BLU-101 Conferencing Processor with AEC

The Soundweb London BLU-101 offers a fixed configuration of 12 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs, configurable signal processing, AEC processing, and a high bandwidth, fault tolerant digital audio bus.

The BLU-101 has open architecture which is fully configurable through HiQnet™ Audio Architect. A rich palette of processing and logic objects and a “drag and drop” method of configuration provide a simple and familiar design environment.

The BLU-101 contains dedicated AEC processing for up to 12 independent AEC algorithms. The AEC algorithm can be applied to signals coming from the local analog inputs or from the digital audio bus. 12 individual AEC references (one per algorithm) allow the user to provide a solution for multiple conferencing spaces using a single device.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Cancellation (NC) are also provided per AEC algorithm. AGC ensures that microphone levels remain at an optimum level, and NC removes steady state noise (such as from a projector fan or air conditioning device) from the signal path.

This processor features 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 40km. 

The BLU-101 is compatible with the entire Soundweb London family and its 48 channel digital audio bus represents channels 1-48 of the larger 256 channel digital audio bus when integrated with the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120, BLU-BIB and BLU-BOB devices.

Analog Inputs 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. A bi-directional locate function allows devices to be identified both from and within Audio Architect.

12 Control Inputs and 6 Logic Outputs allow the BLU-101 to be integrated with GPIO compatible devices. The Soundweb London Interface Kit, comprehensive documentation which details how Soundweb London systems can be integrated with third party control systems, is included within the installation of Audio Architect.

The BLU-101 and the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Properties

General

Name: The name of this item

Class Name: The type of this device

Device ID: The ID number of this device

Serial Port

Acknowledge (ACK): Set to 'yes' to inform the London device that is should expect acknowledgement of the messages being sent.

Baud Rate: Drop-down selection for the Baud Rate

Data Bits: The number of bits for data

Parity: The parity

Stop Bits: The number of stop bits

Dynamic Meters

Dynamic Meters: The number of Dynamic Meters to use in this device. Hover the cursor over a wire in the design while online and a Dynamic Meter displays the signal level.

Optimizations

Logic Change Block: If enabled, only Logic Sources and Ends will be written to the change block. Only enable if there are performance issues with logic.

Logic Subscription: If enabled, only Logic Sources and Ends will be subscribed to. Only enable if there are issues with logic.

Control Ports

Recall Presets on Startup: When enabled, presets assigned to control ports will be recalled when the device is powered on.

Control Port Subscribe: When enabled, force control ports to subscribe to controlled parameters.

Clock

Sample Rate Pulldown: Sample rate pulldown frequency when an external sync source is being used

BLU-101 Description

FRONT PANEL

INPUT / OUTPUT CHANNEL MONITORING

Each channel has the following LED indicators:

Clip: Indicates clipping in the analog domain for each Input or output channel. The LED will illuminate at +18.5dB.

Signal: The Signal LED will illuminate for each Input or output channel when the signal reaches or exceeds the signal threshold of -20dB. Input channels have a third indicator:

48V: (Input channel only) Illuminates to indicate +48V phantom power has been activated for the relevant input channel.

OTHER INDICATORS

Each Soundweb London has indicators on the front panel to display the following:

COM

The COM LED indicates the presence and status of an Ethernet network connection.

• OFF - Indicates that no Cat 5 Ethernet cable is present, or that the unit is still in the process of negotiating its IP address.

• GREEN - Indicates that a Cat 5 Ethernet cable is present and that the unit has established its IP address.

• YELLOW - will flash Yellow to indicate that the device is communicating with another control device, either on the network, serial or control ports.

STAT

The STAT LED will illuminate :

• GREEN when a proper design file is loaded and running

• YELLOW if the design is paused

• RED if design is stopped.

ERR

The ERR LED will normally be off. It will illuminate RED in the case of a critical or fatal error.

PWR

The PWR LED will be illuminated BLUE to indicate that the unit is powered up. When the unit is 'located', this LED will blink.

SPECIAL MODES INDICATION

REAR PANEL

AC MAINS: AC Mains input to the universal switched-mode power supply, operates over a wide range of AC input voltages from 100V to 240V, 50/60Hz.

LOCATE: Pressing the Locate switch on the rear of the unit will illuminate the PWR LED on the front and identify the device within Audio Architect. Similarly the switch and PWR LED will illuminate if the device is located from within Audio Architect.

RS232: Serial port for connection of external control equipment.

ETHERNET

The main connection for the proprietary system control network, and for third party Ethernet control.

BLU link

The London BLU link is a point-to-point digital audio bus with 256 audio channels at 48K sample rate or 128 audio channels at 96K sample rate. The BLU-101 allows access to channels 1-48 of this bus at 48kHz and 47.952kHz (Pulldown) sample rates.. The physical connection is made with Cat 5e cable from the OUT port of one device to the IN port of another device. The devices are connected in a daisy chain fashion continuing with the OUT port of one device connected to the IN port of the next device. Redundancy can be provided by completing the loop and connecting the OUT port from the last device to the IN port of the first device in the chain. All devices connected in the London BLU link chain must be configured for the same audio sample rate.

Analog Input / Output Connections

There are 12 analogue input connections and 8 analogue output connections. The analogue connections are balanced, on Phoenix/Combicon connectors.

AEC

The BLU-101 has AEC capabilities which enable it to cancel acoustic echo arising when sound from a loudspeaker enters a microphone in the same room in a conference application.

The BLU-101 contains dedicated AEC processing for up to 12 independent AEC algorithms. The AEC algorithm can be applied to signals coming from the local analog inputs or from the digital audio bus. 12 individual AEC references (one per algorithm) allow the user to provide a solution for multiple conferencing spaces using a single device. Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Noise Cancellation (NC) are also provided per AEC algorithm. AGC ensures that microphone levels remain at an optimum level, and NC removes steady state noise (such as from a projector fan or air conditioning device) from the signal path. Non-Linear Processing (NLP) dynamically adjusts to minimize echo caused by under or over-cancellation.

AUDIO CABLE WIRING

All audio and control connections to the BLU-101 are via Klippon pluggable terminal block connectors (also known as BL, Phoenix or Combicon). 12-way female Klippon connectors are supplied for making these connections.

Soundweb products provide cable shielding ’back from the destination’ to eliminate ground loop problems. This means that the shield (S) connection on an input is grounded, whereas the shield connection on an output is floating (although connected via an internal network to ground for EMC compliance).

Balanced wiring - The convention for balanced wiring (2-core plus shield) is:

Unbalanced wiring - The convention for unbalanced wiring to the inputs (1-core plus shield) is:

CONTROL INPUTS

Used to connect switches or potentiometers, e.g. BLU-3 selector wallplate (Part no. Z-BLU-3). Looking at the control port connector (on the back of the unit), there are two common (ground) connections C to the left of the eight CONTROL INPUTS and, two software assignable reference voltage outputs R to the right. The control ports now have two modes of operation. In Soundweb Designer’s Control Ports window these are labelled ’2-wire’ and ’3-wire’. See more information on Wiring Modes here.

LOGIC OUTPUTS

See information on the Logic Outputs HERE

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General BLU-101

Front Panel LED Indicators

Analog Inputs

12 electronically balanced on Phoenix/Combicon removable screw connectors.

AEC Processing

12 Independent Algorithms

Analog Outputs

8 electronically balanced on Phoenix/Combicon removable screw connectors

Control Ports

12 inputs and 6 outputs

Watchdog Output

Phoenix/Combicon connector for failsafe control

BSS Audio incorporates high quality mechanical fans in some products. All mechanical fans have a limited life expectancy. We recommend annual inspection of fans for dust occlusion and excessive noise. Fan assemblies should be replaced after six to ten years of use. Environmental factors such as elevated temperature, dust, and smoke can adversely affect fan life. Systems exposed to these conditions should be inspected more frequently. Fan replacement can be performed either at the factory or by an experienced technician in the field. Please contact BSS Technical Support for more information on purchasing replacement parts or product service. BSS Audio has a policy of continued product improvement and accordingly reserves the right to change features and specifications without prior notice.