TASCAM MZ-223

Industrial-grade Audio Zone Mixer

A professional mixer that can assign BGM and announcements to 3 zones

Description

TASCAM MZ-223

A powerful multi-channel, multi-zone mixer housed in a compact 2U design, The TASCAM MZ-223 offers versatile multi-zone audio routing, mixing, and segregation of several audio sources simultaneously. Source content can include music, spoken word (microphone), phonograph, and more and is easily controlled via familiar sliders and assignment controls on the front panel. Designed for easy integration in virtually any system, the TASCAM MZ-223 is ideal for small format install applications such as moderate-sized hotels, restaurants, meeting rooms, schools, or any situation that demands independently routed audio.

Flexible I/O

The MZ-223 allows multiple audio sources to be mixed, segregated, and routed to 3 independent zones or destinations using familiar volume sliders and assignment buttons. Input signals can be inserted via 5 audio channels, each consisting of 2 sets of unbalanced RCA stereo pairs. A total of 10 sets of RCA inputs are provided. Channels 1 and 2 can be set to accommodate phono-level signals for use with a turntable. In addition, located conveniently on the front panel, 2 mic-compatible XLR inputs are available.

MZ-223

Multiple Zone Outputs

The independent 3-zone outputs each have a combination of balanced professional XLR or RCA unbalanced configurations for long runs or connection to common residential power amplifiers or speakers. This flexibility, for example, allows music to be routed to ZONE1, ambient noise or natural sounds to ZONE2, a separate music track or a voice announcement can be routed to ZONE3, while the convenient “Talkover” function will automatically lower any mixed channel source so the microphone can be heard while speaking.

Easy, Immediate Control

Familiar volume sliders, routing switches/buttons, EQ knobs, and mute buttons for the microphones make the MZ-223 simple and fast to operate and set up. There is even a master recording stereo output, which can send audio to an external recorder which makes event capturing easy. The MZ-223 delivers simple operation and maximum audio routing flexibility, all in a compact, affordable package.

Simple output adjustment

The volume can be adjusted individually for the three output lines. When installing multiple speakers in each area such as at a shop, public facility, or office, the volume for each can be controlled from a single unit. Each output has a stereo LED level meter. This allows you to check the volume balance of the entire system. You can also use the 3-band equalizer to adjust the tone for each area.

Simple channel operation

It is possible to switch the input source and select the output with a simple button operation, so there is no need for complicated changes to the wiring. Each channel has a fader control for adjusting the volume with a high degree of freedom. It is also possible to monitor the sound prior to fader processing using the PFL button.

MIC IN is ideal for announcements

The front panel is equipped with two microphone inputs. It is possible to select the microphone output with a simple button operation. Moreover, the “Talkover” function automatically attenuates the BGM volume when microphone sound is input, making it easier to listen to the microphone sound, which is ideal for announcements at stores and other facilities. Tone adjustment is also possible using the 3-band equalizer.

Features at a glance

  • Easy operation and routing via familiar volume sliders, toggle switches/buttons, and knobs
  • 3 Independent Zone outputs with stereo XLR balanced and unbalanced RCA connectors per channel
  • 5 separate input channels, each with two sets of stereo RCA inputs
  • 2 additional mic-compatible XLR inputs on the front panel
  • All audio can be mixed or segregated per channel and routed to the 3 separate Zones/Outputs
  • The “Talkover” function automatically lowers other source content while microphones are in use
  • Independent 3-band EQ per output channel and per microphone input
  • Compact 2U rack mount design

Specifications

Audio inputs
MIC 1–2 INPUT (Balanced)
Connectors XLR 3-31 / 1/4″ (6.3mm) TRS combo jack × 2
(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) / (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Nominal input level
VOLUME knob at MAX –65dBu
VOLUME knob at MIN –30dBu
Input impedance 33kΩ
LINE INPUTS (Unbalanced)
Connectors RCA Pin jack × 10 pairs
Nominal input level –10dBV
Maximum input level 10dBV
Input impedance 22kΩ
Audio outputs
MAIN OUTPUTS (Unbalanced)
Connectors RCA Pin jack × 3 pairs
Rated output level –10dBV
Maximum output level 6dBV
Output impedance 200Ω
MAIN OUTPUTS (Balanced)
Connectors XLR 3-31 × 3 pairs (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Rated output level 4dBu
Maximum output level 24dBu
Output impedance 200Ω
MONITOR OUT
Connectors RCA Pin jack × 1 pair
Rated output level –16 dBV
Maximum output level 0dBV
Output impedance 200Ω
PHONES
Connectors 1/4″ (6.3mm) Sstereo phone jack × 1
Maximum output 50mW + 50mW (into 32Ω load)
Power AC adapter (TASCAM PS-M1524)
Input voltage AC 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz
Output voltage DC 15V
Output current 2.4A
Power consumption 35W
Dimensions (W×H×D) 19.0″ × 5.2″ × 3.7″ / 482 × 88 × 93.2 mm
Weight 5.5 lbs. / 2.5 kg
Accessory AC adapter (TASCAM PS-M1524), Cord for AC adapter (JAPAN USA/EUROPE) × each1, Rackmount screw kit, Owner’s Manual (including warranty)

Audio performance

Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Distortion 0.03% or less
S/N Ratio 80dB
Crosstalk 65dB