BSS BLU-120 Networked I/O Expander
The BSS BLU-120 is a professional-grade networked audio interface that extends your studio’s I/O capabilities through a low-latency digital audio network. This 19-inch single rack unit leverages BSS’s proven HiQnet ecosystem to deliver flexible I/O expansion with transparent digital audio transport across standard Category 5e cabling. Built for reliability in demanding production environments, it scales seamlessly from compact home studios to multi-room installations.
Network Architecture & Connectivity
The BLU-120 communicates over a 256-channel low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus using standard Category 5e cabling, supporting distances up to 100 meters between devices. For larger facilities or distributed recording setups, fiber optic media converters extend connectivity to over 40 kilometers, making this unit equally suited to a bedroom studio or a multi-building production complex. Dual connection options—Ethernet (RJ-45) and Phoenix block connectors—integrate seamlessly with both modern networked equipment and legacy studio gear.
I/O Expansion & Signal Routing
The unit houses four card slots that accept analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, AEC input, and telephone hybrid cards, allowing up to 16 analog inputs, 16 analog outputs, 16 digital inputs, 16 AEC inputs, and 4 telephone connections. Analog inputs feature switchable gain up to +48dB in 6dB increments with 48V phantom power per channel, ideal for recording condenser microphones and active instruments. Digital I/O supports both AES/EBU and S/PDIF at 48kHz or 96kHz sample rates—delivering the format flexibility required for modern multitrack recording and digital mixing workflows.
Key Features
- 19-inch single rack space form factor
- 256-channel low-latency, fault-tolerant digital audio bus
- Category 5e cabling with 100-meter maximum distance between devices
- Fiber optic media converter support extending distance to over 40 kilometers
- Four card slots supporting analog, digital, AEC, and telephone hybrid I/O cards
- Up to 16 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs with switchable gain up to +48dB
- Configurable analog input gain in 6dB steps with 48V phantom power per channel
- AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O at 48kHz or 96kHz sample rates
- 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO-compatible device integration
- Front panel LCD display showing device name, firmware version, IP address, and subnet mask
- Front panel LED indicators for phantom power, sync, signal present, and clip detection
- HiQnet Audio Architect configuration and control
- EN 54-16 compliant for life safety applications
The BLU-120 combines enterprise-class networking reliability with professional audio-grade signal integrity, making it the essential choice for studios and producers who demand transparent I/O expansion without latency penalties.
