BSS Audio BLU-102 - 10-Input/8-Output Networked Signal Processor with 8 Independent AEC Algorithms and BLU Link

The BSS Audio BLU-102 is a feature-rich networked signal processor designed to deliver high-quality audio processing and conferencing capabilities in a wide range of professional applications. With a fixed configuration of 10 analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, and an analog telephone interface, the BLU-102 is a versatile solution for audio installations that require seamless integration with both digital and traditional telephone networks. The inclusion of an RJ-11 port enables direct connection to standard POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), or Analog PBX telephone systems, making it ideal for teleconferencing and hybrid communication setups.

At the core of the BLU-102 is its configurable signal processing, which is fully customizable through the HiQnet Audio Architect software. This open architecture allows users to design and implement tailored audio solutions using a rich palette of processing and logic objects in a user-friendly drag-and-drop environment. The processor also features dedicated Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) processing for up to 8 independent AEC algorithms, which can be applied to signals from either the local analog inputs or the digital audio bus. Each AEC algorithm includes Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Cancellation (NC), ensuring optimal microphone levels and the removal of steady-state noise from the signal path, making the BLU-102 a powerful tool for clear and intelligible audio in conferencing environments.

The BLU-102 is equipped with a 48-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus that uses standard Category 5e cabling, allowing for distances of up to 100 meters between compatible devices. For extended distances, fiber media converters can be employed to achieve separations of over 40 kilometers. The BLU-102 is fully compatible with the entire Soundweb London family, and its 48-channel digital audio bus represents channels 1-48 of the larger 256-channel bus when integrated with other devices, such as the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-BIB, and BLU-BOB, offering extensive scalability and integration possibilities.

The 10 analog inputs on the BLU-102 provide software-configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel, along with software-selectable phantom power. Clear front panel LED indicators offer immediate access to information on phantom power, signal presence, and clipping, ensuring quick and easy monitoring without the need for a PC. The bi-directional locate function further simplifies device identification both from and within the HiQnet Audio Architect software, making system management more efficient.

For added control and flexibility, the BLU-102 includes 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs, allowing integration with GPIO-compatible devices for a broad range of automation and control options. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, included within the HiQnet Audio Architect installation, provides comprehensive documentation for integrating Soundweb London systems with third-party control systems. With its robust feature set, including AEC capabilities, telephone interface, and versatile control options, the BLU-102 is an essential component for building sophisticated, reliable, and high-performance audio systems.

Features

• 10 analog inputs with software-configurable gain and selectable phantom power per channel.
• 8 analog outputs for flexible audio routing and processing.
• RJ-11 telephone input/output port for integration with POTS, PSTN, or Analog PBX systems.
• 8 channels of dedicated AEC processing with Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Cancellation (NC).
• Configurable signal processing with open architecture through HiQnet Audio Architect.
• 48-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus for seamless system integration.
• Fully compatible with the entire Soundweb London family for scalable system solutions.
• Clear front panel LED indication for phantom power, signal presence, and clip status.
• Bi-directional locate functionality for easy device identification.
• 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO integration with third-party devices.
• Soundweb London Interface Kit for integrating with third-party control systems.
• Configuration, control, and monitoring through HiQnet Audio Architect.

Specifications

Front Panel Led Indicators

• Per Input: Signal Present, CLIP, 48V (Input only)
• Other: COM, STAT, ERR, PWR

Analog Inputs

• 10 electronically balanced on Phnix Combicon removable screw connectors
• Mic/Line Inputs: Nominal gain 0dB, electronically switchable up to +48dB,in +6dB steps
• Input Impedance: 3.0kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: +20dBu with 0dB input gain,+8dBu with 12dB gain
• CMRR: >75dB at 1KHz
• Input Noise (E.I.N.): <-125dBu typical with 150Ω source
• Phantom Power: 48V nominal, selectable per input
• A/D Latency: 37/Fs [0.77ms@48k]

Analog Outputs

• 8 electronically balanced on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Maximum Output Level: +19dBu
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz (+0.5dB/-1dB)
• THD: <0.01% 20Hz to 20KHz, +10dBu output
• Dynamic Range: 108dB typical, 22Hz-22KHz unweighted
• Crosstalk: <-75dB
• Output Impedance: 40Ω balanced and 20Ω unbalanced
• D/A Latency: 29/Fs [0.60ms@48k]

Telephone Interface

• AC-REN: 0.0B
• Dynamic Range: 67dB
• Frequency Response: 300 to 3.3kHz
• THD: <0.3%
• Transhybrid Loss: >48dB with LEC enabled
• LEC Tail Time: 64ms
• TX Level: -10dBm RMS average
• RX Level: +3.2dBm RMS

AEC Processing

• 8 independent algorithms
• AEC Processing Latency (Original 8k Algorithm): 2385/Fs [49.69ms@48k]
• AEC Processing Latency (Full Bandwidth Algorithm): 1609/Fs [33.52ms@48k]
• Tail Length: 200 ms
• Average Convergence Rate: 49 dB/s (Net convergence over multiple FFT bands)

Control Ports

• 12 inputs and 6 outputs
• Control Input Voltage: 0 to 4.5v
• Control Input Impedance: 4.7kΩ to +5V (2-wire mode), >1MΩ (3-wire mode)
• Logic Output Voltage: 0 or +5V unloaded
• Logic Output Impedance: 440Ω
• Logic Output Current: 10mA source, 60mA sink

Watchdog Output

• Phnix/Combicon connector for failsafe control
• Opto Output Current: 14mA maximum
• Withstanding Voltage: 80V maximum (Off)
• Series Impedance: 220Ω (isolated)

Control Network

• Connectors: RJ45 Ethernet connector
• Maximum Cable Length: 100m/300ft on Category 5 cable between device and Ethernet switch

BLU link

• Connectors: 2 x RJ45 Ethernet connectors
• Maximum Cable Length: 100m/300ft on Category 5e cable between devices
• Max. Number of Nodes: 60
• Latency: 11/Fs [0.23ms@48k]
• Pass Through Latency: 4/Fs [0.08ms@48k]

Power and Dimensions

• Mains Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: <55VA
• BTU Rating: <188 BTU/hr
• Operating Temp. Range: 15 (59) to 35 (95) degrees C (degrees F)
• Dims: (H(U) x W x D): 1.75" (45mm)(1U) x 19" (483mm) x 12.5" (318mm)
• Weight: 9.1 lbs / 4.1 kg