Shure Microflex Advance MXA910 User manual

MXA910
Ceiling Array Microphone
Shure MXA910 ceiling array microphone user guide. Includes mounting instructions, specifications, command strings, best practices, and mi
crophone configuration details.
Version: 6 (2019-G)

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Table of Contents
MXA910Ceiling Array Microphone 4
Overview 4
General Description 4
Features 5
System Overview 6
Differences Between 3.x and 4.x Firmware 7
Getting Started 8
Step 1: Connect to a Network 8
Step 2: Discover the MXA910 in Designer 8
Step 3: Adjust Microphone Coverage 9
Step 4: Apply DSP 10
Step 5: Route Audio 11
System Planning and Gear Requirements 11
Overview of Shure Conferencing Devices 12
MXA910 Equipment Combinations 13
Use Case: Soft Codec with ANIUSB or P300 14
Use Case: ANI22 and Hard Codec 15
Use Case: Medium or Large Room with 2 MXA910s and a
P300 16
Hardware 16
Network Ethernet Port 16
LED Light Bar 17
Reset Button 19
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 19
Installation 20
Microphone Placement 20
FyreWrap® Fire Protective Wrap System Installation 22
Installing the Array Microphone 23
Installing the Junction Box Accessory 30
Software Installation, Management, and Security 32
Controlling Devices with Shure Designer Software 32
Accessing the Web Application 33
Firmware Updates 33
Microphone Configuration 34
Software Overview 34
Configuring Microphone Coverage for MXA910 35
Adjusting Levels 37
Parametric Equalizer (PEQ) 37
EQ Contours 40
Custom Presets 41
Mute and Fader Groups 41
AES67 41
Encryption 42
Automix 42
Automix Channel 42
Automix Modes 43
Automix Settings 43
Automix Modes (Firmware <4.x only) 44
IntelliMix DSP 44
DSP Best Practices 45
Acoustic Echo Cancellation 45
Noise Reduction 46
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) 46
Delay 46
Compressor 46
Networking and Dante 47
Digital Audio Networking 47
Switch Recommendations for Dante Networking 47
Cable Requirements 47
QoS (Quality of Service) Settings 47

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Networking 48
Echo Reduction (Firmware <4.x only) 51
How It Works 52
Enabling Echo Reduction 52
Using a Third-Party Control System 52
Troubleshooting 53
Important Product Information 53
Information to the user 54
Specifications 54
Polar Response 56
Frequency Response 57
Lobe Sensitivity 57
Accessories 58
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts 58
Furnished Accessories 59

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MXA910
Ceiling Array Microphone
Overview
General Description
The Microflex Advance Ceiling Array is a premium networked array microphone for AV conferencing environments, including
boardrooms, huddle rooms, and multi-purpose spaces. The ceiling array uses Shure's Steerable Coverage with Autofocus
technology: 8 highly directional pickup lobes capture participant audio from overhead, continually fine-tuning the position of
each lobe in real time as participants lean back in their chairs or stand up .
The microphone also includes the IntelliMix DSP suite, which includes AEC, noise reduction, automatic mixing, and more.
Control the microphone with Shure Designer software, or a browserbased web application. The microphone integrates seam
lessly with Dante digital networked audio, AES67, 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.
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Features
Configurable Coverage
Steerable Coverage delivers precise pickup for up to 8 independent lobes
Automatic lobe positioning speeds up installation
Patent-pending Autofocus technology continually fine-tunes the position of each lobe in real time, for consistent sound
when participants lean back in their chairs or stand up
Available on firmware 4.x and newer through a free update
IntelliMix DSP
IntelliMix DSP provides automatic mixing, AEC, noise reduction, automatic gain control, delay, compressor, and channel
equalization
Available on firmware 4.x and newer through a free update
Software Control
Shure Designer system configuration software provides comprehensive microphone and pattern control
With Designer, you can also design coverage with online and offline devices, and route audio between Shure devices
If Designer isn't available, use the browser-based web application to control the microphone

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Compatible with Shure SystemOn audio asset management software for remote monitoring and realtime alerts about crit
ical issues
Network Connectivity
Discrete audio channels for each lobe and an 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 industrial design blends with contemporary board rooms and meeting spaces
Versatile mounting options for ceilings, pole mounts, suspension cables, and more
Available in white, black, and aluminum finishes (detachable grille can be custom painted)
System Overview
①Dante audio, power, and control
Each array microphone connects to the network over a single network cable, which carries Dante audio, Power over Ether
net (PoE), and control information to adjust coverage, audio levels, and processing.
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 conferencing system.
③Far-end audio (network to loudspeakers)
Danteenabled loudspeakers and amplifiers connect directly to a network switch. Analog loudspeakers and amplifiers con
nect through a Shure Network Interface (model ANI4OUT), which converts Dante audio channels into analog signals, deliv
ered through 4 discrete XLR or block connector outputs.
④Device control and Dante audio

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Control: A computer connected to the network controls the microphone with Shure Designer software. You can remotely
adjust coverage, muting, LED behavior, lobe settings, gain, and network settings.
Audio: Route audio with Dante Controller or Shure Designer software. Dante Virtual Soundcard enables audio monitoring
and recording directly on the computer.
Differences Between 3.x and 4.x Firmware
When you update an MXA910 from 3.x to 4.x firmware, you'll be able to use IntelliMix DSP features optimized for MXA.
Here's what changes with 4.x firmware:
IntelliMix DSP Added
You can now use AGC, AEC, noise reduction, compressor, and delay.
These DSP features don’t affect individual channel outputs—they only apply to the Automix Out channel
If you’re currently using the Automix Out channel on a 3.x device and you update it to 4.x, the following settings will be ap
plied automatically:
AGC: enabled
AEC: enabled
Noise reduction: enabled
Compressor: disabled
Delay: disabled
New Automixer Added
The 4.x automixer has different mix modes than the 3.x automixer.
Here's how mix mode settings will change:
3.x Automixer Setting New 4.x Automixer Setting
Classic Gating
Smooth Gain Sharing
Manual Manual
Custom Gating
New Autofocus Feature Added for All Lobes
Patent-pending Autofocus technology continually fine-tunes the position of each lobe in real time.
Lobes move automatically for consistent sound when participants lean back in their chairs or stand up.
Echo Reduction Removed
The microphone now has AEC, so there's no need for echo reduction.
The Echo Reduction Reference In channel's name in Dante Controller is now the "AEC Reference In" channel. Any exist
ing Dante route to that channel will persist.
Other Changes
Template 1's lobe positions have changed.
If you're using Template 1 with the default lobe positions, updating to 4.x will change your lobe positions.
After updating, all custom lobe positions and Dante routes will stay the same.
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Getting Started
To control the MXA910, use Shure Designer software to adjust microphone coverage, apply DSP, and route audio between
Shure devices. After completing this basic setup process, you should be able to:
Access and control the MXA910 in Designer
Apply DSP to the microphone's signal
Route audio from the microphone to other devices
Before you get started, you'll need:
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable
Network switch that provides Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Shure Designer software installed on a computer. Download at www.shure.com.
Note: If Designer isn’t available, you can use a web application to control the MXA910 and Dante Controller to route audio. Download the Shure Web
Device Discovery application to access your device’s web application.
Step 1: Connect to a Network
Connect the microphone to a PoE port on the network switch using Cat5e (or better) cable.
Connect your computer running Designer to the network switch.
Step 2: Discover the MXA910 in Designer
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 the MXA910 in the list and click Config
ure to open the device's configuration window.

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Step 3: Adjust Microphone Coverage
To design microphone coverage, you'll need to create a Project and a Location. You can learn more about both in Designer’s
Help section.
From My projects, select New to create a new project.
Click New to add a location to your project. Once you enter a name, a new window for the location opens.
Click Live mode. Any online devices appear in the list.
In Designer, you can also design systems with virtual devices and send settings to real devices. Learn more in
Designer’s Help section.
Drag and drop the MXA910 to add it to your location.
Select Coverage map to adjust the microphone's coverage.
Use Auto position to let the software position each channel for you.
Click and drag to adjust each channel's position. Learn more in the Configuring Microphone Coverage section.

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Step 4: Apply DSP
With firmware 4.x and higher, the MXA910 includes IntelliMix DSP that can be applied to the automix channel output.
AEC, noise reduction, and automatic gain control (AGC) are on by default.
To use AEC, route a far-end reference signal to the microphone's AEC Reference In channel.
Use Designer to route a reference signal coming from a Shure device, like the ANIUSB-MATRIX or P300.
Use Dante Controller to route a reference signal from other third-party Dante devices.
Select IntelliMix, and click AEC.
Verify that the far-end signal is present on the reference meter. If it doesn't show up, check the routing.
To apply any other DSP blocks or edit settings, click the block icon.

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Step 5: Route Audio
To route audio from the MXA910 to other Shure devices, use Designer. For non-Shure devices, use Dante Controller software.
We'll route audio from the MXA910 to an ANIUSB-MATRIX.
Add the ANIUSB-MATRIX to your location.
Go to Signal flow. This page creates Dante audio routes between Shure devices.
Drag and drop from the MXA910 automix output to the ANIUSB-MATRIX Dante input to create a Dante audio route.
Test your system's audio routes, and send audio from the ANIUSB-MATRIX to other Dante devices or codecs.

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System Planning and Gear Requirements
Overview of Shure Conferencing Devices
Shure offers a range of connectivity options for conferencing. MXA microphones, audio processors, and network interfaces all
use Dante to send audio over standard IT networks. You can use Shure's free Designer software to control most Shure devices
and route audio between them.
As you plan out a system, think about what other devices you need to connect to and whether you'll need extra inputs/outputs
in the future.
Here's an overview of Shure devices:
Device Purpose Physical Connections Dante I/Os
MXA910
Ceiling array microphone
with IntelliMix DSP 1 PoE port
8 individual channel outputs
or 1 automix channel output
with IntelliMix DSP
1 AEC reference input
MXA310
Table array microphone 1 PoE port 4 individual channel outputs
or 1 automix channel output
P300
Audio processor with Intel
liMix DSP and matrix mixer
1 USB in/out
2 analog block in
2 analog block out
1 mobile TRRS port (3.5
mm)
1 PoE+ port
8 Dante inputs with IntelliMix
DSP
2 auxiliary Dante inputs
2 Dante outputs
ANIUSB-MATRIX
Matrix mixer with USB and
analog input/output
1 USB in/out
1 analog block in
1 analog block out
1 PoE port
4 Dante inputs
2 Dante outputs
ANI4IN (block or XLR con
nectors)
Converts analog signals to
Dante signals
4 analog in
1 PoE port 4 Dante inputs
ANI4OUT (block or XLR
connectors)
Converts Dante signals to
analog signals
4 analog out
1 PoE port 4 Dante outputs
ANI22 (block or XLR con
nectors)
Converts 2 analog signals to
Dante signals
Converts 2 Dante signals to
analog signals
2 analog in
2 analog out
1 PoE port
2 Dante inputs
2 Dante outputs

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MXA910 Equipment Combinations
MXA910 and ANI22 MXA910 and ANIUSB MXA910 and P300
Room size Small or medium Small or medium Medium or large
Mobile I/O No No Yes
Analog I/O 2x2 1x1 2x2
USB I/O No Yes Yes
Power PoE PoE PoE+
Logic control No No Yes
Soft codec mute sync No No Yes with P300 firmware 3.1.5
or later
Accommodates multiple
MXA910s No No Yes
Accommodates additional
analog mics No No Yes
For more analog inputs, use ANI4INs to convert analog signals to Dante signals. For more analog outputs, use ANI4OUTs to
convert Dante signals to analog signals.

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Use Case: Soft Codec with ANIUSB or P300
For an easy soft codec solution, use the ceiling array with an ANIUSB-MATRIX or a P300.
Computer running conferencing software connects to the ANIUSB-MATRIX or P300 with a USB cable
Ceiling array provides acoustic echo cancellation and DSP (with firmware >4.x)
Matrix mixer in ANIUSB-MATRIX or P300 routes signals to any connected device
P300 has soft codec mute sync for USB connections with firmware >3.1.5
Equipment List:
MXA910 (needs firmware >4.x for AEC)
ANIUSB-MATRIX or P300
Computer with conferencing software
Network switch supplying Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Computer on network with:
Shure Designer software or
Device web applications
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cables
USB cable
Control panel for P300 soft codec mute sync

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Any other speakers, amplifiers, or displays
Use Case: ANI22 and Hard Codec
Hard codec connects room to far-end callers
Ceiling array provides acoustic echo cancellation and DSP (with firmware >4.x)
ANI22 connects analog and digital components
2 line/mic inputs convert analog signals to digital
2 outputs to convert digital signals to analog
Equipment List:
MXA910 (needs firmware >4.x for AEC)
ANI22 (block or XLR connector versions available)
Hard codec
Display
Network switch supplying Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Computer on network with:
Shure Designer software or
Device web applications
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cables

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Analog block or XLR cables to connect components to ANI22
Any other speakers or amplifiers
Use Case: Medium or Large Room with 2 MXA910s and a P300
In larger installations, you can use multiple MXA910s and a P300 for a distributed DSP approach that makes installation sim
pler. For best results, use a maximum of 3 MXA910s.
Ceiling arrays handle DSP (with firmware >4.x)
P300 provides matrix mixer and connection options for mobile devices, USB, and analog block in/out
Designer controls microphones and P300
Equipment List:
2 MXA910s (needs firmware >4.x for AEC)
P300
Network switch supplying Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
Computer on network with:
Shure Designer software or
Device web applications
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cables
Any other speakers, mobile devices, codecs, or displays
Hardware
Network Ethernet Port
The network port carries all audio, power, and control data. It is located on the back panel as shown.

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①Network Port
RJ-45 jack for network connection.
②Network Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link
On = network link established
Flashing = network link active
③Network Speed LED (Amber)
Off = 10/100 Mbps
On = 1 Gbps
LED Light Bar
The LED on the microphone indicates whether the microphone is active or muted, identifies the hardware, and provides confir
mation of firmware updates.

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Default Settings
Microphone Status LED Behavior / Color
Active Green (solid)
Mute 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)
Device power-up Multi-color flash, Blue (moves quickly back and forth across
bar)
Note: When the LED is disabled, the LED still illuminates while the device is powering up and when an error state occurs.
Customizing Lighting Settings
Custom LED brightness, colors, and behaviors are assignable in the control software. They can also be controlled through an
external control system:
Open the Configuration tab
Select Light Bar

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Mute LED Behavior
The lighting for mute and active microphone states is configurable to match the behavior of other devices in conference rooms.
In the LIGHT BAR PROPERTIES menu, use the drop-down menus to select LED settings.
Dimming and Disabling
To dim or turn off the LED, use the brightness fader.
Reset Button
The hardware reset button is located inside a grille hole and can be pushed with a paperclip or other small tool. The hole is
identified with a gray circle. When looking at the Shure logo, it is the second hole in the fourth row from the top.
Reset Modes
Network reset (press button for 4-8 seconds)
Resets all Shure control and audio network IP settings to factory defaults.
Full factory reset (press button for longer than 8 seconds)
Restores all network and web application settings to the factory defaults.
Software Reset Options
To simply revert settings without a complete hardware reset, use one of the following options:
Reboot Device (Settings > Factory Reset): Power-cycles the device as if it were unplugged from the network. All settings
are retained when the device is rebooted.
Default Settings (Presets > Load Preset > Default Settings): Reverts audio settings back to the factory configuration
(excluding Device Name, IP Settings, and Passwords).
If you’re using Shure Designer software to configure your system, please check the Designer help section for more about this topic.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
This device requires PoE to operate. It is compatible with both Class 0 and Class 3 PoE sources.

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Power over Ethernet is delivered in one of the following ways:
A network switch that provides PoE
A PoE injector device
Installation
Microphone Placement
Room Variables
Optimal microphone placement is determined by the seating arrangements and infrastructure. Follow these guidelines for the
best possible results:
In rooms with flexible furniture arrangements or multiple array microphones, use the microphone configuration tool in the
web application or Shure Designer software to ensure that the coverage is adequate for all seating scenarios.
The lobes should be pointed towards the front of each talker. Carefully consider placement in rooms where talkers may
face a screen during a video conference.
Avoid installing the microphone directly next to unwanted sound sources, such as air vents or noisy video projectors.
Consider installing acoustic treatment to improve speech intelligibility in rooms that are too reverberant.
Mounting Height
The maximum mounting height that can be set is 30 feet (9.14 meters). In a typical acoustic environment , the microphone
maintains an "A" rating based on the STIPA (Speech Transmission Index for Public Address systems) international standard at
distances up to 16 feet between the microphone and talker. In better acoustic environments, the STIPA "A" rating may extend
beyond 16 feet.
Consider the following when determining a mounting height:
The pickup pattern of the ceiling array is narrower than a shotgun microphone, and therefore it can be placed farther from
the source than any other microphone. While the web application shows an ideal coverage zone for each channel, keep in
mind that there is no specific barrier at which the audio degrades or gates off. Lobe sensitivity data is available for each
width setting in the product specifications.
Like all microphones, tonality changes as the distance from the source increases.
The intelligibility scale helps to predict how the microphone will sound at a given height.
The coverage area of the lobes increases at farther distances.
[1] Room conditions: RT60 (reverb time) = 500 ms @ 1kHz, A weighted room noise = 40dBSPL(A)
[2] IEC-602682-16 standard
Intelligibility Scale
The intelligibility scale objectively compares the acoustic performance of the array microphone with a cardioid gooseneck mi
crophone at various distances. This information is useful for predicting how the array microphone will perform at a given dis
tance and to determine an ideal mounting height. The data in the intelligibility scale table is derived from measuring the micro
phones to meet an equivalent value from the Speech Transmission Index IEC-602682-16 standard.
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