Features
Sources
Controls
Features
MusicCast 20: (WX-021) Wireless Streaming Speaker: The MusicCast 20
(WX-021) wireless streaming speaker is part of Yamaha's
MusicCast multiroom audio eco-system. Designed to be small enough to work in
any space without compromising sound quality, it offers big sound from a single
1.125" soft-dome tweeter and a 3.5" aluminum cone woofer powered by a built-in
40W amplifier (tweeter = 15W / woofer = 25W), plus dual passive radiators.
Notes: - Start with a single MusicCast 20 (WX-021) and add more over time,
or add other MusicCast products like AV receivers and soundbars. Up to 10
MusicCast devices can be connected in one system.
- An Apple iOS or Android OS device running the
MusicCast Controller app is required for setup & operation of the MusiCast
20 (WX-021) speaker.
MusicCast Wireless Multiroom Audio: MusicCast from Yamaha,
brings music to every room in your home wirelessly with control provided by the
free MusicCast Controller app for
Apple
iOS 10.0+ and
Android OS 4.1+. Designed to easily work with your
existing home WiFi network, MusicCast offers access to a wide range of audio
content from your downloaded music library, Internet radio, and select online
music services. MusicCast is enabled on many 2015-up
Yamaha components like their AV receivers, wireless speakers, soundbars, and
other HiFi components.
- Compatible Multiroom Audio Sources:
- All MusicCast
music services (including Airable by TuneIn, Pandora, Tidal, Spotify,
SiriusXM, Deezer, and Napster).
- Music libraries on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone running the
MusicCast Controller app, as well as on your DLNA compliant computer,
laptop, or NAS drive.
- Bluetooth audio (SBC codec only).
- Yamaha AV receivers, soundbars, and other
Hi-Fi components
which feature MusicCast offer multiroom streaming of connected external
analog & digital sources - including HDMI, Optical/Coax, USB, RCA/Aux, and
Phono inputs.
- A radio station from a MusiCast AV receiver's AM/FM tuner can
even be distributed to multiple rooms.
- Incompatible Multiroom Audio Sources:
- AirPlay cannot be multiroom distributed via MusicCast.
Note: Yamaha's new MusicCast system is not compatible with
Yamaha's older MusicCAST system.
Wired or Wireless Network Connection: With MusicCast you can
choose to build a wireless or wired network, or a combination of both
if desired. The Yamaha MusicCast 20 (WX-021) supports both wireless and wired
network connectivity through its built-in dual-band (2.4/5GHz) WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and wired Ethernet (RJ-45) port. Network setup is completed through
the free
MusicCast Controller app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device.
Note: If you want to install a MusicCast device to a
location that is out of range of your wireless router, connect another
MusicCast device to the router with a network cable to extend the range
("Extend Mode").
Stereo Pairing: You can pair two MusicCast 20 (WX-021)
speakers to create a space-saving, yet powerful stereo setup that delivers a
better soundstage with a wider listening area. One MusicCast 20 (WX-021) speaker
will be assigned as the Right and the other as the Left.
Wireless Surround: You can combine the MusicCast 20 (WX-021)
with a MusicCast compatible 2018-up Yamaha AV receiver (sold separately) and enjoy the
convenience of creating a home theater with wireless rear speakers in a
5.1-channel system. Wireless surround will require two MusicCast 20 (WX-021)
speakers. Wireless Surround requires that the MusicCast AV receiver and speakers be on the same wireless network.
Notes:
- The following functions and operations are not
available when the speaker is used as rear surrounds - Volume, Favorites, &
Alarm.
- 2017 and earlier Yamaha AV receivers with MusicCast are not
compatible with wireless surround.
Optional Wireless Sub: Add Yamaha's MusicCast Sub 100 wireless powered
subwoofer (sold separately - coming soon) for bigger bass response and fuller sound.
Mounting Options: The compact and clean design of the
MusicCast 20 (WX-021) wireless speaker makes it perfect for use in the kitchen,
bathroom, bedside the bed, or anywhere space is limited. The speaker can simply
be placed on a tabletop, shelf, stand, or other piece of furniture with a flat
surface. You can also mount the speaker on a wall using its 1/4"-20 threaded insert and an optional
wall-mount bracket (sold separately). The included self-adhesive anti-vibration
pads should be installed on the back of the speaker when wall-mounting.
AC Power: The Yamaha MusicCast 20 (WX-021) wireless audio
speaker operates off of standard household current using its internal power
supply and detachable 10' power cord. This speaker is not battery powered.
Firmware Updates: Firmware updates for the MusicCast
products can be made through their network connection and the MusicCast app on
your Apple iOS or Android device. The app will notify you when a firmware update
is available.
Sources
High Resolution Audio: The MusicCast 20 (WX-021) supports
true high-resolution audio formats to deliver more accurate reproduction of
sonic details. The MusicCast eco-system is compatible with high resolution FLAC,
AIFF and WAV music files up to 192kHz/24-bit; as well as Apple Lossless (ALAC)
up to 96kHz/24-bit. It also supports lower resolution music files like MP3, WMA,
and AAC up to 48kHz.
File | Sampling Frequency | Bit-rate or Bit-depth | Gapless Playback |
MP3 | 32/44.1/48 kHz | up to 320 kbps | N |
WMA | 32/44.1/48 kHz | up to 320 kbps | N |
AAC | 32/44.1/48 kHz | up to 320 kbps | N |
WAV
(PCM) |
32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz | 16/24-bit | Y |
FLAC |
32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz | 16/24-bit | Y |
AIFF |
32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz | 16/24-bit | Y |
ALAC | 32/44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz | 16/24-bit | Y |
Note: When multiple MusicCast devices are "linked" for
multiroom audio playback, the Master room device's playback is at the native
sampling rate (up to 192kHz/24-bit), while the other rooms and MusicCast
devices are down-converted to 48kHz.
Online Music Services: MusicCast and the free MusicCast Controller
app
for (Apple
iOS 10.0+ and
Android OS 4.1+) offers access to a wide variety of Internet radio and
online streaming services - including Airable by TuneIn, Pandora, TIDAL,
Spotify, SiriusXM, Deezer, and Napster.
- Airable by TuneIn: You can listen to Internet radio
stations using
Airable
by TuneIn. Search worldwide internet radio content by Genre, Language,
Location, Quality, Popularity, or do a keyword search.
- Pandora: Pandora is
personalized radio that plays music and comedy you'll love. Just start with
the name of one of your favorite artists, songs, comedians or composers and
Pandora will create a custom station that plays similar tracks. You can also
rate (thumbs up/thumbs down) songs as they play, and Pandora will adapt
stations to your feedback. You can even bookmark stations and easily switch
between favorites.
- TIDAL: Tidal
is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in
high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or
$19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music
library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at
CD-level quality.
- Spotify Connect: Spotify
Connect enables
Spotify Premium users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to
the MusicCast speaker from within the Spotify app (Apple
iOS or
Android). Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand
access to one of the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million
tracks and counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage,
and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album,
track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized
playlists.
- SiriusXM: SiriusXM
Internet Radio lets you listen to over 120 channels of commercial-free
music, talk radio, news, sports, entertainment, and more. Subscription fees
will apply.
- Napster: Napster is a streaming
music subscription service (starting a $10 per month) that allows you to
play the full-length songs you choose on demand from a collection of over 10
million songs, without ads and without having to purchase or download the
music.
- Deezer: Deezer is an online
music service offering over 43 million tracks starting at $9.99 a month.
Discover the perfect playlist or make your own, as well as browse curated
collections by genre.
DLNA: The MusicCast 20 (WX-021) speaker supports
DLNA (Digital Living Network
Alliance) 1.5, allowing access to DLNA-compatible Windows 7/8/10 computers (with
Windows Media Player 11 or 12) and network attached storage (NAS) devices.
You'll be able to wirelessly stream the music libraries on your computer,
laptop, or NAS to the Yamaha MusicCast speaker system.
Note: Digital Rights Management (DRM) content cannot be
played back.
AirPlay: AirPlay lets you stream your favorite songs
directly from your Apple iOS (4.3.3+) device or from your iTunes (10.2.2+)
library on your Windows PC or Mac computer to the Yamaha MusicCast 20 (WX-021)
speaker, over your home's WiFi network connection. From your Apple iOS device
you are able to stream stored music and music apps on your device to the Yamaha
MusicCast speaker. From your Windows or Mac you can stream your stored iTunes
music library on your computer to the MusicCast speaker.
Note: AirPlay is not available for multiroom audio
playback.
Bluetooth Audio: The Yamaha MusicCast 20 (WX-021) offers built-in
Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless music streaming (A2DP) & control (AVRCP).
This allows you to stream stored music, music apps, and other audio content on your Bluetooth-enabled
source devices (such as your smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop) to the MusicCast WX-021 speaker.
The speaker has a wireless Bluetooth range of approximately 33'.
- SBC + AAC Codecs: In addition to support for the
standard SBC Bluetooth audio codec, the MusicCast 20 (WX-021) speaker offers
support of AAC. By supporting AAC, the MusicCast 20 (WX-021) offers better
audio performance of the music streamed from your Apple iOS device.
- Multi-Device Pairing: The MusicCast 20 (WX-021) can be paired with multiple Bluetooth
source devices, but only one device can be connected and used at a time.
If one or Bluetooth devices had been connected to the speaker before,
the speaker will automatically connect to the last connected device when
Bluetooth is enabled.
- Linked Playback Mode: With Linked Playback Mode, music
streamed via Bluetooth to one MusicCast device can then be wirelessly
streamed to multiple MusicCast devices for multiroom audio. Bluetooth is
limited to the SBC codec during Linked Playback mode.
Notes:
- If you do not desire wireless network audio or wireless multiroom
audio, you can simply use the MusicCst 20 (WX-21) as a Bluetooth speaker
without utilizing a network connection and the MusicCast Controller app.
You can pair/connect and control playback functions from your Bluetooth
source device. You can control Play/Pause functions from the speaker's
top-panel.
- The MusicCast 20 (WX-021) does not support Bluetooth hands-free
communication for making and answering phone calls.
Controls
MusicCast Controller App: The free MusicCast Controller app
for (Apple
iOS 10.0+ and
Android OS 4.1+) will need to be downloaded on your compatible smartphone or
tablet device. The MusicCast Controller app puts control of your whole home
listening experience in the palm of your hand from your Apple iOS or Android
device. You'll be able to quickly select the room or rooms you want to listen to
music in, select the source or sources you want to listen to, browse music
content from your music library and online music services, listen to Internet
Radio, plus control music playback functions.
- Rooms: Choose which room or rooms you want to listen to
music in. You can select a different source for each room, group certain
rooms together for playback of the same source, or link all rooms together
so the same source is played back throughout the house.
- Source Selection: From the app you can select which
source or sources you want to listen to; choose from network-connected
devices (such as your Apple iOS/Android device or DLNA server), select
online music services, Internet Radio or Bluetooth. If you have incorporated a Yamaha AV receiver or
soundbar with MusicCast into your system, you can also select from analog &
digital inputs - including HDMI, Optical/Coax USB, RCA/Aux, and Phono. You
can even select a AM/FM ratio station from a MusicCast AV receiver.
- Music Browsing: You can browse music libraries from
your network-connected devices; like your smartphone, tablet, computer, or
laptop. You can also browse music content from select online music services
and search Internet Radio stations from the MusicCast Controller app. You
can also browse music files on your USB-connected thumbdrive.
- Playback & Song/Artist Info: From the MusicCast
Controller app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device you get Volume
Up/Down, Play/Pause, and Previous/Next Track; as well as song/artist
information and album art.
- Favorites: Internet radio stations, content from select
online music services, plus playlists and songs from your network-connected
device's music library can be saved as "Favorites" for quick recall within
the MusicCast Controller app. Up to 40 Favorites can be registered.
- Personalization & Customization: With the app's unique
personalization features, you can choose from preloaded room images or
change the color of buttons to represent each room in the home, or even take
pictures of their own home and assign the images to each button. The content
source buttons can also be customized to rename, remove or reorder
selections for easier operation.
Alexa Compatible: Alexa-enabled devices (sold separately -
see Accessory Tab) are able to control key functions of a MusicCast system using
voice commands. With Alexa voice control integration, all you have to do is ask.
The MusicCast 20 (WX-021) offers full compatibility with Amazon's range of voice
control devices. Yamaha offers two Alexa Skill platforms that work hand-in-hand
to give you a wide range of voice command possibilities, allowing you to control
either a single MusicCast product or a whole MusicCast system. The MusicCast
system and Alexa-enabled devices must be on the same WiFi network.
- MusicCast Smart Home Skill: The MusicCast Smart Home
skill supports the most common, everyday voice commands you would use to
control a single MusicCast speaker, AV receiver, or soundbar. These basic
commands include power on/off, volume control, play/pause/skip/previous,
mute/unmute and, input selection. This skill supports simple, Alexa-standardized
commands such as "Alexa, volume up in the Kitchen."
- MusicCast Skill: The MusicCast skill goes beyond the
basics, giving you enhanced control of unique MusicCast functions such as
room linking, multiple room control, playback of MusicCast
Favorites/Playlists and more. The commands are customized for MusicCast, for
example "Alexa, ask MusicCast to link the Kitchen with the Living Room."
- Echo Source Input: In addition or alternatively, an
Echo device can be used as a music/audio source for a MusicCast system. All
MusicCast devices offer a Bluetooth input. Just pair your Echo device with
any MusicCast wireless speaker, sound bar or AV receiver and the sound will
play from the MusicCast device. Many MusicCast products also offer inputs
which can be connected to Echo Dot via its line output, if a wired
connection is preferred over Bluetooth. Using the MusicCast Controller app,
you can select the Bluetooth or wired input and link multiple MusicCast
devices for playback, allowing you to hear sound from Echo Dot throughout
your home.
Note: Click
here for a full list of commands. Yamaha will be adding more Alexa control
features in 2018, including the ability to play a specific artist, album or song
from select streaming services.
Top-Panel Controls: The Yamaha MusicCast 20 (WX-021) features
touch-sensitive top-panel controls for local operation. Control functions
include Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down, Presets, and Alarm.
- 3 Presets: The 3 preset buttons give you one-touch access to your
music favorites (save a favorite music playlist, online music service, or
Internet radio station). Simply press and hold the preset buttons (1/2/3) to
store a music source.
- Alarm/Snooze: The alarm button makes the MusicCast 20 (WX-021)
perfect for your nightstand in the bedroom, so you can wake up to your
favorite online music. Once the alarm goes off, you can tap any button on
the top-panel to activated a 5 minute snooze. To turn off the alarm, press
and hold any button on the top-panel (if the alarm is not stopped manually,
it will stop automatically after one hour). The alarm and snooze must be
first setup through the MusiCast Controller app on your mobile device.
Note: This unit is equipped with a child lock function.
When the child lock function is enabled, some top-panel controls are
disabled to prevent unintended or accidental operation.
Auto Standby & Sleep Timer: The MusicCast speaker will
automatically enter standby mode after approximately 20 minutes of no audio
playback and no operation. You can set the unit's Sleep Timer to 30, 60, 90 or
120 minutes from the app on your compatible mobile device.