Whole-house audio market manufacturer Russound plans to deliver two new controllers, a new IR kit and the MCA-88X controller in July 2015.
“The first phase of one of our most aggressive product development years to date is almost complete,” said Charlie Porritt, CEO at Russound. “The new controllers are some of our most highly anticipated rollouts to date, and it’s no wonder. Every one of the new models gives installers an expansive array of options and benefits that will satisfy their clients with exceptional performance, year after year.”
Russound MCA-88x
The MCA-66 and MCA-88 controllers (SRP: $2299 and $3149, respectively, available now) feature the option of reliable streaming of Bluetooth content from phones and tablets, the ability to listen, control and share sources through three digital inputs, updated IR code libraries to control any AV source, and expandability to as many as six controllers, creating an integrated system of up to 48 zones. The two models are also controllable using Russound keypads, the TS3 touchscreen, or the MyRussound App.
These two new controllers, along with the availability of the MCA-88X Streaming Multizone Controller in July, provide systems integration professionals with multiple audio solution options. Installation of all three models is simplified via a new Web-based programming interface that allows many features of the company’s SCS configuration software to be performed using a browser on a smartphone/tablet or PC rather than the full System Configuration Software on a dedicated PC laptop.
The new MCA-88 is a true high-fidelity, high power amplifier, enabling users to listen to any of eight sources in eight independent zones. The unit has a full complement of inputs, including eight analog, three digital, one paging, and one Bluetooth. There are eight fixed or variable outputs for expanding, integrating and upgrading zones.
For installations with fewer sources, the MCA-66 provides any of six sources feeding up to six independent zones, and an array of input choices including six analog, three digital, one paging, and one Bluetooth. The MCA-66 has two fixed or variable outputs for expanding, integrating and upgrading zones.
Both models are engineered to provide a faster response time when receiving commands and updating metadata to Russound keypads and the MyRussound App for iOS and Android. Streaming content from Bluetooth devices is possible due to the Russound BTC-1X Bluetooth Extender Connection incorporated into the new controllers. Both models are easily expandable by cascading up to six controllers in sequence, up to a maximum of 48 zones for the MCA-88 or 36 zones for the MCA-66.
Shipping in July, Russound’s new MCA-88X Streaming Multizone Controller Digital Amplifier (SRP: $3,499) is the perfect blend of the company’s MCA-Series products and the recently introduced XStream X5 Wireless Controller Streamer. The MCA-88X is an eight-source, eight-zone controller with built-in XStream Technology that streams content from the cloud, home network, tablets and phones — all from a single component.
Scalable up to 48 zones by combining multiple controllers, the MCA-88X is part of Russound’s next generation of controllers, delivering faster response time, an array of digital inputs and quicker configuration. The unit offers plentiful options to fit the distributed audio needs of most residential and light commercial environments. In addition to its analog, digital and paging sources, the new MCA-88X is also Bluetooth compatible. This enables use of Russound’s BTC-1X Bluetooth Extender to wirelessly connect portable media players, smartphones and similar devices to the MCA-88X. The unit also features full system control via the MyRussound app on both Android and iOS mobile devices, and is fully compatibile with Russound’s advanced keypads and TS3 touchscreens. The MCA-88X includes several streaming options, including Spotify.
|All three of the new controllers are protected by the Russound Certified Installer Program (RCIP). RCIP is a new product feature designed to reduce unauthorized online sales of Russound products while ensuring that consumers receive the benefits of working with certified installation professionals. The program is open to Russound installers who buy the company’s products through all authorized sales channels, whether through a distribution partner or direct dealer.
Also shipping is the SLM-1K Universal Surface Mount IR kit (SRP: $199), a thin surface mount kit for the custom installation market, providing a flexible solution for all IR installations, featuring compatibility with LED, LCD and plasma displays. The SLM-1K is designed to be resistant to fluorescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) interference and has color-coded connections with easy-to-use 3.5mm plugs to assure correct configurations with minimal installation time.
