Shure MXA310B User manual

MXA310
Table Array Microphone
Complete user guide for the MXA310. Includes installation instructions, specifications, best practices, command strings, and more.
Version: 5.1 (2020-H)

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Table of Contents
MXA310 Table Array Microphone 4
Overview 4
General Description 4
Features 4
System Overview 5
System Planning and Gear Requirements 6
Setting up the Audio Network 6
System Use Cases 9
Telephone Conference with Shure MXW Audio Network
Interface 9
Telephone Conference with Dante-enabled Audio Proces-
sor 11
Telephone Conference with Breakout Boxes and Audio
Processor 12
Web Conferencing Software with Dante Virtual Soundcard1
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Video Conference 14
Hardware and Installation 15
Hardware 15
LED Light Ring 16
Installing the Cable-Exit Plug 17
Permanent Table Installation 17
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 20
Microphone Placement 20
Seating Scenarios 20
Software Installation, Management, and Security 25
Controlling Devices with Shure Designer Software 25
Accessing the Web Application 26
Web Application Browser Compatibility 26
Accessing the Web Application without the Discovery App2
6
How to Update Firmware Using Designer (Version 4.2
and Newer) 26
Firmware Versioning 27
Microphone Configuration 27
Control Software Overview 27
Microphone Configuration 27
Adding or Removing a Channel 28
Custom Presets 29
Templates 29
Adjusting Levels 29
Mute and Fader Groups 30
Identifying Channels 31
Device Identification 31
LED Light Ring 31
Parametric Equalizer (PEQ) 31
Reset 34
Low-cut Filter 36
Mute Buttons 36
AES67 37
Encryption 37
Mute Synchronization 38
Setting Up Mute Sync on the MXA310 and P300 38
Automix Channel 38
Automix Settings 39
Automix Modes 39
Using a Third-Party Control System 40
Networking and Dante 40
Digital Audio Networking 40
Switch and Cable Recommendations for Dante Network-
ing 40
Compatibility with Dante Domain Manager 41

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QoS (Quality of Service) Settings 41
Dante Transmit Flows 42
Networking Best Practices 42
Network Audio and Shure Control Data 42
Device IP Settings 42
Configuring IP Settings 43
Manually Assigning Static IP Address 43
Setting Latency 43
Operating the Control Software over Wi-Fi 43
Packet Bridge 44
IP Ports and Protocols 44
Troubleshooting 45
Important Product Information 46
Information to the user 47
What's in the Box 47
Optional Accessories 48
Specifications 48
Frequency Response 49
Contact Customer Support 55

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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 environments, 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 directly above the microphone. Control the microphone with
Shure Designer software, or a browser-based web application. The microphone integrates seamlessly with Dante digital net-
worked audio and third-party preset controllers, including Crestron and AMX, to deliver a high-quality AV conferencing experi-
ence 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
Shure Designer 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
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
Configurable multi-colored LED light ring matches the environment, displays mute settings, and confirms coverage set-
tings
Available in white, black, and aluminum finishes
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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 conferencing system.
③Far-end audio (network to loudspeakers)
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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, de-
livered through 4 discrete XLR or block connector outputs.
④Device control and Dante audio
A computer running Dante Controller and Shure Designer provides control over the following:
Control:
A computer connected to the network controls the microphone with Shure Designer software. You can remotely control
coverage, muting, LED behavior, 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.
System Planning and Gear Requirements
Setting up the Audio Network
Shure networked conferencing systems are comprised of Microflex Advance microphones and network interfaces, which oper-
ate entirely on a Dante network. Additional hardware, including network switches, computers, loudspeakers, and audio proces-
sors are described in the hardware component index.
Shure components shown in this diagram:
Microflex Advance Microphones
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 analog 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.
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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 connected to
the internet. Analog microphones connect to the network through the Shure ANI4IN, while loudspeakers connect
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 optimize 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 application. For example, adjust-

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ing loudspeaker volume or muting a wired microphone, which would normally be done from the hardware, can now be con-
trolled remotely over the network.
Dante Signal Routing
You can manage signal routing with Dante Controller or Shure Designer software.
System Use Cases
These use cases will help you understand how Shure devices fit in conference rooms, huddle rooms, and multipurpose
spaces.
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 Network-
ing section for additional information on cable and network switch requirements.
Telephone Conference with Shure MXW Audio Network Interface
①Array microphone to Shure MXWANI

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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 net-
worked 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 establishes 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
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.

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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 interfaces, the
Dante channels are converted to analog signals for acoustic echo cancellation.
①Microphone to network switch
Connect the array 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.
③ANI4OUT (digital-to-analog conversion)
From the network switch: Use network cables to connect each ANI4OUT to the network switch. A single ANI4OUT re-
ceives 4 channels of Dante audio, and converts them to 4 analog signals, delivered through XLR outputs or block connec-
tors. Using two of them, all 8 channels from the microphones can be connected to analog inputs on an audio processing
device.
To a processing device: Route the ANI4OUT outputs to the processing device inputs to provide digital signal processing
(acoustic echo cancellation).

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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
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
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 Dante Controller to route the micro-
phone signal to the computer.

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◦Web Conferencing Software:Assign the audio input and output device settings to the appropriate Dante transmitter 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.
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.

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④Network Status LED (Green)
Off = no network link
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
You can adjust LED light ring settings using Shure Designer software or the device's web application.
In Designer, go to Settings > Lights.
In the web application, go to Configuration > Light Ring.
Default Settings
Microphone Status LED Behavior / Color
Active Green (solid)

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Microphone Status LED Behavior / Color
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)
Reset
Network reset: Red (rotates around ring)
Factory reset: Blue (rotates around ring)
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.
Remove the screw that holds in the cable-retaining tab closest to the cable exit
Remove the cable-retaining tab
Insert the plug
Replace the screw to secure the plug
Permanent Table Installation
Remove the 3 screws located in the center on the bottom of the microphone

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2.
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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.
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.

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Slide one of the rubber washers to the base of the tube.
Drill a 1-inch (2.5 cm) hole through the table.
Guide the cable through the hole in the table. Then, place the tube through the hole in the table and gently press the
microphone down.
Attach the remaining rubber washer and wing nut from underneath the table. Then, tighten the wing nut to secure the
microphone on the table.
Optional: use the hole in the wing nut to insert a cable tie for cable management.

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Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
This device requires PoE to operate. It is compatible with both Class 0 and Class 2 PoE sources.
Power over Ethernet is delivered in one of the following ways:
A network switch that provides PoE
A PoE injector device
Microphone Placement
Each microphone has 4 channels that can be aimed independently, based on the seating arrangement. Each channel features
independent polar patterns and additional channel settings. You can control these settings in Shure Designer software or in the
device's web application.
Designer software provides increased positioning flexibility over traditional conferencing microphones:
Configurable pickup areas can be rotated and modified for the number of talkers.
Network connectivity, device identification, and presets allow moving, adding and removing microphones with ease.
Independent channels and automixing make Dante signal routing simple and flexible.
Customized presets can be saved to immediately recall different room configurations.
Seating Scenarios
Each channel can capture one or several talkers. In rooms with flexible furniture arrangements, microphones can be moved to
cover various seating arrangements as long as they are plugged into the same network.
Note: Settings are saved on each microphone, and are retained when plugged into a different network port. Presets can be recalled and deployed using De-
signer software, the web application, or an external control system.
Single-Microphone Applications (Multiple Channels)
With four independent channels and polar patterns, coverage can be customized to match the table shape, size, and seating
arrangement. The automatic mixing feature helps reduce extraneous noise (such as typing or paper shuffling) from interfering
with speech intelligibility on the far end.