NEW MATRIX MIXER FROM TASCAM

TASCAM announces its new MX-8A matrix mixer, intended for small to medium-sized installs in applications such as stores, restaurants, and banquet rooms. Features include eight mic/line inputs, eight line outputs, integrated DSP for audio optimisation, and a built-in, 2×2 audio interface. Combine up to ten sources (eight mic/line input channels and two USB audio interface returns) and create up to eight discrete mixes to serve up to eight different zones plus the two-channel USB audio interface output. All analog mic/line inputs and line outputs are on rear panel Euroblock connectors.

Each mic and line input offers level control, compression, four-band EQ (including two-band parametric EQ, highpass/low shelving filter, lowpass/high shelving filter), polarity inversion, and muting. Each line-level output has ten-band EQ (including eight-band parametric EQ, highpass/low shelving filter, lowpass/high shelving filter), delay, limiting, and muting. You also get auto level ducking for making announcements over ambient music and an ambient noise compensator that detects input source level and automatically configures the level of the selected output zone.

The MX-8A employs TASCAM’s mic preamps, with an input range of -70 to +26 dBu, EIN less than -126 dB, and signal-to-noise ratio of more than 108 dB. All mic inputs have individually switchable +48V phantom power.

A built-in two-in, two-out USB audio interface enables flexible recording to a variety of macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS recording software. (Conversion cable required for tablets and smartphones.) Effects parameters, mix levels, input/output routings, and more can be saved in one of 50 different preset locations. A future update will include a timer event function with SNTP client that can combine with the scene preset function to automatically switch different scenes at a specified time.

In addition to supporting remote control via Ethernet, the MX-8A is equipped with an RS-232C connector to support serial remote-control systems. An RS-485 connector will enable control from a dedicated wall-mount remote control (available soon).

The MX-8A can be controlled with either of two software applications. The TASCAM MX CONNECT software for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS provides system integrators/managers with in-depth control of the mixer, including input/output configuration, matrix mixing, output routing, and signal processing. TASCAM MX CONNECT’s input/output status monitoring and efficient configuration changes are especially valuable in event spaces where switching routing and changing audio levels are daily tasks. A device running TASCAM MX CONNECT can interface with the MX-8A using a shared wireless network or a direct LAN cable connection. Multiple MX-8A mixers can be simultaneously controlled on the same network.

End users can enjoy basic control of a variety of MX-8A settings using TASCAM EZ CONNECT software for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Manage essential functions including volume, input source, and mute via TASCAM EZ CONNECT. 

TASCAM: tascam.jp/int
Australian Distributor: www.cmi.com.au