Microflex
®
MX400S Series User Guide
©2006, Shure Incorporated
27K2830 (Rev. 1)
Printed in U.S.A.
GENERAL
Shure Microflex
®
MX400 Series microphones are miniature
gooseneck-mounted electret condenser microphones designed
primarily for speech and vocal pickup. They can be mounted on
lecterns, pulpits, or conference tables. All models include a
preamplifier and are available with interchangeable cardioid,
supercardioid, or omnidirectional cartridges.
FEATURES
• Wide dynamic range and frequency
response for accurate
sound reproduction across the audio spectrum
• Interchangeable cartridges provide the right polar pattern for
every application
• Shock mount provides over 20 dB isolation from surface
vibration noise
• Locking flange mount for permanently securing microphone to
lecterns, pulpits, or conference tables
• Snap-fit foam windscreen
• New RF filtering
MODEL VARIATIONS
MX412: 305 mm (12 in.) gooseneck microphone.
MX418: 457 mm (18 in.) gooseneck microphone.
MX412S: 305 mm (12 in) gooseneck microphone; includes a mute
switch and an LED.
MX418S: 457 mm (18 in) gooseneck microphone; includes a mute
switch and an LED.
SELECTING A POLAR PATTERN
All Microflex microphones are available with any one of three
interchangeable cartridges. The polar pattern of the cartridge is
indicated by the model number suffix:
/C = Cardioid, /S = Supercardioid, /O= Omnidirectional.
Cardioid (C). Recommended for general sound reinforcement
applications. Pickup angle (-3 dB) = 130°.
Supercardioid (S). Recommended for sound reinforcement
applications requiring narrow or more distant coverage. Pickup
angle (-3 dB) = 115°.
Omnidirectional (O). Recommended for recording or remote
monitoring applications. Pickup angle = 360°.
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source, such as
the talker, and away from any unwanted sound source, such as a
loudspeaker.
2. Place the tip of the microphone within 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) of
the desired sound source.
3. Always use the supplied windscreen or the optional metal
windscreen to control breath noise.
4. If four or more microphones will be open at the same time, use of
an automatic mixer, such as the Shure SCM810 or FP410, is
recommended.
MICROPHONE INSTALLATION
Installing a Microphone in a Mounting Flange (Figure 2)
1. Drill a 22 mm (7/8 in.) diameter hole in the desired location.
2. Trace and drill three starter holes for the supplied screws using
the flange as a template.
3. Insert the preamplifier through the mounting flange.
4. Slip the mounting flange retaining ring over the bottom of the
preamplifier and slide it up until it is flush to the bottom of the
flange. Then press the ring firmly into place.
5. Secure the flange to the mounting surface with three screws.
Installing a Microphone in a Shock Mount (Figure 1)
1. Drill a 44 mm (1-3/4 in.) diameter hole in the desired location.
2. Trace and drill three starter holes for the screws using the shock
mount as a template.
3. Secure the shock mount to the mounting surface with three
screws.
Installing the Foam Windscreen (Figure 3)
1. Press the foam windscreen onto the microphone until it snaps into
the groove located below the cartridge.
2. To remove the windscreen, spread the gap in its mounting ring with
a screwdriver or thumbnail and pull the windscreen off carefully.
ADJUSTING PREAMP GAIN:MX412 AND 418 ONLY (Figure 4)
MX412 and MX418 microphones include an adjustable gain
preamplifier, allowing the user to specify a 12 dB or 0 dB gain setting.
The preamp ships at the 12 dB setting.
To reduce the signal gain at the MX412 and MX418 preamplifier by
12 dB, replace the gain resistors to the 0 dB setting (Table 4A).