Product Description
Tascam MX-8A 8 Input /8 Output Matrix Mixer with DSP
Matrix Mixer with built-in DSP for small and mid-scale audio installations
The TASCAM MX-8A is a Matrix Mixer equipped with 8 mic / line inputs and 8 line outputs as well as integrated DSP for audio optimization in various environments and configurations Custom control apps are also available to allow easy setup and adjustment by both system integrator and end users.
Dedicated wall-mount external controller.
Source selection, volume adjustment, and mute functions can be remotely changed with the external wall-mount programmable controllers RC-W100-R120 and RC-W100-R86. Both controllers are equipped with one LCD display, an encoder and 4 switches. Up to 8 units of RC-W100-R120 or RC-W100-R86 can be installed with one TASCAM MX-8A.
* RC-W100-R120 and RC-W100-R86 are optional accessories, sold separately.
* The following updates are required to use "RC-W100".
- "MX-8A" firmware update to V1.10 or higher
- "TASCAM MX CONNECT" software update to V1.2.0 or higher
The TASCAM MX-8A is possible to mix mic and playback equipment audio signals into 8 different zones. This function can be used in installation systems for small to medium scale stores, restaurants or banquet rooms, etc.
The onboard DSP provides a full set of audio processing for mic and line inputs including Compressor, 4 parametric EQ, auto level, ducking and more. On line level outputs, the DSP delivers 10 band EQ, high pass filters, low pass filters, delay and limiter effects.
Control of the TASCAM MX-8A via either of the two available control software applications
- TASCAM MX CONNECT, designed for integrator and providing control over the configuration and settings of an entire system.
- TASCAM EZ CONNECT, designed for end-users and providing easy control over a variety of settings.
Available for Windows / mac OS / Android / iOS devices.
Allows mic / line inputs levels to be configured and modified by the onboard DSP.
Input module functions:
- Mic/line input switching
- Phantom power (+48V) ON/OFF (mic input)
- PAD (mic input)
- Mic gain (mic input)
- Compressor
- 4 band EQ2 band parametric EQ
Low shelving EQ / High pass filter
High shelving EQ - Auto level control
- Mute
- Fader
- Fader / Mute groupin
Phantom Power and Remote Gain Control
The integrated mic preamps support phantom power (+48V) and the input gain may also be controlled remotely via the TASCAM MX CONNECT software; RS-232C or Ethernet compatible control systems.
The MX-8A features high grade TASCAM borne of years of designing professional audio equipment. Input range covers -70 dBu to +26 dBu, with equivalent input noise achieving less than -126 dB, and a signal-noise ratio of over 108 dB.
Built-in 10 in/10 out matrix mixer
The MX-8A is able to mix 10 different sources (8-channel mic/line inputs with stereo USB audio interface) and set mix configurations for each of the 8 different output zones, plus the stereo USB audio interface output zone.
Matrix mixer functions:
- Mute
- Fader
- Fader / Mute grouping
- Ducking function
- Ambient noise compensator function
Auto audio configuration functions for a clearer sound
With the ducking function and/or the ambient noise compensator function, users will be able to have a much clearer sound when making announcements or when playing some background music. These can be configured different on each output zone of the matrix mixer.
- Ducking
This function detects the level of a mic input and simultaneously turns down the level of the selected output zone. This can be used to increase intelligibility of announcements when background music is present. - Ambient Noise Compensator
The Ambient Noise Compensator (ANC) function also detects input source level and automatically configures the level of the selected output zone. Whenever there is fluctuation on the noise level of a field environment, this function will automatically compensate the volume for clearer background music or announcements.
Output Routing
8 different mixes can be flexibly routed to the 8 line outputs.
Configurable Output Modules
The powerful DSP of the TASCAM MX-8A will also allow processing of signals routed to the output for easy optimization for different spaces and audio playback systems throughout the installation.
Output module functions:
- 10 band EQ
- Delay
- Limiter
- Phase switching
- Test tone
- Mute
- Fader
- Fader / Mute grouping
Compatible with Audio Playback / Recording software
The built-in 2 in / 2 out USB audio interface also enables the TASCAM MX-8A to function as powerful and flexible audio recording interface, compatible with a variety of operating systems including: Windows / macOS / Android / iOS.
Effect parameters, mix levels, input / output routings and more can be saved in one of 50 different preset locations. By using the scene preset function together with the SNTP client included timer event function*, it is possible to automatically switch different scenes at a specified time.
Wall-mount programmable controllers
External wall-mount controller functions such as source control, volume adjustment, mute, or LCD display lighting time can be programmed via TASCAM MX CONNECT. Wall-mount controllers are available in two different panel sizes.
"RC-W100-R120" is compatible with switch boxes commonly used in the US and Japan.
"RC-W100-R86" is compatible with switch boxes commonly used in Europe.
Up to 8 wall-mount controllers can be daisy-chain connected to the TASCAM MX-8A using Cat5e or higher cables with a maximum length of 200m (656 ft.). The controller power is supplied from the MX-8A which helps simplify installation procedures and reduce installation costs.
* The following updates are required to use "RC-W100".
- "MX-8A" firmware update to V1.10 or higher
- "TASCAM MX CONNECT" software update to V1.2.0 or higher
Features at a glance
- 8-channel mic / line input with phantom power (+48v) support
- Supports remote mic gain control
- 8 line output
- Equipped with Euroblock connectors for signal input / output
- Compatible with external software (Windows / macOS / Android / iOS) for audio playback / recording via USB audio interface function
- Includes a variety of DSP functions for optimal use in different scenes / environments
- Flexible scene preset function allows recall of a variety of configurations (Up to 50 presets)
- Timer event function allows to automatically switch scenes at a specified time (planned to be compatible on a future version update)
- 2 types of user control software available for Windows / Mac / iOS / Android devices:
TASCAM MX CONNECT (For integrators); Input / output routing selection, DSP / design / scene settings of the complete system, etc.
TASCAM EZ CONNECT (For end-users); Simple app design with only the necessary functions such as area volume settings, etc. - Equipped with a RS-232C connector to support serial remote control systems
- Equipped with an RS-485 connector for dedicated wall-mount programmable controller RC-W100-R120 / RC-W100-R86 (optional accessories, sold separately) enabling source selection and volume adjustment.
- Supports remote control via Ethernet
- 1U rack-mountable size
- Installed indicators display operating status and control software connection status
Spec description
| FORMAT | 44.1k / 48k Hz, 16bit / 24bit |
| USB | |
| Connector | 4-pin USB B-type |
| Transfer rate | USB2.0 High Speed (480Mbps) |
| ANALOG IN | |
| Connector | Euroblock (Balanced) 3.81mm pitch |
| Minimum input level | -70dBu |
| Maximum input level | |
| MIC | +26dBu |
| LINE | +24dBu |
| Input impedance | 2.2kΩ or higher |
| ANALOG OUT | |
| Connector | Euroblock (Balanced) 3.81mm pitch |
| Nominal output level | +4dBu (when Ref.Level set to other than -9dBFS) +6dBu (when Ref.Level set to -9dBFS) |
| Maximum output level (switchable) | +15dBu (Ref.Level: -9dBFS) +18dBu (Ref.Level: -14dBFS) +20dBu (Ref.Level: -16dBFS) +22dBu (Ref.Level: -18dBFS) +24dBu (Ref.Level: -20dBFS) |
| Output impedance | 200Ω or lower |
| RS-232C | |
| Connector | D-sub 9-pin (female, inch-standard) |
| RS-485 | |
| Connector | RJ-45 |
| Cables | Category 5e or faster STP cables |
| ETHERNET | |
| Connector | RJ-45 |
| Transmission protocol | TCP/IP |
| Ethernet standard | 100BASE-TX |
| Cables | Category 5e or faster STP cables |
| Power | AC100-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 21W |
| Dimensions | 483(W) × 45(H) × 304.1(D)mm (including protrusions) |
| Weight | 3.0kg |
| Operating temperature range | 0～40°C |
| Included items | Power cord × 1, Euroblock plug × 16、Cable band kit × 1, Rackmount screw kit × 1, Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1 |
Audio performance
| Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise) | -126dBu or less (MIC IN → LINE OUT, Input impedance 150Ω, 22ｋHz LPF+A, A-weighted, JEITA) |
| Frequency response | +0.5/-0.5dB: 20Hz～20kHz (+24dBu input, MIC IN → LINE OUT, GAIN MIN, JEITA) |
| Distortion (THD+N) | 0.005% or less (+24dBu input, 1kHz, MIC IN → LINE OUT, GAIN MIN, JEITA) |
| S/N ratio | 106dB or higher (+24dBu input, 44.1 k/48 kHz sampling frequency, MIC IN → LINE OUT, GAIN MIN, JEITA) |
| Crosstalk | 106dB or higher (+24dBu input, 1kHz, MIC IN → LINE OUT, GAIN MIN, JEITA) |
| Dynamic range | 106dB or higher (MIC IN → LINE OUT, GAIN MIN, JEITA) |
Note: JEITA indicates compliance with JEITA CP-2150
Supported audio drivers
| Windows | UAC2.0, WDM |
| macOS / iOS | UAC2.0 |
| Android | UAC2.0 |
