Shure Apps Tech Tip #76: MX Gooseneck Mic Mounted To A Floor Stand

Most MX400 series gooseneck microphones are mounted to a lectern, pulpit, or tabletop.  On occasion, a customer requests a method for mounting an MX400 to a mic floor stand. 

Here are three suggested methods.  Each method employs an MX400 series model that has a cylindrical preamp permanently attached to the gooseneck. See photo below.

MX400 series gooseneck microphone

Method 1: Use the A57F stand adapter

The preamp section of the MX400 has a diameter of 0.75 inch.  By happy coincidence, this is the same diameter as Shure microphones that utilize the A57F stand adapter.   Fasten the A57F to the top of the floor stand. Clip the MX400 into the A57F.

A57F stand adapter

Method 2: Use the A53M isolation mount

As mentioned above, the preamp section of the MX400 has a diameter of 0.75 inch.  By yet another merry coincidence, this is the same diameter as Shure microphones that fit the A53M vibration isolation mount.   Fasten the A53M to the top of the floor stand. Insert the MX400 into the A53M.

A53M isolation mount

Method 3: Use the Switchcraft P3F adapter

Remove the female XLR connector from the end of a mic cable.  Feed the bare-ended mic cable into the hollow tube of the floor stand; the cable will emerge at the top of the stand.  Solder the mic cable to the Switchcraft P3F adapter.  Fasten the P3F securely to the top of the floor stand.  Insert the MX400 male XLR connector into the P3F female XLR connector. 

Switchcraft P3F adapter

Detailed instructions are in this link:  MX400 and P3F

Related information: Neutrik gooseneck with XLR female

Arcana – mysterious or specialized knowledge

Switchcraft Incorporated was established in 1946 to manufacture jacks, plugs, and switches for the communications industry.  Their factory was located on West Diversey Avenue in Chicago; about five miles from the original Shure factory on West Huron Street. In 1958, Switchcraft moved to North Elston Avenue in Chicago.  In 2011, Switchcraft was acquired by HEICO Corporation and became part of their Electronic Technologies Group.

Switchcraft office, Chicago

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Switchcraft improved upon the original XLR connector with the Q-G feature.  Q-G = Quick Ground. By making the female XLR pin 1 socket slightly longer than the pin 2 and pin 3 socket, the male XLR pin 1 (ground/cable shield) connects first and disconnects last. Quick Ground minimizes audible hum/buzz when the mic cable is connected or disconnected.

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Video blog about the SM7, SM57, and SM58: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzbnKBLGW04

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Here is an interesting way to contribute to the world’s knowledge – readers can join a scientific research project from the comfort of their homes.  The citizen-science initiative, Zooniverse, employs large numbers of people to analyze data, such as cataloging Moon craters, transcribing weather observations from historical ship logs, or hunting for supernovae in telescope images. The only “cost” is your time. 

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