Russound 8 Source, 8 Zone Controller Amplifier MCA-88

Product Overview:

The Russound MCA-88 Digital multi-zone controller amplifier provides up to eight zones of distributed audio. Scalable to 48 zones, the MCA-88 provides numerous options to tailor every room in residential or light commercial distributed audio systems. A variety of input options have been engineered into the MCA-88 to connect up to 8 individual sources. AV source input options include up to 8 Analog, with up to 3 Digital (up to 3 coax, or 2 coax and 1 optical), including 1 paging and 1 Bluetooth extender connection. The Bluetooth connection allows the installation of the MCA-88 in an equipment rack while remotely locating the optional Russound BTC-2X Bluetooth receiver up to 500’ away in or near the room where the Bluetooth source will be located. An RNET link allows for metadata transmission, linking multiple MCA controllers and connection to all Russound RNET Smart Sources like the ST1 AM/FM external tuner.  

ll MCA products are Ethernet-enabled devices allowing for IP-based features and control. RIO (Russound I/O) allows Russound IP-based control systems to integrate with, control, and communicate bi-directionally through an open protocol. In addition to dedicated keypads and touchscreen control options, the free Russound App (iOS and Android) controls all Russound Ethernet-connected products on the LAN including the MCA-88 and its source components.

The MCA-88 features 6 zones of high-quality amplification, providing a robust 40 watts of power per channel. All eight zones are equipped with fixed or variable line-level outputs for outboard amplification, wireless expansion, or subzone use. Additionally, an RS-232 port for integration with serial-connected home automation systems is available for utilization on the rear panel of the MCA-88.

Custom audio settings, party modes, do not disturb, source and zone linking, and all-on/all-off participation are standard features. The MCA-88 has alarm and sleep timers, a Home Theater trigger, and one 12VDC trigger output for power management and control. Source eight can serve as a paging input for connection to a 3rd party paging or phone system.

With Russound keypads or touchscreens, the MCA-88 communicates vital information such as preset names, station ID, artist, song titles and album art depending on the capabilities of the source being used. The Russound XTS7 is an elegant, in-wall touchscreen with a 7” display and a quad-core processor running the Android™ operating system that enables you to install and run apps from the Google Play Store. The XTS7 is pre-loaded with the Russound App, perfect for controlling your compatible Russound audio system, but the XTS7 is free to control any other smart home devices in your home such as your lights, shades, etc. The simpler IPK-1 keypad can also be used for areas where basic control is sufficient such as entry/exit areas of a home or business or any area where the Russound App might be the predominant control interface.

Note: This product is part of the Russound Certified Installer Required Program and can only be installed and