BSS BLU-BOB2 – 8-Channel Analog Break-Out Box Output Expander

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-BOB2 is an 8-channel analog audio output expander for the Soundweb London BLU link digital audio bus, housed in a full 19-inch 1RU rack-mount chassis. The BLU-BOB2 retrieves any 8-channel block from the 256-channel BLU link bus and converts it to balanced analog line level outputs, making it the standard choice for distributing audio to amplifiers, local zone speakers, or other analog destinations in commercial AV installations. It is the rack-friendly variant of the BLU-BOB output expander family and is directly interchangeable in function with the half-rack BLU-BOB1.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-BOB2 “break-out box” pulls 8 channels of audio from the Soundweb London BLU link digital audio bus and delivers them as balanced analog line-level signals at the rear panel. The BLU link bus carries 256 channels at low latency over standard Cat 5e cabling, with a maximum run of 100m between compatible devices. For extended runs in large-venue or campus deployments, the BSS Audio MC-1 fiber optic media converter supports distances beyond 10km using single-mode fiber. Six rear-panel DIP switches assign the BLU-BOB2 to any consecutive 8-channel block within the 256-channel bus, providing flexible channel mapping without software. Output channel assignments are configured by DIP switch only; the BLU-BOB2 is not configured by HiQnet Audio Architect. All 8 analog line-level outputs use the same terminal block connectors as the full Soundweb London product family, ensuring installation consistency. Signal present and power status are displayed by front panel LED indicators. The BLU-BOB2’s 19-inch 1RU form factor includes standard rack-mounting ears for direct installation in equipment racks, making it the preferred option for systems infrastructure rooms, rack-based audio systems, and installations where rack density matters. Front panel indication and rear panel connections are identical to the half-rack BLU-BOB1, so both models serve the same function in different physical form factors. The unit is powered by the included 12V DC adapter with terminal block connection.

Key Features

• 8 Analog Line-Level Outputs — Terminal block connectors compatible with the full Soundweb London product family.
• 19-Inch 1RU Rack-Mount Chassis — Includes mounting ears for direct installation in standard equipment racks.
• 256-Channel BLU link Bus — Low latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus using standard Cat 5e cabling up to 100m per segment.
• DIP Switch Channel Selection — Six rear-panel DIP switches assign any consecutive 8-channel block from the 256-channel bus — no software required.
• No HiQnet Configuration Required — The BLU-BOB2 is fully self-contained and does not require HiQnet Audio Architect for setup.
• Front Panel LED Indication — Signal present and power status clearly visible on the front panel.
• Fiber Extension Compatible — BSS Audio MC-1 media converter extends BLU link runs to over 10km via single-mode fiber.
• 12V DC Powered — Included power adapter with terminal block connection.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Conference room
• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Multi-purpose room
• Commercial meeting space
• All-hands room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the BLU-BOB2 and the BLU-BOB1?

A: Both models provide identical 8-channel analog output functionality and the same front and rear panel connections. The BLU-BOB2 is a full 19-inch 1RU rack-mount unit; the BLU-BOB1 is a half-rack unit for desk or wall mounting. Choose the BLU-BOB2 for rack-based system rooms and the BLU-BOB1 for distributed, surface-mount deployments.

Q: Does the BLU-BOB2 require HiQnet Audio Architect?

A: No. The BLU-BOB2 is configured entirely by the rear-panel DIP switches. It does not connect to or appear in HiQnet Audio Architect.

Q: How are output channels assigned on the BLU-BOB2?

A: Six DIP switches on the rear panel select any consecutive 8-channel block from the 256 available BLU link channels. The switch positions directly map to the channel range, and the guide is printed in the install documentation.

Q: How far can the BLU-BOB2 be placed from the Soundweb London processor?

A: Using standard Cat 5e cabling, BLU link supports up to 100m between devices. With the optional BSS Audio MC-1 fiber optic media converter and single-mode fiber, runs extend beyond 10km.

Q: Can multiple BLU-BOB2 units be used in a single system?

A: Yes. Multiple BLU-BOB2 units can be assigned to different 8-channel blocks across the 256-channel BLU link bus, providing up to 32 blocks of 8 outputs across a system.

Q: What type of connectors does the BLU-BOB2 use?

A: All audio and power connections use terminal block connectors, consistent with all other Soundweb London family devices.

Q: Where can I purchase the BLU-BOB2 and get installation support?

A: The BLU-BOB2 is available from Creation Networks, an authorized commercial AV reseller. Contact us for pre-sales consultation and system design assistance.