Russound MBX-AMP User manual

MBX-AMP
Wi-f Streaming Zone Amplier
Installation Guide

2Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
NOTICE:
IF YOU ARE NOT A RUSSOUND CERTIFIED INSTALLER,
YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL AND CONFIGURE THIS PRODUCT
INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PRODUCT INSTALLATION
There are two things that must be done at the time of installation of this product that require a working internet connection:
1. Enter valid Russound Certied Installer credentials. The MBX-AMP is shipped in a locked state. It cannot be operated
without rst being congured by a Russound Certied Installer.
If you are a custom installation professional and wish to become authorized as a Russound Certied Installer, please contact
your Russound Sales Representative for more information.
Note: If you are a Russound Certied Installer and you plan on installing this product on a job site that may not have working
internet access, please congure the unit at your shop or other location where internet access is available BEFORE you take it to
the job site.
2. Firmware may be updated easily through Web Cong conguration. An internet connection is required for obtaining
the most recent rmware.
Note: If an internet connection will not be available at the place of installation, please download the latest rmware from the
Russound website to a laptop before going to the job site.
Russound Certied Installer credentials must be entered
through the Web Cong conguration web pages.
When the MBX-AMP is shipped from Russound, it will only
operate in a "locked" state. In this state, no audio or control is
available. In order to unlock the system, valid Russound Certied
Installer credentials must be entered using our convenient Web
Cong browser-based conguration utility.
When the MBX-AMP is rst powered on, a message will appear
on any compatible user interfaces and the MyRussound App
indicating that the device must be unlocked. The message
will contain the IP address of the controller. Using your mobile
device or computer, browse to the controller’s IP address (type
http:// and then the IP address).
If you are using the MyRussound App, the IP address appears
as a link that will direct you to Web Cong via your local web
browser.
If you do not have a valid Russound Certied Installer
credential, please contact your Russound Sales Representative.
LOCKDOWN FEATURE
Lockdown Feature
MBX-AMP

3Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Table of Contents
Product Overview ...............................................................................3
Web Conguration..............................................................................4
Ethernet Connection and Factory Reset.....................................5
Installation Overview.........................................................................6
Installation and First Time Setup .............................................7-12
Conguration...............................................................................13-14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................15
Audio Connection with MCA-Series Controllers....................16
Additional Audio Connections.....................................................17
IR Learning....................................................................................18-19
Network Best Practices....................................................................17
Technical Specications..................................................................18
Safety Instructions .....................................................................22-24
Limited Warranty...............................................................................25
TABLE OF CONTENTS / PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Product Overview
The MBX-AMP Wi-Fi Streaming Zone Amplier is designed
to oer a simple-to-install and simple-to-congure
streaming media solution to add high quality streaming
audio anywhere in the home. Additionally, the advanced
TV integration features enable the MBX-AMP to share
speakers between your TV and your audio system easily
without having to use any additional hardware or control
system. Just use the included Infrared Sensor and quickly
teach the MBX-AMP your remote control's volume and mute
commands. It's that easy.
The MBX-AMP allows for expansion to up to 32 streaming
rooms of audio in a single installation with any combination
of other MBX-Series®streaming products from Russound.
When paired with a Russound multi-room controller, system
expansion is possible up to 8 independent audio sources
and up to 48 total rooms of audio.
I addition to oering streaming audio from popular internet
sources, the MBX-AMP also oers streaming of local UPnP™-
compliant audio. In addition, a built-in USB port allows users
to connect an external ash drive or an externally-powered
USB hard drive for use as additional music sources.
Features
• Connect your TV's digital audio output to improve your
TV's sound quality and to share your speakers with your
premium audio system.
• External IR Sensor included to use the MBX-AMP with your
current remote control for Volume/Mute commands• Built-
in AirPlay streaming with full metadata to iOS/Android apps
or XTSPlus touchscreens
• Built-in Chromecast for Audio support with full metadata
to iOS/Android apps or XTSPlus touchscreens
• Bluetooth Audio
• Hi-Res audio streaming support up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• USB for Flash or external USB Hard drive-based music
collections
• Digital (PCM) and Analog Stereo Inputs
• Digital or analog output
• Controllable with the MyRussound App and fully
compatible with the Russound XTSPlus in-wall touchscreen
• Bass, Treble, and Loudness settings available through the
MyRussound App
• Supports local favorites
• Onboard browser-based conguration, accessible from a
smartphone or tablet
• Mix and match with other MBX-Series®components for
versatile system designs

4Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Key Programming Features
The MBX-AMP has a programming feature called Web
Config. Web Config is an onboard hosted web page used
for unlocking and configuring the MBX-AMP. Web Config
can be accessed by entering the IP address or Hostname
in any web browser on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop that
is connected to the same network as the MBX-AMP. Using
Web Config, the MBX-AMP can be completely configured,
quickly and easily, from the palm of your hand.
For more information, refer to the installation manual of your
specific Russound controller.
Web Cong Features
• General Network Configuration (DHCP/static IP)
• Firmware Updates
• Zone or Source Mode
• Assign Device Name
• Zone/Source Volume Trim
• Set AirPlay Password
MBX-AMP Status
MBX-AMP-5FBC
Web Config status page.
WEB CONFIGURATION

50/60Hz 200W
5Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Ethernet Connection
The Ethernet connection is used for configuration and
programming as well as for enabling control via the
MyRussound App or the XTSPlus Touchscreen. The default
network setting is DHCP-enabled, but the MBX-AMP can be
configured with a static IP address using the Web Config
tool. The Ethernet connection is also used for the built-
in streaming services and for playing any music stored
on connected network drives using UPnP. The ethernet
connection is the preferred method of network connection,
but the MBX-AMP is fully Wi-Fi certified and its advanced
2.4Ghz/5Ghz dual-band 802.11ac radio can be used in any
installation where running a network cable is difficult or
impractical.
Factory Reset
The factory reset button has three functions. A 1-second
press will initiate a device reboot. A 3-second press and hold
will restore network settings to DHCP. A 10-second press
and hold will completely reset the MBX-AMP to its factory
default settings.
Note: Performing a factory reset will restore the unit to its
factory default settings. The unit will require valid Russound
Certied Installer credentials in order to be unlocked and
congured again. The factory reset will also delete all
personal information including service account settings and
passwords.
ETHERNET CONNECTION AND FACTORY RESET
Ethernet port Factory Reset

6Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Important Considerations
1. Disconnect the power cord before making any wiring
connections to the MBX-AMP.
2. Verify that all connections and polarity are correct.
3. Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent
humming caused by induced noise.
4. Label wires appropriately, on both ends of the wire run.
5. Avoid running signal cables close to house electrical wiring
for any distance. If you have to run them parallel, make sure to
space the wires at least two feet from the AC line. If you need
to cross an AC line it should be at a 90° angle.
Mounting Options
The MBX-AMP can be mounted on a table-top or shelf, but
can also be wall-mounted using the included brackets or
mounted in a rack by using a 2U or larger rack shelf. A 2U
or larger rack shelf is required to assure that there is proper
ventilation and airow above the unit.
The MBX-AMP can also be mounted into a structured wiring
can. When installed, the mounting brackets have a 6" on-
center separation between the mounting holes.
6"
Wall
When mounting the unit, mount it so that the brackets are at
the top and the MBX-AMP hangs from the brackets.

7Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Step 1. Connect your Loudspeakers to your MBX-AMP
Speakers connect to the MBX-AMP using two wires, a positive
(+) and a negative (-). Remove approximately 3/8" (10mm) of
insulation from the ends of both conductors of the speaker
wire and twist the bare wires of each cable tightly. Loosen the
right positive speaker terminal and insert the corresponding
bare speaker wire into the gap on the side of the terminal.
Tighten the terminal. Repeat for the right negative terminal
and then repeat the process for the left positive and negative
terminals.
Make certain that no bare cable strands touch any additional
speaker terminals or wires.
Step 2.
Insert the power cable into the rear socket of the MBX-AMP
and insert the other end into your AC wall outlet.
The MBX-AMP will take about 30 seconds to fully power
up. When ready, the front panel LED will illuminate either
green or yellow. Green means that a network connection
has been made and yellow means that the unit is ready but
not yet connected to a wired or wi-fi network. See below for
Network Connection information.
Step 3. Network Connections
The MBX-AMP requires a network connection in order to
use the MyRussound app or an XTSPlus touchscreen for
system control. The network connection is also used for
accessing all streaming audio sources other than Bluetooth
or any connected USB drives. The MBX-AMP works with
Wired Ethernet connections (preferred) or with wireless
connections using Wi-Fi.
A. Wired Ethernet Connection (Preferred)
Connect an Ethernet cable from an open network port to
the port labeled “LAN” on the rear of the MBX-AMP. The
front panel LED of the MBX-AMP will turn green when the
network connection is successfully established.
B. Wi-Fi Connections
The MBX-AMP can also be connected to the network utilizing
Wi-Fi. There are four ways to configure the Wi-Fi settings.
The easiest method is using a phone/tablet to transfer
existing Wi-Fi settings.
Option B1 Recommended for all systems
The MBX-AMP can be quickly added to an existing Wi-Fi
network by utilizing the Google Home app. The Google
Home app is also used to configure the MBX-AMP’s for
Chromecast Built-in for Audio. If you do not yet have the
Google Home app on your device, download and install it
from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the Google Home app and it will automatically
discover the MBX-AMP on your network. It will be listed as
“MBX-AMP-XXXX”, with XXXX being the last 4 digits of the
MAC ID of the MBX-AMP. This is done in order to make it
easier to identify multiple MBX devices when configuring a
large system in a home.
1. From the Google Home app, find your MBX-AMP either
on the main screen or under “Devices” and choose “Set Up”.
2. Choose a name for the MBX-AMP. The name you
choose will be name that is visible within the MyRussound
app and any other network based interface to identify the
MBX-AMP. There is a list of possible room names as well
as an option to use a custom name “Add a custom room”.
Sample Google Home screen
showing a newly discovered MBX-AMP
MBX-AMP-8BC4
INSTALLATION
Note: If using Chromecast (Recommended), open your Google Home
app on your phone/tablet and follow the prompts to add your MBX-
AMP to your list of devices.

8Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Option B3 (Using a soft access point)
The MBX-AMP will broadcast an SSID of “MBX-AMP-XXXX.
h013"” with XXXX being the last 4 digits of the MAC ID of
the device.
1. From your phone/tablet connect to the MBX-AMP-
XXXX.h013 Wi-Fi network.
2. From a browser on your phone/tablet, navigate to
“http://192.168.255.249” to access the Web Config page
of your MBX-AMP. You can access the network settings
by navigating to Admin-Networking. It is recommended
to use “Automatic” as the Networking Type. Select the
Wi-Fi network you would like to connect to and enter the
appropriate password.
3. Select “Apply” to apply the new settings and the MBX-
AMP will reboot and attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi
network. The front panel LED of the MBX-AMP will turn
green when a successful connection has been made.
Option B4 (Configuring using a wired connection)
Connect the MBX-AMP to the network using a wired
connection and then use Web Config to access the MBX-
AMP settings and enter the appropriate network SSID
and password settings. These settings are accessed in the
Admin-Networking section.
4. After selecting the name, the next step is connecting to
Wi-Fi. Choose the Wi-Fi network you would like to connect
to, or enter the appropriate connection information
manually and follow the prompts to continue. The MBX-
AMP will attempt to connect to the selected network and
the front panel LED will turn green when the connection
is successful.
Option B2 (iOS devices only)
1. From an iOS device that is on the Wi-Fi network that
you would like to use with the MBX-AMP, go to Settings –
Wi-Fi – Set up new Airplay speaker. The MBX-AMP will be
listed there as “MBX-AMP-XXXX” with XXXX being the last
4 digits of the MAC ID.
2. Select the MBX-AMP you want to configure.
3. Rename the MBX-AMP according to the room where it
is located. For example, "Kitchen".
4. Follow the prompts to connect to the appropriate Wi-Fi
network.
5. The MBX-AMP will attempt to connect to the selected
network and the front panel LED will turn green when the
connection is successful.
INSTALLATION
*During the setup process, the MBX-AMP will play a tone in order
to confirm that you are configuring the proper device. In order
for this tone to be heard, the MBX-AMP must be connected to
loudspeakers.
3. We suggest naming the MBX-AMP as that particular
room, such as “Kitchen”.

9Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Network Connection Type
The first selection to make is the type of network connection
you would like to use. There are three possible options:
Automatic (Default) – Automatic is the preferred setting
for almost all systems. When set to “automatic”, either a
wired or wireless connection can be used and the MBX-AMP
will prioritize the wired connection whenever it is present.
If a wired connection is not available, the MBX-AMP will
use the currently configured Wi-Fi settings to attempt to
connect to the network.
Wired – When set to “Wired”, the Wi-Fi connection will be
disabled. The only connection method available will be the
Wired Ethernet connection. This option is recommended
for all rack-based installations or whenever Wi-Fi network
pollution might be an issue and you want to reduce the
number of available Wi-Fi devices in the local environment.
Wi-Fi – When set to “Wi-Fi”, the Wired Ethernet connection
will be disabled. This setting should only be used in
environments when you want to disable physical access to
the network connection such as a commercial installation.
This setting is NOT recommended for typical usage.
First Time Setup
The first time that a user navigates to the MBX-AMP Web
Config page, Web Config will open automatically in First
Time Setup mode.
First Time Setup is designed to help configure a few basic
system settings as well as to provide for a quick method of
enabling Chromecast Built-in for Audio.
Using a web browser from any device (phone, tablet, or
computer) that is on the same network as the MBX-AMP,
navigate to the MBX-AMP’s Web Config page by entering
one of the following:
1. MBX-AMP IP address – Example: if the IP address is
192.168.0.105, enter http://192.168.0.105 into the web
browser. If you don’t know the IP address, you can use
a network scanning app such as Fing (Free for iOS and
Android) to discover the IP address.
2. MBX-AMP Hostname – The hostname is printed on a
label on the bottom of the MBX-AMP. The hostname is
formatted as MBX-AMP-XXXX where XXXX is the last four
digits of the MBX-AMP’s MAC ID. Example: If the hostname
is MBX-AMP-1234, enter http://MBX-AMP-1234 into the web
browser.
INSTALLATION AND FIRST TIME SETUP

10 Russound MBX-AMP Installation Guide
Device Name
The first item you will see on the first time setup screen is
the device name. The default device name is the hostname
MBX-AMP-XXXX. If you edited the name using Google
Home, or in your Apple configuration in the Installation
steps above, the name will be whatever you entered. The
name can be edited here or changed at any time in the
future using Web Config.
We suggest naming the MBX-AMP for the room or area
of the house where it is used. For example, "Kitchen" or
"Dining Room".
The name you choose will be the name that is visible within
the MyRussound app when controlling the MBX-AMP and
also the name that will appear in apps when attempting to
cast or stream audio from a phone or tablet. The name can
be changed at any time.
Networking
Because the MBX-AMP is already on the network (or you
wouldn’t be able to get to the First Time Setup screen), the
primary reason for making a change on this page is if you
have connected via a wired connection and want to input
a Wi-Fi configuration SSID and password to use the MBX-
AMP with Wi-Fi. It is also possible to modify DHCP settings
here and set a static IP for either the wired connection,
the wireless connection, or both. These settings can be
changed again at any time in Web Config.
Type – The default type of networking is automatic. This
is recommended for almost all installations. When set to
“automatic”, the MBX-AMP will always prioritize a Wired
Ethernet connection if available. If a wired connection is
not available, it will attempt to connect to the last properly
configured Wi-Fi network. Because it works with both types
of connections and prioritizes wired whenever it is available,
the “automatic” setting is always recommended.
When set to “Wired”, the MBX-AMP’s Wi-Fi radio will be
disabled. The only way to connect the MBX-AMP to a
network will be by use of the Wired Ethernet connection.
When set to “Wireless”, the MBX-AMP will disable the
Ethernet port and will only be able to connect to a network
using Wi-Fi.
FIRST TIME SETUP