Which Ceiling Array Microphone Is Right For You?

Ceiling array microphones offer a lot of benefits in meeting rooms.  They’re off the table and out of the way, keeping the table surface clear for papers, laptops, and critical items like potato chips.  They’re also roughly an equal distance from every talker, which provides more consistent sound quality for remote participants.

The Microflex® Ecosystem includes array microphones, hardware and software IntelliMix® DSP, and networked loudspeakers that can be combined by your systems integrator to deliver premium audio even in rooms that are large or have complex system configurations such as camera tracking, voice lift, or sound reinforcement.  Shure wireless microphone systems can also be added for a presenter or audience Q and A if desired.

With a choice of four different Microflex Advance ceiling microphones, the question may arise: which ceiling array microphone is right for you?

MXA920:  The Ceiling Array That Can Do Anything

The MXA920 Ceiling Array Microphone is the do-it-all powerhouse that can handle any audio scenario – AV conferencing, advanced camera tracking, voice lift, or sound reinforcement -- in the most challenging meeting spaces.  With Multi-Zone Automatic Coverage™ technology, the MXA920 automatically focuses its pickup on active talkers in up to eight separate zones that you define, allowing it to cover a total area of up to 50 by 50 feet (15 by 15 meters) with one mic, and even larger areas with multiple microphones.  The MXA920 also sends up to eight simultaneous real-time XYZ talker coordinates to enable the most precise camera tracking performance.  In Steerable Coverage™ mode, the MXA920 provides individual audio outputs for each pickup lobe for use in voice lift or sound reinforcement applications with multiple loudspeaker zones.

MXA901:  A Sleeker Take On Tech

The MXA901 Conferencing Ceiling Array Microphone is the most discreet approach to AV conferencing audio for meeting rooms.  Its compact and stylish 13.5-in diameter (34 cm) form factor complements any interior design without drawing attention.  Single-Zone Automatic Coverage™ technology automatically captures every talker in a 20 by 20 foot (6 by 6 m) area with no configuration required, and industry-leading IntelliMix® DSP automatically aims microphone coverage at talkers and removes echo and room noise.  One MXA901 can cover a small or medium-size room; multiple MXA901’s can be combined to cover larger spaces with the IntelliMix P300 audio processor or IntelliMix Room software.  Versatile options for in-ceiling, on-ceiling, pole, rod, or suspension mounting are available, and a choice of white, black, or aluminum finishes match your color scheme.  The MXA901 is designed for AV conferencing only, and is not suitable for use in applications requiring voice lift, sound reinforcement, or advanced camera tracking.

MXA902:  One and Done For Small-Medium Rooms

The MXA902 Integrated Conferencing Ceiling Array is unique because it combines an array microphone, IntelliMix DSP, and a wide-dispersion loudspeaker all in one ceiling-mounted device.  With Single-Zone Automatic Coverage technology, it automatically focuses its pickup on active talkers and allows everyone in a 20 by 20 foot (6 by 6 meter) area to hear and be heard clearly with minimal installation time.  The wide-dispersion loudspeaker delivers clear, robust far-site audio throughout the same 20 by 20 foot coverage area, and the loudspeaker signal is automatically configured as the AEC reference so no additional signal routing is necessary.  The MXA902 is designed to be a complete audio solution for AV conferencing in small to medium-size meeting rooms where only one microphone and loudspeaker are required.  The MXA902 is designed for AV conferencing only, and is not suitable for use in applications requiring voice lift, sound reinforcement, or camera tracking.

MXA710:  A Slim Solution For Wide-Area Pickup

The MXA710 Linear Array Microphone fits in spaces where a round or square microphone doesn’t.  It provides either four (MXA710-2FT) or eight (MXA710-4FT) wedge-shaped steerable pickup lobes that cover a wider area than the more focused capture provided by the MXA920, MXA901, and MXA902.  The MXA710 is perfect for use when you need to pick up a group of people in a general area – such as students in a lecture hall or training room -- rather than isolate a specific person or seat.  The MXA710’s slim profile offers a more discreet appearance especially when hung below the ceiling.  The MXA710 also allows a wide variety of mounting options.  In addition to being hung from the ceiling, it can be mounted on the wall next to or below a video screen; flush-mounted into a conference table; or placed on a table or credenza.  The MXA710 is designed for AV conferencing only, and is not suitable for use in applications requiring voice lift, sound reinforcement, or camera tracking.

No matter what your audio needs are or what size or type of meeting room you have, Shure has a ceiling array microphone that can deliver a premium audio experience.