BSS BLU-101 – Conferencing Processor with 12-Channel AEC

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-101 is a fixed-I/O Soundweb London conferencing processor built for commercial AV installations where acoustic echo cancellation across a large number of microphone inputs is the primary requirement. Its fixed configuration of 12 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs — combined with 12 independent AEC algorithms, each with dedicated Automatic Gain Control and Noise Cancellation — makes it the highest-AEC-channel-count device in the BLU-100 series and a natural fit for large conference rooms, boardrooms, and multi-zone meeting spaces. The BLU-101 connects to the Soundweb London ecosystem via its 48-channel BLU link digital audio bus, integrates with third-party control systems via GPIO and RS-232, and is configured entirely within HiQnet Audio Architect. It does not include a built-in telephone interface, making it purpose-focused for microphone-heavy rooms that handle dial-in via a separate device or UC platform.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-101 is a single-rack-space Soundweb London conferencing processor designed for installations that need full microphone coverage with comprehensive acoustic echo cancellation in a single unit. Twelve analog inputs with 48V phantom power per channel accommodate ceiling microphone arrays, boundary microphones, or gooseneck microphone systems in medium-to-large conference rooms and boardrooms. Eight analog outputs provide routing flexibility for driving zone amplifiers, ceiling speakers, near-end monitoring systems, and recording feeds. The 12 independent AEC algorithms — one per potential microphone input — are the defining feature of the BLU-101. Each algorithm receives its own reference signal, allowing the unit to simultaneously cancel loudspeaker audio from the microphone signal path across 12 independent microphone zones or inputs. This architecture enables a single BLU-101 to serve multiple rooms or provide per-microphone echo cancellation in larger spaces. Per-algorithm Automatic Gain Control (AGC) maintains microphone send level consistency without manual intervention, compensating for talkers at varying distances from the microphone. Per-algorithm Noise Cancellation (NC) removes steady-state noise sources — HVAC systems, projector cooling fans, laptop exhaust, and similar constant-spectrum noise — from the signal before it reaches the far end or recording output. Analog input gain is software-configurable in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel, and 48V phantom power is selectable per channel within HiQnet Audio Architect. The BLU-101’s 48-channel BLU link digital audio bus connects to the Soundweb London family over standard Cat5e cable at up to 100m per segment; fiber media converters extend this to over 40km. When integrated with BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-BIB, or BLU-BOB devices, the BLU-101’s 48 channels map to channels 1–48 of the 256-channel bus, making combined large-system configurations straightforward. Front panel LEDs indicate phantom power, signal present, and clip status per channel without requiring a PC. A bi-directional locate function allows identification from within HiQnet Audio Architect or from the device panel. Twelve GPIO control inputs and 6 logic outputs support integration with room control systems, and the Soundweb London Interface Kit provides documentation for AMX, Crestron, and RS-232 control platforms. The BLU-101 does not include a built-in telephone interface; installations requiring POTS dial-in should consider the BLU-102, while VoIP requirements are addressed by the BLU-103.

Key Features

• 12 Analog Inputs with 48V Phantom Power — Per-channel software-configurable gain in 6dB steps to +48dB; per-channel phantom power for condenser microphones.
• 8 Analog Outputs — Fixed output configuration for driving zone amplifiers, near-field monitors, and recording feeds in conference room deployments.
• 12 Independent AEC Algorithms — Each algorithm has a dedicated reference signal, allowing simultaneous echo cancellation across 12 microphone zones or inputs from a single unit.
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC) — Per-algorithm AGC maintains consistent microphone send levels automatically, adapting to varying talker distances and room acoustics.
• Noise Cancellation (NC) — Per-algorithm NC removes steady-state background noise from each microphone signal before it reaches the far end or recording output.
• 48-Channel BLU link Digital Audio Bus — Low-latency, fault-tolerant audio bus over Cat5e; maps to channels 1–48 of the Soundweb London 256-channel bus for compatibility with larger system devices.
• GPIO Integration — 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for direct connection to room control processors, wall panel controllers, and relay devices.
• HiQnet Audio Architect Configuration — Fully software-defined processing configuration with a comprehensive library of DSP, routing, mixing, and logic objects. No hardware jumpers required.
• AEC from Local Inputs or BLU link Bus — AEC algorithms process audio from local analog inputs or audio received over the BLU link bus, enabling flexible system architectures.
• Front Panel LED Indication — Per-channel LEDs for phantom power, signal present, and clip status; bi-directional locate function for device identification during commissioning.
• Third-Party Control Integration — Soundweb London Interface Kit included; Crestron, AMX, and RS-232 control modules available for volume, mute, routing, and preset management.
• Single Rack Space Form Factor — Standard 19" 1U chassis for installation in AV equipment racks in conference rooms, server closets, or dedicated AV head-end spaces.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom
• Conference room
• Huddle room
• Commercial meeting space
• Government space
• Training room
• All-hands room
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many microphone inputs does the BLU-101 support with AEC?

A: The BLU-101 provides 12 analog inputs, all capable of receiving AEC processing through 12 independent AEC algorithms. Each algorithm has a dedicated reference signal input, enabling per-channel or per-zone echo cancellation. AEC can also be applied to audio arriving over the BLU link digital audio bus, not just local analog inputs.

Q: Does the BLU-101 include a telephone interface?

A: No. The BLU-101 does not include an onboard telephone connection. If analog POTS telephone dial-in is required, the BLU-102 adds an RJ-11 POTS hybrid. If VoIP (SIP) dial-in is required, the BLU-103 provides a two-line VoIP interface. The BLU-101 is designed for rooms where telephone connectivity is handled externally or via a UC platform connected to its analog inputs.

Q: How does the AGC on the BLU-101 work?

A: Per-algorithm Automatic Gain Control monitors microphone signal levels and adjusts gain in real time to keep send levels within a consistent range, regardless of how close or far a participant is from the microphone. This reduces the need for manual level adjustments during meetings and provides more consistent audio quality for far-end participants.

Q: Is the BLU-101 compatible with BLU-160 or BLU-806 on the same network?

A: Yes. The BLU-101 uses a 48-channel BLU link bus that maps to channels 1–48 of the Soundweb London 256-channel bus. It operates on the same Cat5e network as BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-BIB, and BLU-BOB devices. A single HiQnet Audio Architect project manages all connected devices across the shared bus.

Q: Can the BLU-101 be integrated with Crestron or AMX control systems?

A: Yes. BSS provides the Soundweb London Interface Kit along with Crestron Series 3 and Series 4 modules and AMX NetLinx and HPro Gateway Comm modules. These enable room control processors to command volume, muting, input selection, and preset changes on the BLU-101 via RS-232 or IP.

Q: What is the warranty on the BSS BLU-101?

A: BSS Audio products are covered by a HARMAN Professional Solutions warranty. For current warranty terms and to register your device, visit the BSS Audio product registration portal. Creation Networks can assist with warranty claims and provide contact information for BSS technical support.

Q: Where can I purchase the BSS BLU-101?

A: The BSS BLU-101 (SKU: BSSBLU101M) is available at Creation Networks. Contact our commercial AV team for project pricing, system design consultation, and technical support.