BSS BLU-USB – USB Audio to BLU link Interface

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-USB is a USB audio to BLU link interface that places audio from a PC or Mac directly onto the BLU link digital audio bus, enabling softphone conferencing and computer audio playback within Soundweb London-based systems. Operating as a class-compliant USB audio device, the BLU-USB requires no driver for basic 2x2 plug-and-play operation at 48kHz, and supports up to 8x8 channels at 48kHz or 96kHz with the optional class 2 driver installed. The BLU-USB eliminates USB cable distance limitations by converting the USB audio stream to BLU link at the point of connection, allowing the computer to be located anywhere on the network without long USB runs. Multiple mounting options make it suitable for flexible deployment in conference rooms, huddle rooms, and training spaces.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-USB bridges USB audio from any PC or Mac directly into the BLU link digital audio bus used throughout the HARMAN Soundweb London ecosystem. In its default class 1 configuration, no driver installation is required: the BLU-USB appears as a standard USB audio device on Windows or macOS and provides 2 channels in and 2 channels out at 48kHz for immediate plug-and-play operation. For installations requiring higher channel counts or sample rates, installing the BSS BLU-USB Class 2 driver expands the interface to 8x8 channels of audio at 48kHz or 96kHz, supporting more complex softphone, conferencing, or playback scenarios. By converting USB audio to BLU link at the device itself, the BLU-USB overcomes the practical 5-meter USB cable distance limitation. Audio is transported over standard CAT 5e cabling on the BLU link bus, allowing the connected computer to remain at the workstation or presenter position while audio is distributed across the system. This is particularly valuable in conference rooms, training rooms, and all-hands spaces where laptop presenters or softphone users need clean integration with a fixed DSP infrastructure. The BLU-USB supports multiple mounting options so it can be deployed on a desk, under a table, or at a lectern with minimal cable management complexity. Because the audio conversion happens at the BLU-USB device rather than at the DSP chassis, the signal enters the BLU link network with full digital integrity and is immediately available to any BLU link-enabled Soundweb London processor or amplifier on the network. Integration with HiQnet London Architect allows signal routing and processing to be configured within the broader Soundweb London system design.

Key Features

• Class 1 Plug and Play — Operates as a 2x2 USB audio device at 48kHz with no driver required, compatible with Windows and macOS out of the box.
• Class 2 Driver Support — With the optional BSS class 2 driver installed, expands to 8x8 channels at 48kHz or 96kHz for advanced conferencing and playback applications.
• Direct BLU link Conversion — Converts USB audio directly to the BLU link digital audio bus, bypassing analog conversion and preserving digital signal integrity.
• Eliminates USB Distance Limits — Converts audio to BLU link at the source, removing the 5-meter USB cable distance constraint and allowing flexible computer placement.
• Multiple Mounting Options — Supports desk, under-table, and other mounting configurations to suit various room and furniture types.
• Compatible with Soundweb London Ecosystem — Integrates directly with BSS Soundweb London processors and other BLU link-enabled devices.
• Softphone and Conferencing Ready — Designed for use with softphone applications on PC or Mac, simplifying laptop-based conferencing integration into installed DSP systems.

Typical Applications

• Conference room integrating PC-based softphone audio into a Soundweb London conferencing DSP system
• Huddle room with laptop presenter requiring clean audio integration with BLU link-connected room DSP
• Training room where instructor computer audio feeds directly into the installed Soundweb London system
• All-hands room or boardroom with Mac or PC audio distribution through BLU link network
• Multi-purpose room requiring flexible computer audio input without long USB cable runs

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the BSS BLU-USB require a driver to operate?

A: No driver is required for basic operation. In class 1 mode, the BLU-USB is plug-and-play on Windows and macOS, providing 2x2 channels at 48kHz. For 8x8 channels and 96kHz sample rate support, the optional BSS BLU-USB Class 2 driver must be installed.

Q: How does the BLU-USB eliminate USB distance limitations?

A: The BLU-USB converts USB audio to BLU link at the point of USB connection. Once on the BLU link bus, audio travels over CAT 5e cabling up to 100 meters between BLU link devices, freeing the connected computer from being physically close to the DSP chassis.

Q: Can the BLU-USB be used for softphone conferencing?

A: Yes. The BLU-USB is specifically designed to integrate PC or Mac softphone audio into Soundweb London conferencing systems, providing bidirectional audio between the computer's USB port and the BLU link network.

Q: What is the maximum channel count available?

A: With the class 2 driver installed, the BLU-USB supports 8 channels in and 8 channels out. Without the driver, it operates as a 2x2 device.

Q: Is the BLU-USB compatible with Mac as well as Windows?

A: Yes. In class 1 mode it is compatible with both Windows and macOS without a driver. Class 2 driver availability for macOS should be confirmed with BSS Audio technical support.

Q: Where can I purchase the BSS BLU-USB?

A: The BLU-USB (SKU: BSSBLU-USB-M-US) is available at creationnetworks.net. The class 2 driver can be downloaded from the BSS Audio support portal.