The Whirlwind Micmute boxes offer passive switching solutions for controlling the on and off conditions of a microphone or balanced line signal via footswitch or finger switch operation. There are three styles, which cover all the essential mic control functions. Each style of Micmute is available with two types of actuator; a heavy duty footswitch (models PT, PM, PP) and a finger operated version for desktop use (models PTD, PMD, PPD). Each box has a female XLR input and a male XLR output jack. When no signal is passing through the boxes, the output jack is configured to mute the input of the connected audio device.

The Micmute PM and PMD are configured as Push to Mute switches, meaning that the input signal is normally on, passing through the box. When the switch is depressed and held down, the signal is turned off or muted. The signal is reconnected as soon as the switch is released.

The Micmute PT and PTD are configured as Push to Talk switches, meaning that the input signal is normally not connected to the output; nothing is passing through the box. When the switch is depressed and held down, the signal is turned on and passed through to the output. The signal is disconnected as soon as the switch is released.

The Micmute PP and PPD are configured as latching Push On; Push Off switches, meaning that the switch must be pushed and released to turn the signal on or off through the box. Each time the switch is pressed and released (PP), or toggled (PPD) the signal is changed from one condition to the other. The PP and PPD have an indicator LED feature that is operational when the connected microphone preamp input is providing phantom power. The blue LED illuminates to indicate that the mic is live and signal is passing through the Micmute box. The LED is not functional when phantom power is not present. The Micmute PPD uses an indicating rocker switch, which displays a red bar when the signal is turned on.