1. Introduction
The Shure MX418/C is an 18-inch cardioid condenser gooseneck microphone designed for clear and accurate sound reproduction in various applications, including houses of worship, courtrooms, and conference centers. Its fully adjustable gooseneck offers flexibility, while the interchangeable cartridge design ensures consistent sound quality across the Microflex product line.
Figure 1: Shure MX418/C Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
Key Features:
- Attached XLR Preamp for direct connection.
- Includes Shock & Flange Mount for versatile installation.
- Snap-Fit Foam Windscreen to reduce plosives and breath noise.
- Wide dynamic range and frequency response for accurate audio capture.
- Interchangeable cartridges (cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional) for application flexibility.
- Balanced, transformerless output for immunity to electromagnetic hum and RF interference.
- Shock mount provides over 20 dB isolation from surface vibration noise.
- Locking flange mount for permanent secure mounting.
2. Components
The Shure MX418/C package typically includes the following items:
- MX418/C Gooseneck Microphone with attached XLR Preamp
- Shock Mount
- Flange Mount
- Snap-Fit Foam Windscreen
Figure 2: Microphone with detachable XLR preamp and mounting options
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 Power Requirements
The MX418/C is a condenser microphone and requires phantom power to operate. Ensure your mixer or audio interface provides 11–52 V DC phantom power. Refer to your audio equipment's manual for details on enabling phantom power.
3.2 Mounting Options
The microphone comes with both a shock mount and a flange mount for flexible installation.
3.2.1 Flange Mount Installation
The locking flange mount is designed for permanently securing the microphone to surfaces such as lecterns, pulpits, or conference tables.
- Drill an appropriate-sized hole in the desired mounting surface.
- Insert the flange mount into the hole and secure it using the provided hardware.
- Thread the microphone's XLR preamp base into the flange mount until secure.
3.2.2 Shock Mount Installation
The shock mount provides isolation from surface vibration noise, ideal for reducing handling noise or vibrations from the mounting surface.
- Attach the shock mount to a standard microphone stand or other compatible mounting hardware.
- Insert the microphone's XLR preamp base into the shock mount.
3.3 Connecting the Microphone
- Connect a standard XLR cable (not included) to the XLR preamp at the base of the microphone.
- Connect the other end of the XLR cable to an input on your mixer or audio interface.
- Activate phantom power on the connected input channel.
Figure 3: Example of Shure gooseneck microphones in a conference setting
4. Operation
4.1 Gooseneck Adjustment
The flexible gooseneck allows for precise positioning of the microphone capsule. Adjust the gooseneck to ensure the microphone is optimally angled towards the sound source, typically 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) from the speaker's mouth.
4.2 Cardioid Polar Pattern
The MX418/C features a cardioid polar pattern, which is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and less sensitive to sound from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce pickup of unwanted ambient noise and feedback.
Figure 4: Detail of the microphone capsule
4.3 Windscreen Usage
Attach the snap-fit foam windscreen over the microphone capsule to minimize plosive sounds (like 'p' and 'b' sounds) and breath noise, especially in close-mic situations or environments with air movement.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
To clean the microphone, gently wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, dry cloth. For the foam windscreen, it can be carefully removed and hand-washed with mild soap and water, then allowed to air dry completely before reattaching.
5.2 Storage
Store the microphone in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temperatures and humidity. When not in use, it is recommended to cover the microphone with a dust cover or return it to its original packaging to protect it from dust and physical damage.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound output | No phantom power; incorrect cable connection; faulty cable/equipment. | Ensure phantom power is enabled on the mixer/interface. Check all XLR cable connections. Test with a different cable or input. |
| Low or distorted sound | Incorrect gain settings; microphone too far from source; phantom power issue. | Adjust input gain on mixer. Position microphone closer to the sound source. Verify phantom power is stable. |
| High-pitched tone or hum | RF interference; ground loop; faulty microphone/preamp. | Ensure cables are not running parallel to power lines. Check for proper grounding. Isolate the microphone to determine if it's the source of the noise. |
| Intermittent clicks or dropouts | Loose connection; cable damage; environmental interference. | Check all cable connections. Replace suspect cables. Ensure no strong electromagnetic fields are nearby. |
| Excessive plosives or breath noise | No windscreen; microphone too close to mouth. | Attach the foam windscreen. Adjust microphone distance from the speaker. |
If issues persist after attempting these solutions, contact Shure customer support or a qualified audio technician.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | MX418/C |
| Microphone Form Factor | Microphone Only (Gooseneck) |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid (Unidirectional) |
| Audio Sensitivity | 20 Decibels |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 20 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 KHz |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Connector Type | XLR |
| Power Source | Phantom Power (11-52 V DC) |
| Item Weight | 15.2 ounces (431 grams) |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.9 x 5.4 x 3.1 inches (63.2 x 13.7 x 7.9 cm) |
| Material | Foam (windscreen) |
| Included Components | Foam Windscreen |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Shure website or contact Shure customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Official Shure Website: www.shure.com
9. Product Videos
No official product videos from the seller were available in the provided data to embed in this manual. Please check the official Shure website or product page for any available video resources.
