Russound MBX-PRE Installation Manual
MBX-PRE
Streaming Media Player
Installation Manual
LOCKDOWN FEATURE
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 Certied Installer credentials. The MBX-PRE is shipped in a locked state. It cannot be operated
without rst being congured by a Russound Certied Installer.
If you are a custom installation professional and wish to become authorized as a Russound Certied Installer, please contact
your Russound Sales Representative for more information.
Note: If you are a Russound Certied Installer and you plan on installing this product on a job site that may not have working
internet access, please congure 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 Cong conguration. 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.
Lockdown Feature
MBX-PRE
Russound Certied Installer credentials must be entered
through the Web Cong conguration web pages.
When the MBX-PRE 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 Certied
Installer credentials must be entered using our convenient Web
Cong browser-based conguration utility.
When the MBX-PRE 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 Cong via your local web
browser.
If you do not have a valid Russound Certied Installer
credential, please contact your Russound Sales Representative.
2 Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS / PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Table of Contents
Product Overview ............................................................................... 3
Web Conguration..............................................................................4
Ethernet Connection and Factory Reset ..................................... 5
Installation Overview ......................................................................... 6
Installation and First Time Setup .............................................8-11
Conguration ............................................................................... 12-17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................18
Audio Connection with MCA-Series Controllers ....................19
Additional Connection Diagrams ................................................20
Network Best Practices ....................................................................21
Technical Specications ..................................................................22
Safety Instructions ............................................................................23
Limited Warranty ...............................................................................25
Product Overview
The MBX-PRE Streaming Audio Player is designed to oer a
simple-to-install and simple-to-congure streaming media
solution to add high quality streaming audio content to any
audio system. The MBX-PRE can be used as a single stereo
audio streaming source for a single room, or supply a single
audio stream to a larger whole-house system through its
easy-to-use analog line-level/digital (coax/optical) outputs.
The MBX-PRE 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.
In addition to oering streaming audio from popular internet
sources, the MBX-PRE also oers streaming of local UPnP™compliant audio. In addition, a built-in USB port allows
users to connect an external ash drive or an externallypowered USB hard drive for use as additional music sources.
Features
• Independent streaming audio player
• 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
• Can be integrated (as a source) with a Russound multiroom system or standalone (as a zone) when used with any
brand of amplier or receiver
• 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 conguration, accessible from a
smartphone or tablet
• Mix and match with other MBX-Series® components for
versatile system designs
3Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
WEB CONFIGURATION
Key Programming Features
The MBX-PRE has a programming feature called Web
Config. Web Config is an onboard hosted web page used
for unlocking and configuring the MBX-PRE. 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-PRE. Using Web
Config, the MBX-PRE 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 Cong Features
• General Network Configuration (DHCP/static IP)
• Firmware Updates
• Zone or Source Mode
• Assign Device Name
• Zone/Source Volume Trim
• Set AirPlay Password
Web Config status page.
4 Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
ETHERNET CONNECTION AND FACTORY RESET
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-PRE can be
configured with a static IP address using the Web Config
software. The Ethernet connection is also used for the builtin streaming services and for playing any music stored on
connected network drives using UPnP.
LAN
USB
Trigger
Out
Audio In Audio Out
Analog Digital Digital
Ethernet port
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-PRE to its factory
default settings.
Note: Performing a factory reset will restore the unit to its
factory default settings and put MBX-PRE in Zone mode.
The unit will require valid Russound Certied Installer
credentials in order to be unlocked and congured again.
The factory reset will also delete all personal information
including service account settings and passwords.
Line Out
12VDC 1.25A
Factory Reset
5Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
The MBX-PRE can be mounted on a table-top or shelf, but can
also be 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 airow above the unit.
Important Considerations
1. Disconnect the power cord before making any wiring
connections to the MBX-PRE.
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.
Step 1.
Connect the appropriate audio output of the MBX-PRE to
your system using either the analog connection (stereo linelevel RCA), or one of the digital outputs (coax or optical).
Note: Connection cables are NOT included with the MBX-PRE.
Step 2.
Connect the 12vDC power cable barrel plug into the Power
connection on the rear of the MBX-PRE.
1. The external power supply included with the MBX-PRE
is shipped with a US power adapter attached. Additional
adapters are included for Euro, UK, and Australian plugs.
To change the adapter, depress and slide the tab as shown
below and remove the existing adapter. The new adapter
will snap in place as shown below.
1
2
2
1
The MBX-PRE 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 connected to a wired or wi-fi network. See below
for Network Connection information.
Step 3. Network Connections
The MBX-PRE 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-PRE 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-PRE. The
front panel LED of the MBX-PRE will turn green when the
network connection is successfully established.
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.
B. Wi-Fi Connections
The MBX-PRE can 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-PRE 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-PRE’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.
6 Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
INSTALLATION
Open the Google Home app and it will automatically
discover the MBX-PRE* on your network. It will be listed as
“MBX-PRE-XXXX”, with XXXX being the last 4 digits of the
MAC ID of the MBX-PRE.
Sample Google Home screen
showing a newly discovered MBX-PRE
1. From the Google Home app, find your MBX-PRE either on
the main screen or under “Devices” and choose “Set Up”.
2. Choose a name for the MBX-PRE. The name you choose
will be name that is visible within the MyRussound app
and any other network based interface to identify the
MBX-PRE. There is a list of possible room names as well
as an option to use a custom name “Add a custom room”.
3. If you are using the MBX-PRE as a source device such as
with a controller or multizone receiver, it is important to
identify the MBX-PRE as a source rather than name it as a
particular room. Suggested names are:
Jane's Streamer Jane's Music Streamer
Bill's Streamer Bill's Music Streamer 2
Her Streamer MBX-PRE Stream 1
His Streamer MBX-PRE 1 Stream 2
4. If you are using the MBX-PRE as a dedicated source for
a particular room of the home, we suggest naming the
MBX-PRE as that particular room, such as “Kitchen”.
5. 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-PRE 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-PRE, go to Settings –
Wi-Fi – Set up new Airplay speaker. The MBX-PRE will be
listed there as “MBX-PRE-XXXX” with XXXX being the last
4 digits of the MAC ID.
2. Select the MBX-PRE you want to configure.
3. Rename the MBX-PRE depending on how and where
it will be used. Please refer to the suggested naming
instructions above.
4. Follow the prompts to connect to the appropriate WiFi network.
5. The MBX-PRE will attempt to connect to the selected
network and the front panel LED will turn green when the
connection is successful.
*During the setup process, the MBX-PRE will play a tone in order
to confirm that you are configuring the proper device. Because
the MBX-PRE is a pre-amplifier, it must be connected to an active
amplifier or to the active selected source input of a receiver or
controller in order for the tone to be heard.
Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
7
INSTALLATION AND FIRST TIME SETUP
Option B3 (Using a soft access point)
The MBX-PRE will broadcast an SSID of “MBX-PRE-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-PRE-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-PRE. 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 MBXPRE will reboot and attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi
network. The front panel LED of the MBX-PRE will turn
green when a successful connection has been made.
Option B4 (Configuring using a wired connection)
Connect the MBX-PRE to the network using a wired
connection and then use Web Config to access the MBXPRE settings and enter the appropriate network SSID and
password settings. These settings are accessed in the
Admin-Networking section.
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-PRE
will prioritize the wired connection whenever it is present. If
a wired connection is not available, the MBX-PRE 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-PRE 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-PRE,
navigate to the MBX-PRE’s Web Config page by entering
one of the following:
1. MBX-PRE 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-PRE Hostname – The hostname is printed on a label
on the bottom of the MBX-PRE. The hostname is formatted
as MBX-PRE-XXXX where XXXX is the last four digits of
the MBX-PRE’s MAC ID. Example: If the hostname is MBXPRE-1234, enter http://MBX-PRE-1234 into the web browser.
Device Name
The first item you will see on the first time setup screen is
8 Russound MBX-PRE Installation Guide
Loading...