TASCAM MZ-223

Product overview

The TASCAM MZ-223 is a 5-channel, 2U rack-mount multi-zone mixer that mixes, segregates and routes music, phono and microphone sources to three independent zones.

Housed in a compact 2U design, the MZ-223 handles several audio sources at once with familiar volume sliders, assignment buttons and knobs on the front panel. Five input channels each have two stereo RCA inputs, channels 1 and 2 accept a record player, and two XLR/TRS mic inputs sit on the front panel. Each of the three zone outputs has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, its own volume, 3-band EQ and stereo LED meter. It is ideal for small-format installations such as moderate-sized hotels, restaurants, meeting rooms, schools, shops and offices.

Key features

• Easy operation and routing with volume sliders, switches, buttons and knobs
• 3 independent zone outputs, each with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors
• 5 input channels, each with two sets of stereo RCA inputs (LINE A / LINE B)
• Phono input on channels 1 and 2 for a record player, with ground terminal
• 2 mic-compatible XLR/TRS inputs on the front panel with on/off switches
• Mix or segregate all audio per channel and route it to the three zones
• Talkover automatically lowers other sources while microphones are in use
• 3-band EQ per zone output and per microphone input
• Stereo LED level meter and volume knob for each zone
• Monitor output for monitor speakers or a recorder, and headphones with PFL
• Compact 2U rack-mount design

Flexible inputs

Each of the five channels has two RCA stereo pairs, selected with the SOURCE SELECT button, for a total of ten connected sources with no rewiring. A rear GAIN knob, a PEAK indicator and a fader set each channel's level. Channels 1 and 2 can be switched to PHONO for a turntable, and the two front-panel microphone inputs each have volume, a level meter, 3-band EQ and an on/off button.

Three independent zones

OUTPUT SEL buttons on every channel and OUTPUT SELECT buttons for the mics route each source to zone 1, 2, 3 or any combination. For example, music can go to zone 1, ambient or natural sounds to zone 2 and a separate music track or announcements to zone 3. Each zone has an OUTPUT VOL knob, a stereo LED meter and a 3-band EQ to tune the tone for each area, plus an attenuator switch to match the amplifier.

Announcements with talkover

With TALKOVER ON, the music is automatically lowered when a microphone is used, so announcements in stores and other facilities are easy to hear. The DAMP knob sets how much the music is lowered and the TIME knob sets the response time.

Monitoring and recording

MONITOR OUT sends the zones chosen with MONITOR SELECT to monitor speakers or an external recorder, which makes capturing events easy; a rear switch decides whether the microphones are included. On headphones, PFL lets you hear any channel before its fader, and the MIXING knob blends PFL and monitor signals.

In the box

• TASCAM MZ-223 multi-zone mixer
• AC adapter (TASCAM PS-M1524)
• Cords for the AC adapter (x 2 types)
• Rack-mount screw kit
• Owner's Manual including warranty

TASCAM MZ-223: frequently asked questions

How many sources can I connect to the MZ-223?

Ten stereo RCA sources (two per channel, selected with SOURCE SELECT) plus two microphones on the front-panel XLR/TRS inputs.

Can I connect a record player?

Yes. Connect it to LINE A of channel 1 or 2, set the LINE/PHONO switch to PHONO and connect its ground wire to the GND terminal.

Can each zone have a different level and tone?

Yes. Every zone output has its own OUTPUT VOL knob, 3-band EQ and stereo LED level meter, and both XLR and RCA connectors.

Can I record an event with the MZ-223?

Yes. Connect a recorder to MONITOR OUT to record the signal going to the amplifier and speaker systems, with or without the microphones.

Where can I buy the TASCAM MZ-223 in India?

The TASCAM MZ-223 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Hotel or restaurant background music

Different music in the dining room, lobby and bar from one rack unit.

Connections

Setup

1. Before power on, set EQ to centre, other knobs to MIN, faders down and switches off; then power on the MZ-223, the sources and the amplifiers last.
2. Choose LINE A or B with SOURCE SELECT and set GAIN so that PEAK does not light red.
3. Press OUTPUT SEL 1, 2 or 3 on each channel to route it to the zones.
4. Raise the faders and OUTPUT VOL so the zone meters read around 0 dB, and tune each area with OUTPUT EQ.

Tip: Use PFL to check a source on headphones before raising its fader.

Workflow 2: Announcements over background music

Store or facility announcements that are clearly heard over the music.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the mic and press MIC 1 so its indicator lights.
2. Select the zones for the mic with its OUTPUT SELECT buttons.
3. Set the mic VOLUME by its meter and PEAK indicator, and adjust the 3-band EQ.
4. Press TALKOVER ON and set DAMP and TIME for smooth ducking of the music.

Workflow 3: Shop or office with several speakers per area

Control the volume of every area from a single unit and check the balance on the meters.

Connections

Setup

1. Route the source to all three zones with OUTPUT SEL.
2. Set each ATTENUATOR to OFF for a high-gain amplifier or ON (-6 dB) for a low-gain one.
3. Set each zone's OUTPUT VOL while watching its stereo LED meter.
4. Use the zone EQ to suit the speakers and room of each area.

Workflow 4: Record player in a café or lounge

Play vinyl through the zone system alongside other sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the channel 1 LINE/PHONO switch to PHONO.
2. Select LINE A with SOURCE SELECT and route the channel to the zones with OUTPUT SEL.
3. Adjust the rear GAIN so that PEAK does not light red.
4. Set the level with the channel fader and OUTPUT VOL.

Tip: If another device hums, a ground wire from its metal frame to the GND terminal can reduce the noise.

Workflow 5: Meeting room or school hall

Two microphones for speech and playback from a CD or media player.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn on MIC 1 and MIC 2 and select zone 1 with their OUTPUT SELECT buttons.
2. Set each mic VOLUME and shape the voice with the mic EQ.
3. Route the player to zone 1 and set its fader.
4. Set OUTPUT VOL for zone 1 and check the mix on headphones with MONITOR SELECT.

Workflow 6: Recording an event

Capture what the audience hears, including announcements, on an external recorder.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the recorder to MONITOR OUT.
2. Press MONITOR SELECT for the zone or zones to record.
3. Set the rear MONITOR OUT mic mix switch to WITH MIC to include the microphones.
4. Start the recorder; the monitor signal includes the output EQ of the selected zones.