BSS BLU-326DA – Configurable I/O Expander with Dante and BLU link

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-326DA (formerly BLU-326) is a rack-mount I/O expander for the Soundweb London platform, designed for commercial AV installations that require configurable analog and digital I/O alongside Dante / AES67 network audio. With four card slots supporting up to 16 channels of analog input, analog output, digital input, or digital output, the BLU-326DA adapts to the specific channel count and signal type of any installation. It is EN 54-16 certified for life safety applications, making it a qualified choice for emergency voice alarm systems in commercial and government facilities. Configuration, control, and monitoring are handled entirely through HiQnet Audio Architect software.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-326DA is a 1U rack-mount Soundweb London chassis that functions as a network I/O expander, extending the analog and digital channel count of any BLU link system. Its four card slots each accept one of six available I/O card types—Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output, AEC Input, or Telephone Hybrid—providing up to 16 channels of the selected type per fully loaded device. Analog Input cards offer software-configurable gain in 6 dB steps up to +48 dB per channel, with software-selectable 48V phantom power per channel for condenser microphone connections. Digital Input and Output cards handle AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio with flexible clocking and sync options suited to broadcast and installed AV environments.

Dante / AES67 audio is implemented with primary and secondary Ethernet ports for fault tolerance, and a separate control Ethernet port ensures management traffic does not compete with audio transport. The BLU-326DA supports Dante 4.0 firmware and integrates with Dante Domain Manager for enterprise-scale Dante network administration. The BLU link digital audio bus carries 256 channels over standard Cat 5e cable at distances up to 100 m per link; BSS MC-1 fiber optic media converters extend that reach to over 40 km, enabling distributed installations across large campuses or multi-building facilities.

Twelve control inputs and six logic outputs provide GPIO connectivity for integration with room control systems, occupancy sensors, and external switching equipment. The front panel displays device name, IP address, firmware version, and real-time signal status LEDs for phantom power, sync, signal present, and clip per channel—all readable without connecting a laptop. Bi-directional locate functionality simplifies commissioning in multi-device racks. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, included with HiQnet Audio Architect, documents the protocol for third-party control system integration via AMX, Crestron, and similar platforms. Available from Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net.

Key Features

• Four Configurable I/O Card Slots — Accept any combination of analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, AEC input, or telephone hybrid cards for application-specific I/O builds.
• Up to 16 Channels per Type — Fully populated with identical cards, the unit delivers up to 16 analog inputs, 16 analog outputs, 16 digital inputs, or 16 digital outputs.
• Dante / AES67 with Dante Domain Manager Support — Primary and secondary Dante ports for fault-tolerant network audio; Dante 4.0 firmware enables Dante Domain Manager integration for managed enterprise networks.
• AES67 Compatibility — Interoperates with AES67-compliant devices from other manufacturers on shared IP audio networks.
• 256-Channel BLU link Bus — Low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus over Cat 5e; up to 100 m per segment, extendable to 40+ km with fiber media converters.
• Software-Configurable Phantom Power — Per-channel 48V phantom power selectable in HiQnet Audio Architect on analog and AEC input cards.
• EN 54-16 Life Safety Certification — Certified for use in voice alarm and emergency systems per EN 54-16, satisfying life safety compliance requirements in commercial and government projects.
• 12 Control Inputs / 6 Logic Outputs — GPIO terminals for integration with contact closures, resistor ladders, and voltage-controlled devices including third-party control systems.
• Front Panel LCD and LED Indication — Displays device name, IP address, and firmware version; per-channel LEDs show phantom, sync, signal present, and clip without PC access.
• HiQnet Audio Architect Configuration — Drag-and-drop design environment with a rich palette of processing and logic objects; bi-directional locate simplifies field commissioning.
• RS-232 Serial Port — Enables direct serial control and integration with legacy or serial-native control systems.
• Up to 4 Telephone Hybrid Connections — Optional telephone hybrid cards support POTS conferencing integration within the same chassis.

Typical Applications

• Conference room audio infrastructure requiring configurable mic/line inputs and network audio distribution
• Boardroom AV systems integrating Dante-networked audio with third-party control
• Government space audio installations requiring EN 54-16 life safety compliance
• Auditorium distributed audio systems using BLU link for long-distance channel transport
• Multi-purpose room AV systems with mixed analog and AES/EBU digital sources
• Training room installations with AEC input cards for echo-cancellation conferencing
• House of worship audio networks combining BLU link and Dante for distributed zone coverage

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What I/O cards are compatible with the BLU-326DA?

A: The BLU-326DA accepts six card types from the Soundweb London I/O card family: Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), Digital Output (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid. Each card provides four channels, and all four slots can be populated with different card types simultaneously.

Q: How does the BLU-326DA integrate into an existing Dante network?

A: The BLU-326DA connects to a Dante network via its primary Dante Ethernet port. A secondary Dante port provides redundant network connectivity. The device supports Dante 4.0 firmware, enabling enrollment in Dante Domain Manager for centralized credential management and routing control in larger enterprise networks.

Q: Can the BLU-326DA be used in life safety voice alarm installations?

A: Yes. The BLU-326DA is certified to EN 54-16, the European standard for voice alarm control and indicating equipment. This certification makes it suitable for installation in emergency voice alarm systems where regulatory compliance is required.

Q: What is the maximum BLU link distance between devices?

A: BLU link operates over standard Cat 5e cable with a maximum segment length of 100 m between devices. Using BSS MC-1 fiber optic media converters, the distance can be extended to over 40 km, enabling distributed installations across large buildings or multi-site campuses.

Q: How is the BLU-326DA configured and controlled?

A: Configuration is performed in HiQnet Audio Architect, which provides a drag-and-drop design environment and a library of processing and logic objects. The device can also be controlled via RS-232 or integrated with third-party control systems using the Soundweb London Interface Kit protocol documentation included with Audio Architect.

Q: What warranty does the BSS BLU-326DA carry?

A: BSS Audio products purchased through authorized dealers include the manufacturer's standard warranty. Contact Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net for warranty registration and support options specific to your installation.

Q: Is the BLU-326DA compatible with other Soundweb London devices on the same BLU link bus?

A: Yes. The BLU-326DA participates in the full 256-channel BLU link bus and interoperates with all Soundweb London BLU link devices including the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-100, BLU-BIB, and BLU-BOB. Up to 60 BLU link-compatible devices can share channels on a single bus.