Shure MXA902 User manual

MXA902
Integrated Conferencing Ceiling Array
User guide for Shure MXA902 integrated ceiling array microphone, loudspeaker, and IntelliMix DSP. Learn how to install and get great audio
in small/medium rooms
Version: 0.1 (2023-E)

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Table of Contents
MXA902 Integrated Conferencing Ceiling Array 4
Getting Started 4
MXA902 Designer Setup 4
MXA902 Web Application Setup 6
General Description 6
Features 7
MXA902 Parts 7
Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) 9
Model Variations 9
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts 9
What's in the Box 9
Reset Button 10
Reset Modes 10
MXA902 Control Software 10
Controlling Devices with Shure Designer Software 11
How to Update Firmware Using Designer 11
MXA902 Coverage 11
How Much Space Does the MXA902 Cover? 12
Adjust Microphone and Loudspeaker Levels 12
Mute the MXA902 13
Use Designer's Optimize Workflow 13
How to Install the MXA902 15
Install in a Ceiling Grid 15
VESA Standardized Mounting 18
Suspending from the Ceiling 19
Install on a Ceiling with the A900-CM 19
Dante Channels 19
IntelliMix DSP 19
DSP Best Practices 20
Acoustic Echo Cancellation 20
Noise Reduction 21
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) 21
Delay 21
Compressor 21
Parametric Equalizer 22
Encryption 24
Networking Best Practices 25
Switch and Cable Recommendations for Dante Network
ing 25
Device IP Configuration 25
Setting Latency 25
QoS (Quality of Service) Settings 26
IP Ports and Protocols 27
Digital Audio Networking 27
Compatibility with Dante Domain Manager 28
Dante Flows for Shure Devices 28
AES67 28
Sending Audio from a Shure Device 29
Receiving Audio from a Device Using a Different Audio
Network Protocol 29
Paint Square Array Microphones 29
Step 1: Remove the Frame and Grille 29
Step 2: Mask and Paint 30
Step 3: Reassembly 31
Using Command Strings 31
Troubleshooting 31

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Additional Resources 32
Specifications 33
MXA902 Microphone Frequency Response 35
Dimensions 35
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 36
Important Product Information 37
Information to the user 37
Certifications 38

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MXA902
Integrated Conferencing Ceiling Array
Getting Started
MXA902 Designer Setup
The MXA902 microphone and loudspeaker intelligently covers all talkers inside the 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area.
IntelliMix®DSP sends a clear signal for the far end, with AEC, noise reduction, and more on a single output. The loudspeaker
provides high-quality speech reproduction for the entire 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area.
After completing this basic setup process, you should be able to:
Discover the MXA902 in Designer
Adjust DSP settings, route audio, and change loudspeaker levels
You will need:
Cat5e or better Ethernet cable (shielded cable recommended)
Network switch that provides Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
Shure Designer software (download at shure.com/designer)
Step 1: Install and Connect
Install the MXA902 and connect it to a PoE+ port on the network switch using Ethernet cable. If your switch doesn't
supply PoE+, the loudspeaker does not play sound and the error LED flashes.
Connect the computer running Designer to the same network.
Open Designer. Check that you’re connected to the correct network in Settings.
Go to Online devices. To identify devices, click the product icon to flash the lights on a device. Find the MXA902 in the
list.
Check if there are firmware updates available for the MXA902 and install the latest. You can also use Shure Update
Utility (download at shure.com/suu).
Step 2: Route Audio and Apply DSP
The easiest way to route audio and apply DSP is with Designer's optimize workflow. Optimize routes audio signals, applies
DSP settings, turns on mute synchronization, and enables LED control for connected devices.
For this example, we'll connect an MXA902 and an ANIUSB-MATRIX.
In Designer, create a new room. Drag and drop the MXA902 and the ANIUSB-MATRIX to add them to the room.

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Select Optimize. Designer sends the microphone signal to the ANIUSB-MATRIX, sets the MXA902's loudspeaker as
the AEC reference, and makes other DSP changes. You can also route audio manually in Designer or Dante Controller.
Check the audio routes and settings to make sure they fit your needs.
Step 3: Listen and Adjust
Connect a computer with videoconferencing software (such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams) installed on it to the ANIUSB-
MATRIX's USB port.
Open the ANIUSBMATRIX's matrix mixer in Designer. Make sure that the box where the Dante input and the USB out
put intersect is checked (this sends the microphone signal to the computer).
Open the videoconferencing software on the computer connected to the ANIUSB-MATRIX. In the settings, choose the
ANIUSB-MATRIX as the speaker and microphone.
Place a test call with the whole system. Have the far-end caller tell you how the microphone signal sounds and make
adjustments as needed:
Microphone: [Your room] > MXA902 > IntelliMix
Loudspeaker: [Your room] > MXA902 > Loudspeaker > Speaker output.
If needed, move the microphone's coverage area up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in any direction: [Your room] > Coverage map.
You can also listen to the microphone signal directly using a Dante headphone amp to help make adjustments.

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Important: Use Designer 4.7.25 or newer to discover the MXA902. Refer to MXA902 Limitations for details about using the
MXA902 with Designer 4.7.25 and certain Shure device firmware.
MXA902 Web Application Setup
Out of the box, the MXA902 has a 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area for microphone pickup and speech reproduction.
You can shift the microphone coverage up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in any direction using Designer or the web application. After com
pleting this basic setup process, you should be able to:
Access the MXA902's web application
Adjust DSP settings, route audio, and change loudspeaker levels
You will need:
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable
Network switch that provides Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
Shure Web Device Discovery and Dante Controller software
Step 1: Install and Connect
Install the microphone and connect it to a PoE+ port on the network switch using Ethernet cable.
Connect the computer running Shure Web Device Discovery and Dante Controller to the same network.
Open Shure Web Device Discovery. Find the MXA902 in the list of devices and doubleclick to open the web applica
tion.
Step 2: Route Audio
To route audio to and from other Dante devices, use Dante Controller.
Open Dante Controller and find the MXA902 in the list of transmitters and receivers.
Find the Dante device you're sending the MXA902's microphone signal to in the list of receivers. To make an audio
route, check the box where the MXA902's automix output intersects with the receiver device's input channel.
To route far-end audio to the MXA902's loudspeaker, check the box where the transmitter device's channel intersects
with one of the MXA902's 2 Dante input channels in the receiver list. The 2 inputs are summed and sent to the loud
speaker (the loudspeaker signal is also set as the AEC reference).
In your videoconferencing software, make sure to select the correct microphone and loudspeaker sources.
Step 3: Listen and Adjust
Place a test call with the whole system. Have the far-end caller tell you how the microphone signal sounds and make
adjustments in the web application as needed:
Microphone: MXA902 web application > IntelliMix
Loudspeaker: MXA902 web application > Loudspeaker > Speaker output.
If needed, move the microphone's coverage area up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in any direction: MXA902 web application >
Coverage map. You can also listen to the microphone signal directly using a Dante headphone amp to help make ad
justments.

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General Description
The Microflex Advance MXA902 Integrated Conferencing Ceiling Array delivers premium audio capture and reproduction for
small to mediumsized meeting spaces—with virtually no setup required. It combines an advanced array microphone with an
integrated loudspeaker for natural sounding speech reproduction. Features Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology to
capture audio from a 20 by 20-foot (6 by 6 meter) area and onboard IntelliMix DSP for echo- and noise-free audio. Paintable
white finish; versatile mounting options.
Features
Array microphone and loudspeaker in one unit for premium sound with minimal installation time
Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology to capture audio from a 20 by 20-foot (6 by 6 meter) area out of the box
Integrated 2.5-inch wide-dispersion loudspeaker for clear, intelligible speech reproduction
Onboard IntelliMix DSP with acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction, automatic mixing, AGC, and EQ for echo- and
noise-free audio
Square form factor available in 24-inch or 60 cm sizes with paintable white finish
Versatile options for ceiling, pole, or wire rope suspension mounting
Shure Designer System Configuration software for easy setup and configuration
PoE+ powered
LED status bar with configurable colors and brightness
Dante & AES67 audio networking protocols
®™
™

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MXA902 Parts
Mute status LED
The device mute button in Designer or the web application changes the mute status LED.
Customize LED color and behavior in Designer: Device configuration > Settings > Lights.
Mute Status LED Default Settings
Microphone Status LED Color/Behavior
Active Green (solid)
Muted Red (solid)
Hardware identification Green (flashing)
Firmware update in progress Green (progresses along bar)
Reset Network reset: Red (progresses along bar)
Factory reset: Triggers device power-up
Error Red (split, alternate flashing)

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Microphone Status LED Color/Behavior
Device power-up Multi-color flash, then blue (moves quickly back and forth
across bar)
Note: If LEDs are disabled, they will still turn on when the device powers up or when an error state occurs.
Reset button
RJ-45 network port
Network status LED (green)
Off = No network link
On = Network link established
Flashing = Network link active
Network speed LED (amber)
Off = 10/100 Mbps
On = 1 Gbps
Eyelet screws for suspension mounting (12 mm diameter)
VESA MIS-D mounting holes (100 mm spacing)
Safety tether attachment points
Loudspeaker enclosure
Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
This device requires PoE Plus (PoE+) to operate. It is compatible with Class 4 PoE+ sources.
PoE+ is delivered in one of the following ways:
A network switch that provides PoE+
A PoE+ injector device (must be a gigabit device)
Note: When connected to a PoE source, the MXA902 works as a microphone but not as a loudspeaker. The red error LED also flashes. To dismiss, connect to
a PoE+ source to turn on the loudspeaker or go to Settings > Lights to clear the error.
Model Variations
SKU Description
MXA902W-S White square microphone with loudspeaker
MXA902W-S-60CM White square microphone with loudspeaker (60 cm)
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
A900-S-GM Gripple Mount Kit, Square
A900-S-PM Pole Mount Kit, Square
A900-PM-3/8IN Threaded Rod Adapter Mounting Kit
A910-JB Junction Box Accessory
A900-CM Ceiling Mount
RPM904 frame and grille assembly
RPM901W-US frame and grille assembly

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What's in the Box
Square array microphone with loudspeaker MXA902-S or MXA902-S-60CM
Hardware kit with:
Cable ties (8)
Strain relief tabs (3)
Rubber pad set
90A49117
Reset Button
The reset button is behind the grille with a silkscreened circle around it. To push it, use a paper clip or other tool. You can also
reset the device using the control software.
Reset Modes
Network reset (press for 4-8 seconds): Resets all Shure control and audio network IP settings to factory defaults. Red
LED along bar.
Full factory reset (press for more than 8 seconds): Resets all network and configuration settings to the factory defaults.
Multicolor flash, then blue LED along bar.
MXA902 Control Software
There are 2 ways to control the MXA902:
Use Shure Designer software (download at shure.com/designer)
Control all Shure devices in one place.
Route audio to and from Shure devices.
Open the MXA902's web application with Shure Web Device Discovery (download at shure.com)
Control 1 device at a time.
Route audio with Dante Controller software.

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To update firmware, use Designer or Shure Update Utility (download at shure.com/suu).
Controlling Devices with Shure Designer Software
To control this device's settings, use Shure Designer software. Designer enables integrators and system planners to design au
dio coverage for installations using MXA microphones and other Shure networked devices.
To access your device in Designer:
Download and install Designer on a computer connected to the same network as your device.
Open Designer, and check that you’re connected to the correct network in Settings.
Click Online devices. A list of online devices appears.
To identify devices, click the product icon to flash the lights on a device. Select your device in the list and click Config
ure to control device settings.
Learn more at shure.com/designer.
You can also access device settings using Shure Web Device Discovery.
How to Update Firmware Using Designer
Applies to Designer 4.2 and newer.
Before setting up devices, check for firmware updates using Designer to take advantage of new features and improvements.
You can also install firmware using Shure Update Utility for most products.
To update:
Open Designer. If there's new firmware that you haven't downloaded yet, Designer shows a banner with the number of
updates available. Click to download firmware.
Go to Online devices and find your devices.
Choose a firmware version for each device from the Available firmware column. Make sure that no one is editing device
settings during an update.
Select the checkbox next to each device you plan to update and click Update firmware. Devices may disappear from
Online devices during an update. Don't close Designer while updating firmware.
MXA902 Coverage
The MXA902 uses Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology. There is one 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area that
captures every talker in it with minimal configuration. The MXA902's integrated loudspeaker provides natural-sounding speech
reproduction for the entire coverage area.
To access microphone coverage settings:
Designer: Add the microphone to a room and go to Coverage map.
Web application: Go to Coverage.
Any talker in the blue coverage area has microphone coverage. Click and drag to move the coverage area up to 4 feet (1.2 m)
in any direction.

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The MXA902 provides 1 automixed output with IntelliMix DSP for the far end. For most rooms, all you need to do is install the
microphone above the coverage area and route the audio signal using Shure Designer software or Dante Controller.
How Much Space Does the MXA902 Cover?
The MXA902's microphone coverage area is set at 20 x 20 feet (6.1 x 6.1 m). For most rooms, Shure recommends:
Maximum distance from talker to microphone: 16 feet (4.9 m)
Maximum mounting height: 10 feet (3 m)
The maximum distance from talker to microphone and maximum mounting height also depend on your room's acoustics, con
struction, and materials. Acoustically treated rooms that are less reverberant generally sound better and help improve your mi
crophone signal.
The MXA902's loudspeaker delivers high-quality speech reproduction for the entire 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area.
Adjust Microphone and Loudspeaker Levels
To adjust levels, open the MXA902 in Designer or the device web application.
Microphone Levels
To adjust, go to IntelliMix.
Make a test call with your videoconferencing software.

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Talk in all parts of the coverage area at a normal speech volume and have someone on the far end listen to your signal.
Adjust levels as needed. The coverage area gain fader is post-gate.
Adjust EQ settings as needed. You can use EQ to improve speech intelligibility and control problematic frequencies in a
room (such as a low-frequency rumble caused by HVAC systems). You can also make changes to IntelliMix DSP blocks
here.
If needed, listen to the microphone signal directly using a Dante headphone amp or with Dante Virtual Soundcard.
Loudspeaker Levels
To adjust, go to Loudspeaker and use the Speaker output fader.
Make a test call with your videoconferencing software and adjust the loudspeaker level as needed. If you set a higher loud
speaker level, you may need to use a higher NLP setting on the AEC block to remove echo.
If needed, use the signal generator to help with EQ adjustments. The signal generator is pre-EQ.
Mute the MXA902
The MXA902 has multiple mute points for controlling the microphone, the loudspeaker, or both:
IntelliMix output mute: Mutes the microphone's Dante output channel
Dante input mute: Mutes the selected Dante input channel
Speaker output mute: Mutes the loudspeaker output
Device mute: Mutes everything (microphone and loudspeaker). This mute button also changes the mute status LED.

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Use Designer's Optimize Workflow
Designer's optimize workflow speeds up the process of connecting systems with at least 1 microphone and 1 audio processor.
Optimize also creates mute control routes in rooms with MXA network mute buttons. When you select Optimize in a room, De
signer does the following:
Creates audio routes and mute control routes
Adjusts audio settings
Turns on mute synchronization
Enables LED logic control for applicable devices
The settings are optimized for your particular combination of devices. You can customize settings further, but the optimize
workflow gives you a good starting point. Optimize works with any device in Designer.
To use the optimize workflow:
Place all relevant devices in a room.
Select Optimize. Designer optimizes microphone and DSP settings for your equipment combination.
If you remove or add devices, select Optimize again.
After optimizing a room, check and adjust settings to fit your needs. You may need to:
Delete unnecessary routes.
Check levels and adjust gain.
Check that AEC reference signals are correctly routed.
Fine-tune DSP blocks as needed.
Note: In the Routing view, a dotted line indicates a broken route that will not pass audio.
Broken Routes

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Possible reasons:
Devices controlled by Dante Domain Manager (DDM). Resolve the issues in DDM.
Devices controlled by Dante device lock. Resolve the issues with Dante device lock.
Devices have mismatched encryption settings. Resolve the issues with encryption settings.
Devices have mismatched passphrases. Resolve the passphrase issue.
Devices located on different subnets. Resolve the issue by manually routing devices.
Hovering over devices provides additional information about the issue.
Important: Use Designer 4.7.25 or newer to discover the MXA902. Refer to MXA902 Limitations for details about using the
MXA902 with Designer 4.7.25 and certain Shure device firmware.
How to Install the MXA902
There are many ways to install the MXA902 to get great coverage in small- to medium-sized meeting rooms.
Installation Best Practices
Don't place the microphone behind obstructions.
Coverage depends on your room's acoustics, construction, and materials. Take these into consideration when planning.
For most rooms, Shure recommends 10 feet (3 m) as the maximum mounting height.
Mounting options:
In a ceiling grid
With a VESA mounting device
On NPT pole
Suspend from ceiling with A900-GM
Suspend from ceiling with your own hardware
On 3/8-inch threaded rod
Attach to ceiling with A900-CM
Install in a Ceiling Grid
Before you begin:
Remove the plastic cover from the grille.
Remove the cardboard piece between the loudspeaker and the back panel.
If using, install the rubber pads on the corners of the microphone to prevent scratches.
Verify that your ceiling grid size matches your model variation.
If using the A910-JB junction box, install it before ceiling installation.
IMPORTANT: Do not install the 60 cm model in a 2-foot (609.6 mm) ceiling grid.
Make space in the ceiling grid for the array microphone to be installed.

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Route the Ethernet cable above the ceiling grid and through the opening in the ceiling.
Plug the Ethernet cable into the microphone.
Attach the safety tether between the building structure and one of the tie-off points on the back of the microphone using
braided metal cable or other high-strength wire (not included). This safety measure prevents the microphone from
falling in an emergency situation. Make sure there is no tension on the safety tether. Follow any local regulations.
Install the microphone in the ceiling grid.

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Notice
The MXA902S60CM is not designed or intended to be installed within a 24” ceiling grid, which is the standard grid size in
North America. Mounting in such a grid in the above-shown configuration is unsafe and may cause damage to the product and/
or injury to those below.
Installing the Junction Box Accessory
The A910JB junction box mounts on square ceiling array microphones to connect conduit. There are 3 knockouts on the junc
tion box for attaching conduit. See local regulations to determine if the junction box is necessary.
Note: Install the junction box on the microphone before installing the microphone in the ceiling.
To install:
Remove the knockout you plan to use on the junction box.
Remove the 4 screws from the microphone as shown.

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Align the junction box with the screw holes. If possible, plug the network cable into the microphone before securing the
junction box.
Reinstall the 4 screws to secure the junction box to the microphone.
VESA Standardized Mounting
The rear plate has 4 threaded holes for attaching the microphone to a VESA mounting device. The mounting holes follow the
VESA MIS-D standard:
Screw specification: M4 thread (hole depth = 9.15 mm)
Hole spacing: 100 mm square

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The VESA mounting holes are compatible with these Shure accessories:
A900-PM
A900-PM-3/8IN
A900-CM
Suspending from the Ceiling
Suspend the microphone using your own equipment, or with Shure's A900-GM kit (includes mounting cables and hooks).
To mount using your own equipment, you will need:
Braided metal cable or high-strength wire
Hardware to attach cable to ceiling
Attach the mounting cables to the 12 mm diameter eyelet screws on the microphone.
Attach the cables to the ceiling using appropriate hardware.
Install on a Ceiling with the A900-CM
Attach array microphones to the ceiling with the A900-CM mounting kit.
Refer to the A900-CM user guide to learn how to install on other ceiling materials.
Dante Channels
The MXA902 has:
2 input channels
1 automix output with IntelliMix DSP
The 2 input channels are summed and sent to the loudspeaker's output. These input channels are useful if you need to send a
far-end signal and program audio to the loudspeaker.
The MXA902's AEC reference is the same signal sent to the integrated loudspeaker and can't be changed.

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IntelliMix DSP
This device contains IntelliMix digital signal processing blocks that can be applied to the microphone's output. The DSP blocks
include:
Acoustic echo cancellation (AEC)
Automatic gain control (AGC)
Noise reduction
Compressor
Delay
To access, go to the IntelliMix tab.
DSP Best Practices
Apply DSP blocks as needed. Run a test of your system without DSP, and then add processing as needed to fix any is
sues that you hear in the audio signal.
Unless you encounter video that lags behind audio, set delay to off.
Acoustic Echo Cancellation
In AV conferencing, a person may hear their voice echo. This happens when a near-end microphone picks up audio from the
room's loudspeakers and sends it back to the far end as echo.
Acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) is a DSP algorithm that gets rid of distracting echo in your microphone signal. AEC identifies
the farend signal and stops it from being captured by the nearend microphone. During a call, AEC works constantly to opti
mize processing as long as far-end audio is present. AEC is necessary for clear, uninterrupted calls.
The MXA902 uses the built-in loudspeaker as the AEC reference signal.
Note: If the loudspeaker is off and you still want to use AEC, route the far-end signal you want to cancel to one of the Dante inputs.
AEC Settings
Reference Meter
Use the reference meter to visually verify the reference signal is present. The reference signal should not be clipping.
ERLE
Echo return loss enhancement (ERLE) displays the dB level of signal reduction (the amount of echo being removed). The
ERLE meter generally corresponds to the reference meter.
Reference
The MXA902's reference signal is set to the builtin loudspeaker, which is the sum of the 2 Dante inputs. When the loud
speaker is on, the reference signal is post-DSP.
Non-Linear Processing
The primary component of the acoustic echo canceller is an adaptive filter. Non-linear processing supplements the adaptive
filter to remove any residual echo caused by acoustic irregularities or changes in the environment. Use the lowest possible
setting that is effective in your room.
Low: Use in rooms with controlled acoustics and minimal echoes. This setting provides the most natural sound for full du
plex.
Medium: Use in typical rooms as a starting point. If you hear echo artifacts, try using the high setting.