BSS Audio BLU-326 - EN 54-16 Compliant I/O Expander with BLU Link and Dante

The BSS Audio BLU-326 is a highly versatile and EN 54-16 compliant I/O expander designed to integrate seamlessly into complex audio networks. It offers configurable inputs and outputs (I/O), support for Dante/AES67 audio networking, and a high-bandwidth, fault-tolerant digital audio bus. This device is fully configurable through the HiQnet Audio Architect software, allowing users to customize their setup using a wide range of logic objects with a straightforward "drag and drop" interface.

The BLU-326 features primary and secondary Dante/AES67 ports, ensuring fault tolerance and allowing for a separate Ethernet control port. It also supports Dante Domain Manager with its Dante 4.0 firmware, making it suitable for integration into sophisticated audio networks. The processor's 256-channel digital audio bus, which uses standard Category 5e cabling, allows for a distance of up to 100 meters between compatible devices, and this distance can be extended to over 40 kilometers using fiber optic media converters.

The BLU-326 is equipped with four card slots that can accommodate various I/O cards, including analog inputs, analog outputs, digital inputs, and digital outputs. Each card supports four channels, allowing for a wide variety of device configurations. The analog input cards feature software-configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel, with selectable phantom power, while the digital input and output cards handle AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio with multiple clocking and syncing options. Clear front panel LED indicators provide easy access to essential information, including Phantom Power, Sync, Signal Present, and Clip status, without requiring a PC connection. The front panel display also offers device-specific information such as Device Name, Device Type, Firmware Version, IP Address, and more.

Additionally, the BLU-326 includes 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs, enabling integration with GPIO-compatible devices. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, which provides comprehensive documentation for third-party control system integration, is included with the installation of HiQnet Audio Architect. This ensures that the BLU-326 can be seamlessly integrated into broader control systems. Like all members of the Soundweb London family, the BLU-326 provides the essential building blocks for creating a perfectly tailored audio system solution, with the added assurance of EN 54-16 compliance for life safety applications.

Features

• EN 54-16 compliant I/O expander for life safety applications.
• Configurable inputs and outputs with four card slots supporting various I/O cards.
• 256-channel, low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus with standard Category 5e cabling.
• Primary and secondary Dante/AES67 ports for fault-tolerant audio networking.
• Supports Dante Domain Manager with Dante 4.0 firmware for advanced network integration.
• Analog input cards with software-configurable gain and phantom power per channel.
• Digital input/output cards supporting AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio with clocking options.
• Clear front panel LED indicators for Phantom Power, Sync, Signal Present, and Clip.
• Informative front panel display for device-specific information.
• 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO integration.
• Soundweb London Interface Kit included for third-party control system integration.
• Fully configurable through HiQnet Audio Architect with a rich palette of logic objects.
• Compatible with other Soundweb London family devices for scalable system solutions.

Specifications

General

• Chassis: 19" (single rack space)
• Custom I/O (card based): Yes
• Analog Inputs: up to 16
• Digital Inputs: up to 16
• AEC Inputs: up to 16
• Analog Outputs: up to 16
• Digital Outputs: up to 16
• Telephone Connection: up to 4
• Max Inputs/Outputs: 16
• Config: Software
• LCD Display: Yes
• Logic Processing: Yes
• RS-232: Yes
• GPIO: Yes
• Signal Processing (MHz): No
• Cobranet: No
• AVB: No
• Dante: Yes
• SWL Digital Audio Bus: 256