BSS EC-8BV-BLK – Ethernet Wall Controller, 8 Buttons & Volume

Product Overview

The BSS EC-8BV-BLK is a commercial-grade Soundweb Contrio Ethernet wall controller designed for Harman HiQnet systems. This black US Decora dual-gang wall controller provides operators with intuitive hands-on control of volume and eight programmable buttons for source selection, muting, and preset recall within BSS Audio Soundweb London networks. The EC-8BV-BLK is purpose-built for boardrooms, conference rooms, and multi-purpose commercial spaces requiring reliable PoE-powered, network-integrated user control. Its drag-and-drop configuration in HiQnet Audio Architect makes it a practical choice for AV integrators deploying Soundweb London HiQnet wall controllers in dark-finish interiors.

Product Description

The BSS EC-8BV-BLK Soundweb Contrio Ethernet wall controller delivers full-featured user control in a sleek black dual-gang US Decora form factor, suited to modern boardroom and commercial AV installations. As part of the Soundweb Contrio family, it integrates directly with BSS Audio Soundweb London processors and other HiQnet-compatible devices, including Crown DCi series amplifiers, over a standard Ethernet connection. A single Ethernet port handles configuration, control, monitoring, and PoE power delivery, eliminating the need for a separate power supply and simplifying installation in commercial AV environments. The controller features one push/rotary encoder for continuous volume control and binary mute toggling, one multicolor encoder ring capable of displaying an audio level meter or volume position feedback, eight multicolor programmable buttons for source selection, muting, or preset recall, and two 64x128 pixel LCD screens for custom label display. All backlit elements support eight selectable colors with adjustable intensity, allowing integrators to assign color-coded feedback states that stand out against the black faceplate. The sleep function turns off all LEDs after a user-defined idle period, keeping visual distractions to a minimum in dimly lit meeting environments. Security is managed via remote lock/unlock from external control systems or local four-digit PIN entry on the buttons. Multiple modes of operation allow the encoder and certain buttons to be dynamically reassigned to different parameters depending on active button selections. The EC-8BV is also available in white finish (SKU: BSSEC8BV-WHT-M) for light-colored wall installations. Configure and order the BSS EC-8BV-BLK at creationnetworks.net.

Key Features

• Ethernet Wall Controller — Connects to HiQnet systems over standard Ethernet for control, monitoring, and PoE power on a single cable.
• Compatible with Soundweb London & Crown DCi — Works with BSS Audio Soundweb London processors and Crown DCi amplifiers within HiQnet ecosystems.
• 1 Programmable Push/Rotary Encoder — Rotate for continuous volume control; press for mute or preset recall.
• 1 Multicolor Encoder Ring — Displays audio level meter or volume/binary parameter feedback in up to eight selectable colors.
• 8 Programmable Multicolor Buttons — Assign to mute, source selection, or preset recall with per-button color coding and adjustable intensity.
• 2 Programmable 64x128 Pixel LCD Screens — Display custom text labels for parameter names, sources, or room information.
• PoE Powered — Draws power directly from the Ethernet network switch; no external power supply required.
• Dual-Gang US Decora Form Factor — Fits standard dual-gang electrical boxes; black finish suits dark-finish commercial interiors.
• HiQnet Audio Architect Configuration — Drag-and-drop programming interface reduces commissioning time for integrators.
• Sleep Function — Turns off all LEDs after a configurable idle period to minimize visual distraction in low-light rooms.
• Security: Remote Lock/Unlock & PIN Entry — Lock the controller remotely via control systems or unlock locally with a four-digit PIN.
• Multiple Modes of Operation — Dynamically reassign the encoder and buttons to different parameters based on active selections.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom audio volume and source control
• Conference room HiQnet wall controller deployment
• Multi-purpose room preset recall and mute management
• Training room AV system user interface
• All-hands room source selection panel
• Commercial meeting space Soundweb London control point

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What network protocol does the BSS EC-8BV-BLK use?

A: The EC-8BV-BLK uses Harman HiQnet protocol over standard Ethernet, allowing it to communicate with BSS Audio Soundweb London processors, Crown DCi amplifiers, and other HiQnet-compatible devices on the same network.

Q: Does the EC-8BV-BLK require a separate power supply?

A: No. The EC-8BV-BLK is powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) from a compatible network switch or PoE injector, so no external power supply or additional wiring is needed at the wall plate.

Q: How is the EC-8BV-BLK programmed?

A: Programming is performed using HiQnet Audio Architect software via drag-and-drop operations. The integrator assigns functions—such as volume control, mute, source selection, or preset recall—to each button and encoder within the software.

Q: Can the EC-8BV-BLK be locked to prevent unauthorized changes?

A: Yes. The controller supports remote lock/unlock commands from external control systems and local unlocking via a four-digit PIN entered on the eight buttons.

Q: What does the sleep function do?

A: After a configurable period of inactivity, the EC-8BV-BLK turns off all button, encoder ring, and LCD backlights. Any user interaction immediately wakes the controller, restoring all illumination.

Q: How many colors can the buttons and encoder ring display?

A: All backlit elements support eight different colors with adjustable intensity, making color-coded feedback states particularly visible against the black faceplate.

Q: What is the difference between the EC-8BV and the EC-4BV?

A: The EC-8BV includes eight programmable buttons and two LCD screens in a dual-gang form factor, while the EC-4BV has four buttons and one LCD screen in a single-gang form factor. Both include a push/rotary encoder and multicolor encoder ring.

Q: Is the black finish (BLK) functionally identical to the white (WHT) version?

A: Yes. The EC-8BV-BLK and EC-8BV-WHT are identical in features and specifications; the only difference is the faceplate color. Choose black for dark-finish interiors or modern boardroom aesthetics.