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Describes the A400SM shock mount, its Shock-Stopper construction, and noise reduction capabilities.
Details the A400SMXLR, which adds an XLR insert and connector to the A400SM.
Explains the A400XLR, an insert for retrofitting A400SM mounts for quick release.
Covers the A99SMA adaptor for mounting the A400SM in specific hole sizes.
Describes the A400SM shock mount, its Shock-Stopper construction, and noise reduction capabilities.
Details the A400SMXLR, which adds an XLR insert and connector to the A400SM.
Explains the A400XLR, an insert for retrofitting A400SM mounts for quick release.
Covers the A99SMA adaptor for mounting the A400SM in specific hole sizes.
The Shure A400SM, A400XLR, A400SMXLR, and A99SMA are a series of accessories designed to facilitate the permanent installation of gooseneck microphones, primarily by providing robust shock mounting solutions. These components are engineered to enhance audio quality in installed sound systems by mitigating unwanted noise and offering flexible installation options.
The core function of these accessories is to provide a stable and acoustically isolated mounting point for gooseneck microphones in fixed installations, such as podiums, conference tables, or other surfaces. The primary goal is to reduce the transmission of mechanical noise, such as impacts, vibrations, or surface-borne sounds, which can otherwise degrade the microphone's audio performance.
The A400SM Shock Mount is the foundational component. It employs Shure's proprietary Shock-Stopper™ construction, a specialized design that effectively isolates the microphone from the mounting surface. This isolation significantly reduces the transmission of impact or surface noise, boasting a reduction of up to 20 dB. This feature is crucial for maintaining clear audio in environments where physical interaction with the mounting surface is common, such as during presentations or discussions. The A400SM is designed to accommodate a wide variety of gooseneck microphones, making it a versatile choice for different setups.
The A400XLR is an insert designed to retrofit existing A400SM shock mounts, enabling quick-release functionality. It includes a 3-pin XLR-type (female) connector, which allows for easy connection and disconnection of the microphone. This feature is particularly useful in applications where microphones need to be frequently removed or swapped, offering convenience without compromising the shock-mounting benefits. The A400XLR transforms a standard A400SM into a more dynamic and user-friendly system.
The A400SMXLR combines the functionalities of both the A400SM and the A400XLR. It is a complete shock mount unit that integrates the A400XLR insert and its 3-pin XLR-type (female) quick-release connector directly into the A400SM shock mount. This provides an all-in-one solution for new installations requiring both shock isolation and quick-release XLR connectivity. It streamlines the installation process by offering a pre-assembled unit with these combined features.
The A99SMA Adaptor serves as a compatibility bridge. Its function is to allow the A400SM Shock Mount to be installed in existing holes that were originally drilled for the A99SM Shock Mount. This is particularly useful for upgrading older installations without needing to redrill or modify the mounting surface extensively. It accommodates holes up to a 2½ inch diameter, providing flexibility for legacy systems.
In essence, these accessories work together to create a comprehensive system for integrating gooseneck microphones into permanent setups, ensuring high-quality audio by minimizing mechanical noise and offering practical features for installation and use.
The Shure shock mount accessories are designed with several usage features that enhance their practicality and performance in various installed sound environments:
Noise Reduction: The primary usage feature, inherent in the A400SM and A400SMXLR, is the significant reduction of impact and surface noise. The Shock-Stopper™ construction effectively isolates the microphone, preventing unwanted thumps, bumps, or vibrations from being picked up by the microphone. This ensures cleaner, more professional audio output, which is critical for clear communication in conferences, lectures, and public speaking events. The 20 dB noise reduction is a substantial improvement for most installations.
Quick-Release XLR Connectivity: The A400XLR and A400SMXLR introduce a quick-release XLR connector. This feature allows users to easily connect and disconnect gooseneck microphones without needing to unscrew or re-wire anything. This is highly beneficial in multi-purpose rooms where microphones might be shared, stored, or swapped frequently. The quick-release mechanism ensures a secure connection when in use, while also providing rapid deployment and breakdown capabilities. The locking screw on the A400XLR further enhances security, ensuring the connector remains firmly in place during operation.
Versatile Microphone Compatibility: The A400SM is designed to fit a wide variety of gooseneck microphones. This broad compatibility means that integrators and end-users are not limited to specific microphone models, offering flexibility in choosing the best microphone for their specific application while still benefiting from the shock mounting.
Adaptability for Existing Installations: The A99SMA Adaptor is a key usage feature for retrofitting. It allows the newer A400SM shock mount to be installed into existing holes previously drilled for the A99SM. This saves considerable time and effort during upgrades, as it eliminates the need for drilling new holes or patching old ones. This feature is particularly valuable for facilities looking to modernize their audio systems efficiently and cost-effectively.
Secure Mounting: All components are designed for secure and stable mounting. The installation process involves drilling a hole and fastening the shock mount to the surface with supplied screws. This robust attachment ensures that the microphone remains firmly in position, preventing accidental dislodgement during use. The grommet on the A400SMXLR further secures the insert to the shock mount, adding another layer of stability.
Ease of Cable Management: The design allows for clean cable routing. For the A400SMXLR, the cable threads through the grommet, shock mount, and insert, leading to a tidy and professional appearance with minimal visible cabling on the surface. The internal XLR connection also contributes to a cleaner setup by keeping the connection point within the mount.
Durable Construction: While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, Shure products are generally known for their robust and durable construction. The use of high-quality materials ensures that these shock mounts can withstand the rigors of permanent installation and frequent use, providing long-term reliability.
These usage features collectively contribute to a user-friendly, high-performance, and adaptable system for integrating gooseneck microphones into professional audio environments.
The Shure shock mount accessories are designed for minimal maintenance, focusing on durability and ease of installation rather than requiring frequent servicing. However, certain aspects of their design contribute to their long-term reliability and ease of upkeep:
Robust Construction for Longevity: The fundamental "maintenance feature" is the inherent durability of the components. Shure's Shock-Stopper™ construction, while primarily a performance feature, also implies a design built to withstand repeated impacts and vibrations without degradation. This robust build quality minimizes the need for repairs or replacements due to wear and tear. The materials chosen for the shock mount and its components are intended to endure the conditions of permanent installation, reducing the likelihood of material fatigue or failure over time.
Simple Installation and Disassembly: While not a maintenance task in the traditional sense, the straightforward installation process (drilling a hole, fastening with screws) and the quick-release mechanism of the A400XLR and A400SMXLR contribute to ease of maintenance if components ever need to be accessed or replaced. For instance, if a cable connected to the XLR insert needs to be serviced or replaced, the quick-release feature allows for easy disconnection of the microphone and subsequent access to the internal wiring without complex disassembly of the entire mount. Similarly, the A99SMA adaptor simplifies upgrades, which can be considered a form of system maintenance or modernization.
Secure Connections: The locking screw feature on the A400XLR ensures that the XLR connector remains firmly in place. This prevents intermittent connections or accidental dislodgement, which could otherwise lead to troubleshooting and maintenance efforts. A stable connection reduces the chances of signal loss or noise, thereby minimizing the need for corrective action.
Clean Cable Management: The design that allows cables to be threaded through the grommet, shock mount, and insert helps protect the cable from external damage and strain. By keeping the cable neatly routed and secured, it reduces the risk of kinks, cuts, or disconnections that would necessitate cable repair or replacement. This proactive approach to cable protection contributes to reduced maintenance.
Modular Design for Component Replacement: The modular nature of the system, particularly with the A400XLR being an insert that retrofits existing A400SMs, suggests that individual components could potentially be replaced if damaged, rather than requiring the replacement of the entire unit. For example, if the XLR connector itself were to fail, it might be possible to replace just the A400XLR insert, rather than the entire shock mount assembly. This modularity can simplify repairs and reduce costs.
No Moving Parts Requiring Lubrication or Adjustment: The shock mount mechanism and the XLR connector are designed to function without requiring periodic lubrication, tension adjustments, or other common maintenance tasks associated with mechanical systems. Once installed, the system is largely set-and-forget, requiring minimal ongoing attention.
In summary, the maintenance aspects of these Shure accessories are characterized by their robust design, ease of access for potential repairs, and a focus on preventing issues through secure and protective features, rather than requiring a schedule of routine maintenance.
General| Frequency Response | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Not applicable |
| Impedance | Not applicable |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable |
| Thread Size | 5/8"-27 |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 0.11 kg |
