MX-8A
Eight-Channel Matrix Mixer With DSP Processor
The MX-8A is a 10×10 matrix mixer with eight mic/line inputs, eight line outputs and stereo USB I/O compatible with software- or cloud-based conferencing platforms. It offers powerful internal DSP mixing and routing plus multiple audio processing functions and is ideal for many applications including meeting rooms, huddle spaces, court rooms, restaurants, stores, banqueting rooms and others.
DSP functions include a compressor, four-band parametric EQ and auto level control for each input. The output section features a 10-band EQ with high/low-pass filter, delay, and a limiter function per output, all of which can be adjusted and saved to any of the 50 scene memories, along with the mixing/routing settings. To make audio for announcements clearer, automatic ducking and an ambient noise compensator are also available.
The MX-8A has natural-sounding, high-grade Tascam mic preamps, leveraging our knowledge and experience from many years of making pro audio equipment. The input level range is –77.5 dBu to +26 dBu, with equivalent input noise achieving less than –126 dB, and a signal-to-noise ratio of over 108 dB.
The MX-8A can be controlled via two different software applications available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices: Tascam Tascam MX Connect for configuration and Tascam Tascam EZ Connect for end users, both of which are simple to use and included with the unit. Using Tascam MX Connect installers can quickly and easily configure the MX-8A and then assign appropriate simple controls for access by users via Tascam EZ Connect.
The optional RC-W100 wall-mountable controller offers a graphic display and a push/turn multi-control knob that provides for volume control and source selection.
Configurable Input Modules
The TASCAM MX CONNECT dedicated control application allows each mic/line input to be configured and modified by the onboard DSP. Input module functions include:
- Mic/line input switching
- Phantom power (+48 V) on mic input on/off
- PAD on mic input on/off
- Mic gain (mic input)
- Compressor
- 4-band EQ
- Low shelving EQ with high-pass filter
- 2-band parametric EQ
- High shelving EQ
- Auto level control
- Mute
- Fader
- Fader/Mute grouping
Phantom Power and Remote Gain Control
The integrated mic input stages support phantom power (+48 V) and the input gain may also be controlled remotely via the TASCAM MX CONNECT software. Control by RS-232C or Ethernet is also possible.
Tascam Studio Quality Mic Preamps
The MX-8A features high-grade Tascam microphone preamplifiers 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 (eight mic/line sources with stereo USB audio interface) and set mix configurations for each of the eight 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, users will be able to have a much clearer sound when making announcements or when playing background music. These can be configured different on each output zone of the matrix mixer.
- Ducking
Detects the level of a mic input signal 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) also detects the level of input signals and automatically configures the level of the selected output zone. Whenever there is fluctuation on the noise level of a field environment, the ANC will automatically compensate the volume for clearer background music or announcements.
Flexible Output Routing
Each of the eight different mixes can be flexibly routed to one of the eight analogue line outputs. Level meters show each mixes’ output level and allow to quickly identify a certain source when setting up the system using a test tone.
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 include:
- 10 band EQ
- Low shelving EQ / high pass filter
- 8 band parametric EQ
- High shelving EQ / low pass filter
- Delay
- Limiter
- Phase switching
- Test tone
- Mute
- Fader
- Fader/Mute grouping
Compatible with Audio Playback / Recording software
The built-in USB audio interface with two inputs and two outputs also enables the Tascam MX-8A to function as a powerful and flexible audio recording interface, compatible with a variety of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Scene Preset and Timer Event Functions
Effect parameters, mix levels, input/output routings and more can be saved in one of 50 different preset locations. By using the scene presets together with the SNTP client included timer event function*, it is possible to automatically switch different scenes at specified times.
*Timer event function planned to be compatible on a future version update.
Wall-mount programmable controllers
Functions to be operated from an external wall-mount controller such as source control, volume adjustment, mute, or lighting time for the display can be programmed via TASCAM MX CONNECT. Our RC-W100 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 eight wall-mount controllers can be daisy-chain connected to the MX-8A using Cat5e (or higher) cables with a maximum length of 200 metres. The controller is powered from the MX-8A which helps simplify installation procedures and reduce installation costs.
* The following updates are required to use the RC-W100 controller:
- MX-8A firmware update to v1.10 or higher
- TASCAM MX CONNECT software update to v1.2.0 or higher
Features at a glance
Hardware features
- Eight balanced mic/line inputs and eight balanced line outputs
- Euroblock connectors – ideal for permanent installation
- USB audio interface mode allows to record audio or play background music with a computer
- Controllable via
- an Ethernet network (using the Tascam MX Connect computer application or the Tascam Mixer Protocol)
- RS-485 (using the dedicated RC-W100 remote controller)
- RS-232C
- Status indicator on front panel
- USB connector on front panel for easy connection of a computer, tablet or smartphone (is also used for firmware updates)
- High-quality internal power supply (no AC adapter)
- 19 inch rackmount size (1U)
Software features
- Five different reference levels available to adapt to virtually any application in consumer, professional or broadcast environments (selectable via software)
- Powerful DSP mixer (controllable via software)
- Input features: phantom power on/off, phase, sensitivity, trim, automatic level control, 4-band equalizer, mute, fader
- Mixer features: Matrix mixer, ducking, ambient noise compensator (ANC), routing
- Outputs features: 10-band equalizer, limiter, delay, mute, fader, phase
- Up to 50 scene presets can be saved
- Timer event function allows presets to be switched at specific times (planned for a future update)
- Two types of control software available (compatible with Windows/Mac/iOS/Android devices):
- Tascam MX Connect for system integrators offers full access to virtually all settings
- Tascam EZ Connect for end-users is a simple app for only the most necessary settings
USB audio interface features
- Two audio inputs and two audio outputs when connected to a Windows/Mac computer or iOS/Android device
- Allows audio to be recorded / played back via Windows Media Player, iTunes or DAW applications
Supported Operating Systems
Windows
- Windows 11 (version 24H2)
- Windows 11 (version 23H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H1)
- Windows 10 (version 22H2)
- Windows 10 (November 2021, version 21H2)
- Windows 10 (May 2021, version 21H1)
Mac
- macOS Sequoia (15)
- macOS Sonoma (14.0)
- macOS Ventura (13.0)
- macOS Monterey (12.0)
- macOS Big Sur (11.0)
- macOS Catalina (10.15)
- macOS Mojave (10.14)
iOS
- iOS 18 / iPadOS 18
- iOS 17 / iPadOS 17
- iOS 16 / iPadOS 16
- iOS 15 / iPadOS 15
- iOS 14 / iPadOS 14
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Audio formats | 44.1/48 kHz, 16/24 bit |
| Inputs and outputs | |
|---|---|
| USB port | 4-pin USB B-type |
| Transfer rate | USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbit/s) |
| Analogue inputs (ANALOG IN) | Balanced Euroblock connectors, 3.81 mm pitch |
| Minimum input level | –70 dBu |
| Maximum input level | +26 dBu |
| Input impedance | ≥2.2 kΩ |
| Analogue outputs (ANALOG OUT) | Balanced Euroblock connectors, 3.81 mm pitch |
| Nominal output level | +4 dBu (Ref(D) ≠ –9 dBFS) +6 dBu (Ref(D) = −9 dBFS) |
| Maximum output level (selectable) | +15 dBu (Ref(D): –9 dBFS) +18 dBu (Ref(D): –14 dBFS) +20 dBu (Ref(D): –16 dBFS) +22 dBu (Ref(D): –18 dBFS) +24 dBu (Ref(D): –20 dBFS) |
| Output impedance | ≤200 Ω |
| RS-232C connector | D-sub 9-pin (female, inch-standard) |
| RS-485 connector | RJ-45 connector |
| Recommended cable | STP cable, Cat 5e or faster |
| Network connector (ETHERNET) | RJ-45 connector |
| Transmission protocol | TCP/IP |
| Ethernet standard | 100BASE-TX |
| Recommended cable | STP cable, Cat 5e or faster |
| Audio performance | |
|---|---|
| Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise) | ≤−126 dBu (Mic in to Line out, input impedance: 150 Ω, 22 kHz LPF, A-weighted, JEITA) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB (+24 dBu input, Line in to Line out, GAIN at min., JEITA) |
| Distortion (THD+N) | <0.005 % (+24 dBu input, 1 kHz, Line in to Line out, GAIN at min., JEITA) |
| S/N ratio | ≥106 dB (+24 dBu input, Line in to Line out, GAIN at min., JEITA) |
| Crosstalk | ≥107 dB (+24 dBu input, 1 kHz, Line in to Line out, GAIN at min., JEITA) |
| Dynamic range | ≥105 dB (Line in to Line out, GAIN at min., JEITA) |
| Note: JEITA indicates compliance with JEITA CP-2150 |
| Power supply and other specifications | |
|---|---|
| Voltage requirements | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 21 W |
| Dimensions | 483 mm × 45 mm × 304 mm (W × H × D, including protrusions) |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Permissible operating temperature range | 0–40 °C |
Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
Page last modified: 2024-12-18 13:11:05 UTC