FAQs

What is MusicCast?

How many MusicCast devices can be controlled with the MusicCast app?

Up to 10 MusicCast devices can be controlled by the MusicCast app.

Does the MusicCast app support Zone functionality on MusicCast AV Receivers?

Yes. In the MusicCast app, you can activate the Zone function from the settings menu. The MusicCast app will allow users to select inputs and provide basic volume controls in secondary zones.

What high-resolution audio formats does MusicCast support?

All MusicCast devices support Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz/24-bit as well as WAV, FLAC, and AIFF up to 192 kHz/24-bit. MusicCast AV Receivers, Hi-Fi Components and Powered Speakers also support DSD up to 5.6 MHz.

Can MusicCast stream high-resolution audio formats to multiple rooms simultaneously?

When multiple MusicCast devices are 'linked' for playback, the Master room playback is at the native sampling rate and other rooms are down-converted to 48 kHz. Playback of DSD content is not available in the Link mode.

Which streaming services are supported by MusicCast?

Pandora and Spotify Connect can be accessed from the MusicCast app. With Bluetooth, MusicCast supports content from any streaming service available from your smartphone or tablet.

With MusicCast, can multi-channel surround sound (5.1 channel, 7.1 channel, etc.) be enjoyed in other rooms?

Multi-channel content is down-mixed to 2 channel sound for playback in other rooms without affecting the Master room.

Does MusicCast support Apple AirPlay?

All MusicCast products support AirPlay. You can stream content from your iOS device or Mac to a MusicCast device using AirPlay. However, AirPlay playback is not available in the Link function. Use a Bluetooth connection if you wish to link content for multiple device playback.

Does MusicCast support Bluetooth?

Yes. All MusicCast devices support Bluetooth as an input source. A Bluetooth input source can be used with multiple linked MusicCast devices, so music can be played in multiple rooms simultaneously. The MusicCast Controller app provides basic volume, play/pause and track skip control of Bluetooth input devices during playback.

Does MusicCast play in sync when using Bluetooth sources?

Bluetooth wireless technology inherently has some latency. When Bluetooth is used as an input into the MusicCast system, all of the MusicCast devices will play in sync with each other, but there will be some latency between the transmitting device and the receiving (master) MusicCast device. This is typically not noticeable for audio-only content but may result in a visible 'lip sync' delay when playing back video content on a smartphone/tablet with audio streamed to a MusicCast system.

Can MusicCast send audio content out using Bluetooth?

Yes. some MusicCast devices support Bluetooth transmission as an output stream to a Bluetooth enabled speaker or headphones. Note that if you are using Bluetooth as an input, you will not be able to transmit content at the same time.

Will a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headphones play in sync with MusicCast devices?

Bluetooth wireless technology inherently has some latency. When a MusicCast device is set up to output a Bluetooth stream to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, the playback will be slightly delayed relative to the MusicCast devices. This will be noticeable if both device types are played in the same or nearby room, but may be less noticeable if the devices are in different spaces. Also there are many applications where it may be desirable to stream to a Bluetooth device and simply mute the MusicCast device volume, such as listening late at night via Bluetooth headphones or streaming to a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker in a bathroom.

Does MusicCast support DLNA and Network-Attached Storage (NAS) drives?

Yes. All MusicCast devices support DLNA, allowing access to DLNA-compatible computers and network attached storage (NAS) devices.

Can an external input into a MusicCast Sound Bar or AV Receiver (such as an HDMI, optical, analogue or phono input) be played in multiple rooms?

Yes. External inputs can be selected for playback and shared in linked mode with multiple MusicCast devices. The latest MusicCast Controller app/firmware allows you to quickly and easily switch between prioritising Audio Sync (default setting) or Lip Sync for external sources connected to a MusicCast Sound Bar or AV Receiver. For typical system configurations, the Audio Sync setting eliminates audio delays between linked MusicCast devices when external sources are used. Even in advanced systems, such as those with multiple Sound Bars and/or AV Receivers, the delay is usually reduced to less than 100 ms, which is typically unnoticeable if the devices are located in separate, non-adjacent rooms. This setting is especially helpful for audio-only content – such as CDs, vinyl, etc. – and for situations where lip sync accuracy may not be crucial, such as playing sound of the big game throughout your home for a party.

Can two MusicCast Wireless Speakers be used in stereo mode?

Yes. To experience music playback with better stereo imaging, it is possible to pair two PLUS or PLUS Mini (WX-030 or WX-010 respectively) in stereo mode. Make sure that you have updated the firmware of both speakers to the latest version.

For details on how to pair the speakers, click here.

To watch a video on how to pair the speakers, click here.

Can MusicCast Wireless Speakers be used for surround sound speakers?

The MusicCast Speaker is not intended for use as a wireless surround sound speaker. However, MusicCast products in general support a wide variety of surround sound experiences. For those who want the ultimate home theatre, MusicCast AV Receivers support many multi-channel configurations and technologies including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (depending on the model). For those looking for a simple installation, MusicCast Sound Bars (ie- YSP-1600) use Yamaha’s YSP technology to deliver cinema surround sound without the need for Surround Sound Speakers around the room.

Where can I find a list of models that are compatible with MusicCast?

To see a complete list of models that are part of the current MusicCast system, click here.

Is the new MusicCast system compatible with an old MusicCAST or MusicCAST2 system?

No. Yamaha was one of the first AV manufacturers to introduce a wireless multi-room audio system, similarly named MusicCAST back in 2003, followed by MusicCAST2 in 2009. The current MusicCast system introduced in August 2015 is NOT compatible with these earlier systems.

To confirm that a model is part of the current system, click here.

How to set it up?

Is it necessary to use an Ethernet cable to connect a MusicCast device to a Wi-Fi router?

No. Connection of MusicCast devices to your home Wi-Fi router can be made wirelessly following a few simple steps in the app and by using the "Connect" button on the device. Most MusicCast devices also offer the option of using a wired Ethernet connection if this is preferred.

Is it necessary to use a special adaptor to connect a MusicCast device to a Wi-Fi router?

No. MusicCast devices can be connected directly to your Wi-Fi router without using a special adaptor.

Does Yamaha offer a MusicCast wireless extender/booster?

MusicCast makes use of standard Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless technology. Wi-Fi extenders and boosters are widely available in the market and may be used to improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home.

How does it work?

How does MusicCast work?

MusicCast is designed to work with an existing Wi-Fi network and the free MusicCast app available for Apple iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Yamaha offers a wide range of MusicCast-enabled devices including AV Receivers, Smart Speakers, Sound Bars, Powered Speakers and Hi-Fi Components. The app allows access to a variety of content sources and controls the playback of MusicCast devices.

What types of mobile devices does the MusicCast app work on?

The MusicCast Controller app is available for Apple iOS (iOS 10.0 and later) and Android (OS 4.1 and later) and is compatible with both smartphones and tablets.

How do I add a MusicCast device to the MusicCast Controller app?

The MusicCast Controller app makes it easy to add a MusicCast device to the system. From the Settings menu, select "Add a new device", then follow the simple steps which includes pressing and holding a "Connect" button on the MusicCast device for a few seconds.

Can I control my Yamaha AV Receiver from the MusicCast app?

Yes, the MusicCast app will provide access to the most commonly used features such as input selection, volume control and sound settings.

Can I still use the Yamaha AV Controller app?

If you use and love the Yamaha AV Controller app, it will still be supported and you can still use it to control your Yamaha AV Receiver. The MusicCast app provides access to the Yamaha AV Controller app in case you want to access more in-depth AV receiver settings.