Bose ControlSpace EX-8ML – 8-Channel Mic/GPIO Dante Endpoint

Product Overview

The Bose ControlSpace EX-8ML is an 8-channel microphone/line input Dante endpoint designed for under-table or rack deployment in commercial conference rooms and boardrooms. It connects up to eight analog microphones to a ControlSpace EX networked audio system over a single Cat 5/6 cable carrying both PoE+ power and Dante audio, eliminating the need for separate audio cabling runs to the table or ceiling. The EX-8ML is optimized for use with the EX-1280C conferencing processor and integrates directly into ControlSpace Designer for auto-discovery, auto-routing, and microphone logic control without requiring external control system programming. At $1,838, it is a cost-effective solution for adding distributed microphone inputs to Dante-networked conference room AV systems.

Product Description

Each of the eight microphone/line inputs is accessed via a 7-pin 3.81 mm Euroblock connector with individually software-selectable +48V phantom power. Gain is selectable in 15 dB steps (0, +15, +30, +45 dB) per channel through ControlSpace Designer, and equivalent input noise at maximum gain measures –115 dBu — suitable for low-output conference microphones. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB) with system THD below 0.01% at any gain setting.

In addition to audio, each channel provides 2 logic outputs (GPO) and 1 logic input (GPI) for connecting to microphone LED mute indicators and pushbutton controls. An internal +12 VDC supply at 400 mA provides localized power for microphone LED rings, removing the need for an external power supply for most conference microphone installations. The daisy-chain architecture allows multiple EX endpoints to share a single network connection, reducing switch port consumption in larger installations.

The EX-8ML is housed in a low-profile aluminum enclosure measuring 216 × 206 × 27 mm, with rotatable mounting tabs that support under-table, wall, or rack mounting. An optional magnetic mounting plate simplifies single-handed installation on metal conference tables. The front-panel Gigabit network port supports PoE+ (802.3at, Class 0), while the rear panel carries a second Dante/network connector for daisy-chaining additional endpoints and a 12V DC power output for the next device in the chain. Available from Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 8 Mic/Line Inputs — Eight balanced analog inputs via 7-pin Euroblock connectors with individually selectable +48V phantom power.
• PoE+ Single-Cable Connectivity — One Cat 5/6 cable delivers both Dante audio and PoE+ power to the endpoint, simplifying cable routing to the conference table.
• 8 GPI / 16 GPO — Per-channel GPIO for microphone LED status and pushbutton mute control, configurable in ControlSpace Designer without external control programming.
• Internal +12 VDC Supply — 400 mA output powers microphone LED rings locally, eliminating separate power supply runs in most installations.
• Daisy-Chain Architecture — Rear Dante/network port allows cascading multiple EX endpoints, reducing switch port requirements in multi-endpoint rooms.
• Dante Brooklyn II X8 — 8-channel Dante transmitter at 48 kHz / 24-bit with auto-discovery and auto-routing in ControlSpace Designer.
• Selectable Gain Stages — 0 / +15 / +30 / +45 dB gain selectable per channel; –115 dBu EIN at +45 dB gain.
• Low-Profile Aluminum Enclosure — 216 × 206 × 27 mm with rotatable mounting tabs and optional magnetic mounting plate for under-table installation.
• ControlSpace Designer Integration — Auto-discovery, drag-and-drop programming, and simplified logic preset configuration in ControlSpace Designer v5.0 or later.
• Flexible Power Options — PoE+ (802.3at Class 0) or external +12 VDC barrel connector; optional 60 W power supply for extended endpoint daisy-chain configurations.

Typical Applications

• Conference room under-table microphone connectivity
• Boardroom distributed microphone input expansion
• Large conference room multi-microphone input systems
• Distance learning microphone network endpoints
• Auditorium and multi-purpose room AV infrastructure
• Government space conferencing installations

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EX-8ML work with any Dante-enabled processor, or only Bose ControlSpace?

The EX-8ML appears as a standard 8-channel Dante transmitter on the network and can technically route audio to any Dante-enabled device via Dante Controller. However, the GPIO logic functions, auto-routing, and simplified microphone mute/LED configuration are only available when used with ControlSpace Designer and an EX-1280C or compatible ControlSpace EX processor.

How many EX-8ML units can be daisy-chained?

Multiple EX-8ML units can be daisy-chained using the rear Dante/network port and the daisy-chainable power output. The total number depends on available PoE+ budget from the upstream switch port and Dante channel availability. For high endpoint counts, the optional 60 W external power supply (800446-1110) is recommended.

Can the EX-8ML be mounted under a conference table without visible cables?

Yes. The low-profile 27 mm enclosure with rotatable mounting tabs and optional magnetic mounting plate (sold separately) is designed for under-table installation. A single Cat 5/6 cable from a PoE+ switch handles all power and audio, minimizing visible cable runs.

Is a separate power supply required?

Not in most single-endpoint installations. The EX-8ML draws power from a PoE+ (802.3at) switch port. For daisy-chain configurations with multiple endpoints or heavy phantom power usage, the optional 60 W power supply (800446-1110) provides the additional power budget.

What microphone types are compatible?

The EX-8ML accepts any balanced analog microphone, including gooseneck, boundary, and ceiling microphones. Condenser microphones requiring +48V phantom power are supported per-channel. The unit is not compatible with digital or USB microphones.

What warranty does this product carry?

Bose Professional commercial products carry a standard limited warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and commercial support options.