Shure MX396/C-TRI Tri-Element Cardioid Boundary Microphone

The Shure MX396/C-TRI is a tri-element, cardioid boundary condenser microphone designed for permanent conference-room installation. Its three microphone elements provide broad table coverage from one low-profile surface-mounted unit. It is intended for boardrooms, meeting spaces, and presentation environments rather than vehicle audio systems.

Three cardioid elements give the MX396/C-TRI flexible pickup arrangements for end-of-table, center-of-table, or cross-table use. Each element has its own balanced audio output, allowing an installer or automatic mixer to manage channels independently. This makes the microphone useful when broad coverage is needed without placing several separate microphones across a table.

The microphone is engineered for speech capture with a 50 Hz to 17 kHz frequency response, wide dynamic range, and active-balanced outputs. A selectable low-cut filter reduces low-frequency content below 150 Hz at a 6 dB-per-octave rate. Its 122 dB maximum SPL rating supports use in rooms where voices may vary substantially in level.

A bi-color status indicator and programmable pushbutton support clear local mute feedback for meeting participants. The button can be configured for momentary or toggle operation, and for push-to-mute or push-to-talk behavior. Logic connections also allow compatible external equipment to control mute functions and the status LED.

CommShield technology provides RF filtering for installed environments where mobile-device interference can be a concern. The attached 20-foot unterminated cable provides three shielded audio pairs plus logic-control conductors for custom termination. Pair it with an installation mixer, DSP, or automatic mixer that can provide appropriate phantom power to the individual microphone elements.

Key Features

• Three Cardioid Elements: Covers larger tables with separately available audio channels.
• Flexible Coverage: Supports end, center, and cross-table pickup arrangements.
• Individual Outputs: Lets each microphone element feed its own input channel.
• Programmable Mute Button: Supports momentary, toggle, push-to-mute, or push-to-talk operation.
• Bi-Color Status LED: Provides visible active and muted microphone status.
• CommShield RF Filtering: Helps reduce interference from nearby wireless devices.

Design & Installation

The MX396/C-TRI uses a low-profile surface-mount boundary design with an integrated grille, central pushbutton, and bi-color status indicator. Shure specifies a 110 mm diameter and 24 mm height, helping it maintain a discreet appearance on a conference table. The current manufacturer documentation does not specify the enclosure material.

For installation, route the attached 6.1 m (20 ft) unterminated cable to compatible microphone inputs and terminate the three balanced audio pairs as required by the system. Do not connect multiple microphone elements in parallel to a single microphone input, as phantom-power current can exceed the input limit. Use the separate logic wires when integrating LED indication or mute switching with a compatible automatic mixer or TTL logic device.