Shure MXA901-R User manual

MXA901-R
Ceiling Array Microphone
Online user guide for MXA901-R.
Version: 0.1 (2024-A)

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Table of Contents
MXA901-R Ceiling Array Microphone 4
General Description 4
Features 4
Getting Started 4
Videoconferencing Room Equipment 4
MXA901 Designer Setup Example 6
MXA901 Web Application Setup Example 8
MXA901-R Parts 11
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 12
Model Variations 12
Optional Accessories 12
What's in the Box 12
Reset Button 13
Reset Modes 13
MXA901 Control Software 13
Control Devices with Shure Designer Software 14
MXA901 Coverage 14
How Much Space Does the MXA901 Cover? 15
Using Autofocus™ to Improve Coverage 15
Use Case: 2 MXA901s in a Room 15
Use Designer's Auto Route 16
Adjust Microphone Levels 17
Mute the MXA901 17
How to Install the MXA901 18
Install the MXA901-R on a Ceiling 19
VESA Standardized Mounting 22
Dante Channels 22
IntelliMix DSP 22
DSP Best Practices 23
Acoustic Echo Cancellation 23
Noise Reduction 24
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) 24
Delay 24
Compressor 25
Parametric Equalizer 25
Mute Sync 27
Encryption 28
Set Up the 802.1X Protocol for a Device 29
Turn Off or Clear 802.1X Settings 30
Change 802.1X Settings 30
Troubleshooting 802.1X Setup Issues 30
Networking Best Practices 30
Switch and Cable Recommendations for Dante Network
ing 31
Device IP Configuration 31
Setting Latency 31
QoS (Quality of Service) Settings 32
IP Ports and Protocols 32
Digital Audio Networking 33
Compatibility with Dante Domain Manager 33
Dante Flows for Shure Devices 33
AES67 34
Sending Audio from a Shure Device 35
Receiving Audio from a Device Using a Different Audio
Network Protocol 35
Using Command Strings 35

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Troubleshooting 35
Additional Resources 36
Specifications 37
MXA901-R Frequency Response 38
Dimensions 39
Important Safety Instructions 39
Important Product Information 40
Introduction to EMC 40
Environmental Regulatory Information 42

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MXA901-R
Ceiling Array Microphone
General Description
Our sleekest ceiling array microphone yet, the MXA901 provides superb AV conferencing audio in a discreet and stylish 13.5-
inch round form factor that complements any interior design. Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology captures talkers
clearly with no setup. Use one MXA901 in smaller rooms or multiple units in larger spaces. Onboard IntelliMix®DSP delivers
echo- and noise-free audio, while next-generation array architecture ensures natural speech and enhanced directional pickup.
Features
Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology captures audio from a 20 by 20-foot (6 by 6 meter) area out of the box
Onboard IntelliMix DSP with acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction, automatic mixing, automatic gain control, and EQ
for echo- and noise-free audio
Round 13.5-in. diameter (34 cm) form factor with white, black, or aluminum finish
Onceiling mounting bracket included; versatile options for onceiling, inceiling, pole, rod, or suspension mounting avail
able
Shure Designer System Configuration software for easy setup and configuration
Embedded web application for setup flexibility
LED status bar with configurable colors and brightness
Dante and AES67 audio networking protocols
Getting Started
Videoconferencing Room Equipment
Your Microflex®microphone is one part of a complete room system for videoconferencing. It's helpful to think about all the parts
of your room system as you get started setting up the microphone.
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Medium room equipment example
A standard room includes some or all of this equipment:
Microphone(s)
DSP or other processor
Loudspeakers (networked or analog)
Computer with videoconferencing software
Network switch
Camera
Other accessories such as table mute buttons, tablets to control meetings, and other peripherals
The Microflex Ecosystem offers a complete portfolio of networked audio solutions that can be precisely tailored to your needs.
What Software Do I Need to Set Up This Microphone?
Install this software on a computer that connects to the same network as the microphone:
Control software to adjust microphone settings. This microphone has 2 options:
Option 1: Shure Designer
Use for managing lots of Shure devices in 1 place
Control Shure devices and route audio between them
Create rooms to manage devices and design coverage
Option 2: Web application (open using Shure Web Device Discovery)
Use to manage each Shure device separately
Control each device individually with its web application
Route audio using Dante Controller
Dante Controller to send audio signals to other Dante devices. Not necessary if you're only routing audio to Shure de
vices in Designer.

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Shure Web Device Discovery to easily find device web applications. Not necessary if you're only using Designer.
Shure Update Utility to update firmware on Shure devices (download at shure.com/suu)
MXA901 Designer Setup Example
This example uses Shure Designer 6.0 software to set up an MXA901, an ANIUSB-MATRIX, and 2 MXN5-C loudspeakers. You
might use Designer if:
You're managing many Shure devices in different spaces
You're routing audio between many Shure devices
You can use other combinations of devices with the MXA901, but the setup process in Designer is similar.
After completing this basic setup process, you should be able to:
Access the MXA901 in Designer
Route audio and adjust DSP settings
Understand the basic workflow for working with devices in Designer
This example uses:
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable
Network switch that provides Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Computer with Designer 6.0 or newer (download at shure.com/designer)
Computer with videoconferencing software
ANIUSB-MATRIX
2 MXN5-C loudspeakers
Step 1: Install and Connect
The MXA901 has a 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area. The maximum recommended mounting height is 12 feet (3.7 m).
The microphone intelligently adjusts coverage for all talkers in the coverage area. IntelliMix DSP ensures a clear signal for the
far end with AEC, noise reduction, and more.
Install the MXA901 and other devices. Connect all devices to PoE ports on the network switch using Ethernet cable.
Connect the computer running Designer to the same network.
Open Designer. Check that you’re connected to the correct network in File > Designer preferences.
Open a new design and drag the devices into the design.

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Step 2: Route Audio and Apply DSP
The easiest way to route audio and apply DSP is with Designer's auto route feature. This feature routes audio signals, applies
DSP settings, turns on mute synchronization, and enables LED control for connected devices.
Select Auto route. Designer makes the following routes:
MXA901 to ANIUSB-MATRIX
ANIUSB-MATRIX USB output to computer with videoconferencing software
ANIUSB-MATRIX Dante output to MXA901 AEC reference and MXN5-C loudspeakers
You can also route audio manually in Designer or use Dante Controller.
Check the audio routes, matrix mixer routes, and other settings to make sure they fit your needs.
Select Deploy and connect to send the settings to the installed devices. Designer walks you through associating the de
sign devices with the online devices.
Step 3: Listen and Adjust
Connect the computer with videoconferencing software (such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams) to the ANIUSB-MATRIX's
USB port.
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 and have the far-end caller tell you how your microphone signal sounds. Make
gain, EQ, or DSP adjustments in the MXA901's IntelliMix tab.

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If needed, move the microphone's coverage area in the room's Coverage tab.
You can also listen to the microphone signal directly using a Dante headphone amp to help make adjustments.
MXA901 Web Application Setup Example
This example uses device web applications and Dante Controller to connect an MXA901 and an ANIUSB-MATRIX. You might
use web applications and Dante Controller if:
You don't have many Shure devices to manage
You need to route audio to third-party Dante devices
You can use other combinations of devices with the MXA901, but setup process is similar if you're working with web applica
tions and Dante Controller. After completing this basic setup process, you should be able to:
Open the MXA901's web application
Route audio and adjust DSP settings
Understand the basic workflow for working with device web applications and Dante Controller
This example uses:
Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable
Network switch that provides Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Computer with Shure Web Device Discovery and Dante Controller software
ANIUSB-MATRIX
Step 1: Install and Connect
The MXA901 has a 20 x 20-foot (6.1 x 6.1 m) coverage area. The maximum recommended mounting height is 12 feet (3.7 m).

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The microphone intelligently adjusts coverage for all talkers in the coverage area. IntelliMix DSP ensures a clear signal for the
far end with AEC, noise reduction, and more.
Install the MXA901 and other devices. Connect devices to PoE ports on the network switch using Ethernet cable.
Connect a computer with Shure Web Device Discovery and Dante Controller software to the same network.
Open Shure Web Device Discovery. Find the MXA901 in the list of devices and double-click to open the microphone's
web application.
Step 2: Route Audio
Use Dante Controller to route audio to and from other Dante devices. We'll route the MXA901's microphone signal to an
ANIUSB-MATRIX for this example.
Open Dante Controller and find both devices in the list of transmitters and receivers.
Make these routes:
MXA901 automix output to ANIUSB-MATRIX input
ANIUSB-MATRIX output to MXA901 AEC reference input. The AEC reference signal is usually the same one that
feeds the room's loudspeakers.
Send audio from the ANIUSB-MATRIX to other sources using the ANIUSB-MATRIX's matrix mixer. Open the ANIUSB-
MATRIX web application with Shure Web Device Discovery. A common destination is a computer connected by USB
with videoconferencing software (such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams).

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In your videoconferencing software, select the correct microphone and loudspeaker sources.
Step 3: Listen and Adjust
Place a test call with the whole system and have the far-end caller tell you how your microphone signal sounds. Make
gain, EQ, or DSP adjustments in the MXA901's IntelliMix tab.
If needed, move the microphone's coverage area in the Coverage tab.
You can also listen to the microphone signal directly using a Dante headphone amp to help make adjustments.

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MXA901-R Parts
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 screw holes for suspension mounting
VESA MIS-D mounting holes (75 mm square)
Removable cover for network port
Holes for pole mount and Gripple mount cover clips
Reset button
Mute status LED
Customize LED color and behavior in the control software: Settings > Lights.
MXA901 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)

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Microphone Status LED Color/Behavior
Factory reset: Triggers device power-up
Error Red (split, alternate flashing)
Device power-up Blue (moves quickly back and forth across bar)
Note: If LEDs are off, they will still turn on when the device powers up or when an error state occurs.
If the MXA901 is in a room that uses Designer's call status feature, the mute status LEDs are off when not in a video
conferencing call.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
This device requires PoE to operate. It is compatible with Class 0 PoE sources.
Power over Ethernet is delivered in one of the following ways:
A network switch that provides PoE
A PoE injector device
Model Variations
SKU Description
MXA901AL-R Aluminum round microphone
MXA901B-R Black round microphone
MXA901W-R White round microphone
Optional Accessories
A901B-R-GM: Gripple suspension mount kit with black cover
A901W-R-GM: Gripple suspension mount kit with white cover
A901B-R-PM-1.5IN: 1.5-in. pole mount kit with black cover
A901W-R-PM-1.5IN: 1.5-in. pole mount kit with white cover
A901B-R-PM-3/8IN: 3/8-in. pole mount kit with black cover
A901W-R-PM-3/8IN: 3/8-in. pole mount kit with white cover
A901-R-TB tile bridge kit
A901-R-HCM ceiling mount
What's in the Box
Array microphone MXA901-R
Hardware kit with:
Network port cover
Surface mount
Round VESA bracket
M4 screws (4)
RPM901-R-INSTALL KIT

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Reset Button
The reset button is behind the grille. To push it, use a paper clip or other tool. You can also use the control software to reset the
device.
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.
Blue LED along bar.
MXA901 Control Software
There are 2 ways to control the MXA901:
Use Shure Designer software
Control all Shure devices in one place
Route audio to and from Shure devices

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Access the MXA901's web application with Shure Web Device Discovery
Control 1 microphone at a time
To route audio, use Dante Controller software
Control 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 File > Designer preferences.
Click Online devices. A list of online devices appears.
To identify devices, select a device and click ID in the Properties menu. Double-click the device to open the settings.
From here, you can add devices to designs or online rooms and route audio to other Shure devices. Learn more at shure.com/
designer.
You can also access device settings using Shure Web Device Discovery.
MXA901 Coverage
The MXA901 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.
To access microphone coverage settings:
Designer: Add the microphone to a room and go to Coverage.
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.
The MXA901 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.

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Tips for Great Coverage
Move the coverage area to match where people sit in the room.
If using multiple MXA901s in a space, set up the coverage areas so they don't overlap.
How Much Space Does the MXA901 Cover?
The MXA901'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: 12 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.
Note: This microphone has fixed array height and talker height settings. Array height = 9 feet (2.7 m). Talker height = 4 feet (1.2 m).
Using Autofocus to Improve Coverage
This microphone uses built-in Autofocus technology to fine-tune microphone coverage in real time, even if meeting participants
lean back or stand up. On microphones that show steerable lobes for coverage (such as the MXA710 or MXA920), you'll see
the lobes moving in the coverage map as participants change positions. Autofocus only responds to in-room sound sources.
Important: Always route a reference signal to the microphone's AEC reference in channel to take full advantage of Autofocus.
You should set up this reference signal even if you're using a separate DSP or direct outputs (on applicable microphones).
Use Case: 2 MXA901s in a Room
In larger spaces, you can use multiple MXA901s to pick up all talkers. This example uses:
2 MXA901s
4 MXN5-C loudspeakers
1 P300
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Tips for Working with Multiple MXA901s
Use Designer so that you can see the coverage area for each microphone on the same coverage map.
Set up coverage areas so that they don't overlap.
Route microphone signals to a processor with an automixer. The automixer mixes the signal from each MXA901 based on
who is talking.
Shure options: P300 or a PC with IntelliMix Room software
The ANIUSB-MATRIX works best with 1 microphone because it doesn't have an automixer.
Use Designer's Auto Route
Designer's auto route speeds up the process of connecting systems with 1 audio processor and at least 1 microphone. Auto
route also creates mute control routes in rooms with MXA network mute buttons. When you select Auto route, you can direct
Designer to:
Create audio routes and mute control routes
Adjust audio settings
Turn on mute synchronization
Enable LED logic control for applicable devices
The settings are optimized for your particular combination of devices. You can adjust settings further, but auto route gives you a
good starting point. Auto route works with any device in Designer.
To use auto route:
Place all relevant devices in a design.
Select Auto route. Designer optimizes microphone and DSP settings for your equipment combination.
If you remove or add devices, select Auto route again.

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Note: The auto route process clears any manual routes you may have made in your design.
After auto routing 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 and received in a test call.
Fine-tune DSP blocks.
Adjust your processor's matrix mixer routes.
If you want to auto route an online room, turn on online room editing in File > Designer preferences.
Note: Changes to an online room may cause audio to briefly drop out.
Refer to Designer's Troubleshooting section for help with routing.
Adjust Microphone Levels
To adjust microphone gain, open the MXA901 in the control software and go to IntelliMix.
Make a test call with your videoconferencing software.
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 gain 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.
Mute the MXA901
The MXA901 has 2 mute points:

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IntelliMix output mute: Mutes the IntelliMix output channel
Device mute: Mutes the microphone. This mute button also changes the mute status LED. The mute icon on Routing
page is for device mute.
How to Install the MXA901
There are many ways to install the MXA901 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 12 feet (3.7 m) as the maximum mounting height.
Mounting Options
Surface mount accessory (included)
1.5-in. NPT pole
3/8-in. threaded rod
Suspend from ceiling
Drywall ceiling
Ceiling tile
VESA mounting device

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Install the MXA901-R on a Ceiling
Use the included surface mount to attach MXA901-R microphones to junction boxes or wood ceiling joists. You can route the
Ethernet cable through the hole in the center of the mount or out the side.
To get started, you will need:
Surface mount
Round VESA bracket
M4 screws (4)
Screws to attach surface mount to ceiling (drywall anchors not recommended)*
Ethernet cable*
*Not included
Install the surface mount on a junction box or wood ceiling joist using a minimum of 2 screws. Follow any local regula
tions.
Attach the round VESA bracket to the microphone using the 4 included M4 screws.

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3. Route the Ethernet cable. The cable can route through the hole in the surface mount (1) or out the side (2). Connect it
to the microphone and install the network port cover.