Shure Microflex MXW User manual

MXW
Microflex Wireless
®
Shure Microflex Wireless (MXW) online user guide with specifications and how to set up, install, network, and troubleshoot.
Version: 7.4 (2023-A)

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Table of Contents
MXW Microflex® Wireless 4
Overview 4
General Description 4
Features 5
MXW Wireless System 6
Hardware Description 9
Audio Network Interface (ANI) 10
Access Point Transceiver (APT) 13
Networked Charger (NCS) 15
Microphone Transmitters 17
Rechargeable Batteries 22
Installation 27
Additional Equipment 27
Connecting MXW Components 28
Rack Installation 30
Securing the Charging Station 30
Two-Channel Charger Wall Mount 31
Mount the Access Point Transceiver 36
Power the Hardware 38
Open the MXW Control Software 40
System Set Up 40
Group Devices to Form Audio Channels 41
Channel Routing between Devices 44
Link Microphones to Group Channels 46
Preparing a Backup Microphone 47
Exchanging or Removing a Component 49
Link a Microphone Over the Network 49
Large Installations 50
Shure SystemOn Software For Managing Large Systems5
0
High Density Mode 50
Configurations: Managing Multiple Groups 50
Wireless Management 51
Overview of Channel Coordination 51
Scanning Available RF Spectrum 52
PHS Detection 53
Identifying PHS Detection Errors 53
Setting RF Power 54
Using Multiple 2- or 4-Channel Access Points 55
Networking 57
Networking Best Practices 57
Configuring IP Settings 57
Advanced Setup 59
Software 62
MXW System Control Software 62
Control Software for the MXW Audio Network Interface 76
Dante Software by Audinate 80
Firmware Updates 81
Troubleshooting 81
Additional Resources 83
Factory Reset 83
Accessories and Model Variations 84
Microflex Wireless Specifications 87
System 88
Transmitters 88
Access Point Transceiver (APT) 91
Networked Charging Station (NCS) 92
Audio Network Interface (ANI) 93
Transmitter Output Power 95
Wiring Diagram 96

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Safety Information 96
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 97
WARNING 97
WARNING 97
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 97
Important Product Information 98
Information to the user 99
Certifications 99
Trademarks 100

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MXW 
Microflex Wireless
Overview
General Description
The Shure Microflex Wireless Series (MXW) is a complete microphone solution for flexible meeting rooms and boardrooms. It
features automatic RF channel management, rechargeable wireless microphones with encryption (AES256), and digital audio
networking using Dante .
The MXW Access Point (APT) mounts to a ceiling or wall for discreet communication between the wireless microphones and
the digital audio network. Multiple access points can be used for installations that require simultaneous operation of up to 80
microphones in the same area, depending on the region. The MXW networked charging station charges and stores boundary
and gooseneck microphones for tabletop applications, as well as handheld and bodypack solutions for corporate training and
presentations. Control software is used for system setup and remote monitoring and control from any computer connected to
the network.
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Features
Legendary Shure Quality
Premium Audio
All Microflex microphones are engineered to clearly capture the natural characteristics of
voice communications, and include CommShield Technologywhichguardsagainstunwant
ed radio interference from consumer wireless devices such as cell phones and tablets.
Rechargeable Micro
phones
Each MXW microphone is powered from a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, which can be
charged at any time without removal from the microphone. Battery statistics are viewable
from the control software (battery runtime, time to full charge, charge cycle count and battery
capacity).
Discreet, Professional De
sign
Modern,lowprofilewirelessmicrophonedesignselegantlyintegrateintodiverseAVenviron
ments.Byeliminatingwires,MXWnoticeablyreducesclutterandprovidesprofessionalele
gance.
Encryption
The MXW wireless link is encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256), as
specifiedbytheUSGovernmentNationalInstituteofStandardsandTechnology(NIST)pub
lication FIPS-197.
Advanced Networking and Control
Digital Audio Networking
DigitalaudioiscarriedoverstandardEthernetusingshieldedCat5e(orhigher)cables.De
veloped with Dante technology by Audinate ,MXWprovideslowlatency,clocksynchro
nization, and high Quality-of-Service (QoS) to provide reliable audio transport. Digital audio
can coexist safely on the same network as IT and control data, or can be configured to use a
dedicated network.
Automatic Frequency Co
ordination
TheMXWSeriesusesautomaticfrequencycoordinationtoquicklysetupallofthemicro
phonesandachievereliable,uninterruptedwirelesscommunication.Microphonesareas
signedtochannelsonanaccesspointtransceiversimplybyarrangingtheminanassociat
ed charging station and pressing the Link button. Multiple access point transceivers can
worktogethertosupportlargeinstallationsorscalablerooms.OnceLinked,thesystemau
tomatically scans the available RF spectrum and selects the best quality RF channels on
which to operate. Upon detecting interference, microphones automatically switch to the best
alternate RF channel determined during continuous background scanning.
Remote Control and Moni
toring
Microflex Wireless components and software are compatible with Crestron, AMX, and other
programmable controllers. Components interconnect with teleconferencing equipment and
digital signal processors.
BuiltIn RF Spectrum Scan
ner
The MXW Wireless components transmit in unlicensed spectrum that may be used by other
wireless devices (in particular wireless phones and headsets) operating in the same area.
TheMXWaccesspointfeaturesanRFscannertodocumenttheaverageandpeakRFinter
ference. The data provides an accurate estimate for the number of MXW channels that can
be safely operated in the scanned area.
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MXW Wireless System
①Wireless Microphones
②System processor and wireless transceiver
③Microphone linking and charging station
④Analog output device with gigabit network switch
⑤Shielded Cat5e cables (not included)
Components of the MXW System
Microphone Transmitters
MXW microphones transmit an encrypted, wireless audio signal to the access point. Four form factors are available:
Hybrid Bodypack (MXW1) The bodypack secures to a belt or strap for hands-free, mobile communication. It features a
TQG input for lavalier connection and an integrated omnidirectional microphone.
Handheld (MXW2) ThehandheldenablespresenterstocommunicateusinglegendaryShureSM58,SM86,BE
TA58 and VP68 microphone cartridges.
Boundary (MXW6/C,
MXW6/O)
The boundary transmitter sits on a table or desk to transmit speech while discreetly blending
into any conference environment.
Desktop Gooseneck Base
(MXW8) Thegooseneckbaseiscompatiblewith5,10,and15”Microflexgooseneckmicrophones.
The MXW1, MXW6, and MXW8 microphones include a headphone output for monitoring audio, such as a translation channel.

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Access Point Transceiver (MXWAPT2, MXWAPT4, MXWAPT8)
TheAccessPointTransceiver(2,4and8channelunits)mountstoawallorceilingtomanageencrypted,wirelessaudiocon
nectionswithmicrophones.Asasystemhub,ittransportsdigitalaudiobetweenthewirelessmicrophonesandotherDantede
vices on the same network.
Audio Network Interface (MXWANI4, MXWANI8)
The Audio Network Interface (4 and 8 channel) is a Dante network device that provides analog audio input and outputs for the
MXW system. It has a 4-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that enables the connection of an MXW access point, a computer and up
to two MXW networked charging stations.
Networked Charging Station (MXWNCS2, MXWNCS4, MXWNCS8)
The Networked Charging Station (2, 4 and 8 slot varieties) is capable of simultaneous charging MXW microphones. It also links
microphones to access point channels and networks battery statistics to the control software.

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Note: The MXWNCS2 does not work with the MXW8 gooseneck microphones.
MXW Control Software
The MXW control software offers comprehensive remote control of key setup, monitoring and management functions.
System Design and Technology
Technology Overview of the Audio Path
The MXW System combines Shure legendary audio quality with advanced digital networking technology. The following is an
overview of the audio path:
Wireless Audio
The MXW transmitter converts speech into a digital signal that is transmitted wirelessly to the access point.
Intelligent, automatic wireless audio management using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)
framework
Custom RF design enables higher audio quality and lower latency than most DECT systems

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Digital Audio Network
The access point receives wireless audio from the microphones and distributes it to the audio network interface.
Low latency, tight clock synchronization, and high Quality-of-Service (QoS) provide reliable audio transport.
Digital audio is carried over Ethernet cables and standard IP equipment.
Audio coexists safely on the same network as IT and control data, or can be configured to use a dedicated network.
Analog Audio
The audio network interface converts network audio for each channel into analog outputs.
Sends analog audio to a mixer, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or teleconferencing device.
Forming Groups and Linking Microphones
Once all the MXW components are connected to the network, they can be associated into Groups from the Configuration tab of
the control software. Each Access Point can form an association Group with one or two chargers (for Linking microphones) and
one or two audio output devices (for routing audio to analog outputs). The microphones can then be placed in the charger and
Linked to these access point channels.
Each Group is managed by a single access point. Microphones are Linked to channels in the access point, not to the charger
that was used to Link them. This relationship persists until the microphones are re-Linked or the access point is reset.
Configurations: Managing Multiple Groups
Configurations allow multiple Groups to share the same preferences and global controls. When an additional Group is added to
aConfigurationpage,arelationshipisestablishedacrossalldevicesintheconfiguration.ThenewGroupwilltakeontheset
tings of that configuration.
Forspecializedapplicationssuchasmultipleroomsetup,severalconfigurationscanbecreatedtoindependentlycontrolcom
ponent Groups.
A Firmware Update May be Required
Shure periodically updates device firmware to add features and improve system performance. All devices in your system must
operate the same firmware version for full functionality.
If your system is not functioning properly, download the appropriate application from the Shure website (https://
www.shure.com/firmware)andupdateyourdevicestothelatestfirmwareversion.Ifyourequirefurtherassistance,pleasecon
tact Shure Support.

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Hardware Description
Audio Network Interface (ANI)
Front Panel
①Input Channels
Adds analog line- or aux-level signals to the digital network. When the device is associated to an MXW Group, inputs are
automatically routed to Linked microphone channels (Input A to channels 1-4; Input B to 5-8).
②Output Channels
Converts digital network audio to an analog output for each channel. When associated to an MXW group, access point
channels are automatically routed to the outputs of the ANI.
③Channel Selector
Selects a channel to perform the following functions:
Action Function
Single Press
Listen to that channel at the headphone jack
Display and adjust the channel output level and attenuation
Monitor output signal on the level meter
Press and Hold (3 sec
onds) Mute/unmute a channel. Mute is indicated by the mute LED.
④Selected Channel LED
Illuminates when a channel is selected.
⑤Signal Strength LED (sig/clip)
Indicates audio signal strength for each channel:
Green = Normal
Amber = Strong
Red = Clipping (to eliminate clipping, attenuate the signal level at the audio source)
⑥Mute LED
Illuminates red when the channel output is muted (hold its channel select button for 3 seconds). A muted channel is still
routed to the HEADPHONE jack for monitoring or troubleshooting.

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⑦Input Level Selector
Set the selected channel to line- or aux-level to match the input signal.
⑧Output Level Selector
Set the selected channel to an output level that matches the connecting device:
line: +4 dBu
aux: -10 dBV
mic: -30 dBV
⑨Output Attenuation Control
Use the up/down buttons to attenuate the channel output from 0 dB (no attenuation) to -24 dB in 1 dB increments, and from
-24 to -78 in 3 dB increments.
⑩Level Meter
Displaysaselectedchannel'saudiolevelindBFS.Itisgoodpracticetouse18dBFSontheoutputmeterasanapproxi
mation of 0 VU on an analog meter.
⑪Hardware Status LEDs
Indicate the status of the hardware:
LED Color Status
Power Green Unit is powered on.
Ethernet Green Connected to an Ethernet device.
Network Audio
Green All connected receive channels are OK (receiving digital audio as expected).
Flashing Green
Oneormoreconnectedreceivechannelsexperiencingasubscriptionerrororisun
resolved (transmitting device is off, disconnected, renamed or has incorrect network
setting).
Off No receive channels connected (routing has not been established).
Lockout Red Front panel gain and mute controls are locked. The LED will blink when a button is
pressed while the hardware is locked.
⑫Headphone Volume Knob
Adjusts the volume to the headphone output.
⑬Headphone Output
1/4" (6.35 mm) output jack for monitoring audio going to and from the digital audio network.
Note: Audio is present only when the unit is connected to a digital audio network.

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Back Panel
①AC Power
IEC connector 100 - 240 V AC.
②Power Switch
Powers the unit on or off.
③Output Block Connectors (1-8)
Three-pin, low-voltage differential connector provides a line-, aux- or mic-level analog output for each channel.
④Chassis Ground (1-8)
Use to directly ground the cable shield to the chassis.
⑤Input Block Connectors (A,B)
Three-pin, low-voltage differential input connector adds line- or aux-level analog signals to the digital network.
Note: This input is meant for balanced connection. If an unbalanced source is used, such as an IPOD or MP3 player, only use pins 1 (signal) and 3 (ground) of
the block connector. See Specifications sections for wiring diagrams.
⑥Reset Button
Press and hold the button for five seconds to reboot the device with factory default settings.
⑦Ethernet Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link
On = network link established
Flashing = network link active
⑧Ethernet Link Speed LED (Amber)
Off = 10/100 Mbps
On = 1 Gbps (required for digital audio routing)
⑨Network Interface
Four-port gigabit switch for connecting components together for a single MXW Group, or for connecting multiple devices to
a larger digital audio network. The following is a description of each port:
Port Description
Port 1 (PoE) Provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) for the Shure access point and functions as a standard gigabit
port.

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Port Description
Ports 2 and 3 Standard gigabit ports enable the connection of another MXW network, additional MXWANIs, a
MXWNCS charging stations or an external control system.
Port 4 (Uplink)
Normal mode (default): this port functions the same as ports 2 and 3.
Uplink Mode: only transports control data. This mode blocks network audio and data for Shure Web
Discovery Application, Dante Controller and Dante Virtual Soundcard.
Access Point Transceiver (APT)
The access point transceiver is the hub of the audio signal flow and manages the RF stability of each microphone in the group.
The APT performs the following functions:
Receives and decrypts wireless audio signals from microphones in the group
Delivers the audio signal to the digital audio network and audio network interface (ANI)
Sendsandreceivescontrolinformation(suchasgainadjustmentandlinksettings)betweenthecomponents,MXWcon
trol software and 3rd party controllers.
Transmitsanencryptedaudiosignaltothemicrophone'sheadphoneoutputforlisteningtotranslatedaudioorotherexter
nal sources.
Model Variations
MXWAPT8 Eight-channel transceiver
MXWAPT4 Four-channel transceiver
MXWAPT2 Two-channel transceiver
①Power LED
Illuminates green to indicate the presence of Power over Ethernet (PoE).
②Network Audio LED
Color Status
Green All routed receive channels are OK (receiving digital audio as expected).

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Color Status
Flashing Green
Oneormoreconnectedreceivechannelsexperiencingasubscriptionerrororisunresolved(trans
mitting device is off, disconnected, renamed or has incorrect network setting).
Receiving an Identification signal from the control software (simultaneous flash with Link Status
LED).
The device is performing a spectrum scan (alternating flash with Link Status LED).
Clock synchronization problem.
Off No receive channels connected (routing has not been established).
Note: the network audio status can be monitored in detail from Dante Controller software.
③Microphone Link Status LED
Color Status
Green ≥1microphoneislinkedandpoweredonintheActive,MuteorStandbystate.
Off ≥1microphoneislinkedandisOfforinanonnetworkedcharger.
Red No microphones have been linked.
Flashing Red
Receiving an Identification signal from the control software (simultaneous flash with Network
Audio LED).
The device is performing a spectrum scan (alternating flash with Network Audio LED).
④Reset Button
Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to reset the MXW system to factory default settings.
Note: The reset deletes group association and microphone links, and will reboot the device in DHCP mode.
⑤Ethernet Port
Connect a shielded Cat5e (or higher) cable to a PoE source and the network.
⑥Ethernet Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link
On = network link established
Flashing = network link active
⑦Ethernet Link Speed LED (Amber)
Off = 10/100 Mbps
On = 1 Gbps (required for proper MXW functionality)
⑧Cable Routing Path
Provides a path for the Ethernet cable to enable a flush-mount to the ceiling or wall.

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Directional Antennas
Theaccesspointcontainsmultipledirectionalantennastoprovidesteady,reliablewirelesscommunicationwiththemicro
phones.ItsendsandreceivestheRFsignalinacardioidpatternwiththegreatestsensitivitytowardthefaceofthedevice.Al
ways aim this side toward the microphone coverage area.
Cardioid RF Pattern
Networked Charger (NCS)
The MXW networked charging station enables battery charging and channel linking from a single location. When a charger is
associated to a group, its channel slots are mapped to access point audio channels. Microphones can then be placed in the
slots to Link to these channels.
Any microphone can recharge in any NCS, regardless of Group association or network connection.
Caution: When the Link button on an associated charger is pressed, all microphones in the charger are mapped to channels
on an access point. This overrides any previously Linked microphones on those channels.
Model Variations
MXWNCS8 Accepts eight boundary, bodypack, or handheld microphones
or four gooseneck bases
MXWNCS4 Accepts four boundary, bodypack, or handheld microphones
or two gooseneck bases
MXWNCS2 Accepts two boundary, bodypack, or handheld microphones.
MXW8 Gooseneck bases are not supported on this charger

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①Charging Slots (USB 3.0 Type A)
Recharge and link microphones by connecting them to the USB slots on the charger. When the charger is associated to a
group, the slots are mapped to access point channels (See Audio Channel Assignment for details).
Note: Any microphone can charge in any charger, regardless of Group association or network connection.
②Power LED
Illuminates green when the unit is powered on.
③Microphone Link LED
Indicates the status of the Linking procedure:
Color Indicator
Off (default) No Link has been initiated.
Flashing Green Link procedure is in process.
Green Microphones have been successfully linked to channels.
Red Linkprocedureunsuccessful(RFissue,networkfailure,ormicrophonesremovedduringpro
cedure)
Amber Link procedure cannot start because the station is not associated to a group.
Flashing Red Link procedure has been locked from the control software.
Blue Charger is in High Efficiency Mode.
④Microphone Link Button
Press and hold for 6 seconds to link all microphones in the charger to channels of the associated Access Point Transceiver.
Within the first minute of powering up the charger, press and release the Link button 3 times in succession to place the
charger in High Efficiency Mode. You must power cycle the charger to return to standard charging mode.
⑤Battery Status LEDs
Monitors the charge status of the connected microphone in increments of <10, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100% (see Batteries for more
detail).Additionally,thefiveLEDsflashforseveralsecondswhenthemicrophonehasbeensuccessfullylinkedtothechan
nel.
⑥Locking DC Power Supply
Secures the PS60 power supply to the input jack of the station.
⑦Power Switch
Powers the unit on or off.
⑧Ethernet Port
Connects to the MXW System network through an MXW Audio Network Interface or a switch using an Ethernet cable.

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⑨Ethernet Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link.
On = network link established.
Flashing = network link active.
⑩Ethernet Link Speed LED (Amber)
Off = 10 Mbps
On = 100 Mbps
Connecting Microphones
Place a microphone in the charger by connecting it to one of the channel slots. The channels in the top row have two USB
ports to accommodate different types of microphones. Do not attempt to connect to both USB ports at the same time.
Note: 2-channel chargers do not support gooseneck microphones.
Handheld, boundary and bodypack: use the main vertical slots in the recessed bays.
Gooseneck base: uses the top row's horizontal connectors.
Different Connectors for the Same Channel
Microphone Transmitters
Description
①Power Button
MXW6, MXW8: Press and hold the dedicated power button for three seconds to turn the transmitter on or off.
MXW1, MXW2: Press and hold the Mute/Active button for five seconds to turn the transmitter on or off.
②Mute/Active Button
Changes the audio status from Active to Mute, or Mute to Active. The button behavior for each transmitter type can be set
independently from the Preferences tab. The following describes the function of each setting:
Toggle: Press and release the button to change the status to Active or Mute.
Push-to-talk: Hold button to pass audio.
Push-to-mute: Hold button to mute the audio.
Disabled: The button does not affect the audio.
③Status LED
Indicates the transmitter's status. The color indicators for Mute and Active can be customized from the Preferences tab. See
the Status LED table for the default LED behavior for MXW transmitters except the gooseneck light-ring models (MX405R/
410R/415R).

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④Low Battery LED (Gooseneck and Boundary only)
Color Status
Off >5% battery runtime remains
Solid Red <5% battery runtime remains
⑤Earphone Jack
1/8" (3.5 mm) jack for monitoring a return channel signal, such as translated audio. This audio is automatically routed from
the input(s) of the Audio Network Interface (Input A to channels 1 - 4; Input B to channels 5 - 8).
Note: Not featured on the MXW2 handheld transmitter.
⑥Charge Connector (USB 3.0 Type A)
Connects to the NCS charger slot or to the USB Charger.
⑦Handheld Cartridge
MXW2 transmitter is compatible with the following cartridge types: SM58, Beta 58, SM86, VP68.
⑧Gooseneck Microphone
Thegooseneckbaseiscompatiblewith5,10,and15”Microflexgooseneckmicrophones.
⑧TQG Connector
The MXW hybrid bodypack has a TQG connector for an external lavalier or headset microphone.
⑩Internal Microphone
The bodypack transmitter has an internal, omnidirectional microphone that can be set to automatically engage when not
connected to a lavalier microphone.
Status LED Table
Status LED Description
Active Green Ready to pass audio to network.
Mute Red Audio is muted.
Standby Red Pulsing (long
off, short on)
Audioismutedandthetransmitterisinahibernationstatetocon
serve the battery.
Identify Flashing Yellow The Identify button has been pressed from the control software.
Initialization/ RF channel
acquisition
Alternating Red and
Green
The transmitter is initializing and acquiring the RF connection to the
linked access point.
Standard density mode has a slow alternating rate
High density mode has a fast alternating rate
Out of RF Coverage
Range
Red Pulsing (short
on/off)
The transmitter is out of the RF coverage range to the linked access
point.

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Status LED Description
Charging Off The transmitter is charging.
Battery Statistics Reset Flashing Yellow Battery statistics have been reset for the transmitter.
Two microphones trying
to connect to same audio
channel
Red Pulsing (long
on, short off) Only one microphone for each audio channel can be active at a time.
Off Off No connection to the network. The transmitter must be turned on using
the power button on the mic.
Microphone Transmitters
MXW microphones transmit an encrypted, wireless audio signal to the access point. Four form factors are available:
Hybrid Bodypack (MXW1)
The bodypack secures to a belt or strap for hands-free, mobile communication. It features a TQG input for lavalier microphone
connection and an integrated omnidirectional microphone.
Wearing the Bodypack Transmitter
Clip the transmitter to a belt or pocket.
For best results, the belt should be pressed against the base of the clip.
Handheld (MXW2)
ThehandheldenablespresenterstocommunicateusinglegendaryShureSM58,SM86,BETA58andVP68microphonecar
tridges.

Shure Incorporated
20/100
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•
Correct Microphone Placement
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the microphone closer.
Do not cover grille with hand.
Boundary (MXW6/C, MXW6/O)
The boundary transmitter sits on a table or desk to transmit speech while discreetly blending into any conference environment.
Cardioid and omnidirectional versions are available.
Microphone Placement
For best low-frequency response and rejection of background noise, place the microphone on a large, flat surface, such as a
floor, table, or lectern.