BSS BLU-8v2 BLK – HiQnet Programmable Zone Controller, Black

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-8v2 (Black) is a HiQnet-compatible programmable zone controller designed for Soundweb London DSP systems in commercial AV installations. It supports single-zone, four-zone, and eight-zone control modes, making it the right choice for boardrooms, multi-zone conference facilities, and corporate campuses requiring centralized audio management. With Ethernet connectivity, PoE powering, and software configuration via HiQnet London Architect, the BLU-8v2 BLK integrates directly into managed AV infrastructure without additional control processors.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-8v2BLK is a wall-mount zone controller that gives non-technical end users reliable, intuitive control over Soundweb London audio systems. It features two rotary encoders, five push-buttons, and a nine-segment LED meter — all configurable through HiQnet London Architect software. Three operating modes (Single, Button, and Encoder) allow the same hardware to control one, four, or eight independent audio zones, giving integrators a single SKU that scales to the room count. RGB LEDs let system designers assign distinct colors per zone, so operators always know which area they are adjusting. The nine-segment meter normally displays program level for the selected zone but temporarily shifts to show gain during any active adjustment. A configurable sleep mode extinguishes all LEDs after a set idle period, leaving only the dimly lit Locate button active; any control input wakes the device immediately. Lockout protection via a 4-digit PIN prevents unauthorized changes in public or semi-public spaces, and can be set to engage automatically when the device enters sleep state. The BLU-8v2 hardware platform shares its internal architecture with rack-mount Soundweb London devices, giving it significantly enhanced networking capability compared to the original BLU-8. It mounts in a standard 3-gang US wall box and accepts 14–48V DC or PoE power over a single Cat 5 cable run of up to 100 meters.

Key Features

• Three Operating Modes — Single, Button, and Encoder modes enable control of 1, 4, or 8 zones from one device, reducing SKU count on multi-zone projects.
• HiQnet London Architect Integration — Full software configuration via HiQnet London Architect; no hardware adjustments required during commissioning.
• PoE or Direct DC Power — Accepts 14–48V DC or IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet, simplifying cabling in new and retrofit installations.
• RGB LED Zone Indication — Unique colors assignable per zone give operators clear visual confirmation of which zone is active.
• Customizable 9-Segment Meter — Any valid LED pattern can be displayed; defaults to program level with automatic gain-level display during adjustments.
• Sleep Mode — Automatically extinguishes LEDs after a configurable idle period to reduce distraction in low-light environments.
• 4-Digit PIN Lockout — Prevents unauthorized adjustment in public areas; can be linked to sleep mode for automatic activation.
• Enhanced Networking Hardware — Revised internal hardware shares architecture with rack-mount Soundweb London devices for improved network stability.
• Standard 3-Gang Wall Box Mount — Fits standard US 3-gang back box for clean architectural integration.
• Available in Black (BLU-8V2-BLK) — Matte black finish suits modern boardroom and corporate interior design standards.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom audio zone control
• Conference room volume and source selection
• Multi-purpose room DSP control surface
• Corporate campus multi-zone audio management
• All-hands room and town hall audio control
• Training room zone controller
• Government and institutional meeting spaces
• House of worship zone volume management

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Soundweb London devices is the BLU-8v2 compatible with?

A: The BLU-8v2 is compatible with the full Soundweb London family of DSP devices, including the BLU-800, BLU-806, BLU-806DA, BLU-325, BLU-326, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-80, BLU-32, and BLU-16. It is configured and managed through HiQnet London Architect software.

Q: Does the BLU-8v2 require a separate power supply?

A: No. The BLU-8v2 accepts Power over Ethernet (PoE) from a compatible PoE switch or injector, or can be powered via the 2-way screw terminal with 14–48V DC. No dedicated power supply is required in most PoE installations.

Q: How many zones can the BLU-8v2 control?

A: Depending on the configured mode, a single BLU-8v2 can control 1 zone (Single mode), 4 zones (Button mode), or 8 zones (Encoder mode). Mode selection is done entirely in software through HiQnet London Architect.

Q: What wall box does the BLU-8v2 mount in?

A: The BLU-8v2 mounts in a standard US 3-gang wall box (NEMA-style). It does not require a proprietary backbox.

Q: Can the lockout PIN be combined with the sleep feature?

A: Yes. The BLU-8v2 can be configured so that it automatically enters a locked state whenever it transitions into sleep mode. This is useful in public-access spaces where unintended adjustments are a concern.

Q: What is the difference between the BLU-8v2 and the original BLU-8?

A: The BLU-8v2 retains the same physical format and feature set as the original BLU-8 but incorporates a significant hardware revision that aligns its internal architecture with rack-mount Soundweb London devices, providing enhanced networking functionality and improved long-term platform support.

Q: Is the BLU-8v2 available from Creation Networks?

A: Yes. The BSS BLU-8v2 in black (SKU: BSSBLU8V2-BLK-M) is available at creationnetworks.net. Contact us for project pricing or multi-unit orders.