Russound MCA Series User manual

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

2Russound MCA-88 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-88 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, 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 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

3
Russound MCA-88 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 ...........................................................................................................8
Controller / Keypad Connections ...........................................................................10
XTS In-wall Touchscreen Connections..................................................................10
Speaker Connections..................................................................................................11
Source Connections ....................................................................................................12
Bluetooth® and Digital Inputs..................................................................................13
Multiple Controller Installation ...............................................................................14
Zone 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
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-88 Installation Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the Russound MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplier
to enhance your home with multiroom audio.
MCA-88 Feature Overview
Available User interfaces: The MCA-88 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 and the XSource which can be added
to the MCA-88.
Firmware updates can now be performed using the 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 Cong.
Key features include:
• Twelve channels of cool running digital amplication rated at 40 watts per
channel
• 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.
• Audio paging with a 12VDC trigger input.
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Key Programming Features
The MCA-88 Controller now has a new programming feature calledWeb 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
• 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-88 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-88 Installation Manual
CONTROLLER FRONT PANEL
Removable Cover to access IR
window
IR Programming IR Receiver Window
Zone LED Indicators visible
behind cover
Power Button
Red LED indicates "Power On"
Front Panel
Front Panel with cover removed
Red IR LED (talk-back)

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Russound MCA-88 Installation Manual
CONTROLLER REAR PANEL
Rear Panel
Serial Interface
RS-232 port for 3rd party
device communication
Common 12V 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
Page Audio In/Loop Out
(optional)
Fuse Holder
Holds replaceable fuse for
AC input connection
Digital Audio Inputs
C3 SPDIF coaxial and 1 Toslink optical
connection for digital sources

8Russound MCA-88 Installation Manual
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Ventilation Requirements
Important: The MCA-88 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-88 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-88 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-88 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-88 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.

9
Russound MCA-88 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-88 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-C6 and SLK-1
keypads.
Eight keypad ports correspond to the eight zones supported by the MCA-88.
When a connected keypad is powered on, the zone becomes active and the
corresponding zone LED lights up on the front of the MCA-88 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-88 XTS connection to the MCA-88
CAT-5e Cables
SLK-1
CONTROLLER / KEYPAD CONNECTION
Zone 1 Zone 2
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.
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.
XTS
RCA cables
Network router
XSourceXSource