Shure MX396/C-DUAL Dual-Element Boundary Microphone

Product Overview

The Shure MX396/C-DUAL is a dual-element boundary microphone built for conference table installs where two parties or small groups sit across from one another. Each of its two cardioid elements has an individual audio output, giving AV integrators independent control of cross-table pickup and gain. CommShield technology filters RF interference from phones and wireless devices common in modern meeting spaces. It is a commercial-grade conference room microphone for boardrooms, training rooms, and telecommunication settings.

Product Description

The MX396/C-DUAL is part of Shure's Microflex multi-element boundary microphone platform and ships in a dual-cardioid configuration that requires two mixer or DSP channels, one per element. The two cardioid capsules face outward for clear cross-table speech capture between people seated across from each other, with strong off-axis and surface-reflection rejection that helps control room noise. A programmable mute switch and logic input/output let integrators tie remote LED status and muting into a control system, and the bi-color status indicator gives talkers clear active/mute feedback. The attached 20-foot unterminated cable supports side or bottom exit for clean cable management during installation, and the low-profile housing keeps the microphone unobtrusive on the table. As shown in the product images, the boundary design sits flat against the conference surface to use the table as an acoustic boundary plane. This dual-element boundary microphone is well suited to fixed AV deployments rather than portable use.

Key Features

• Dual Cardioid Elements — Two cardioid capsules provide focused cross-table pickup for two parties or small groups seated across a conference table.
• Individual Audio Outputs — Each element has its own output, giving integrators independent gain control and requiring two mixer or DSP channels.
• CommShield Technology — Built-in RF filtering reduces interference from cell phones and wireless devices in dense meeting environments.
• Programmable Mute Switch — The onboard mute switch can be configured for local or system control during AV integration.
• Logic Input/Output — Logic connections allow remote LED status and mute control to be tied into a DSP or control system.
• Bi-Color Status Indicator — The status LED gives meeting participants clear active and mute feedback across the room.
• Boundary Surface Design — The low-profile housing uses the table as an acoustic boundary plane for consistent speech capture.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Conference room
• Training room
• Commercial meeting space
• Government space
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mixer or DSP channels does the MX396/C-DUAL require?
Two. Each cardioid element has its own audio output, so the dual-element model needs two input channels for independent gain and processing.

What coverage does the dual-element configuration provide?
The two cardioid elements are oriented for cross-table pickup, capturing speech between two parties or small groups seated across a conference table.

Can the mute and LED be controlled by our control system?
Yes. The microphone provides a programmable mute switch and logic input/output, so remote LED status and muting can be integrated into a DSP or control system.

What power does it need?
It operates on 48 V ± 4 V phantom power at 10 mA, supplied by a mixer, DSP, or phantom power source.

Does it help with cell phone interference?
Yes. CommShield technology filters RF interference from phones and wireless devices found in busy meeting environments.

Specifications per Shure (shure.com). For other Shure conference microphones, compare the Shure MX395 low-profile boundary microphone or the Shure MX396/C-TRI tri-element boundary microphone.