Russound MCA-88X User manual

MCA-88X
8 Source, 8 Zone Controller Amplier
Installation Manual

2Russound MCA-88X 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-88X 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 Cong 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 an internet connection will not be available at the place of
installation, 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 Cong conguration webpages.
Lockdown Feature
When a product is shipped from Russound, it will only operate in 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 Cong.
When the controller is rst powered on, a message will appear on all
connected MDK-C6 keypads, XTS 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 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

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Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
Product Overview ..........................................................................................................4
Programming Software - Web Cong ............................................... 4-5
Ethernet Connection and Factory Reset................................................................5
Controller Front and Back Panel............................................................................ 6-7
Installation Overview ...................................................................................................8
Installation Guide...........................................................................................................9
Controller / Keypad Connections...........................................................................10
XTS In-wall Touchscreen Connections .................................................................10
Speaker Connections..................................................................................................11
Source Connections ....................................................................................................12
Primary Zone, Bluetooth® and Digital Inputs......................................................13
Internal Media Streamer............................................................................................13
Listening to AirPlay Streaming......................................................................... 14-15
Listening to Spotify®.............................................................................................16-17
Listening to Pandora® Internet Radio ...................................................................18
Listening to SIRIUSXM® Internet Radio.................................................................19
Listening to TuneIn™ Internet Radio .....................................................................20
Listening to vTuner® Internet Radio ......................................................................21
Listening to Network Audio Files (media Server) .............................................22
Multiple Controller Installation ...............................................................................23
Zone Amplication......................................................................................................24
Page Input Source........................................................................................................25
Home Theater Triggers...............................................................................................26
IR Connections ..............................................................................................................27
System Start Up.............................................................................................................28
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................28
Technical specications .............................................................................................29
Limited Warranty ..........................................................................................................29
Safety Information .......................................................................................................30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Conguration Password
In order to prevent unauthorized changes to conguration settings, a
default password of russound123 has been created that will be required to
be entered prior to changing any conguration settings. Enter this password
when prompted for a Conguration Password.
This password is separate from the Russound Certied Installer password
that is used to unlock the controller and cannot be modied.

4Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the Russound MCA-88X Multizone Controller Amplier
to enhance your home with multiroom audio.
MCA-88X Feature Overview
Available User interfaces: The MCA-88X works with the MDK-C6 keypad,
SLK1 keypad, XTS wall-mounted touchscreen, and the MyRussound App.
For information about user interfaces, go to the Russound website 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 rack-mountable tuner which can be
added to the MCA-88X.
The Russound MCA-88X features built-in XStream™ technology, enabling
popular streaming content from the cloud, home network, tablets and phones
- all from a single component.
Firmware updates can now be performed using either the USB connection or
Ethernet connection.
Conguration of the controller is performed using a network connection only.
All of the conguration of the controller can be performed using our browser-
based Web Conf.
Key features include:
• Twelve channels of cool running digital amplication rated at 40 watts per
channel
• Built-in XStream digital streaming audio source
• Digital Audio Inputs (3 coax, 1 optical)
• 8 Sources delivered to up to 8 zones for sharing music throughout the home
• Built-in Bluetooth extension input to connect a BTC-1X receiver.
• Scalable up to 48 zones.
• Ethernet connectivity for programming and control.
• On-board conguration available with Web Cong via an internet browser on
smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
• 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.
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Key Programming Features
The MCA-88X Controller now has a new programming feature called Web
Cong. This programming feature allows the installer to connect to the
controller via its IP address using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop and
congure the entire system.
Web Cong is designed to be used with any internet browser. With Web Cong,
the installer now has the ability to get a system up and running right from their
smart phone or tablet.
Web Cong Features
• Assign Zone and Source names
• General network conguration
(DHCP/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
• 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
• Backup and restore
• Audio paging with a 12VDC trigger input.
• Party mode, Do Not Disturb, and source / zone linking options.
• Alarm clock and sleep timer (with MDK-C6 keypad required).
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 all zones.
• Routed IR source control outputs for up to 6 sources, with shared IR available for
sources 7 and 8 and one common IR output.
• Home Theater trigger in/out.

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Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Advanced Conguration Options
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 a12VDC 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 8 - assigns Source 8 as a paging input.
ETHERNET CONNECTION AND FACTORY RESET
Factory Reset
The factory reset button has two functions. A 3-second press and hold will
restore network settings to DHCP. A 10-second press and hold will reset the
controller to its factory default settings.
Note: A unit that has been reset to factory default will have no conguration
and will need to be unlocked and recongured by a Russound Certied
Installer.
Ethernet Connection
The Ethernet connection is used for conguration and programming as well as
for enabling control via the MyRussound App. The default network setting is
DHCP-enabled, but it may be congured with a static IP address using the Web
Cong software.
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 XTS touchscreen or MDK-C6 keypad:
To display the IP Address on an XTS Touchscreen press and hold the settings
button for at least 3 seconds to enter the installer settings menu. The controller
IP address will be displayed.
To display the IP Address on an MDK-C6 keypad, select Home > Settings >
Installation > Network Settings.

6Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
CONTROLLER FRONT PANEL
Removable Cover to access IR
window
IR Programming IR Receiver Window
Zone LED Indicators visible
behind cover
Power Button
LED indicates "Power On"
Front Panel
Front Panel with cover removed
Red IR LED (talk-back)

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Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
CONTROLLER REAR PANEL
Rear Panel
Serial Interface
RS-232 port for 3rd party
device communication
Common 12VDC Trigger
12VDC 100mA output when
any zone is active
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
Ethernet Port
For programming
and control
Bluetooth Extension Input
Connect Russound BTC-1X.
Page 12VDC Trigger
Accepts paging device
12VDC input
RNET Link - Links
multiple controllers
and RNET sources
Audio Source Connections
Signal sensing stereo line level
inputs and loop outputs
IR Outputs
Up to 6 routed IR outputs,
shared for 1/7 and 2/8,
1 common IR output
Keypad Ports - RJ-45
Connections for
zone keypads
Home Theater 12VDC 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
Paging Audio Gain
Adjusts sensitivity
Line level Outputs
Can be set xed or variable
(with software) for each zone
Speaker Outputs
Connect speakers for each
of the rst six zones
XStream Digital Streaming
Source Built-in streamer
Page Audio In/Loop Out
(optional)
Fuse Holder
Holds replaceable fuse for
AC input connection
Digital Audio Inputs
3 SPDIF coaxial and 1 Toslink optical
connection for digital sources

8Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Ventilation Requirements
Important: The MCA-88X 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-88X 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-88X controller can be rack mounted or placed on a shelf in an
equipment rack. The controller occupies two rack spaces with the 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 48 zones on the system.
Electrical Power
The MCA-88X 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-88X 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.
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-88X 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 a minimum 8 ohm load. 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-88X Installation Manual
Controller / Keypad Connection
Each Russound dedicated keypad connects to a keypad port near the top left
on the rear of the controller. These RJ-45 ports support MDK-C5, MDK-C6 and
SLK-1 keypads.
The eight keypad ports correspond to the eight zones supported by the MCA-
88X. When a connected keypad is powered on, the zone becomes active and
the corresponding zone LED lights up on the front of the MCA-88X 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.
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.
Keypad connection to the MCA-88X
CAT-5e Cables
SLK-1
CONTROLLER / KEYPAD CONNECTION XTS INWALL TOUCHSCREEN CONNECTIONS
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.
Zone 1 Zone 2
XTS
MCA-88X Controller
RCA cables
Network router
XSourceXSource
XTS In-wall Touchscreen Connections
The XTS In-wall Touchscreen is an IP-connected ethernet networked device.
It needs to be connected to the same ethernet network as the MCA controller.
XTS touchscreens DO NOT connect into keypad ports of Russound controllers.
Connect all XTS touchscreens to the nearest ethernet network switch or to the
router of the network where the MCA controller is connected.

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Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
Speaker Output Connections
The MCA-88X oers amplied speaker outputs for zones 1-6. These 40 watt per
channel stereo speaker level outputs have high-current two-channel digital
ampliers. Each speaker connection requires a minimum 8 ohm load.
Line level outputs are available for all 8 zones and each of these outputs can be
congured for xed or variable output.
The speakers are connected to the MCA-88X using the supplied modular snap
speaker connectors. Each of these color coded connectors is designated for
the speaker set of a particular amplied zone. To avoid confusion, connect one
zone speaker set at a time starting with Zone 1, taking care to keep zone and
speaker wire identities straight.
Strip 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) o the end of each speaker cable jacket. Then
strip ¼ inch (0.7 cm) of insulation o each wire. Twist the speaker wire strands
together so there are no strands separated from the bundle.
Lift the locking lever for each connection until it locks open and insert the
proper speaker wire, matching channel and polarity for all four wires. Snap
the lever down. Check to make sure there are no stray strands of wire outside
the terminals. If there are, remove the wire, twist the strands together, and
reconnect the wire to the terminal. Insert the modular connector into its
designated output on the back of the MCA-88X.
Snap Speaker Connector
(detachable)
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
Speaker Output Connections
MCA-88X Controller
Speaker Cable

12 Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
Source Audio Connections
On the MCA-88X, sources 1 through 8 have standard stereo audio inputs. All
source inputs have audio signal sensing. These sources can be programmed
during zone setup to be global sources, or zones can be individually
programmed to restrict access to sources. The optional Bluetooth source
is congured by default to be Source ID 1. The internal media streamer is
congured by default to be Source ID 2.
The diagram below illustrates how to connect an XSource to an MCA-88X. It is
recommended to connect the XSource to the MCA-88x starting at Source ID#3.
This will allow you to use the Bluetooth connection on Source ID 1 and the internal
streamer on source ID 2 in addition to the XSource connected to any unused
source input on the MCA-88X.
Connect each source output using quality RCA signal cables. Connect left
and right audio outputs from each source to the corresponding inputs on the
MCA-88X controller.
SOURCE CONNECTIONS
RNET Source Data Connections
The RNET Link ports can be used to connect the MCA-88X to other Russound
RNET-enabled source equipment. The connection is made using a CAT-5e
patch cable from either of the two RNET Link ports on the controller to either of
the two RNET Link ports of the RNET-enabled source. RNET ports are parallel,
bidirectional connections, meaning that the ports are identical and either one
can be used for any RNET connection. Ports are labeled with an IN and an OUT
for convenience in labeling of connecting wires, but either port can be used
for any RNET connection. Another CAT-5e patch cable can be used to link out
of that source to another RNET-enabled source in the system. Use a standard
CAT-5e patch cable with an RJ-45 connector on each end.
Along with RNET data signals, the RNET ports pass source IR signals.
To avoid potential cross-talk between the source-specic IR repeating
signal lines, the cable cannot exceed 18 inches in length.
AM loop antenna
FM antenna
MCA-88X Controller
CAT-5e
Cable
RCA
Cable
ST1 Tuner
RNET Source Connection to MCA-88X Audio Source Connection to MCA-88X
MCA-88X Controller
RCA cables
Network router
XSourceXSource BTC-1X
Master Bedroom

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Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
PRIMARY ZONE, BLUETOOTH® AND DIGITAL INPUTS INTERNAL MEDIA STREAMER
CAT-5 Up to 300’
Phone or Tablet
MCA-88X Controller
BTC-1X
Optical
Primary Zone
The MCA-88X supports a Primary Zone feature that allows a zone to serve as
the default zone for a source. This feature is designed to allow easy access for
services like Spotify and AirPlay to instantly turn on the default zone and start
playing music from your phone. By default, Zone 1 is congured as the Primary
Zone for the built-in XStream media streamer.
Bluetooth Connection (Optional)
The MCA-88X supports a connection for the optional Russound BTC-1X
Bluetooth module. The BTC-1X Bluetooth module can be located up to 300 feet
away from the MCA-88X using CAT-5 wire terminated via T568A, allowing the
user to connect their smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth within range of the
BTC-1X in their living area while the MCA-88X is remotely located.
The Bluetooth connection takes up Source #1. If the Bluetooth connection is not
being used then Source #1 can be congured for a dierent analog source type.
Using Web Cong, a Primary Zone can be set for Bluetooth, allowing a specic
zone to serve as the default zone for Bluetooth.
Digital Audio Inputs
The MCA-88X supports digital source inputs, for both coaxial and optical audio
connections. Sources 3, 4, and 5 are available as either analog or digital inputs.
Web Cong enables you to designate whether to use the analog connection
or the digital connection for each of these sources. Use only one type of
connection for each source.
The MCA-88X features a built-in XStream digital media streamer that oers
popular streaming services. By default, source 2 is congured as a Russound
Media Streamer for the internal media streamer.

14 Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
The MCA-88X supports Apple's AirPlay technology. AirPlay enables you to
listen to your iTunes library or other audio content from any AirPlay-enabled
Apple device through the MCA-88X. With AirPlay, your iOS device becomes an
extension of your audio system.
AirPlay is congured to a primary zone in order to allow easy access for
AirPlay to instantly turn on a zone and start playing music from your phone or
computer. By default, zone 1 is the primary AirPlay zone.
When AirPlay is selected from iTunes or an iOS mobile device, the MCA-88X
will turn the primary AirPlay zone on and select the internal streamer as the
source. If the primary AirPlay zone was playing a dierent source when AirPlay
is selected, the zone will automatically change the source to the internal media
streamer.
When the MCA-88X is actively streaming AirPlay, the volume control on the
primary AirPlay zone and the AirPlay-enabled device are linked, which means
a change in volume on the AirPlay-enabled device will also change the zone
volume level of the MCA-88X.
Setting device name
Using Web Cong, the internal streamer can be given a unique device name.
Under Conguration, select “Stream settings.” Under Device name, enter the
desired name for the streamer. This name will appear in the list of available
AirPlay devices to stream to on the iOS device.
AirPlay Password
The MCA-88X supports an optional AirPlay password feature that when set,
requires a password in order for an iOS device to stream to the MCA-88X using
AirPlay. Under Setup, select “Streamer settings.” Under AirPlay Password, enter
the desired password. Next, select the MCA-88X from the list of available
AirPlay devices to stream to on the iOS device. A message will appear on the
iOS device, prompting for the AirPlay password. Once the correct password is
entered, the iOS device can successfully stream music to the MCA-88X. The iOS
device will retain the password for future use.
LISTENING TO AirPlay STREAMING

15
Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
LISTENING TO AirPlay STREAMING
Open your music app and choose
an artist from your playlist.
Swipe from the bottom of the screen
to the top of the screen to reveal the
AirPlay menu.
When you tap the AirPlay icon, a
list of devices will appear for you
to stream to. The MCA-88X will
appear either as the streamer name
or unique device name that’s been
assigned. Select the MCA-88X device
name and the music will begin
playing.
How to use AirPlay on your iOS device:

16 Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
Using This Device With Spotify Connect
Spotify is an award-winning digital music service that gives you on-demand
access to over 20 million tracks. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover,
manage and share music with your friends, while making sure that artists get
a fair deal. Spotify lets you listen to millions of songs – the artists you love, the
latest hits and discoveries just for you.
Spotify is not only extremely popular in the US but also worldwide. Spotify is
available in 57 markets globally, making it the largest worldwide availability of
any streaming service.
The MCA-88X system supports Spotify Connect, allowing you to play Spotify
on your MCA-88X system using the Spotify App on your phone or tablet.
In order to get Spotify, the Spotify App must be installed on the phone or
tablet that is connected to the same network as your Russound system. The
Spotify App is available for download from the App Store for iOS devices and
from the Google® Play Store for Android®devices. However, in order to use
Spotify on your Russound system, a Spotify Premium Account is required. New
users to Spotify can receive a 30-day free trial from Spotify by going to www.
spotify.com/freetrial.
Step 1. Connect MCA-88X to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, tablet or
PC running the Spotify app.
Step 3. Play any song to navigate
to the Now Playing screen. Press
the Spotify Connect Logo (speaker
within a circle on the bottom right of
the Spotify app).
Step 2. In the MyRussound app, go
to the streaming services menu and
choose Spotify. The Spotify app will
open. If your phone/tablet doesn’t
have the Spotify App installed, you
will be taken directly to the App
Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store
(Android) to download and install it.
LISTENING TO SPOTIFY®

17
Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
LISTENING TO SPOTIFY®
For information on how to set up and use Spotify Connect please visit
www.spotify.com/connect
The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here :
www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.
Step 4. In the Connect menu, choose
your Russound device from the list
of available devices that appear.
Step 5. Once you have selected your Russound device, your Spotify music will
play on your Russound device. Your music is now being streamed from the
Spotify server and can be controlled from your MyRussound™ App or keypad,
or you can continue controlling your music from the Spotify App.
Since the Spotify App streams from the Spotify server rather than from the
phone/tablet, the phone/tablet is no longer required in order to continue
playing your Spotify music. Unlike AirPlay, the music will continue playing if
your phone/tablet gets disconnected from the Wi-Fi network or if you get a
phone call.
Controlling the volume:
On the MCA-88X, when Spotify is playing, the volume control of the zone and
the Spotify App are linked. This means that if you change the volume on the
Spotify App, the volume of the zone and connected user interfaces will also
change.
Note: when mute is selected on the MyRussound App, the Spotify App will
indicate minimum volume.

18 Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
LISTENING TO PANDORA® INTERNET RADIO
Pandora provides a customized experience allowing you to create up
to 100 stations based on your musical preferences. You can access the
same Pandora account on all network-connected MCA-88X streams.
To listen to Pandora, you will need to subscribe to Pandora Radio
service and obtain a valid username and password. This is done easily
by accessing the Pandora Radio web-site to create either a free or paid
account. The MCA-88X will allow you to login to Pandora and start
your listening experience. If you have not created any stations prior
to logging into the MCA-88X, you will be prompted to do so after
entering the Pandora menu option.
You can now play any Pandora stations that exist in your library as
well as using the options available to create new stations using any of
these three features.
• Create New Station: this allows you to search by artists, song titles,
and genres.
• New Station from Track: this will create a new station based on the
song that is currently playing
• New Station from Artist: this will create a new station based on the
artist that is currently playing
You will have the ability to rate songs by giving them a‘Thumbs Up’or
‘Thumbs Down’. Giving a song thumbs up will cause Pandora to play
that song more often on a particular station. 'Thumbs Up' will also ne-
tune your station by playing more songs with similar characteristics.
Give a song a ‘Thumbs Down’ will cause Pandora to remove the song
from being played on a particular station. You will also have access to
other Pandora features such as book-marking tracks, putting tracks on
the shelf for a while, renaming stations, deleting stations, and nding
out more information about why a track is playing.
NOTE: When using the MDK-C6 keypads, you will need to press the
Previous (|<) button in order to access the Pandora Options menu.
MDK-C6 Now Playing Screen
MyRussound App Now Playing Screen
Stream 1 2:03 PM
Pandora
Shinedown Radio
use for options
Shinedown
Amaryllis
For My Sake

19
Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
SiriusXM Internet Radio delivers a variety of commercial-free music
including Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Classical and much more,
plus expert sports talk and analysis. You also get exclusive entertainment,
talk, comedy, family programming, local trac and weather and news from
your most trusted sources
There are a variety of programming packages available, including the
option of adding “The Best of XM” programming to the SiriusXM Internet
Radio service. “The Best of XM” service is not available to Sirius Canada
subscribers at this time. Please check with Sirius Canada for any updates
using the numbers and web address below.
Family friendly packages are also available to restrict channels that feature
mature programming.
To subscribe to SiriusXM Internet Radio, U.S. customers should visit
www.sirius.com/internetradio or call 1-888-539-SIRI (1-888-539-7474).
Canadian customers should visit www.siriuscanada.ca
Current XM Radio Online subscribers will need to log into the XM online
account manager and update their password in order for their credentials
to work on a SiriusXM Internet Radio compatible device. If the username is
over 50 character subscribers need to update the username on the same
screen.
SiriusXM Internet radio permits one instance of streaming content per
subscription. So while, the same user account credentials can be entered
into all streaming modules of multiple MCA-88X products, only one can
stream content at any given time. Selection from another streaming
module will disconnect prior instances of SiriusXM internet radio streaming.
Once account credentials are entered, they are saved. After logging out the
username and password can be cleared from the log in screen to prevent
unwanted access.
SiriusXM channels are ltered by categories so the user will rst be
prompted for the selection of the category, then the list of all channels
within that category will be presented for selection.
To listen to SiriusXM Internet Radio, you’ll need to subscribe to SiriusXM
Internet Radio service and obtain a username and password. SiriusXM
Internet Radio is available to residents of the United States and Canada.
LISTENING TO SIRIUSXM® INTERNET RADIO
Stream 112:30 PM
26: Classic Vinyl
use + & – for channel
Rock
Derek & The Dominos
Bell Bottom Blues
SiriusXM
MDK-C6 Now Playing Screen
MyRussound App Now Playing Screen

20 Russound MCA-88X Installation Manual
MDK-C6 Now Playing Screen
MyRussound App Now Playing Screen
TuneIn™ Internet Radio can be accessed on the MCA-88X and is
supported through all supported user interfaces. TuneIn™ lets you
listen to the world’s radio from the any MCA-88X connected in the
home. Whether you love sports, music, news, or comedy, TuneIn
gives you the best of what’s live with 70,000 radio stations as well
as two million on-demand programs. Over 40 million listeners
use TuneIn every month, across 200 platforms worldwide. You
do not need to subscribe to TuneIn radio with the MCA-88X to
enjoy content streaming from the cloud. Listening is easy and the
choices are abundant.
For more information on TuneIn and to access online, visit at:
http://www.tunein.com.
LISTENING TO TUNEIN™ INTERNET RADIO
Stream 112:30 PM
WUNH 91.3 FM
use + & + for station
College
The Breeders
Cannonball
Internet Radio