain on High, i'm not sure I'm going to be able to turn down the gain dials low enough.

Are you using a 3.5mm to XLR adapter to route the Videomic Pro into the DXA-MAX?

No.  I'm using the 3.5mm TRS cable.

Are you using a standard aux cable between your Z50 & DXA-MAX or one with an in-line attenuator?

Standard 3.5mm cable, not an attenuator.

If you max the gain on the DXA-MAX & Videomic Pro, can you lower the Z50 gain to 1?

Beachtek support essentially said to try this, which I will, but then the VU meters on the DXA-MAX will be at +3dB easy, which Beachek said should not be an issue.