Russound MCA-66 User manual

MCA-66
6 Source, 6 Zone Controller Amplier
Installation Manual

2Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
NOTICE:
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 MCA-66 is
shipped in a locked state so that it cannot be operated without rst being
congured by a Russound Certied Installer.
IF YOU ARE NOT A RUSSOUND CERTIFIED INSTALLER, YOU WILL NOT
BE ABLE TO INSTALL AND CONFIGURE THIS PRODUCT.
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 through Web-SCS conguration webpages
or by using a USB stick with the latest rmware. In both cases, an internet
connection is required for obtaining the most recent rmware.
Note: If no internet connection will be available at the installation location,
please download the latest rmware from the Russound website to your
laptop or to a USB drive before going to the job site.
Russound Certied Installer credentials must be entered through the
Web-SCS conguration webpages.
Lockdown Feature
When a product is shipped from Russound, it will operate in only a “locked”
state. In this state, no audio or control of attached devices via its user
interfaces (keypad, touchscreen, MyRussound App) is available. In order to
unlock the system, valid Russound Certied Installer credentials must be
entered in the Web-SCS.
When the controller is rst powered on, a message will appear on all
connected MDK-C6 keypads, TS3 touchscreens 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 the Web-SCS 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

3
Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
Product Overview ..........................................................................................................4
Web-SCS Conguration Software ........................................................................ 4-5
Controller Front and Back Panel............................................................................ 6-7
Installation Overview ...................................................................................................8
Installation Guide ...........................................................................................................8
Controller / Keypad Connections ...........................................................................10
Speaker Connections..................................................................................................11
Source Connections ....................................................................................................12
Bluetooth® and Digital Inputs...................................................................................13
Ethernet Connection and Factory Reset..............................................................13
Multiple Controller Installation ...............................................................................14
Zone 1 and 2 Amplication ......................................................................................15
Page Input Source........................................................................................................16
Home Theater Triggers...............................................................................................17
IR Connections ..............................................................................................................18
System Start Up.............................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................20
Technical specications .............................................................................................21
Limited Warranty ..........................................................................................................21
Safety Information .......................................................................................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the Russound MCA-66 Multizone Controller Amplier
to enhance your home with multiroom audio.
MCA-66 Feature Overview
Available User interfaces: The MCA-66 works with the MDK-C6 keypad, SLK1
keypad, TS3 touchscreen, and the MyRussound App. For information about
user interfaces, go to the Russound portal at www.russound.com.
Note: The internal AM/FM tuner available in our previous C-Series controllers
was replaced in the MCA controllers with a Bluetooth® input extension for the
easy addition of an optional BTC-1X Bluetooth receiver. If you'd like to add a
tuner, Russound manufactures the ST-1 and the DMS-3.1 which can be added
to the MCA-66.
Firmware updates can now be performed using the either the USB connection
or Ethernet connection.
Programming the controller is performed using a network connection
only. Basic programming of the controller can be performed using the
Web-SCS. Russound SCS-C5 conguration software is available for additional
programming options.
Key features include:
• Twelve channels of analog amplication rated at 20 watts per channel
• Digital Audio Inputs (3 coax, 1 optical)
• 6 Sources delivered to up to 6 zones for sharing music throughout the home
• Built-in Bluetooth extension input to connect a BTC-1X receiver.
• Scalable up to 36 zones.
• Ethernet connectivity for programming and control.
• On-board Basic Conguration available with Web-SCS via an internet browser
from most mobile devices such as phones or tablets.
• Supports 32 Global System Favorites as well as 2 Favorites per Zone.
• Works with RNET smart sources, transmitting metadata (song, artist and
other information) for display on the keypads.
• Audio paging with a 12v trigger input.
• Party mode, Do Not Disturb, and source / zone linking options.
SCSC5 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Key Programming Features
The MCA-66 Controller now has a new programming feature called Web-
SCS. This programming feature allows the installer to connect to the controller
via its IP address using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop and congure basic
items such as naming sources and naming zones. Full featured programming,
such as IR programming for non-Russound sources, are still available through
the traditional SCS-C5 programming software, available as a free download
from Russound.com.
Web-SCS is designed to be used with an internet browser. Now, the installer
can get a system up and running, and in many cases completely nished, right
from their phone or tablet.
Web-SCS Features
• Assign Zone and Source names
• General network conguration
(static IP)
• Firmware Updates
• Zone Volume Trim
• Enable/Disable Zone All On
Participation
• Source Type and Source Volume Trim
• Switch between Digital and Analog
inputs
SCS-C5 Features
All features of Web-SCS, plus:
• IR Source Programming
• Learned IR programming
• Macro Setup
• Save/Load conguration les
• Zone page enable/disable
• Keypad button conguration
• Power Management conguration
• Source and Zone linking
• Alarm clock and sleep timer (with MDK-C6 keypad and TS3).
Note: Alarm function requires a dedicated source input such as the ST-1
Smart Tuner
• Simplied programming and control via intelligent IR learning capabilities
for quick setup.
• Fixed/Variable Line level outputs for zones 1 and 2.
• Routed IR source control outputs for each source, and one common IR output.
• Home Theater trigger in/out.

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Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
SCSC5 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Programmable options with Russound SCS-C5 software
SCS-C5 software which is needed to program and congure additional or
advanced features of the system is available via download from the Support
Center at www.russound.com. With your Windows (XP, 7, or 8.x) laptop, you
can congure the system completely prior to connecting with the MCA-66
controller. The software has a Source Setup Wizard to aid in the setup and basic
conguration of the sources. Once congured, the system information can be
saved to a le.
Items to be programmed with SCS-C5 software include:
Source Conguration - the enhanced IR library simplies programming.
Zone and Source Names - a list of predened names are available and will
be visible in the user interfaces. Custom naming is also possible.
Source Exclusion - allows you to limit the sources available to a particular
zone.
Party Mode Participation - denes whether a zone can participate in Party
mode.
Zone and Source Linked Groups - two groups of each type are allowed per
controller. Groups share source selection and party mode participation.
All ON Participation - denes whether or not a zone will respond to the All
ON command.
Page Participation - denes whether a zone will respond to a page event.
Page Volume - sets the volume of a page event in each zone.
Power Management of Sources - enabled / disabled per source. This feature
uses IR commands and audio signal sensing to power up sources and initiate
audio to conrm source power states. If enabled, the source will turn on
when the rst zone is turned on or the home theater trigger has a12 VDC
signal present. The source will turn o 5 minutes after the last zone is turned
o, or 5 minutes after input is discontinued from the home theater trigger.
Sound Controls - Adjust Bass, Treble, Balance, Loudness and Turn On Volume
initial settings per audio zone.
IR Keycode Learning - allows IR codes to be learned, saved, and managed.
Page Input on Source 6 - assigns Source 6 as a paging input.
Note: DHCP must be enabled on the LAN for initial conguration. A static IP
address can be congured later.
The IP Address of the MCA controller can be obtained via several methods.
- By viewing the DHCP table of connected devices within the settings of the
router.
- By using an IP Scanner app on a smartphone or tablet.
- By using a TS3 touchscreen or MDK-C6 keypad:
To display the IP Address on a TS3 Touchscreen, select Settings > Screen
Setup > Installer Setup (hold for 3 seconds) > About.
To display the IP Address on an MDK-C6 keypad, select
HOME>SETTINGS>INSTALLATION>NETWORK SETTINGS.

6Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
CONTROLLER FRONT PANEL
Removable cover to access IR
window
IR Programming IR Receiver Window
Zone LED indicators visible
behind cover
Front Panel
Front Panel with cover removed
Red IR LED (talk-back)
Power Button
Red LED indicates "Power On"

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Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
CONTROLLER REAR PANEL
Rear Panel
RNET Link - Links
multiple controllers
and/or RNET sources
Audio Source Connections
Signal sensing stereo line
level inputs
IR Outputs
6 routed,
1 common
Serial Interface
RS-232 port for 3rd party
device communication
Keypad Ports - RJ-45
Connections for zone keypads
Digital Inputs
Connect 3 SPDIF coaxial or 1 Toslink
Optical connection to digital sources
Common 12V Trigger
12VDC 100ma output when
any zone is active
Home Theater 12 VDC Trigger
Activates source power management
when sharing sources with home theater
AC 120/240V Input
Detachable grounded
power cord connection
Controller ID Switch
Set ID for multiple controller
congurations
AC Voltage Switch
Select appropriate voltage
Factory Reset Button
A 3 second press and hold resets
network to DHCP. A 10 second press
and hold deletes all conguration
information and locks the unit.
USB Port for Firmware Updates
Line Level Outputs
Can be set Fixed or Variable for zones 1
and 2 (always active when set to Fixed)
Speaker Outputs - Connect
8 Ohm speakers for each of
the zones
Ethernet Port
For programming
and control
Fuse Holder
Holds replaceable fuse for
AC input connection
Page Audio In
Source 6 congurable as paging
audio input (right channel only)
Bluetooth Extension Input
Connect Russound BTC-1X.
Page 12VDC
Trigger
Accepts paging
device 12v input

8Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Ventilation Requirements
Important: The MCA-66 should be situated so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation. Do not block vents above or to
the sides of the unit, as it requires ventilation for proper operation. Do not
expose to excessive dust, and do not allow dust to build up on the unit and
block vent holes. Do not place the MCA-66 above or below a heat-generating
component such as an audio amplier.
Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of space to the sides of the unit with open air
ow above. A single-space rack mount vent or about 1.75 inches must be kept
clear above and below the unit.
Installation
The MCA-66 controller can be rack mounted or placed on a shelf in an
equipment rack. The controller occupies two rack spaces with feet removed.
The controller can be installed in an equipment rack using the included
rack-mount ears and hardware to attach the ears to the controller chassis.
Up to six controllers can be connected for up to 36 zones on the system.
Note: Systems with multiple controllers require splitting source audio
connections with RCA Y-splitter cables, or for larger systems, audio DA
(Distribution Amplier) splitters.
Electrical Power
The MCA-66 operates at 100-120VAC ~60 Hz or 220-240VAC ~50 Hz. Voltage
is selected by the voltage switch on the rear panel and incorporates the
appropriate detachable power cord. It is recommended that the MCA-66 and
the source equipment be plugged into a dedicated 20-amp circuit. A power
line conditioner can reduce interference problems caused by noise found in
some electrical systems.
The power switch for the unit is on the front panel.
Important Considerations
• Disconnect the power cord before making any connections to the
controller.
• Verify that all connections and polarity are correct.
• Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent humming from
induced noise.
• Choose reliable signal cables and patch cords.
• Label all wires with the room location at both ends of the wire.
• Avoid running speaker wires or 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.
• For multiple controllers, the controller ID must be set with the rotary switch
on the rear panel. Each controller must be set to a unique number before
powering connected controllers.
Important: Basic Source and Zone name conguration can be done with
Web-SCS on a tablet or smartphone. More detailed IR programming and
system conguration can be completed with the free SCS-C5 software
available at www.russound.com
Do not connect the controller’s main power feed until all other
connections have been made and veried. Live connection or
removal of the keypad wiring or other wiring when the system
is powered can result in erratic operation or system damage.
Double-check terminations during each phase of the installation
to prevent accidental damage. Incorrect wiring is the number one
cause for non-warranty product damage.

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Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Rack Mount Installation
To attach the rack ears, locate the ve rack mount holes on each side of the
controller’s chassis. Align the holes in the rack ears with the holes in the chassis.
Insert and tighten the screws.
Wiring
Route CAT-5e cable between the keypad locations and the controller.
Terminate all CAT-5e cables with an RJ-45 connector using the T568A wiring
standard conguration. Utilize a UL/CSA approved electrical box at the keypad
(double-gang at least 32 cu. in.) and controller locations. Using connector
specic wall plates at the controller location will better organize all of the
incoming cables. Route CAT-5e wire from the electrical box to each keypad
location, with runs not to exceed 250 feet. Label the wires at both ends with the
zone and location.
Route standard 4 conductor speaker wire to each speaker location. Each
speaker connection requires an 8-ohm load and will provide 20 watts per
channel. Standard 16-gauge 4-conductor stranded speaker wire can be run up
to 125 feet; 14-gauge wire can be run up to 250 feet.
/ / /
/
RJ-45 CAT-5 Wiring Scheme
RJ-45
RJ-45

10 Russound MCA-66 Installation Manual
Controller / Keypad Connection
The MDK-C6 keypad is designed for use with the MCA controllers, and
connects to a keypad port near the top left on the rear of the controller. These
RJ-45 ports support MDK-C6, SLK-1 keypads and TS3 touchscreens .
The six keypad ports correspond to the six zones supported by the MCA-66.
When a connected keypad is powered on, the zone becomes active and the
corresponding zone LED lights up on the front of the MCA-66 controller.
Connections are made using CAT-5e with RJ-45 connectors using T568A wire
conguration. For a clean installation when wiring from a keypad port use
a CAT-5e patch cable to connect from the keypad port to a RJ-45 wall plate
(optional). Using the same T568A RJ-45 wiring conguration, use CAT-5e cable
from the wall plate to the keypad. Maximum CAT-5e cable length is 250 feet
between the controller and the keypad. The OS Update jumper should be in
the RUN position on the lower two pins.
Keypad connection to the MCA-66
CAT-5e Cables
SLK-1
CONTROLLER / KEYPAD CONNECTION
If more keypads are desired for a zone, use an optional SA-ZX3 keypad
splitter with a Russound 1201A (12VDC 1A) power supply at the controller end.
All keypads on an SA-ZX3 control the same zone. More detailed information
regarding SA-ZX3 installation and operation can be found in its installation
manual.
Note: The keypad ports are only to be used with Russound keypads and are
NOT to be used for any ethernet or computer networking connections. The
Russound keypad ports output 12vDC that will damage networking products.