Due to supply chain constraints, HARMAN has redesigned the BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-50. The new device is named BLU-50v2 and therefore contains a “v2” marking on the front panel. Otherwise, the two devices are externally identical.

As part of the redesign, we took the opportunity to make the following internal improvements to the BLU-50v2:

• Circuit board layout changes for improved BLU link performance
• Upgraded ADC and DAC for matched performance with all BLU-10x series devices
• New PoE power adaptor for improved compatibility with the following PoE standards:
  • PoE+ (Type 2)
  • PoE++ (Type 3)
  • PoE++ (Type 4)
• Redesigned 12vDC power circuit with improved allowed voltage range from 11.5 to 48vDC
• Enhanced thermal management for use in higher ambient temperature environments

The BLU-50v2 is officially supported in both HiQnet™ Audio Architect (version 2.55.1 or later) and HiQnet™ London Architect (version 6.02 or later). Both software applications support seamless migration from BLU-50 to BLU-50v2 hardware (see the software release notes for more details).

The BLU-50v2 is a half-rack width processor that offers a fixed configuration of four inputs and four outputs, configurable signal processing, logic processing and BLU link. The device can be powered with the included 12VDC power supply but can accept 12-48VDC via a terminal block connector. The BLU-50v2 can also be powered with PoE+ via the Ethernet port, allowing the device to be powered, configured, controlled and monitored using a single Cat 5e cable.

The analog inputs of the BLU-50v2 provide software configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel and software selectable Phantom Power per channel. Phantom Power, Signal Present and Clip information per channel is easily accessible, without the requirement for a PC, from clear front panel LED indication.

The BLU-50v2 features BLU link, a low latency, fault tolerant digital audio bus of 48 channels, which uses standard Category 5e cabling giving a distance of 100m between compatible devices. Fiber media converters can be used to increase the distance between devices to over 10km (6.2 miles) using single mode fiber.

The BLU-50v2 is configured, controlled and monitored from HiQnet Audio Architect™ and is compatible with other members of the Soundweb London family. Its 48 channel BLU link bus represents channels 1-48 of the larger 256 channel BLU link bus when integrated with the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-BIB and BLU-BOB devices. Up to 60 BLU link compatible devices can share channels on a single bus.

As with other Soundweb London devices, 12 Control Inputs, six Logic Outputs and an RS-232 port allow the BLU-50v2 to be integrated with other compatible devices.