MXL AC-404 USB Boundary Condenser Conferencing Microphone User Manual

Introduction

The MXL AC-404 USB Boundary Condenser Conferencing Microphone is designed to provide clear speech intelligibility for various applications, including web conferencing, court reporting, and house of worship services. Its plug-and-play USB connectivity ensures ease of use. The microphone features three capsules in a surface-mount boundary design, offering a 180-degree pickup pattern and a 25-foot range. This low-profile design allows it to rest discreetly on any flat surface, making it convenient for conference rooms, podiums, courtrooms, and connected classrooms.

Product Overview

Key Features:

• Outstanding sound quality, even in noisy environments.
• Transforms any location into a conference room.
• Built-in headphone/speaker monitoring jack for direct audio feedback.
• Recommended for web conferencing software like Zoom.
• Durable all-metal construction ensures longevity.
• 180-degree pickup pattern with a 25-foot radius for wide coverage.
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac compatibility.

What's in the Box:

• MXL AC-404 USB Boundary Condenser Conferencing Microphone
• 6-foot USB cable
• Headphone/speaker jack

Product Visuals:

Figure 1: Side view of the MXL AC-404 microphone, showcasing its low-profile design and integrated cable.

Figure 2: Top view of the MXL AC-404 microphone, highlighting the grille and MXL branding.

Figure 3: Rear view of the MXL AC-404, showing the USB port and headphone/speaker jack.

Setup Guide

1. Placement: Place the MXL AC-404 microphone on a flat, stable surface in the center of your meeting area. Ensure it is within a 25-foot radius of all participants for optimal sound capture. The low-profile design allows for discreet placement.
2. Connect to Computer: Connect the included 6-foot USB cable to the USB port on the back of the AC-404 microphone and then to an available USB port on your PC or Mac computer.
3. Driver Installation: The AC-404 is a plug-and-play device. Your operating system (Windows or macOS) should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. No manual driver installation is typically required.
4. Audio Output (Optional): If you wish to monitor the audio directly from the microphone or connect external speakers, plug headphones or speakers into the 3.5mm headphone/speaker jack on the back of the microphone.
5. Select as Input Device: After connecting, open your computer's sound settings or your conferencing software's audio settings. Select the "MXL AC-404" as your primary microphone input device.
6. Adjust Volume: Adjust the input volume (gain) for the microphone within your computer's sound settings or conferencing software to an appropriate level. Avoid setting it too high, which can cause distortion, or too low, which may result in participants being difficult to hear.

Operating Instructions

The MXL AC-404 is designed for straightforward operation, providing clear audio for group discussions.

• Web Conferencing: For web conferencing applications (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams), ensure the AC-404 is selected as the audio input device in the application's settings. The 180-degree pickup pattern allows multiple participants around the microphone to be heard clearly and naturally.
• Recording: When using the AC-404 for recording, select it as the input device in your recording software. The headphone/speaker jack can be used as a recording output for monitoring purposes.
• Optimal Performance: For best results, ensure there are no obstructions between the microphone and the speakers. Minimize background noise in the environment to enhance speech clarity.

Product Video Overview:

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the microphone. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Storage: When not in use, store the microphone in a clean, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Cable Care: Avoid bending or crimping the USB cable excessively to prevent damage.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The MXL AC-404 USB Boundary Condenser Conferencing Microphone comes with a 1-year warranty. Potential warranty extension may be available upon product registration on the official MXL website.

For technical support, product registration, or further information, please visit the official MXL website: www.mxlmics.com.