Russound MCA-88 Installation Manual
MCA-88
8 Source, 8 Zone Controller Amplier
Installation Manual
2 Russound 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 Certied Installer credentials. The MCA-88 is
shipped in a locked state so that it cannot be operated without rst being
congured by a Russound Certied 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 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 through Web-SCS conguration 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 Certied Installer credentials must be entered through the
Web-SCS conguration 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 Certied 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 Certied Installer credential, please
contact your Russound Sales Representative.
LOCKDOWN FEATURE
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Russound MCA-88 Installation Manual
Product Overview .......................................................................................................... 4
Web-SCS Conguration 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 Amplication ......................................................................................................15
Page Input Source ........................................................................................................16
Home Theater Triggers ...............................................................................................17
IR Connections ..............................................................................................................18
System Start Up.............................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................20
Technical specications .............................................................................................21
Limited Warranty ..........................................................................................................21
Safety Information .......................................................................................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Russound MCA-88 Installation Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the Russound MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplier
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, 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-88.
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 conguration software is available for additional
programming options.
Key features include:
• Twelve channels of cool running digital amplication 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 Basic Conguration available with Web-SCS 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.
• Party mode, Do Not Disturb, and source / zone linking options.
SCSC5 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Key Programming Features
The MCA-88 Controller now has a new programming feature called WebSCS. This programming feature allows the installer to connect to the controller
via its IP address using any smartphone, tablet, or laptop and congure 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 www.russound.com.
Web-SCS is designed to be used with an internet browser. With Web-SCS, the
installer now has the ability to get a system up and running, and in many cases
completely nished, right from their smart phone or tablet.
Web-SCS Features
• Assign Zone and Source names
• General network conguration
(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
SCS-C5 Features
All features of Web-SCS, plus:
• IR Source Programming
• Learned IR programming
• Macro Setup
• Save/Load conguration les
• Zone page enable/disable
• Keypad button conguration
• Power Management conguration
• 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
• Simplied 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
SCSC5 CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Programmable options with Russound SCS-C5 software
SCS-C5 software which is needed to program and congure 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 congure the system completely prior to connecting with the MCA-88
controller. The software has a Source Setup Wizard to aid in the setup and basic
conguration of the sources. Once congured, the system information can be
saved to a le.
Items to be programmed with SCS-C5 software include:
Source Conguration - the enhanced IR library simplies programming.
Zone and Source Names - a list of predened 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 - denes 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 - denes whether or not a zone will respond to the All
ON command.
Page Participation - denes 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 conrm 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.
Note: DHCP must be enabled on the LAN for initial conguration. A static IP
address can be congured 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.
6 Russound 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 conguration
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
congurations
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
8 Russound 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 amplier.
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.
Important: Basic Source and Zone name conguration can be done
with Web-SCS on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. More detailed system
conguration, such as IR programming, 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 veried. 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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