Comica CVM Linkflex.AD3 Mixer Preamp
Anyone looking at adding a little mixer and preamp like the Comica Linkflex.AD3 to their recording tool kit is likely trying to solve one or more of a couple of problems.
Opening
First and most obvious is the need to mix two audio inputs into the recording device whether it’s a camera, other audio recorder or laptop. This can be a musician recording him or herself singing and playing a guitar or other mic’d instrument or a vlogger or podcaster capturing an interview with two mono mics.
The second problem might be a general dissatisfaction with the ability to adjust your camera’s audio levels and the overall quality of the camera’s preamps.
A third and perhaps a bit less common issue might be mixing condenser and dynamic mics and needing to supply phantom power.
Whether solving these problems or working on some other audio-related issue, the Comica Linkflex.AD3 preamp and mixer can help you up your game in the audio department.
Category Contenders
There are several brands and form factors in the small preamp market. In fact, Comica has a couple of small preamp mixers in this general category as does Saramonic and others. These other preamps differ from the Linkflex.AD3 in that they are designed to be mounted with the camera for best results. They have multiple cold shoe mounts and attachment points to mount the devices either above or below the camera itself and to attach mics or wireless receivers.
If shooting with a tripod or other cage-type device, this works pretty well. The extra weight , however, can make using these types of preamp mixers a bit problematic for run and gun shooting.
Linkflex.AD3 Features
The Linkflex.AD3 is a bit different, however.
First, it is smaller than mixers like the Comica CVM AX3. Not a lot smaller, but smaller. It come with a belt clip to mount the device to a belt or pocket. It also comes with a Velcro strap called magic tape and some detents in the device’s body to allow the tape to strap the device to a tripod, mic stand or to double up the security to a belt.
Additionally, the AD3 also has a connecting wire from the device to the camera or recorder that’s about 4 feet long. That’s a clear indication that the device is expected to be mounted away from the camera or recorder.
The smaller case, however, includes most of the same functions of mixers like the CVM AX3.
The biggest similarity and best feature set is the two inputs that accommodate just about any mic connector. The large connectors accept XLR plugs and the center of the mounting socket will also accept a 6.35 millimeter or quarter inch phone jack. That mean professional mics and musical instruments can be added to the mixer.
Above the XLR sockets are 3.5 millimeter sockets for lav mics or outputs from wireless mic systems that use the smaller connectors.
Also like the larger mixers, the Linkflex.AD3 uses a 9 volt battery to both power the device and also supply 48 volt phantom power to condenser mics that need the voltage to generate the change in capacitance across the mics’s plate and diaphragm. If you connect one mic that needs power and one that doesn’t the mic that doesn’t need the power will ignore the voltage and small current in the line.
Additionally, there are several switches that allow the user to control the type of recording and the target of the recording signal. Take a look at the video review for a comprehensive explanation of those controls.
Linkflex.AD3 Assessment
All in all, this Comica Linkflex.AD3 mixer preamp performed well and does a good job addressing the possible problems you might be attempting to solve as I mentioned in the opening to this article.
As the Linkflex name suggests, this device’s form factor makes it a very flexible preamp and mixer combo you’ll be able to use in a variety of combinations and shooting situations.
