Comica CVM-AX1 3.5mm Dual Channel Audio Mixer

Excellent for portable stereo recording

By: Tom on 12 October 2022

This little audio mixer from Comica (CVM-AX1) is a little powerhouse! I was looking for something that would take two high quality mono microphones and connect to a single stereo input with one microphone being forced into the left and the other forced into the right, giving me 'pure' stereo sound. I am pleased to report that the AX1 not only splits the left and right channels with absolutely no leakage from the other channel, but there is absolutely no drop in quality at all. No strange background noise or anything. The construction is solid and the battery compartment is firmly in place and sturdy. All jack points are firmly in place. I had an issue with the power button sticking, but after using it several times it is now fine. I also had an issue when mounted directly to the cold shoes on my camera, I got an electric buzz on both channels. This was because my camera was literally trying to power the AX1 so I placed a small piece of paper into the camera's mount to isolate the current and that solved the problem easily. Having the ability to adjust the volume of each channel is a real bonus. It means you can lower the volume pre-mix before it even gets to the recording device and avoids any peaking. If you decide to use it as a backup mixer (left Chanel is lapel mic, right channel is shotgun mic, for example) you can technically have two isolated recording from two different mics being recorded into one stereo track. You can record each isolated track at its own volume (thanks to this mixer) and then in the edit you can choose which track sounds best and simply remove the left or right track you don't want! Perfect for interviews or talking heads. The real reason for getting this device is to power microphones that need that 3V. The AX1 allows you to literally use any microphone (powered or unpowered) directly into your camera or other device. The ability to separate out two mono microphones into discreet left and right channels to give pure stereo is amazing for my purposes as I wanted to record stereo audio without buying a stereo mic and not using the built-in microphones on my camera. AN extra bonus is that you can actually plug a third stereo device into the middle jack. So, if you wanted to you could left and right stereo with another stereo mic (or line in) plugged into the stereo input. So technically you can input three microphones at once using this mixer BUT you cannot isolate that third stereo input. It will only ever output two channels. I used the AX1 in the field recently using two mono Rode mics plugged into this device to create a lush stereo sound. Really pleased with the results and I won't go anywhere without the AX1 now, especially if I want to record in stereo. Also, Swamp Industries did a great job sending me this. Easy to order online, same-day despatch and was delivered before the estimated date. Very happy nd highly recommended on all fronts!

5 (5)