Overview
The Shure MX418/C is a Microflex Standard gooseneck condenser microphone designed for speech and vocal pickup in installed sound systems. Its flexible 18-inch gooseneck positions the microphone near the speaker, while its cardioid cartridge focuses pickup toward the front of the microphone.
The microphone is intended for permanent installation on suitable surfaces such as lecterns, pulpits, podiums, and conference tables. Its attached preamplifier and balanced output support integration with compatible professional audio equipment.
Audio Performance
The electret condenser capsule provides a specified frequency response of 50 Hz to 17 kHz. The cardioid pickup pattern helps reduce sensitivity to sounds arriving from the sides and rear, making microphone orientation and placement important for speech reinforcement.
The balanced, transformerless output is designed to improve resistance to electromagnetic hum and radio-frequency interference over longer cable runs. An integrated shock mount helps isolate the microphone from vibration transmitted through the mounting surface.
Mounting and Compatibility
The MX418/C includes an attached XLR preamplifier and a locking flange mounting arrangement for fixed installation. It requires compatible audio equipment that supplies phantom power within the specified 11–52 V DC range.
The microphone uses an interchangeable Microflex cartridge design. The “/C” suffix identifies the cardioid cartridge configuration. This model should not be confused with MX418S/C versions that add a mute switch and LED indicator, or MX418SE/C versions that use an in-line preamplifier and cable arrangement.
Key Features
- 18-inch gooseneck for positioning the microphone at a speaking position.
- Cardioid electret condenser capsule for directional speech pickup.
- Attached preamplifier with balanced, transformerless audio output.
- Shock mount providing more than 20 dB isolation from surface vibration noise, as specified by Shure.
- Interchangeable Microflex cartridge for supported pickup-pattern options.
Applications
The MX418/C is suitable for conference rooms, courtrooms, houses of worship, lecture spaces, podiums, and other fixed speech-reinforcement installations. Its extended gooseneck is useful where the microphone must reach a speaker from a surface-mounted position.
DC Supplies Product Note
Before installation, confirm that the audio mixer or interface supplies phantom power and accepts the microphone's XLR output. The MX418/C does not have the built-in mute button and LED indicator associated with the MX418S/C variant, so installations requiring local microphone muting should verify the model suffix before purchase.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Shure |
| Part Number / MPN | MX418/C |
| Product Type | Gooseneck condenser microphone |
| Product Family | Microflex Standard |
| Series | MX400 |
| Microphone Type | Electret condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Gooseneck Length | 18 inches (457 mm nominal) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz–17 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -35 dBV/Pa (17.8 mV) |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms nominal; 170 ohms actual in Shure's specification sheet |
| Maximum SPL | 124.2 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kΩ load |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 66 dB |
| Dynamic Range | 96.2 dB |
| Output Configuration | Balanced, transformerless |
| Output Connector | 3-pin XLR via attached preamplifier |
| Phantom Power Requirement | 11–52 V DC |
| Current Consumption | 8 mA according to Shure's specification sheet |
| Mounting | Locking flange mount |
| Shock Mount | More than 20 dB surface-vibration isolation |
| Windscreen | Snap-fit foam windscreen |
| Cartridge | Interchangeable; cardioid cartridge supplied in this model |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Shure MX418/C require phantom power?
Yes. It requires 11–52 V DC phantom power from compatible audio equipment.
Does the MX418/C include a mute switch?
The standard MX418/C does not include the mute switch and LED indicator associated with the MX418S/C model. Check the complete part number if these controls are required.
Can the microphone be installed on a lectern or conference table?
Yes. Its locking flange and shock-mount arrangement are designed for fixed installation on suitable surfaces, including lecterns, pulpits, and conference tables.
Can the microphone cartridge be replaced?
Yes. The Microflex design supports interchangeable cartridges. Confirm the required cartridge and pickup pattern before ordering a replacement.
Is an XLR microphone cable included?
The model has an attached XLR preamplifier, but a separate microphone cable should not be assumed to be included. Confirm the package contents with the seller.
