Tascam CA-AK1-N – Conversion Adapter for CA-XLR2d-N

What is the Tascam CA-AK1-N?

The Tascam CA-AK1-N is a conversion adapter that mounts a Tascam CA-XLR2d-N camera audio adapter directly to a Nikon camera's Multi-Accessory Shoe. It is the Nikon-specific shoe interface in Tascam's CA-AK1 conversion adapter line, which lets a single CA-XLR2d unit be reconfigured for different camera shoe standards instead of requiring a separate audio adapter per camera brand. The primary use case is mounting professional XLR microphone inputs on Nikon mirrorless bodies, such as the Nikon ZR, without running a separate power cable to the adapter. For AV integrators and video production teams standardizing on Tascam camera-top audio, the CA-AK1-N is the piece that makes a CA-XLR2d-N deployment Nikon-compatible.

How does the Tascam CA-AK1-N work?

The CA-AK1-N replaces the standard shoe interface on the Tascam CA-XLR2d-N with a Nikon Multi-Accessory Shoe connector, allowing the unit to physically mount to and communicate with Nikon's digital accessory shoe. Because Nikon's Multi-Accessory Shoe carries both data and power through its contacts, the CA-AK1-N draws operating power directly from the camera body once installed. This eliminates a separate battery or external power cable for the audio adapter, which simplifies the camera rig and reduces cable clutter on a gimbal, cage, or handheld setup. Audio captured through the CA-XLR2d-N's XLR/TRS combo jacks and preamps is transmitted to the camera as a digital signal over the shoe connection rather than through an analog cable run, which keeps signal integrity high and setup fast for run-and-gun or studio production. The adapter itself is a passive mechanical and electrical interface — it does not add processing, gain, or additional inputs; all audio functionality still lives in the CA-XLR2d-N unit it attaches to. Installation is straightforward: the CA-AK1-N ships with its connector, interface connector covers, and two attachment screws, and swaps onto the CA-XLR2d-N chassis in place of the factory shoe adapter. This modular approach is useful for production houses, rental houses, and AV integrators that support mixed camera fleets, since the same CA-XLR2d-N body can be reassigned to a Nikon body with the CA-AK1-N, or to Canon, Fujifilm, or standard cold-shoe cameras with the corresponding adapter in the CA-AK1 series. For facilities or production teams standardizing their video kits around Nikon mirrorless cameras and Tascam camera-top audio, the CA-AK1-N is the component that closes that compatibility gap. It is sold and specified as a companion part to the CA-XLR2d-N, not as a standalone audio solution.

What are the key features of the Tascam CA-AK1-N?

• Nikon Multi-Accessory Shoe interface — Physically and electrically mounts the CA-XLR2d-N to Nikon cameras equipped with the digital Multi-Accessory Shoe.
• Cable-free power delivery — Draws power for the CA-XLR2d-N directly through the camera's shoe contacts, removing the need for a separate power cable or battery.
• Digital shoe-based audio transfer — Passes audio to the camera through the accessory shoe's digital connection instead of an analog cable.
• Modular adapter design — Swaps onto the CA-XLR2d-N in place of another shoe adapter, letting one audio unit serve multiple camera brands over time.
• Simple field installation — Ships with the adapter, connector and interface connector covers, and two attachment screws for a quick mechanical swap.
• Purpose-built for the CA-XLR2d-N — Engineered specifically as the Nikon-compatible counterpart to Tascam's CA-XLR2d-N camera audio adapter.

Technical Specifications

Specifications sourced from Tascam's official product page. Dimensions, weight, and material specifications are not published by Tascam for this accessory and have been omitted rather than estimated.

Browse the full lineup of Tascam camera audio adapters and accessories in the Tascam collection at Creation Networks.