Shure Microflex MX396 User manual
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MX396 -- Multi-Element Boundary Micro-
phone
General Description
Shure MX396 Dual-Element and Tri-Element microphones provide full coverage of large tables with fewer micro-
phones, and feature a low profile design. This makes them ideal for use in boardrooms and other installations
where aesthetics are important.
Features
•Low profile, aesthetic design
•Wide dynamic range and smooth frequency response
•Configurable mute switch with logic output
•Logic input for external LED control
•RF filtering with CommShield technology
Placement
Important: Align the Shure logo as shown for proper coverage.
®
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Reconfiguring the MX396-TRI for 360° Coverage
To configure the MX396 for 360° "omnidirectional" coverage, open the grille and reposition the internal mic ele-
ments as shown.
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Permanent Installation
Cable
The MX396 comes with a 20 ft. attached, unterminated cable.
Wire Color Function Mic Element
White Mic 1 Audio + A
Green Mic 1 Audio −
Orange Mic 2 Audio + B
Blue Mic 2 Audio −
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Wire Color Function Mic Element
Yellow Mic 3 Audio + C (TRI models)
Gray Mic 3 Audio −
Red SWITCH OUT All
Black LED IN
Silver (non-insulated) Logic Ground
Shield Mic Common Ground
Phantom Power
Each element in the microphone requires 12 to 48 V phantom power. The LED also uses phantom power, and
dims slightly when phantom power voltage drops below 48 V DC.
The Tri-element model draws 22 mA at 48 V. The Dual-element model draws 19 mA at 48 Vdc. (Each element
draws 3 mA and the LED draws 13 mA, distributed equally among each element.)
NOTE: Do not connect multiple elements in parallel to a single mic input. The phantom power current draw could
exceed the maximum allowable for one mic input.
Accessing the DIP Switches
Caution: Failure to reinstall the setscrew will reduce RF immunity.
DIP Switch Settings
DOWN (Default) UP
Momentary Toggle
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DOWN (Default) UP
Push-to-Mute Push-to-Talk
Mute button enabled, LED illuminates when mic is ac-
tive
Disable mute button (microphone always on), logic
controls LED
Full Frequency Range 6dB/octave Low Cut Filter
Low Cut Filter
Set DIP Switch 4 up to activate the low cut filter. Attenuates 6 dB per octave below 150 Hz.
Local Mute Control
The mircophone ships configured for local (manual) mute control (DIP Switch 3 down). In this mode, the PUSH
button on the microphone mutes the audio signal at the microphone. Audio is not sent to the audio outputs.
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In this configuration, the LED color reflects the microphone state, as controlled by the user with the PUSH button.
Green: microphone active
Red: microphone muted
Button Configuration
For local mute control operation, use DIP Switches 1 and 2 to configure the button behavior.
Button Behavior SWITCH OUT Logic Signal DIP Switch Setting
Momentary: push-to-mute (as shipped). When pushed, SWITCH OUT (red wire)
falls to 0 V. When released, SWITCH
OUT returns to +5 V.
Momentary: push-to-talk
Toggle: Push and release to toggle the
microphone on or off. Mic is active when
powered on.
Push and release sets SWITCH OUT to
0 V. Push again to toggle back to +5 V.
Toggle: Push and release to toggle the
microphone on or off. Mic is mute when
powered on
Logic Mute Control (Automatic Mixing)
Set DIP Switch 3 up to configure the microphone for logic control applications where audio from the microphone
is muted by an external device, such as an automatic mixer. In this mode, the local mute function of the PUSH but-
ton is bypassed (the microphone always sends audio) and the LED does not respond directly from pushing the
button.
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As required by the installation specifications, wire the SWITCH OUT conductor in the microphone cable to the au-
tomatic mixer or other TTL logic device. When the talker presses the button on the microphone, it changes the
voltage level at the SWITCH OUT conductor, which signals the device to mute audio for that channel or perform
some other function.
To control the LED on the microphone, wire the LED IN conductor to the gate output on the automatic mixer (or
any TTL logic device).
Button Configuration
For logic control operation, DIP Switch 1 determines the button behavior (DIP Switch 2 has no effect).
Button Behavior DIP Switch Setting
Momentary: When pushed, SWITCH OUT (red wire) falls to 0 V. When released,
SWITCH OUT returns to +5 V.
Toggle: Push and release sets SWITCH OUT to 0 V. Push again to toggle back to +5
V.
Controlling the LED Using Logic LED IN
When configured for logic mute control, connect the LED IN conductors to an external switch, relay, or a TTL gate
(gate out) on an automatic mixer.
•The LED illuminates green when the MX396 LED IN is grounded (black wire connected to the bare silver wire).
•The LED illuminates red when LED IN is lifted (black wire is NOT connected to the bare silver wire).
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Accessories
Replacement Parts
Fastening Wing Nut [65A2190]
Mounting Tube [31A2165]
Rubber Isolation Rings (2) [66A405]
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Mic Cartidge (Cardioid) [R185B]
Specifications
All measurements taken with microphone mounted on a wooden surface (76 x 76 cm)
Cartridge Type
Electret Condenser
Frequency Response
50–17000 Hz
Polar Pattern
MX396/C-DUAL Cardioid (x2)
MX396/C-TRI Cardioid (x3)
Output Impedance
170 Ω
Output Configuration
Active Balanced
Sensitivity
@ 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
−35 dBV/Pa (18 mV)
1 Pa=94 dB SPL
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load
122 dB
Equivalent Output Noise
A-weighted
30 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Ref. 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz
64 dB
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