Aiphone IX-SOFT-3 vs Aiphone IX-MV7-HB: Specification Comparison
Both the Aiphone IX-SOFT-3 and the IX-MV7-HB are master stations within Aiphone's IX Series IP intercom ecosystem, serving the same functional role: receiving calls, initiating communication, and supervising a network of door and sub stations. However, they differ fundamentally in form factor — one is a PC-based software platform, the other a dedicated hardware appliance with a 7-inch touchscreen. Buyers choosing between them are weighing deployment flexibility and scalability against plug-in hardware simplicity and built-in display capabilities.
In This Guide
- Which master station supports larger deployments and more stations?
- What physical interface, I/O, and connectivity does each station provide?
- How do these stations compare on network protocols, security, and third-party VMS or PBX integration?
- Which should you choose: the IX-SOFT-3 or the IX-MV7-HB?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which master station supports larger deployments and more stations?
The IX-SOFT-3 is designed for scale: a single software instance supervises up to 499 stations, and the bundle includes 3 transferable lifetime licenses, meaning three separate Windows PCs can each run a full master station instance. Each license also provides 50 speed-dial buttons and full call history and transfer capabilities. The software runs on Windows 7 Professional or later with a minimum 2 GHz processor, making it deployable on existing enterprise hardware without additional appliance costs.
The IX-MV7-HB is a self-contained hardware unit with an address book capacity of 500 stations and 8 speed-dial buttons. It supports 50 bell schedule events per day. While the 500-station address book is comparable to the IX-SOFT-3's 499-station ceiling, the IX-MV7-HB provides a single fixed master station point. It does not offer a bundled multi-instance licensing model based on the provided specifications.
What physical interface, I/O, and connectivity does each station provide?
The IX-MV7-HB is a purpose-built hardware appliance measuring 8-1/16" H x 11" W x 2-3/16" D, featuring a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, a 1/3" CMOS camera at 480p with a 5-lux minimum illumination rating, a built-in 8Ω 0.5W speaker, and a 600Ω audio input. It offers hands-free, push-to-talk, and handset (privacy handset, black) communication modes. Physical I/O includes 2 contact outputs and 4 trigger inputs. It is powered by PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0) at 4.32W and connects via Cat-5e/6 cable — no separate power supply is required.
The IX-SOFT-3 is a software-only product with no dedicated hardware form factor, no integrated camera, no built-in speaker or handset, and no physical I/O contacts. All audio and video are rendered through the host Windows PC's peripherals. Its mount type is listed as Rack, consistent with server-room or workstation deployment rather than wall or desk mounting as a standalone appliance. Physical interface capabilities are entirely dependent on the host computer's hardware.
How do these stations compare on network protocols, security, and third-party VMS or PBX integration?
The IX-MV7-HB supports an extensive protocol stack: IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, SIP, HTTP, HTTPS, RTSP, RTP, RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, SFTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS. It includes IEEE 802.1x port security, ONVIF Profile S compliance, and is UL 62368-1 and cUL 62368-1 certified. Native SIP support enables direct integration with enterprise telephony infrastructure.
The IX-SOFT-3 specifies ONVIF Profile S compliance and explicit VMS/PBX compatibility with Cisco Unified Call Manager, Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCx Enterprise, and OxO Connect. Security features include TLS 1.2 and CRAM-MD5 for email authentication. SIP is not listed in the IX-SOFT-3 specifications as provided. Both units share H.264/AVC and Motion-JPEG video codecs and G.711 (µ-law, A-law) and G.722 audio codecs, ensuring baseline interoperability within the IX Series ecosystem. The IX-SOFT-3's named PBX integrations are an advantage for enterprises running those specific telephony platforms.
Which should you choose: the IX-SOFT-3 or the IX-MV7-HB?
Our take: The IX-SOFT-3 is the stronger choice when the priority is multi-operator scalability across an enterprise network with existing Windows infrastructure and specific PBX integrations. Its 3-license bundle allows three simultaneous software master station instances — each supervising up to 499 stations — versus the IX-MV7-HB's single hardware appliance. The IX-SOFT-3 also specifies TLS 1.2 and CRAM-MD5 security and named compatibility with Cisco Unified Call Manager and Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCx Enterprise. Conversely, the IX-MV7-HB is the appropriate choice when a dedicated, self-contained hardware appliance is required: it delivers a 7-inch touchscreen, a built-in 480p camera, 2 contact outputs, 4 trigger inputs, native SIP support, IEEE 802.1x port security, PoE power at 4.32W, and UL 62368-1 certification — none of which appear in the IX-SOFT-3 spec sheet. Select the IX-SOFT-3 for multi-seat enterprise software deployments; select the IX-MV7-HB for a single dedicated guard or reception desk station requiring certified hardware and SIP telephony.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Aiphone IX-SOFT-3 | Aiphone IX-MV7-HB |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Software (PC-hosted) | Hardware appliance |
| Display | — | 7" LCD touchscreen |
| Integrated Camera | — | 1/3" CMOS, 480p, 5 lux min |
| Audio Codecs | G.711 (µ-law, A-law), G.722 | G.711, G.722 |
| Video Codecs | H.264/AVC, Motion-JPEG | H.264/AVC, Motion-JPEG |
| Station Capacity | Up to 499 per instance | 500-entry address book |
| Speed-Dial Buttons | 50 per license | 8 |
| License / Unit Count | 3 transferable lifetime licenses | Single hardware unit |
| SIP Support | — | Yes |
| ONVIF Compliance | Profile S | Profile S |
| VMS / PBX Integration | Cisco UCM, Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCx, OxO Connect | — |
| Security Features | TLS 1.2, CRAM-MD5 | IEEE 802.1x port security |
| Power Source | Host PC (no spec given) | PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0, 4.32W |
| Contact Outputs | — | 2 |
| Trigger Inputs | — | 4 |
| Operating Temperature | — | 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) |
| Certifications | — | UL 62368-1, cUL 62368-1 |
| Warranty | 2-Year | — |
| Compatible OS / Cable | Windows 7 Professional or later | Cat-5e/6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the IX-SOFT-3 or the IX-MV7-HB?
The IX-SOFT-3 is the stronger choice when the priority is multi-operator scalability across an enterprise network with existing Windows infrastructure and specific PBX integrations. Its 3-license bundle allows three simultaneous software master station instances — each supervising up to 499 stations — versus the IX-MV7-HB's single hardware appliance. The IX-SOFT-3 also specifies TLS 1.2 and CRAM-MD5 security and named compatibility with Cisco Unified Call Manager and Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCx Enterprise. Conversely, the IX-MV7-HB is the appropriate choice when a dedicated, self-contained hardware appliance is required: it delivers a 7-inch touchscreen, a built-in 480p camera, 2 contact outputs, 4 trigger inputs, native SIP support, IEEE 802.1x port security, PoE power at 4.32W, and UL 62368-1 certification — none of which appear in the IX-SOFT-3 spec sheet. Select the IX-SOFT-3 for multi-seat enterprise software deployments; select the IX-MV7-HB for a single dedicated guard or reception desk station requiring certified hardware and SIP telephony.
Is the IX-SOFT-3 or IX-MV7-HB better for larger deployments with multiple operator positions?
The IX-SOFT-3 is better suited for multi-operator deployments. Its 3-license bundle allows three separate Windows PCs to each run a full master station instance, each capable of supervising up to 499 stations. The IX-MV7-HB is a single dedicated hardware unit; the provided specifications do not describe a comparable multi-unit licensing bundle.
Does the IX-MV7-HB or the IX-SOFT-3 support SIP for integration with an existing phone system?
The IX-MV7-HB explicitly lists SIP in its supported protocol stack, enabling integration with SIP-based PBX and telephony systems. SIP is not listed in the IX-SOFT-3 specifications as provided; however, the IX-SOFT-3 does specify named compatibility with Cisco Unified Call Manager, Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCx Enterprise, and OxO Connect through its own integration layer.
Which unit is easier to install at a reception desk or guard station without additional hardware?
The IX-MV7-HB is the self-contained solution for a reception desk or guard station. It includes a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, built-in camera, speaker, privacy handset, PoE power (no separate supply needed), 2 contact outputs, and 4 trigger inputs — all in a single certified appliance. The IX-SOFT-3 requires a host Windows PC (Windows 7 Professional or later, minimum 2 GHz) and depends entirely on that PC's peripherals for audio and video; it provides no integrated display, camera, speaker, or I/O contacts.
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