About the Shure MX395B/O Microflex Low-Profile Microphone
The Shure MX395B/O is a professional omnidirectional boundary microphone, a specialized variant within the Microflex line, designed for high-quality, discreet audio capture from flat surfaces. It utilizes boundary layer technology (also known as Pressure Zone Microphone or PZM technology), where the microphone is placed directly on a large, reflective surface such as a conference table, podium, floor, or wall. This placement causes direct and reflected sound waves to combine in phase at the boundary, resulting in a smooth, extended frequency response with increased sensitivity and minimal phase cancellation compared to conventional microphones in free air. The omnidirectional polar pattern captures sound equally from the hemisphere above the plate, making it ideal for capturing group discussions, meeting participants, theatrical stage sounds, or choir performances from a floor position.
The microphone features an extremely low-profile, rectangular metal housing that allows it to blend inconspicuously into the environment. Its design is focused on simplicity and reliability for fixed installations. The MX395B/O requires +48V phantom power and provides a balanced, low-impedance output via an integrated captive cable that terminates in a standard XLR connector, simplifying installation and eliminating a potential failure point at the microphone body. It is typically used in conjunction with a dedicated boundary microphone preamplifier base or connected directly to a mixer channel with phantom power.
Trusted in demanding professional environments like boardrooms, courtrooms, legislative chambers, houses of worship, and broadcast studios, the Shure MX395B/O provides a reliable, set-and-forget solution for capturing clear, natural sound with wide coverage. Its ability to provide excellent audio quality with minimal visual intrusion and inherent feedback resistance (due to its position on the boundary) makes it a preferred choice for applications where aesthetics and consistent, intelligible audio are paramount.