Bose 834317-1110 ControlSpace EX-1280 – 12-Input Open-Architecture DSP Processor

Product Overview

The Bose ControlSpace EX-1280 is a general-purpose, open-architecture digital signal processor designed for scalable commercial sound systems in performance venues, houses of worship, stadiums, hospitality facilities, and multi-purpose spaces. Housed in a single 1RU rack-mount chassis, the EX-1280 provides 12 balanced mic/line analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, an 8-channel AmpLink digital output, and 64x64 Dante audio networking — delivering the I/O capacity and DSP headroom to serve as the central audio processor for medium to large installed AV systems. Configured via Bose ControlSpace Designer software with support for RS-232, Ethernet, AMX, and Crestron control, the EX-1280 integrates cleanly into any commercial AV control architecture. For projects requiring conferencing telephony, the EX-1280C (SKU 772234-1110) adds AEC, VoIP, and PSTN to the same platform.

Product Description

At the core of the EX-1280 is a 32-bit fixed/floating-point DSP running at 456 MHz paired with an ARM Cortex-A8 CPU at 600 MHz, providing 3.6 GIPS and 2.7 GFLOPS for real-time audio processing at 48 kHz/24-bit with 43 seconds of available delay. Audio latency from analog input to analog output is 1.05 ms, making it suitable for live reinforcement applications where latency is a design constraint.

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The 12 balanced mic/line inputs accept signal from +0 dBu through +24 dBu maximum, with software-selectable gain stages from 0 to +64 dB and per-channel +48V phantom power for condenser microphones. Input noise is -118 dB at 44 dB gain. Eight balanced line outputs at +24 dBu maximum and 200Ω impedance cover the full range of power amplifier and distribution inputs. Dynamic range exceeds 115 dB A-weighted, with THD+N below 0.003% at +4 dBu.

The 64x64 Dante network port supports primary and secondary redundant configurations, connecting the EX-1280 to Dante-enabled microphones, amplifiers, mixers, and endpoints across the IP infrastructure. The AmpLink output sends 8 channels of uncompressed, low-latency (<21 μs) audio to compatible Bose Professional amplifiers over a single shielded Cat 5/6 cable. A Micro-B USB port provides stereo in/out for PC audio devices. GPIO (5 in/5 out) enables external control from wall buttons, sensors, fire alarm interfaces, and similar devices. RS-232 (DTE) and RS-485 (CC-16 master) serial ports support Bose wall controllers and third-party control systems with ControlSpace Designer-generated API documentation.

The front panel 256x64 OLED display and rotary encoder allow local network parameter setup and real-time channel metering without a connected PC. Variable-speed fans with side venting provide cooling matched to thermal load, reducing noise in quieter environments.

Available from Creation Networks as SKU 834317-1110 (US-120V).

Key Features

• 12 Balanced Mic/Line Inputs — Per-channel +48V phantom power, software-selectable gain (0–+64 dB), and up to +24 dBu maximum input level; -118 dB equivalent input noise at 44 dB gain.
• 8 Balanced Line Outputs — +24 dBu maximum, 200Ω output impedance; 3.81 mm Euroblock connectors for clean rack wiring.
• 64x64 Dante Networking — Primary/secondary redundant Dante connectivity for integration with any Dante-enabled device including native Dante microphones, amplifiers, and mixers.
• 8-Channel AmpLink Output — Low-latency (<21 μs) uncompressed digital audio to AmpLink-equipped Bose Professional amplifiers over standard shielded Cat 5/6.
• Open-Architecture DSP — Floating-point ControlSpace Designer processing modules: automatic mic mixing, parametric/graphic EQ, AGC, compressors, gates, duckers, delays, crossovers, room combiners, and Bose loudspeaker libraries.
• USB Device Port — Micro-B USB stereo in/out for integration with PC audio playback and recording without additional audio interfaces.
• GPIO (5 in/5 out) — Analog/digital control inputs for switches, potentiometers, sensors, and fire alarm triggers; digital outputs for driving external indicators and relay logic.
• AMX and Crestron Compatible — Available drivers for industry-standard control systems via RS-232 and Ethernet; also supports CC-16 and CC-64 Bose wall controllers.
• Front Panel OLED Display — 256x64 OLED with rotary encoder for IP setup and channel metering without a PC connection on-site.
• Low Audio Latency — 1.05 ms analog-to-analog latency enables use in live reinforcement and time-sensitive installed sound applications.
• 1RU Rack-Mount — Standard 19-inch, 1RU form factor, 44 mm x 483 mm x 282 mm; side-venting variable-speed fans.
• Wide DSP Capacity — 3.6 GIPS / 2.7 GFLOPS processing; 43 seconds of available signal delay for complex distributed system alignment.

Typical Applications

• House of worship
• Multi-purpose room
• Auditorium
• Conference room (PA/reinforcement)
• Training room
• Commercial meeting space
• All-hands room
• Government space

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the EX-1280 and the EX-1280C?

The EX-1280 is a general-purpose DSP platform without telephony features. The EX-1280C adds 12-channel AEC, 2 SIP 2.0 VoIP lines with a built-in web configuration interface, and a PSTN RJ-11 analog phone line for dedicated conferencing use. Both share the same 1RU form factor and DSP architecture.

Does the EX-1280 support Dante audio networking natively?

Yes. The EX-1280 has an onboard 64x64 Dante port supporting primary and secondary redundant configurations. No additional expansion cards are required for Dante connectivity.

How does the EX-1280 interface with Bose Professional amplifiers?

The AmpLink output sends 8 channels of uncompressed, low-latency (<21 μs) digital audio to AmpLink-equipped Bose Professional amplifiers over a single shielded Cat 5/6 cable. This eliminates long analog cable runs from the DSP rack to amplifier locations and maintains digital audio quality end-to-end.

What control systems is the EX-1280 compatible with?

The EX-1280 supports RS-232 and Ethernet-based control, with Bose-provided drivers for AMX and Crestron systems. It also works with Bose CC-16 and CC-64 wall controllers via the RS-485 port. ControlSpace Designer generates a complete serial command API for custom control system programming.

Can the EX-1280 be used for paging and zone control in a multi-zone commercial space?

Yes. ControlSpace Designer's DSP modules include source selectors, duckers, automatic mic mixers, and logic-based routing that support multi-zone paging, background music distribution, and priority routing. GPIO inputs can trigger zone changes and paging events from external systems.

What configuration software does the EX-1280 require?

Bose ControlSpace Designer software version 5.5 or later is required for full system configuration. The front panel OLED display and rotary encoder handle IP address setup and channel monitoring without a PC.

What is the warranty on the Bose ControlSpace EX-1280?

Bose Professional products are covered by Bose's standard commercial warranty. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty terms and authorized service options.