Features
Inputs and Outputs
Configuration and Control
Additional Features
Specifications

Features

Overview: The Russound MCA-88 is an 8 source, 8 zone controller/amplifier with 40 watts (RMS) of output power per channel for each of the 6 amplified zones. Zones 7 and 8 are line-level outputs for running to an optional outboard amplifier or set of powered speakers (both sold separately). The MCA-88 is Ethernet enabled and is part of Russound's RIO (Russound I/O) IP based control systems protocol, allowing it to communicate bi-directionally with Russound zone keypads and touchscreen controllers (both sold separately). The amplifier/controller includes a multitude of analog and digital inputs, all of which can be assigned to any of the 8 zones. Other features include home theater trigger outputs, for activating outboard devices, an RS-232 port, for integration with serial-connected home automation systems, and a direct-connection port for Russound's optional Bluetooth interface (sold separately).

 Inputs and Outputs

Input Sources: The Russound MCA-88 features a wide array of input sources that can be assigned to any of the 6 output zones. Sources include:

• Analog Inputs: The controller/amplifier's rear panel includes 8 pairs of signal-sensing RCA inputs, which can be used to input audio from a variety of playback devices, such as a CD or media player. These sources can be programmed during zone setup to be global sources, or zones can be individually programmed for restricted access. Each of these inputs also has an additional pair of looped RCA OUTs for passing incoming signals for that zone back out to an outboard amplifier or other processor.
  • Page Input: Input eight's right RCA jack can also be used as a paging audio input, accepting line-level audio signals. This works in conjunction with the rear-panel 3.5mm Page Trigger Input. The right channel RCA output will loop the Page signal back out, for running to an additional amplifier. This input can interface with the page output of a telephone system or other peripheral device. When a page event is engaged, it interrupts the audio outputs for all enabled zones. System paging can be disabled permanently in each zone or temporarily. These settings, along with Source 8 assignment are done in the Web Config setup software (see Configuration and Control). A rear-panel Paging Audio Gain dial is used to adjust the Page signal input.
• Digital Inputs: Three coaxial digital and one optical input are provided for running digital audio sources into the system, such as from a streaming device or digital media player. The digital inputs are hard-wired to Sources 3, 4, and 5. The Web Config setup software lets you designate whether those input sources will be using the analog or digital inputs. Digital Input 5 includes both coax and optical ports, only one of which can be used at a time.
• Bluetooth: The MCA-88 provides a rear-panel RJ-45 connection for the optional Russound BTC-2X Bluetooth module (sold separately), allowing audio to be streamed from a Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The BTC-2X module has a Bluetooth range of up to 65' indoors (up to 195' outdoors) and can be located up to 300' from the MCA-88 using CAT-5/6 cable. This allows audio to be streamed from a location remote to the MCA-88. The BTC-2X uses aptX audio codec for enhanced sound quality. A Bluetooth connection takes up Input Source 1. Using the Web Config setup software, a Primary Zone can be set for the Bluetooth input, allowing a specific zone to serve as the default zone for Bluetooth source.

Zone Speaker Outputs: Six pairs of stereo speaker outputs are provided in the form of removable 4-pin terminal blocks, one each for zones 1-6, each using a locking-lever connection accepting speaker wire up to 14 ga. in size. Each pair of outputs is powered by its own internal 2-channel amplifier, providing up to 40 watts (RMS) per channel into an 8Ω load (minimum impedance).

Zone Line Outputs: A bank of 8 pairs of RCA jacks, one for each of the  8 zones, is included for sending that zone's audio to an outboard amplifier (sold separately). The output for each can be set to either Fixed or Variable in the Web Config, allowing that zone's volume to be adjusted either from within the Russound App or at the outboard playback amp. Other zone settings available in the Web Config include:

• Zone and Source Naming: A list of predefined names are available for each zone and source, or they can be custom named.
• Party Mode: This mode allows a pre-designated source to play through all assigned zones.
• Linked Zone and Source Groups: Allows up to two sources and zones to be linked to a single touchscreen or keypad controller.
• All On: Each zone can be assigned to respond to an All On command from a controller.
• Source Exclusion: Allows you to limit the sources available to a particular zone.
• Paging: Page Participation and Page Volume can be set for each zone.

Configuration and Control

Ethernet Connection: The MCA-88 features a rear-panel Ethernet port for a hard-wired connection to a LAN (Local Area Network), allowing configuration and programming of the controller/amplifier through the Web Config, as well as enabling day-to-day control via the Russound App. The default network setting is DHCP-enabled, but a static IP address can be configured using the Web Config software during initial setup.

Web Config: The MCA-88 includes a new programming feature called Web Config. This allows the MCA-88 to be completely configured via its IP address using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop connected to the same network as the controller/amplifier. Configurable options include: zone assignments, network configuration, IR programming, power management, keypad button configuration, and more.

Russound App: The Russound App (available from the Apple App and Google Play stores) lets you operate the MCA-88 from your Apple or Android phone or tablet, giving you control of the controller/amp from anywhere inside your network's range. This is a convenient way to select a source for a zone, change the volume and sound settings, and can even let you control other devices connected to the MCA-88 like a satellite box, Blu-ray player, or radio tuner. This also allows other people to control the sound and source for the zone they're in.

XTS Controller (Optional): The Russound XTS7 touchscreen controller (sold separately) is a stylish in-wall touchscreen that runs an embedded version of the Russound App. This allows the same control that's available on your smartphone or tablet without having to use your device to change the volume or make a music selection. The XTS is an IP-based network device that gets connected to the same router the amplifier is connected to.

RNET Link: Two rear-panel RJ-45 sockets provide RNET Link In and Link Out connections. These allow linking of up to two or more (maximum 6) MCA-88 controller/amps using CAT-5e cables terminated in RJ-45 connectors using the T568A wiring configuration. A corresponding rear-panel Controller ID Switch allows each connected device to have its own unique ID number (1-6) to avoid command signals affecting all connected devices. Along with RNET data signals, these ports will also pass source IR signals between different RNET devices.

Keypad Controllers (Optional): Each of the MCA-88's output zones can be individually controlled using optional IPK-1 keypad controllers connected to a PoE Switch (sold separately) that's on the same network as the MCA-88. The IPK-1 features push-button controls for volume, power, and source selection. It can also provide basic transport controls, like play/pause, previous and next track selection, etc. for a connected player.

IR Outputs: Six routed IR emitter pass-thru ports allow IR control of 6 individual source devices. IR Outputs 7 and 8 are doubled-up with Outputs 1 and 2. Device control can be done from a zone keypad controller, an XTS controller, or from the Russound App. Each 3.5mm port can accommodate an IR emitter (sold separately) that gets placed in front of the source device's IR window. A seventh Common IR port supports IR pass-thru from any of the IR sources or zones. This allows control of any source equipment without that source being selected on the keypad. 

Alexa Compatible: Alexa-enabled devices (including the Amazon Echo, Dot, and Show) are able to control key functions of the Russound MCA-88 controller/amplifier through voice commands. Voice control functions include -

• Volume Control (Turn Volume Up, Down, Mute, or set a specific volume level directly)
• Zone On/Off
• Playback Control (Play/Pause, Next/Previous Track, Repeat/Shuffle)
• Like/Dislike Song (for compatible streaming sources)
• Adjust audio settings (Bass, Treble, Loudness)

RS-232: A rear-panel RS-232 port is provided for connecting an optional 3rd party controller device using the RS-232 control protocol.

12VDC Trigger: Two 3.5mm 12VDC trigger ports are provided (tip-positive/sleeve-negative) for both IN and OUT.

• IN: Allows the MCA-88 and connected source devices to be powered on/off via an external device's 12VDC trigger output, such as from a home theater receiver or power management device.
• OUT: The MCA-88 can trigger an outboard device, such as an amplifier or motorized screen, on or off. The OUT also acts as a pass-thru when using the IN port.

Common 12VDC Trigger: This 3.5mm port will output12VDC/100mA when any zone is activated (tip-positive/sleeve-negative).

Additional Features

Front-Panel Indicators: The MCA-88's front panel includes a removable semi-transparent section covering eight LEDs indicating if that corresponding zone is powered on or off. This section also includes the IR window, for use with an optional IR remote control (sold separately). A corresponding IR LED lights to indicate if the unit is receiving IR signals.

Mounting: The Russound controller/amplifier includes 4 pre-attached feet with rubber no-slip pads. The system can also be rack-mounted using the included rack-ears and hardware. After removing the attached feet and installing the rack-ears, the unit will take up 2U of rack space.

Factory Reset: A rear-panel Reset button is provided. Pressing and holding this for 3 seconds will reset the network back to DHCP. A 10 second press and hold will delete all configuration information and lock the unit (it's original state when first powered on). This will require valid Russound Certified Installer credentials and an internet connection in order to unlock the unit again. A backup copy of your original configuration can be saved in the Web Config software, letting you quickly restore the unit back after resetting and unlocking it.

Firmware Updates: The MCA-88 can have its firmware updated either through the Web Config software, as long as the controller/amp is connected to a LAN with internet access, or through the dedicated rear-panel USB port using a USB thumb drive.

Fuse Protected: The MCA-88 includes a user-replaceable T5.0A/250V AGU type fuse, located underneath the rear-panel AC power socket.

AC Voltage Switch: A rear-panel switch allows the voltage range to be set, depending on the location the controller/amplifier will be used. Choices are: 100-120V and 220-240V. If changing to 220-240V, the rear-panel fuse must be changed to a T3.15A 250V type.

Specifications

• Output Power: 40W RMS @ 8Ω
• Minimum Impedance: 8Ω
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 1dB at 1W output into 8Ω
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 93 dB unweighted, 96 dB A-weighted
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
• Source Inputs: 8 Pairs stereo RCA, 3 coax digital, 1 optical digital
• Zone Outputs: 6 Speaker-level (20W/channel), 8 line-level
• Home Theater Trigger: In/out, 12VDC (pass-thru)
• Common Trigger: Out, 12VDC/100mA
• Page Trigger: In, 12VDC
• Speaker Connections: 6 Removable 4-pin connectors
• IR Outputs: 6 Routed, with 2 shared and 1 common
• Dimensions: Width: 17.0" (19" w/ rack-ears), Height: 3.750", Depth: 19.50" (incl. power cable)
• Weight: 28.8 lbs.