There are a number of source devices that can be used with the MCD 16, including several AV processors. There are also a number of professional audio interfaces that can output multichannel digital audio, and so are compatible with the MCD 16.
This page details the compatibility of some of the key AV processors available today with the MCD 16. The list of processors included is not exhaustive. Professional interfaces are not included here as their functionality is complex.
Please consult your AV processor installer / dealer for more information on compatibility if you are unsure.
The key feature that an AV processor requires to be compatible with the MCD 16 is a multichannel AES3 (sometimes called AES/EBU or simply AES) output. This is typically implemented on either a DB25 or RJ45 connector. Some processors output 8 channels of AES on a single DB25 connector, others output 16 channels.
As the MCD 16 has both XLR and DB25 connector AES inputs, any of these processor outputs can be made to function correctly. For processors with a 16-channel AES output on a DB25 connector, this can be connected to the MCD using a single TASCAM wired DB25 cable.
However, if connecting a product that uses a digital output other than a 16-channel DB25 output wired to the TASCAM standard, a breakout cable can be used to split the processor output into individual XLR connectors, allowing the processor to be connected to the XLR AES inputs on the MCD 16.
Many processors will feature a 2-channel S/PDIF output, usually on a TOSLINK optical connector. This is sometimes referred to as a "Zone 2" output. These outputs carry a downmix of all channels going through the processor to a single 2-channel output. This is not the same as channels 1+2. This type of output is intended to send audio from the processor to another space or room, and is not intended for use within the same system. These S/PDIF Zone 2 outputs are not compatible or suitable for use with the MCD 16.
The below list of AV processors is not exhaustive, it simply details the most common processors that do work with the MCD 16, and any from the same manufacturers that do not have the necessary compatibility.
| AV Processor | Compatible? |
|---|---|
| Trinnov AltitudeCI | Yes |
| Trinnov Altitude 32 | Yes |
| Trinnov Altitude 16 | No |
| Lyngdorf MP-60 | Yes (with optional AES3 module fitted) |
| Lyngdorf MP-40 | No |
| Storm Audio ISP Elite | Yes (with optional AES3 module fitted) |
| Storm Audio ISP Evo | Yes (AES3 version, not AoIP version) |
| Storm Audio ISP Core | No |
| JBL Synthesis SDP-80 | Yes |
| JBL Synthesis SDP-75 | Yes |
| JBL Synthesis SDR-58 | No |
| JBL Synthesis SDR-38 | No |
Trinnov
AltitudeCI
The AltitudeCI features 32 channels of AES3 outputs, across two DB25 connectors. These connectors carry channels 1-16 and 17-32 respectively. Connecting a single one of these DB25 outputs to the DB25 (or XLR via a breakout cable) input on the MCD 16 allows for 16 channels to be sent from the AltitudeCI to the MCD 16.
As the AltitudeCI can output up to 32 channels of AES, a second MCD 16 can be connected to the second DB25 connector, allowing for two MCD 16s to be used in parallel with the Trinnov AltitudeCI. This requires the correct number of channels to be specified in the AltitudeCI, so check with your Trinnov dealer to ensure this functions correctly.
Altitude 32
The Trinnov Altitude 32 features 16 channels of AES3 outputs, on a single DB25 connector. This connector carries channels 1-16 from the Trinnov. Connecting the DB25 output to the DB25 (or XLR via a breakout cable) input on the MCD 16 allows for 16 channels to be sent from the Altitude 32 to the MCD 16.
The Altitude 32 will need to be configured to output audio to AES 1-16. Depending on the configuration of the Altitude 32, this may also disable channels 17+. Consult your Trinnov installer / dealer to confirm whether additional channels or licences will be required, as this will vary between systems.
Altitude 16
The Trinnov Altitude 16 does not feature multichannel digital outputs, so is not compatible with the MCD 16. It does carry Zone 2 S/PDIF outputs, which as discussed earlier, are not suitable for use with the MCD 16.
Lyngdorf
MP-60
The Lyngdorf MP-60 can have an optional AES3 Output Module fitted. This module enables 16 channels of AES3 outputs, on a single DB25 connector. This connector carries channels 1-16 from the MP-60. Connecting the DB25 output to the DB25 (or XLR via a breakout cable) input on the MCD 16 allows for 16 channels to be sent from the MP-60 to the MCD 16.
If your MP-60 does not have the AES3 Output Module installed, this can be retrofitted. Contact your Lyngdorf installer / dealer to arrange this.
MP-40
The Lyngdorf MP-40 does not feature multichannel digital outputs, so is not compatible with the MCD 16. It does carry an Zone 2 S/PDIF outputs, which as discussed earlier, are not suitable for use with the MCD 16.
Storm Audio
ISP Elite
The Storm Audio ISP Elite can have 32 channels of AES3 outputs fitted to it. This can be specified at the time of purchase, or it can be retrofitted. The addition of the 32 channel AES3 outputs adds four RJ45 connectors, each of which carry 8 channels of AES3. Storm Audio then offer a breakout cable, which splits the RJ45 connector to four XLR connectors, which are then connected to the MCD 16.
Using the ISP Elite, two RJ45 AES outputs are connected with two breakout cables to the MCD 16 for the full 16 channels. Two MCD 16s can be used in parallel, with AES outputs 1-16 connecting to the first MCD 16, and AES outputs 17-32 connecting to the second MCD 16.
If your ISP Elite does not have the AES3 outputs fitted, please contact your Storm Audio installer / dealer to arrange this.
ISP Evo
The Storm Audio ISP Evo is specified as either a 20 or 32 channel product, as either an AES3 or AoIP variant. As the MCD 16 requires AES3 connections, it is compatible with ISP Evo processors that have either 20 or 32 channel AES3 outputs. An ISP Evo processor can be changed between configurations after purchase, so existing units without AES3 outputs can have them fitted.
The addition of the 32 channel AES3 outputs adds four RJ45 connectors, each of which carry 8 channels of AES3. Storm Audio then offer a breakout cable, which splits the RJ45 connector to four XLR connectors, which are then connected to the MCD 16.
Using the ISP Evo, two RJ45 AES outputs are connected with two breakout cables to the MCD 16 for the full 16 channels. Two MCD 16s can be used in parallel, with AES outputs 1-16 connecting to the first MCD 16, and AES outputs 17-32 connecting to the second MCD 16.
If your ISP Evo does not have the AES3 outputs fitted, please contact your Storm Audio installer / dealer to arrange this.
ISP Core
The Storm Audio ISP Core does not feature multichannel digital outputs, so is not compatible with the MCD 16. It does carry a Zone 2 S/PDIF output, which as discussed earlier, is not suitable for use with the MCD 16.
JBL
Synthesis SDP-80
The JBL Synthesis SDP-80 features 16 channels of AES3 outputs, on a single DB25 connector. This connector carries channels 1-16 from the JBL. Connecting the DB25 output to the DB25 (or XLR via a breakout cable) input on the MCD 16 allows for 16 channels to be sent from the Synthesis SDP-80 to the MCD 16.
The Synthesis SDP-80 will need to be configured to output audio to AES 1-16. Depending on the configuration of the Synthesis SDP-80, this may also disable channels 17+. Consult your JBL installer / dealer to confirm whether additional channels or licences will be required, as this will vary between systems.
Synthesis SDP-75
The JBL Synthesis SDP-75 features 16 channels of AES3 outputs, on a single DB25 connector. This connector carries channels 1-16 from the JBL. Connecting the DB25 output to the DB25 (or XLR via a breakout cable) input on the MCD 16 allows for 16 channels to be sent from the Synthesis SDP-75 to the MCD 16.
The Synthesis SDP-75 will need to be configured to output audio to AES 1-16. Depending on the configuration of the Synthesis SDP-75, this may also disable channels 17+. Consult your JBL installer / dealer to confirm whether additional channels or licences will be required, as this will vary between systems.
Synthesis SDR-58
The JBL Synthesis SDR-58 does not feature multichannel digital outputs, so is not compatible with the MCD 16. It does carry a Zone 2 S/PDIF output, which as discussed earlier, is not suitable for use with the MCD 16.
Synthesis SDR-38
The JBL Synthesis SDR-38 does not feature multichannel digital outputs, so is not compatible with the MCD 16. It does carry a Zone 2 S/PDIF output, which as discussed earlier, is not suitable for use with the MCD 16.