Audix M40W12S - High Directivity Hanging Ceiling Microphone (White, 12", Supercardioid)
The Audix M40W12S redefines audio capture in professional installations, combining discreet aesthetics with top-tier acoustic performance. This miniature condenser pendant microphone system has been specifically designed to address the challenges of distance miking in demanding environments where vocal clarity is critical and equipment must remain unobtrusive.
With a sleek white finish that blends seamlessly with most architectural ceilings and acoustic panels, the M40W12S stands out for its integrated preamplifier within the microphone chassis itself. This eliminates the need for bulky external power modules, resulting in a much cleaner and faster installation. Its design includes a flexible 12-inch (approximately 30 cm) gooseneck section, allowing for precise point-and-shoot positioning of the sound source, ensuring that the speaker is captured clearly regardless of their relative position under the microphone.
The "S" variant incorporates a capsule with a supercardioid polar pattern (often referred to as a "shotgun" or short shotgun type in this context), giving it superior directivity compared to standard models. This feature is crucial in rooms with complex acoustics, air conditioning noise, or high reverberation, as the microphone focuses strictly on sound coming from below, effectively rejecting ambient noise from the sides and rear.
Main features
This microphone is not just a capture tool, but an advanced engineering solution for the professional installer:
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Total RF Immunity: Equipped with advanced shielding to prevent interference from mobile phones, GSM devices and wireless networks, ensuring a clean signal free of static buzz.
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High-sensitivity supercardioid capsule: Offers a narrower, more focused pickup pattern, ideal for isolating the voice in noisy environments and maximizing gain before feedback.
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"All in One" Design: The preamp electronics are fully integrated into the body, requiring only standard phantom power (18-52V) without external adapters.
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Flexible orientation: The 12-inch gooseneck allows the pickup point to be lowered and angled towards the participants, overcoming obstacles such as lamps or projectors.
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Vocal optimization: Its frequency response is specifically tuned for the range of the human voice, improving intelligibility and reducing unnecessary low frequencies (rumble).
Benefits for the installation
For architects and sound engineers, the Audix M40W12S is the logical choice when aesthetics are as important as audio. Installation requires only a 5/8-inch hole in the ceiling plate, without any complex tools. The integrated cable terminates in a terminal block connector (Phoenix type), the industry-preferred standard for secure and quick connections in fixed installations.
Ideal use cases
Thanks to its high sensitivity and noise rejection, this microphone is perfect for:
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Videoconferencing and Telepresence: Meeting rooms where crystal-clear audio is required for remote participants.
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Distance education and large lecture halls: Clear capture of the teacher or students' questions without handheld microphones.
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Medical and Hospital Environments: Ideal for operating rooms or observation rooms where the equipment must be out of the way and hygiene is a priority (the microphone is not touched).
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Surveillance and Security: High-definition ambient audio monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does this microphone require a special power supply?
It does not require a proprietary external power source, but it does need phantom power (18-52V) which can be supplied by most standard mixers or installation preamps.
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What is the difference between the cardioid model and this supercardioid (S)?
The supercardioid model has a narrower pickup angle. This means it picks up less ambient noise and focuses more on the speaker, which is better for high ceilings or noisy rooms.
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How do I connect the cable?
The system comes with an integrated cable that terminates in a terminal block connector (Phoenix), designed to connect directly to the installation inlet or to a plenum junction box if required.
Project description
Supply and installation of an Audix M40W12S white ceiling-mounted condenser microphone. The microphone must have a highly directive supercardioid polar pattern and an optimized frequency response of 60 Hz to 10 kHz for vocal intelligibility. The unit will integrate a miniaturized preamplifier within the housing, eliminating the need for external adapters, and will offer complete immunity to radio frequency (RF) interference and GSM devices. The mechanical design will include a 305 mm (12-inch) flexible gooseneck section for capsule positioning. Sensitivity must be approximately 60 mV/Pa with an output impedance of 150 Ohms and a maximum SPL capacity of ≥130 dB. It will require 18-52 Volt phantom power and will be connected via a terminal block.
