The Shure Audio Network Interface converts 4 channels of Dante™ digital audio into discrete analog signals. Connect to a processing device with analog connections (audio processors, video codecs, and loudspeaker systems, for example) to fully integrate networked audio and analog equipment in a single system. Available in XLR and block connector versions, each box uses a single network cable to receive audio and power through Power over Ethernet (PoE).
ANI4OUT-XLR: Four XLR outputs (balanced audio)
ANI4OUT-BLOCK: Four 3-pin block connector outputs (balanced audio)
Block Connector Model
Front Panel
XLR Model
Rear Panel
① Output Level Indicators (Signal/Clip)
Tri-color LEDs indicate the audio signal level for each channel. Adjust levels in the web application to avoid clipping.
| LED State | Audio Signal Level |
|---|---|
| Off | less than -60 dBFS |
| Green | -59 dBFS to -24 dBFS |
| Yellow | -23 dBFS to -1 dBFS |
| Red | 0 dBFS or more |
② Audio Outputs
Analog balanced audio outputs connect to an analog device. Set the output level in the web application to match the input sensitivity of the analog device.
XLR pin assignments:
| 1 | Shield |
| 2 | + |
| 3 | - |
Block connector pin assignments: See front panel labels
③ Chassis Ground Screw
Provides an optional connection for microphone shield wire to chassis ground
Note: only applies to block connector version
④ LED Indicators
Power: Power over Ethernet (PoE) present
Note: Note: Use a PoE injector if your network switch does not supply PoE.
Network: Network connection active
Network Audio: Dante audio present on the network
Note: Error details are available in the event log in the web application.
Encryption: Not currently supported
| LED Status | Activity |
|---|---|
| Off | No active signal |
| Green | Device is operating successfully |
| Red | Error has occurred. See event log for details. |
⑤ Dante Network Port
Connects to a network switch to receive Dante audio, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and data from the control software.
⑥ Reset Button
Resets the device settings back to the factory default
This device requires PoE to operate. It is compatible with both Class 0 and Class 3 PoE sources.
Power over Ethernet is delivered in one of the following ways:
Two mounting solutions are available for installing the Audio Network Interface:
CRT1 19" Rack Tray (optional accessory): Supports up to 3 devices; mountable in a rack or under a table
Single-unit Mounting Tray (included accessory): Supports a single device for mounting under a table
Use the included screws from the mounting hardware kit to secure the Audio Network Interfaces. Audio Network Interfaces can be mounted to face either direction. Insert the screws from the bottom in the appropriate holes, according to the following diagrams:
Align the holes as shown for securing a single device in the single-unit mounting tray
Align the holes as shown for securing up to 3 devices in the 19" rack tray.
A combination of up to 3 Audio Network Interfaces can be mounted in a single 19-inch rack space. The adjustable rack ears support mounting in a standard equipment rack or underneath a table.
The reset button is located inside a small hole in the rear panel. Use a paperclip or other small tool to press the button.
There are two hardware reset functions:
Network reset (press button for 4-8 seconds)
Resets all Shure control and audio network IP settings to factory defaults
Full factory reset (press button for longer than 8 seconds)
Restores all network and Designer settings to the factory defaults.
To simply revert settings without a complete hardware reset, use one of the following options:
Reboot Device:Power-cycles the device as if it were unplugged from the network. All settings are retained when the device is rebooted.
Default Settings: To revert audio settings back to the factory configuration (excluding Device Name, IP Settings, and Passwords), select Load Preset and choose the default settings preset.
A single network cable delivers 4 channels of audio and Power over Ethernet (PoE). Use Dante Controller to route audio channels from the network to the network interface.
Each output sends a discrete audio channel to connect to an analog device.
Shure networked conferencing systems are comprised of Microflex Advance microphones and network interfaces, which operate entirely on a Dante network. Additional hardware, including network switches, computers, loudspeakers, and audio processors are described in the hardware component index.
Shure components shown in this diagram:
Microflex Advance Microphones
The MXA910 and MXA310 are equipped with Dante outputs, and connect directly to a network switch.
Audio Network Interfaces
The interfaces are used to connect analog devices such as loudspeakers and analog microphones to the network.
ANI4IN: Converts 4 analog signals (separate XLR and block connector models available) into Dante digital audio signals.
ANI4OUT: Converts 4 channels of Dante audio from the network into analog signals.
This diagram shows the entire signal path through a networked conference system. Signals from the near end and far end are exchanged through an audio processor connected to a phone system, or through a computer connected to the internet. Analog microphones connect to the network through the Shure ANI4IN, while loudspeakers connect through the Shure ANI4OUT.
This diagram shows Microflex Advance components in context, with two rooms communicating through video codecs.
Audio and hardware settings are managed through a computer connected to the same network.
Each Microflex Advance component has a web application which provides mixing and configuration tools to optimize sound quality.
Analog devices that are connected to the network through a Shure network interface (ANI4IN/ANI4OUT) benefit from additional remote control: Volume levels, equalization, and signal routing are managed through the web application. For example, adjusting loudspeaker volume or muting a wired microphone, which would normally be done from the hardware, can now be controlled remotely over the network.
You can manage signal routing with Dante Controller or Shure Designer software.
The Audio Network Interface provides channel summing to combine Dante signals from the network, and send them over a single analog output. This makes it possible to send all channels to a device with a limited amount of analog input channels. Mixer functionality does not change; audio channels are simply sent as one combined signal.
Note: When summing is enabled, a limiter is activated to prevent signal overloading. The limiter never applies to the direct outputs, and only affects the summed signal.
To enable, select one of the summing options in the toolbar at the top of the mixer in the channels tab.
Audio is encrypted with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256), as specified by the US Government National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publication FIPS-197. Shure devices that support encryption require a passphrase to make a connection. Encryption is not supported with third-party devices.
To activate encryption:
Important: For encryption to work, all Shure devices on your network must use encryption.
If you’re using Shure Designer software to configure your system, please check the Designer help section for more about this topic.
The Shure Web Device Discovery application is used to access the web application for a Shure device. The web application opens in a web browser to provide comprehensive device management. Any computer networked to the device can access the GUI with this application.
Compatible Browsers:
The Shure Web Server Discovery application finds all Shure devices on the network that feature a web-based GUI. Follow these steps to install the software and access the web application:
① Install the Shure Discovery application
Download and install the Shure Discovery application from www.shure.com. This automatically installs the required Bonjour device discovery tool on the computer.
② Connect the network
Ensure the computer and the hardware are on the same network.
③ Launch the Discovery application
The app displays all Shure devices that feature a GUI.
④ Identify the hardware
Double-click on a device to open its GUI in a web browser.
⑤ Bookmark the device's web application (recommended)
Bookmark the device's DNS name to access the GUI without the Shure Discovery app.
If the Discovery application is not installed, the web application can be accessed by typing the DNS name into an internet browser. The DNS name is derived from model of the unit, in combination with the last three bytes (six digits) of the MAC address, and ending in .local.
Format Example: If the MAC address of a unit is 00:0E:DD:AA:BB:CC, then the link is written as follows:
ANI4IN: http://ANI4IN-aabbcc.local
ANI4OUT: http://ANI4OUT-aabbcc.local
Firmware is embedded software in each component that controls functionality. Periodically, new versions of firmware are developed to incorporate additional features and enhancements. To take advantage of design improvements, new versions of the firmware can be uploaded and installed using the Shure Update Utility. Software is available for download from http://www.shure.com.
Important: When components are connected through the Shure MXW Audio Network Interface, their firmware must be updated on one device at a time prior to updating the MXW Audio Network Interface firmware. Attempting to update all devices at once will cause the interface to reboot after its firmware is updated, and the connection to other networked components will be lost.
Perform the following steps to update the firmware:
CAUTION! Ensure the device has a stable network connection during the update. Do not turn off the device until the update is complete.
Note: After updating, you may need to clear your browser's cache to display updates to the device's web application.
All devices comprise a network with multiple communications protocols that work together to ensure proper operation. The recommended best practice is that all devices are on an identical release. To view the firmware version of each device on the network, open the component user interface, and look under .
The format for Shure device’s firmware is MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH. (Ex. 1.6.2 where 1 is the Major firmware level, 6 is the Minor firmware level, and 2 is the Patch firmware level.) At minimum, devices that operate on the same subnet should have identical MAJOR and MINOR release numbers.
Maximize audio quality by adjusting the frequency response with the parametric equalizer.
Common equalizer applications:
Adjust filter settings by manipulating the icons in the frequency response graph, or by entering numeric values. Disable a filter using the check-box next to the filter.
| Filter Type | Only the first and last band have selectable filter types. Parametric: Attenuates or boosts the signal within a customizable frequency range Low Cut: Rolls off the audio signal below the selected frequency Low Shelf: Attenuates or boosts the audio signal below the selected frequency High Cut: Rolls off the audio signal above the selected frequency High Shelf: Attenuates or boosts the audio signal above the selected frequency |
| Frequency | Select the center frequency of the filter to cut/boost |
| Gain | Adjusts the level for a specific filter (+/- 30 dB) |
| Q Width | Adjusts the range of frequencies affected by the filter. As this value increases, the bandwidth becomes thinner. |
Conferencing room acoustics vary based on room size, shape, and construction materials. Use the guidelines in following table.
| EQ Application | Suggested Settings |
|---|---|
| Treble boost for improved speech intelligibility | Add a high shelf filter to boost frequencies greater than 1 kHz by 3-6 dB |
| HVAC noise reduction | Add a low cut filter to attenuate frequencies below 200 Hz |
| Reduce flutter echoes and sibilance | Identify the specific frequency range that "excites" the room:
|
| Reduce hollow, resonant room sound | Identify the specific frequency range that "excites" the room:
|
Use presets to quickly save and recall settings. Up to 10 presets can be stored on each device to match various seating arrangements. A preset saves all device settings except for the Device Name, IP Settings, and Passwords. Importing and exporting presets into new installations saves time and improves workflow. When a preset is selected, the name displays above the preset menu. If changes are made, an asterisk appears next to the name.
Note: Use the default settings preset to revert to the factory configuration (excludes Device Name, IP Settings, and Passwords).
Open the presets menu to reveal preset options:
| save as preset: | Saves settings to the device |
| load preset: | Opens a configuration from the device |
| import from file: | Downloads a preset file from a computer onto the device. Files may be selected through the browser or dragged into the import window. |
| export to file: | Saves a preset file from the device onto a computer |
The event log provides a detailed account of activity from the moment the device is powered on. The log collects up to 1,000 activity entries and time-stamps them relative to the last power cycle. The entries are stored in the internal memory, and are not cleared when the device is power-cycled. The Export feature creates a CSV (comma separated values) document to save and sort the log data.
Refer to the log file for details when troubleshooting or consulting with Shure Systems Support.
To view the event log:
Severity Level
Information
An action or event has been successfully completed
Warning
An action cannot be complete, but overall functionality is stable
Error
A problem has occurred that could inhibit functionality.
Log Details
Description
Provides details on events and errors, including IP address and subnet mask.
Time Stamp
Power cycles:days:hours:minutes:seconds since most recent boot-up.
Event ID
Indicates event type for internal reference.
Tip: Use the filter to narrow down results. Select a category heading to sort the log.
Access the analog output levels through the web application, by selecting an output level from the Analog Gain (dB) pull-down menu. Match the output level from the Network Interface to the input sensitivity on the analog device:
Each analog output channel has a corresponding LED:
Green: Audio signal present
Red: Audio signal is clipping and should be attenuated.
Note: the meters in the web application are not affected by the Analog Gain (dB) setting.
There are two modes for monitoring so that both the input and output signals can be monitored separately.
When set to pre-fader, the meter displays the signal level from the source on the Dante network. If signals are too low or clipping, adjust them at the source.
When set to post-fader, the meter is affected by the digital gain. It is not affected by the output analog gain setting.
This device receives logic commands over the network. Many parameters controlled through Designer can be controlled using a third-party control system, using the appropriate command string.
Common applications:
A complete list of command strings is available at:
Dante digital audio is carried over standard Ethernet and operates using standard internet protocols. Dante provides low latency, tight clock synchronization, and high Quality-of-Service (QoS) to provide reliable audio transport to a variety of Dante devices. Dante audio can coexist safely on the same network as IT and control data, or can be configured to use a dedicated network.
Switches and cables determine how well your audio network performs. Use high-quality switches and cables to make your audio network more reliable.
Network switches should have:
Ethernet cables should be:
This device is compatible with Dante Domain Manager software (DDM). DDM is network management software with user authentication, role-based security, and auditing features for Dante networks and Dante-enabled products.
Considerations for Shure devices controlled by DDM:
See Dante Domain Manager's documentation for more information.
QoS settings assign priorities to specific data packets on the network, ensuring reliable audio delivery on larger networks with heavy traffic. This feature is available on most managed network switches. Although not required, assigning QoS settings is recommended.
Note: Coordinate changes with the network administrator to avoid disrupting service.
To assign QoS values, open the switch interface and use the following table to assign Dante®-associated queue values.
| Priority | Usage | DSCP Label | Hex | Decimal | Binary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (4) | Time-critical PTP events | CS7 | 0x38 | 56 | 111000 |
| Medium (3) | Audio, PTP | EF | 0x2E | 46 | 101110 |
| Low (2) | (reserved) | CS1 | 0x08 | 8 | 001000 |
| None (1) | Other traffic | BestEffort | 0x00 | 0 | 000000 |
Note: Switch management may vary by manufacturer and switch type. Consult the manufacturer's product guide for specific configuration details.
For more information on Dante requirements and networking, visit www.audinate.com.
PTP (Precision Time Protocol): Used to synchronize clocks on the network
DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point): Standardized identification method for data used in layer 3 QoS prioritization
This device supports up to two transmit flows and two receive flows. A single flow consists of up to four channels, through either a unicast or multicast transmission.
This device can connect with up to two Dante devices.
The Shure MXA310, ANI22, ANIUSB-MATRIX and ANI4IN support multicast transmission. This means that flows can transmit to multiple devices -- as many as the network can support. If using unicast flows, each of these devices can connect with up to two Dante receiver devices.
The Shure ANI4OUT connects with up to two Dante transmitter devices.
Packet bridge enables an external controller to obtain IP information from the control interface of a Shure device. To access the packet bridge, an external controller must send a query packet over unicast UDP* to port 2203 on the Dante interface of the Shure device.
Note: The maximum accepted payload 140 bytes. Any content is allowed.
| Bytes | Content |
|---|---|
| 0-3 | IP address, as 32-bit unsigned integer in network order |
| 4-7 | Subnet mask, as 32-bit unsigned integer in network order |
| 8-13 | MAC address, as array of 6 bytes |
Note: The Shure device should respond in less than one second on a typical network. If there is no response, try sending the query again after verifying the destination IP address and port number.
*UDP: User Datagram Protocol
The equipment is intended to be used in professional audio applications.
Note: This device is not intended to be connected directly to a public internet network.
EMC conformance to Environment E2: Commercial and Light Industrial. Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Authorized under the verification provision of FCC Part 15B.
Please follow your regional recycling scheme for batteries, packaging, and electronic waste.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception.
Notice: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Email: info@shure.de
www.shure.com
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from Shure Incorporated or any of its European representatives. For contact information please visit www.shure.com
(1) RJ45
| ANI4OUT-XLR | (4) XLR connector |
| ANI4OUT-BLOCK | (4) 3-pin block connector |
Impedance Balanced
Non-inverting, any input to any output
Power over Ethernet (PoE), Class 0
10W, maximum
663 g (1.5 lbs)
H x W x D
4 x 14 x 12.8 cm ( 1.6 x 5.5 x 5.0 in.)
HTML5 Browser-based
−6.7°C (20°F) to 40°C (104°F)
−29°C (-20°F) to 74°C (165°F)
20 to 20,000 Hz
| Channel Count | 4 |
| Sampling Rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 |
Does not include Dante latency
0.71 ms
20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted, typical
117 dB
@ 1 kHz, -20 dBFS Output, 0 dB analog gain
<0.05%
| Line | +20 dBV |
| Aux | +0 dBV |
| Mic | -26 dBV |
| Selectable | Line | 0 dB |
| Aux | - 20 dB | |
| Mic | -46 dB |
150 Ω
| Per Channel | Equalizer (4-band Parametric) , Mute, Invert Polarity, Gain ( 140 dB range) |
| System | Audio Summing |
Cat 5e or higher (shielded cable recommended)
| Port | TCP/UDP | Protocol | Description | Factory Default |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | TCP | FTP | Required for firmware updates (otherwise closed) | Closed |
| 22 | TCP | SSH | Secure Shell Interface | Closed |
| 23 | TCP | Telnet | Not supported | Closed |
| 53 | UDP | DNS | Domain Name System | Closed |
| 67 | UDP | DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol | Open |
| 68 | UDP | DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol | Open |
| 80* | TCP | HTTP | Required to launch embedded web server | Open |
| 443 | TCP | HTTPS | Not supported | Closed |
| 2202 | TCP | ASCII | Required for 3rd party control strings | Open |
| 5353 | UDP | mDNS† | Required for device discovery | Open |
| 5568 | UDP | SDT (multicast)† | Required for inter-device communication | Open |
| 57383 | UDP | SDT (unicast) | Required for inter-device communication | Open |
| 8023 | TCP | Telnet | Debug console interface | Closed |
| 8180 | TCP | HTML | Required for web application (legacy firmware only) | Open |
| 8427 | UDP | SLP (multicast)† | Required for inter-device communication | Open |
| 64000 | TCP | Telnet | Required for Shure firmware update | Open |
*These ports must be open on the PC or control system to access the device through a firewall.
†These protocols require multicast. Ensure multicast has been correctly configured for your network.
See Audinate's website for information about ports and protocols used by Dante audio.
| Hardware kit (XLR model) | 90A29254 |
| Hardware kit (block connector model) | 90A29252 |
| Mounting Bracket (1/3 rack unit) | 53A27742 |
| 19" rack tray | CRT1 |
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