BSS Audio BLU-120 - EN 54-16 Compliant Networked I/O Expander with BLU Link Chassis

The BSS Audio BLU-120 is an advanced networked I/O expander designed to provide flexible and scalable audio solutions in both standard and life safety applications. As part of the Soundweb London family, the BLU-120 offers a configurable input/output architecture combined with a high bandwidth, fault-tolerant digital audio bus, making it a versatile choice for complex audio installations. The BLU-120 is EN 54-16 compliant, ensuring it meets stringent requirements for life safety applications, such as emergency voice evacuation systems. This compliance, combined with its robust feature set, makes the BLU-120 an ideal choice for installations where reliability and safety are paramount.

At the heart of the BLU-120 are its four card slots, which facilitate various device I/O configurations. Each slot can accommodate any of six available I/O cards, including Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output, AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid cards. Each card supports four channels, allowing the BLU-120 to be customized to suit the specific needs of the installation. Analog Input Cards provide software-configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel, along with software-selectable phantom power. Digital Input and Output Cards support AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats, offering a variety of clocking and syncing options to ensure seamless integration with other digital audio equipment.

The BLU-120 features a 256-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus that uses standard Category 5e cabling, enabling distances of up to 100 meters between compatible devices. For larger installations, fiber optic media converters can be used to extend this distance to over 40 kilometers, providing exceptional flexibility for system design. The BLU-120 is fully compatible with the entire Soundweb London family, allowing it to be integrated into large-scale audio networks with ease.

Configuration and control of the BLU-120 are managed through HiQnet Audio Architect, which offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. The software provides access to a rich palette of logic objects, enabling the creation of sophisticated audio processing and control schemes. The front panel of the BLU-120 features clear LED indicators for phantom power, sync, signal present, and clip status, as well as an informative display that shows device-specific information such as Device Name, Device Type, Firmware Version, Time, IP Address, and Subnet Mask. The bi-directional locate function allows for easy identification of devices both from and within HiQnet Audio Architect, streamlining system management.

The BLU-120 also includes 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs, allowing integration with GPIO-compatible devices for expanded control and automation options. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, included with the HiQnet Audio Architect installation, provides comprehensive documentation for integrating Soundweb London systems with third-party control systems, ensuring seamless interoperability across diverse environments.

Features

• EN 54-16 compliant for life safety applications.
• Four input/output card slots for customizable configurations with six available I/O card types.
• Configurable inputs and outputs, including analog, digital (AES/EBU, S/PDIF), AEC, and telephone hybrid options.
• 256-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus using Category 5e cabling with a distance of up to 100 meters between devices.
• Expandable over 40 kilometers with fiber optic media converters.
• Clear front panel LED indicators and informative display for easy monitoring and management.
• Bi-directional locate functionality for simple device identification within HiQnet Audio Architect.
• 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO integration with third-party devices.
• Configuration, control, and monitoring through HiQnet Audio Architect with a rich palette of logic objects.
• Soundweb London Interface Kit for third-party control system integration.

Specifications

Front Panel Led Indicators

• Per Input: Signal Present, CLIP, SYNC/48V, I/O card type (IN, OUT, DIG, AEC)
• Other: LCD Display, Data Activity

Analog Inputs

• Up to 16 electronically balanced on Phnix Combicon removable screw connectors
• Mic/Line Inputs: Nominal gain 0dB, electronically switchable up to +48dB,in +6dB steps
• Input Impedance: 3.5kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: +20dBu with 0dB input gain,+8dBu with 12dB gain
• CMRR: >75dB at 1KHz
• Input Noise (E.I.N.): <-128dBu typical with 150Ω source
• Phantom Power: 48V nominal, selectable per input
• A/D Latency: 38.7/Fs

Digital Inputs

• Up to 16 AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Input Impedance: 110 ohm (AES/EBU), 75 ohm (S/PDIF)
• Sample Rate: 48kHz or 96kHz
• Sample Rate Conversion: 8kHz-96kHz
• THD+N: <-140dB
• Latency: 3/Fso + (56.581/Fsi) + (55.658/Fso)

Analog Outputs

• Up to 16 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
• D/A Latency: 28/Fs

Digital Outputs

• Up to 16 AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Phnix/Combicon removable screw connectors
• Output Impedance: 110 ohm (AES/EBU), 75 ohm (S/PDIF)
• Sample Rate: 48kHz or 96kHz
• Sample Rate Conversion: 8kHz-96kHz
• THD+N: <-140dB
• Latency: 3/Fso + (56.581/Fsi) + (55.658/Fso)

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: 440Ωs
• 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

Digital Audio Bus

• Connectors: 2 x RJ45 Ethernet connectors
• Maximum Cable Length: 100m/300ft on Category 5e cable between devices
• Maximum Number of Nodes: 60
• Latency Per Node: 4(+/-1)Fs

Power and Dimensions

• Mains Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: <35VA
• BTU Rating: <188 BTU/hr
• Operating Temperature Range: 0° to 45° C (32° to 113° F)
• Dimensions (H(U) x W x D): 1.75" (1U) x 19" x 12.5" (45mm x 483mm x 318mm)
• Weight: 9 lbs / 4.1 kgs (estimated)