Lightware MMX8x4-HT400MC HDMI and TPS Matrix Switcher with Special Audio Inputs - 91310041

Product Overview

The Lightware MMX8x4-HT400MC is a standalone matrix switcher purpose-built for conference room AV integration, combining eight inputs (four HDMI, four HDBaseT TPS) with four HDMI outputs and a dedicated Special Audio Input block for microphone and line-in signals. It serves corporate integrators deploying unified AV and audio control in boardrooms, executive conference rooms, and Cisco video conferencing environments. The built-in sound mixer, ducking function, and CEC/IR/RS-232 event automation make this matrix a self-sufficient conference room AV controller requiring minimal external control hardware.

Product Description

The MMX8x4-HT400MC is the corporate version of the MMX8x4-HT420M, optimized for fixed conference room installations with a focus on Cisco VC room integration and third-party video conference collaboration. It accepts four HDMI and four HDBaseT TPS inputs and routes them to four HDMI outputs, supporting 4K/UHD at 30Hz RGB 4:4:4 and 60Hz YCbCr 4:2:0. The dedicated Special Audio Input block includes a microphone preamp and line-in port with a built-in DSP sound mixer and voice activation (ducking) feature that automatically attenuates background audio when the presenter speaks. A balanced 5-pole Phoenix output serves the built-in mixer. Cisco VC integration is available via RS-232-to-USB connection, supporting Cisco Room Kit login. The Advanced Control Pack enables CEC command reception and transmission, true IR control using HEX codes, RS-232 protocol communication, and 100 event slots in the built-in Event Manager — allowing automated room responses to input changes, resolution shifts, or occupancy events without an external control processor.

Key Features

• 8x4 matrix routing — Four HDMI and four TPS inputs routed to four HDMI outputs; any input to any output.
• 4K/UHD and 3D support — Full support for 3840x2160@30Hz RGB 4:4:4, 60Hz YCbCr 4:2:0, and 3D content.
• Special Audio Input block — Dedicated microphone and line-in ports with built-in preamp and DSP mixer for audio reinforcement.
• Voice activation (ducking) — Automatically lowers background audio volume when the presenter speaks into the microphone.
• Balanced audio output for mixer — One shared 5-pole Phoenix balanced output for the built-in sound mixer.
• Cisco VC room integration — RS-232-to-USB connection supports Cisco Room Kit login and control over video conferencing systems.
• Built-in Event Manager — 100 event slots allow automated matrix actions in response to signal, resolution, or status changes without external control.
• CEC command support — Receives and transmits CEC commands on HDMI ports for display and device control.
• True IR control — Sends HEX IR codes to displays, media players, and other IR-controlled devices.
• Advanced EDID Management — Per-port EDID emulation enforces correct resolution output from any source.
• Front panel LCD and jog dial — Local control and status display without requiring a laptop or control system connection.
• RS-232 and IR command injection — Sends control commands to remote endpoints directly from the LAN connection.

Typical Applications

• Conference room
• Boardroom
• Training room
• All-hands room
• Government space

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MMX8x4-HT400MC and the MMX8x4-HT420M?

The HT400MC is the corporate version with four HDMI outputs and no TPS outputs, fewer Ethernet ports, no PoE, no GPIO, and no relay outputs. The HT420M adds two TPS outputs, two additional Ethernet ports, four relay outputs, GPIO, and Long Reach TPS mode for more complex installations.

Can this matrix replace an external control processor in a conference room?

For simple to moderate conference rooms, yes. The built-in Event Manager with 100 slots handles automated switching, IR commands, CEC, and RS-232 control without an external control system.

How does the microphone ducking work?

The Special Audio Input block monitors the microphone input. When voice is detected above a threshold, the system automatically reduces the volume of the HDMI-embedded audio mix, making the presenter's voice the dominant audio source.

What cable type is recommended for TPS inputs at 4K?

Lightware recommends CAT7 SFTP AWG23 cable for best performance. At 4K, maximum distance is 40 meters regardless of cable grade.

Does this unit support HDCP?

Yes. HDCP is fully supported on all HDMI and TPS ports.

Is Cisco Room Kit the only supported VC system?

The RS-232-to-USB method is specifically documented for Cisco Room Kit. Other VC codecs supporting RS-232 may be compatible but should be verified with Lightware technical support.

Where can I purchase the MMX8x4-HT400MC?

Available from Creation Networks, an authorized commercial AV reseller for Lightware products.