Shure Advance MXA310 User manual

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MXA310 -- Table Array Microphone
Overview
General Description
The Microflex Advance™ table array is a premium networked tabletop microphone for AV conferencing environ
ments, including boardrooms, huddle rooms, and multi-purpose spaces. Revolutionary technology from the Shure
DSP suite includes Steerable Coverage™, with selectable polar patterns on 4 independent channels to capture
participant audio. The innovative new toroid polar pattern delivers 360° coverage, while rejecting sound from di
rectly above the microphone. Browser-based control software provides an intuitive user interface for microphone
attributes, including channel configuration, automatic mix settings, and preset templates. The microphone inte
grates seamlessly with Dante™ digital networked audio and thirdparty preset controllers, including Crestron and
AMX, to deliver a high-quality AV conferencing experience that appeals equally to integrators, consultants, and
meeting participants.
Features
Configurable Coverage
•Steerable Coverage delivers precise pick-up for up to 4 independent lobes
•Shure DSP Suite provides fast-acting automatic mixing and channel equalization
•Innovative toroid polar pattern delivers 360° coverage, while rejecting sound from directly above the microphone
to reduce noise caused by HVAC systems or video projectors.
Software Control
•Intuitive software interface provides comprehensive microphone and pattern control
• Includes templates to speed initial setup and 10 customizable presets to import or export configurations be
tween multiple microphones
Network Connectivity
•Four discrete audio channels and an additional automix channel are delivered over a single network cable
• Dante™ digital audio coexists safely on the same network as IT and control data, or can be configured to use a
dedicated network
•Control strings available for third-party preset controllers including Crestron and AMX
Professional Design
•Sleek, low-profile industrial design blends with contemporary board rooms and meeting spaces
®

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• Configurable multicolored LED light ring matches the environment, displays mute settings, and confirms cover
age settings
•Available in white, black, and aluminum finishes
System Overview
①Dante audio, power, and control
A single network cable delivers 4 discrete audio channels from each microphone onto the Dante network, where
they can be routed to any Dante-compatible devices.
②Analog audio (microphone to network)
Analog equipment, such as a wireless microphone system or a gooseneck microphone on a podium, connects to
the Dante™ audio network through a Shure Network Interface (model ANI4IN) for a completely networked confer
encing system.
③Far-end audio (network to loudspeakers)
Dante™enabled loudspeakers and amplifiers connect directly to a network switch. Analog loudspeakers and am
plifiers connect through a Shure Network Interface (model ANI4OUT), which converts Dante™ audio channels into
analog signals, delivered through 4 discrete XLR or block connector outputs.
④Device control and Dante audio
A computer running Dante Controller and the Shure browser-based interface provides control over the following:
Control:

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A computer connected to the network controls the microphone through a webbased control application . Cover
age, muting, LED behavior, gain, and network settings are controlled remotely.
Audio:
Dante™ audio is routed through Dante™ controller software. Dante™ Virtual Soundcard enables audio monitoring
and recording directly on the computer.
System Planning and Gear Requirements
Setting up the Audio Network
Shure networked conferencing systems are comprised of Microflex Advance microphones and network interfaces,
which operate entirely on a Dante network. Additional hardware, including network switches, computers, loud
speakers, and audio processors are described in the hardware component index.
Shure components shown in this diagram:
Microflex Advance Micro
phones
The MXA910 and MXA310 are equipped with Dante outputs, and connect directly
to a network switch.
Audio Network Interfaces The interfaces are used to connect analog devices such as loudspeakers and ana
log microphones to the network.ANI4IN: Converts 4 analog signals (separate XLR
and block connector models available) into Dante digital audio signals.ANI4OUT:
Converts 4 channels of Dante audio from the network into analog signals.
This diagram shows the entire signal path through a networked conference system. Signals from the near end and
far end are exchanged through an audio processor connected to a phone system, or through a computer connect
ed to the internet. Analog microphones connect to the network through the Shure ANI4IN, while loudspeakers con
nect through the Shure ANI4OUT.

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This diagram shows Microflex Advance components in context, with two rooms communicating through video
codecs.
Controlling Hardware and Audio Over the Network
Audio and hardware settings are managed through a computer connected to the same network.
Shure Hardware and Audio
Each Microflex Advance component has a web application which provides mixing and configuration tools to opti
mize sound quality.
Expanded Control for Analog Devices
Analog devices that are connected to the network through a Shure network interface (ANI4IN/ANI4OUT) benefit
from additional remote control: Volume levels, equalization, and signal routing are managed through the web appli
cation. For example, adjusting loudspeaker volume or muting a wired microphone, which would normally be done
from the hardware, can now be controlled remotely over the network.
Dante Signal Routing
Signal routing between devices is managed through Dante Controller software, provided by Audinate™.

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Hardware Component Index
Network Switch
The network switch provides central connectivity for
all networked components. Audio from any networked
Shure microphones that are connected to the switch
can be routed to any Dante-enabled device. The
switch sends and receives audio and control data,
while simultaneously powering the microphones and
audio network interfaces through PoE (Power over
Ethernet). See the network switch requirements () for
additional details.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Requirements:
All Shure components included in these scenarios re
quire Power over Ethernet (class 0). If not provided
through the network switch, a PoE injector is required
to power the devices.
Shure Microflex Wireless Audio Network Interface (MXWANI)
The Microflex Wireless Audio Network Interface
(MXWANI) is a digital-to-analog breakout box with a
built-in gigabit network switch. It converts digital audio
from the network into analog signals for signal pro
cessing or amplification, and provides PoE over one
network port to power a device. For details, refer to
the Microflex Wireless user guide, available at http://
www.shure.com.
Audio Processor

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The audio processor sends and receives audio
through a VOIP server or a standard phone line. They
also provide digital signal processing, such as
acoustic echo cancellation.
Danteen
abled
Processors that support Dante con
nect directly to the network switch to
receive audio from Microflex Advance
microphones.
Analog When using an analog processor, a
converter (such as the Shure
ANI4OUT or MXWANI) is required to
deliver the analog audio from Mi
croflex Advance microphones to the
processor.
Video Codec
Like the audio processor, the codec sends and re
ceives audio signals alongside video signals between
the near end and the far end. Audio from the near end
must connect to the audio input on the video codec,
which is typically a stereo analog connection. The
Shure ANI4OUT Audio Network Interface converts the
audio to an analog signal for connecting to a codec.
Shure ANI4IN Audio Network Interface (Analog-to-Dante Converter)
The Shure ANI4IN Audio Network Interface converts 4
channels of analog audio into independent digital au
dio channels on a Dante network. Adjustable gain and
+48V phantom power deliver the flexibility to support
line, auxiliary, and microphonelevel devices. For net
worked conferencing systems, the Audio Network In
terface provides a simple way to connect previously
installed analog equipment onto the audio network,
such as wireless microphones for presenters. The
web application gives technicians and administrators
control over channel levels and settings from any
computer connected to the same network.
Shure ANI4OUT Audio Network Interface (Dante-to-Analog Converter)

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The Shure ANI4OUT Audio Network Interface con
verts 4 channels of Dante digital audio into discrete
analog signals. Available in both XLR and block con
nector versions, each box uses a single network cable
to receive audio and power using Power over Ethernet
(PoE). The web application gives technicians and ad
ministrators control over channel levels and settings
from any computer connected to the same network.
Amplifiers and Loudspeakers
Audio from the far end is routed to local loudspeakers.
Dante-enabled speakers or amplifiers connect directly
to the network switch, while analog systems require
an audio network interface to receive networked au
dio.
Computers and Control Systems
Browser-
Based
Web Ap
plication
A computer connected to the network
provides control of Shure networked
components through the web applica
tion for each device.
Dante
Software
A computer running Dante Virtual
Soundcard, Dante Controller, and
web conferencing software is used to
send and receive audio between the
near end and far end.
Control
Systems
(AMX,
Crestron,
etc.)
If using a third-party control system,
Microflex Advance microphones send
and receive commands over Ether
net. If an analog logic signal must be
sent over the network, the Shure
ANI4IN Audio Network Interface re
ceives analog logic signals and con
verts them into Ethernet control
strings.
System Use Cases
These use cases will help you understand how Shure devices fit in conference rooms, huddle rooms, and multi
purpose spaces.

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Each diagram includes:
•Signal flow and connections
•Required devices
Power Over Ethernet and Hardware Requirements
All Shure devices included in these use cases require Power over Ethernet (PoE, class 0). Refer to the Dante
and Networking section for additional information on cable and network switch requirements.
Telephone Conference with Shure MXW Audio Network Interface

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①Array microphone to Shure MXWANI
Connect the microphone output to port 1 on the MXWANI with a network cable. Port 1 provides the necessary
Power over Ethernet (PoE).
②Computer to Shure MWXANI
Connect a computer to the ANI on port 2 or 3 with a network cable to provide control of the array microphone and
other networked components.
③Shure ANI analog outputs to audio processor
Step 1: Route signals with Dante Controller software
Route the channels from the microphone (Dante transmitter) to the MXWANI channels (Dante receiver). This es
tablishes the discrete channels to deliver through the analog outputs.
Step 2: Connect the MXWANI outputs to the processing device inputs
Block connector outputs on the MXWANI send balanced audio signals to the inputs on the processing device,
which provides digital signal processing (such as acoustic echo cancellation).
④Connection to far end
Connect the audio processor to a VOIP server or telephone line to send and receive audio between the near end
and far end.
⑤Audio from far end to amplifier
Route the far end audio through the audio processor output to an amplifier.
⑥Amplified audio signal to loudspeakers
Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifier to hear the audio from the far end.

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Telephone Conference with Dante-enabled Audio Processor
①Array microphone to network switch
Connect the microphone output with a network cable to any port on the switch that supplies Power over Ethernet
(PoE).
②Computer to network switch
Connect a computer to the network switch to provide control of the microphone and other networked components.
③Network switch to Dante audio processor

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Connect the Dante audio processor to the network switch to provide:
•Digital signal processing (acoustic echo cancellation)
•Digital-to-analog conversion to deliver Dante audio over an analog (VOIP or telephone line) output.
•Analog-to-digital conversion to deliver analog audio from the far end onto the Dante network.
④Connection to far end
Connect the output from the audio processor to a VOIP server or telephone line to deliver audio between the near
end and far end.
⑤Audio from far end to amplifier
Route the far end audio through the audio processor output to an amplifier.
⑥Amplified audio signal to loudspeakers
Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifier to deliver the audio from the far end.
Telephone Conference with Breakout Boxes and Audio Processor
In this scenario, two MXA310 microphones are used for a total of 8 Dante audio channels. Using two network in
terfaces, the Dante channels are converted to analog signals for acoustic echo cancellation.

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①Microphone to network switch
Connect the array microphone output with a network cable to any port on the switch that supplies power over eth
ernet (PoE).
②Computer to network switch
Connect a computer to the network switch to provide control of the microphone and other networked components
through the software control panel.
③ANI4OUT (digital-to-analog conversion)

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From the network switch: Use network cables to connect each ANI4OUT to the network switch. A single
ANI4OUT receives 4 channels of Dante audio, and converts them to 4 analog signals, delivered through XLR out
puts or block connectors. Using two of them, all 8 channels from the microphones can be connected to analog in
puts on an audio processing device.
To a processing device: Route the ANI4OUT outputs to the processing device inputs to provide digital signal pro
cessing (acoustic echo cancellation).
④Connection to far end
Connect the output from the audio processor to a VOIP server or telephone line to deliver audio between the near
end and far end.
⑤Audio from far end to amplifier
Route the far end audio through the audio processor output to an amplifier.
⑥Amplified audio signal to loudspeakers
Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifier to deliver the audio from the far end

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Web Conferencing Software with Dante Virtual Soundcard
①Microphone to network switch
Connect the microphone output with a network cable to any port on the switch that supplies Power over Ethernet
(PoE).
②Computer to network switch

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Connect a computer to the network switch to provide control of the microphone and other networked components
through the software control panel. The computer also runs Dante Virtual Soundcard, Dante Controller, and the
web conferencing software.
•Dante Virtual Soundcard / Controller: Turn on the Dante Virtual Soundcard and use the controller software to
route the microphone signal to the computer.
•Web Conferencing Software:Assign the audio input and output device settings to the appropriate Dante trans
mitter and receiver channels.
③Network switch to ANI4OUT
Use network cables to connect each ANI4OUT to the network switch. Each interface receives 4 channels of Dante
audio, and converts them to 4 analog signals, delivered through XLR outputs or block connectors.
④Audio from far end to amplifier
Route the far end audio to an amplifier.
⑤Amplified audio signal to loudspeakers
Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifier to deliver the audio from the far end.

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Video Conference
①Microphone to network switch
Connect the microphone output with a network cable to any port on the switch that supplies power over Ethernet
(PoE).
②Computer to network switch
Connect a computer to the network switch to provide control of the microphone and other networked components
through the software control panel.

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③ANI4OUT (digital-to-analog conversion)
Each ANI4OUT receives 4 channels of Dante audio, and converts them to 4 analog signals, delivered through XLR
outputs or block connectors.
Input: Connect the ANI4OUT to the network switch with a network cable
Ouput: Connect the analog output to the audio input on the video codec
④Video codec connection to far end
Connect the codec to the appropriate network to connect with the far end.
⑤Audio from far end to amplifier
Route the far end audio through the video codec audio output to an amplifier.
⑥Amplified audio signal to loudspeakers
Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifier to deliver the audio from the far end.
Hardware and Installation
Hardware
①Cable Exit
Guide the cable under the tabs and through the routing to exit from the side.
②Bottom Cable Exit
Guide the cable under the tabs and through the bottom exit for permanent table installations.
Note: Use the cable plug accessory when the cable is routed through the bottom.
③Network Port
RJ-45 jack for network connection.
④Network Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link

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On = network link established
Flashing = network link active
⑤Network Speed LED (Amber)
Off = 10/100 Mbps
On = 1 Gbps
⑥Reset Button
Use a paperclip or similar tool to push the reset button.
⑦Mute Buttons
Four touch-sensitive buttons control the mute status for each channel.
⑧LED Light Ring
Indicates mute status, with configurable color and behavior states.
LED Light Ring
Custom LED light ring settings are configured in the web application, under mic configuration > Light Bar.
Default Settings
Microphone Status LED Behavior / Color
Active Green (solid)
Mute Red (solid)
Hardware identification Green (flashing)
Device identify: entire light ring
Channel identify: light ring segment
Firmware update in progress Green (ring fills up, turns off, repeats)

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Microphone Status LED Behavior / Color
Reset Network reset: Green (slow flashing)
Factory reset: Green (fast flashing)
Error Red (split, alternate flashing)
Device power-up Blue (rotates around ring)
Installing the Cable-Exit Plug
The plug covers the cable exit for permanent installations in which the cable is routed down through a table.
1. Remove the screw that holds in the cable-retaining tab closest to the cable exit
2. Remove the cable-retaining tab
3. Insert the plug
4. Replace the screw to secure the plug
Permanent Table Installation
1. Remove the 3 screws located in the center on the bottom of the microphone
2. Plug a network cable into the microphone and guide it through the center exit path. When the cable is secured,
guide it through the tube.
Note: If necessary, remove the retaining tabs to install thicker cable. Replace them after the cable is installed.

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3. Align the tube into the recessed area in the center of the microphone. Install the 3 screws (removed in step 1)
to secure the tube.
4. Slide one of the rubber washers to the base of the tube.
5. Drill a 1-inch (2.5 cm) hole through the table.