BSS BLU-120 – Configurable I/O Expander with BLU link, EN 54-16

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-120 is a 1U rack-mount I/O expander for the Soundweb London platform, providing a configurable card-based I/O architecture and a 256-channel, fault-tolerant BLU link digital audio bus. Designed for commercial AV installations that require flexible channel counts, the BLU-120 accepts up to four I/O cards—covering analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, AEC input, or telephone hybrid—for a maximum of 16 channels per type. It is EN 54-16 certified for life safety applications, qualifying it for voice alarm and emergency sound systems in commercial, government, and multi-use facilities. All configuration, control, and monitoring are performed in HiQnet Audio Architect.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-120 is a Soundweb London chassis that adds configurable analog and digital I/O channels to any BLU link system. Four card slots each accept one of six I/O card types from the Soundweb London card family: Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output, AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid. Each card provides four channels, and slots can be populated with a mix of card types to meet the specific input/output requirements of a given installation. Analog Input cards provide software-configurable gain in 6 dB steps up to +48 dB per channel with software-selectable 48V phantom power per channel, supporting condenser microphone connectivity. Digital Input and Output cards process AES/EBU and S/PDIF audio with configurable clocking and sync options.

The BLU-120 connects to the BLU link digital audio bus, carrying 256 channels over standard Cat 5e cable at up to 100 m per segment. BSS MC-1 fiber optic media converters extend individual segments to over 40 km, making the BLU-120 suitable for distributed installations in large facilities. The BLU-120 is fully compatible with other Soundweb London devices on the same BLU link bus, including the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-BIB, and BLU-BOB.

Twelve control inputs and six logic outputs provide GPIO capability for interfacing with room control processors, contact closures, resistor ladders, and potentiometers. The front panel LCD displays device-specific information including device name, IP address, subnet mask, and firmware version, eliminating the need for a connected laptop during field verification. Per-channel LEDs indicate phantom power, sync, signal present, and clip status. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, included with HiQnet Audio Architect, documents third-party control system integration for platforms such as AMX and Crestron. The BLU-120 is available from Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net.

Key Features

• Four Configurable I/O Card Slots — Accepts Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output, AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid cards; each slot supports four channels for a maximum of 16 channels per fully loaded configuration.
• 256-Channel BLU link Bus — Low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus over Cat 5e; up to 100 m per segment, extendable beyond 40 km with fiber optic media converters.
• Software-Configurable Analog Inputs — Gain adjustable in 6 dB steps up to +48 dB per channel with per-channel 48V phantom power selectable in HiQnet Audio Architect.
• AES/EBU and S/PDIF Digital I/O — Digital Input and Output cards support both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats with configurable clocking and sync options for professional digital audio connectivity.
• AEC Input Cards — Acoustic echo cancellation input cards with phantom power support for conferencing-grade microphone installations.
• Telephone Hybrid Card Support — Optional telephone hybrid cards enable POTS conferencing within the chassis for integrated telephony in commercial meeting spaces.
• EN 54-16 Life Safety Certification — Certified for voice alarm and emergency sound applications, meeting compliance requirements for commercial, government, and public assembly installations.
• 12 Control Inputs / 6 Logic Outputs — GPIO terminals for integration with room control systems, contact closures, resistor ladders, and voltage-controlled devices.
• Front Panel LCD and LED Indication — Displays device name, IP address, subnet mask, and firmware version; per-channel LEDs show phantom, sync, signal present, and clip without laptop access.
• HiQnet Audio Architect Configuration — Drag-and-drop design environment with logic and processing objects; bi-directional locate for commissioning in multi-device racks.
• RS-232 Serial Port — Supports serial control integration with legacy and serial-native control systems.
• Soundweb London Family Compatibility — Fully interoperable with BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-BIB, BLU-BOB, and other Soundweb London devices on a shared BLU link bus.

Typical Applications

• Conference room audio systems requiring flexible analog and digital I/O channel counts
• Boardroom AV installations with mixed microphone, line-level, and AES digital inputs
• Government space audio with EN 54-16 life safety compliance requirements
• Auditorium distributed audio networks using BLU link for multi-zone signal routing
• Multi-purpose room systems with conferencing AEC and telephone hybrid integration
• Training room installations with BLU link connectivity to centralized processing
• House of worship audio systems expanding existing Soundweb London infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the BLU-120 differ from the BLU-326DA?

A: The primary difference is that the BLU-326DA includes Dante / AES67 network audio with primary and secondary Dante ports, while the BLU-120 connects exclusively via BLU link. Both share the same card-based I/O architecture, EN 54-16 life safety certification, and Soundweb London software platform. The BLU-326DA is the preferred choice for installations requiring Dante interoperability; the BLU-120 suits pure BLU link environments.

Q: What I/O cards are supported in the BLU-120?

A: The BLU-120 supports six Soundweb London I/O card types: Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), Digital Output (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), AEC Input, and Telephone Hybrid. Each card occupies one slot and provides four channels, for a maximum of 16 channels per type when all four slots are loaded with the same card.

Q: Is the BLU-120 suitable for life safety voice alarm installations?

A: Yes. The BLU-120 carries EN 54-16 certification for use in voice alarm control and indicating equipment, qualifying it for emergency sound systems in commercial buildings, government facilities, and public assembly spaces.

Q: How many devices can share a single BLU link bus?

A: Up to 60 BLU link-compatible devices can share channels on a single BLU link bus. The BLU-120’s 256-channel bus is fully compatible with other Soundweb London devices including the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-BIB, and BLU-BOB.

Q: Can the BLU-120 be integrated with AMX or Crestron control systems?

A: Yes. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, included with HiQnet Audio Architect, provides protocol documentation and modules for integration with AMX, Crestron, and other third-party control systems. Control can also be exercised via the RS-232 port for serial-native platforms.

Q: What is the maximum BLU link cable run between devices?

A: BLU link operates over Cat 5e cable with a maximum of 100 m per segment. Using BSS MC-1 fiber optic media converters, runs can exceed 40 km, accommodating large campuses and multi-building deployments.

Q: Where can I purchase the BSS BLU-120 and get installation support?

A: The BSS BLU-120 (SKU: BSSBLU120M-US) is available from Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net. Contact the team for system design support, volume pricing, and integration assistance.