Shure MX424 24" Microflex Cardioid Gooseneck Condenser Microphone with Preamp

Overview

The Shure MX424/C is a 24-inch gooseneck condenser microphone designed to capture clear and natural speech in environments such as podiums, boardrooms, and classrooms. Featuring a cardioid capsule, it focuses on the speaker’s voice while minimizing ambient noise and feedback. Its frequency response ranges from 50 Hz to 17 kHz, ensuring speech sounds full and intelligible without excessive equalization.

Equipped with a surface-mount preamp and balanced three-pin XLR output, the microphone connects easily to professional audio systems using standard phantom power between 11 and 52 volts. The flexible gooseneck allows precise positioning, and included accessories help reduce unwanted noise from vibrations and plosives.

Key features

• Cardioid electret-condenser capsule that isolates the speaker’s voice and reduces background noise
• Integrated surface-mount preamp with balanced XLR output for clean signal transmission to mixers or DSPs
• Flexible 24-inch gooseneck that holds its position for comfortable speaker adjustment
• Shockmount flange providing over 20 dB of isolation from table vibrations to prevent noise from typing or movement
• Snap-fit windscreen that reduces plosive sounds by up to 30 dB for clearer vocal reproduction
• Interchangeable Microflex cartridges allowing customization of polar patterns to suit different acoustic environments
• Operates on widely available 11 to 52 volt phantom power, simplifying integration with professional audio setups

Key specs

• Microphone type: Electret condenser with cardioid capsule
• Gooseneck length: 24 inches
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 17 kHz
• Output connector: Balanced three-pin XLR
• Power requirements: 11 to 52 volt phantom power
• Shockmount isolation: More than 20 dB from mechanical vibrations
• Plosive reduction: Up to 30 dB with snap-fit windscreen

Connectivity and compatibility

The microphone’s balanced XLR output ensures compatibility with a wide range of professional audio equipment, including mixers, digital signal processors, and amplifiers. Its phantom power operation means it can be powered directly from most professional audio consoles without additional adapters or batteries. The modular design supports swapping capsules from the Microflex family, allowing adaptation to different room acoustics or application needs.

Performance and reliability

Designed for environments where speech clarity is critical, the MX424/C delivers consistent vocal presence while minimizing background noise and feedback. The shockmount effectively isolates the microphone from table vibrations, reducing interference from common sources like typing or paper handling. The gooseneck’s sturdy yet flexible design maintains the chosen position, ensuring speakers can adjust the microphone easily without it drifting during use.

Ideal uses and environments

This microphone is well suited to city council chambers, corporate conference rooms, houses of worship, and educational settings where clear speech capture is essential. Its discreet appearance and reliable performance make it a strong choice for installations requiring unobtrusive yet effective audio pickup. The ability to change capsules also makes it adaptable for evolving room layouts or acoustic challenges.