BSS BLU-326 Networked I/O expander

BSS BLU-326 Networked I/O Expander

The BSS BLU-326 is a compact, single-rack-space networked I/O expander designed for professional audio installations requiring flexible analog and digital connectivity with fault-tolerant networking. This unit integrates seamlessly into larger system architectures, providing modular I/O expansion via four hot-swappable card slots and dual Dante/AES67 ports for redundant audio transport over standard Ethernet infrastructure.

Connectivity & Networking Architecture

The BLU-326 features a 256-channel, low-latency digital audio bus with primary and secondary Dante/AES67 ports for fault-tolerant operation, plus a dedicated Ethernet control port and Dante 4.0 firmware support for Domain Manager integration. Standard Category 5e cabling supports distances up to 100 meters between compatible devices, with fiber optic media converters extending range beyond 40 kilometers for large-scale distributed systems.

I/O Flexibility & Expansion Capability

Modular card slots accommodate up to 16 analog inputs, 16 analog outputs, 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 16 AEC inputs, and 4 telephone connections in configurable banks of four. Analog inputs feature electronically balanced Phoenix Combicon connectors with selectable gain from 0dB to +48dB in 6dB steps, selectable 48V phantom power per input, 3.5kΩ input impedance, +20dBu maximum input level at 0dB gain, and CMRR >75dB at 1kHz—ensuring clean audio capture in professional environments.

Key Features

• 19" rack chassis, single rack space form factor
• Four card slots supporting modular I/O expansion in banks of four
• Up to 16 analog inputs with selectable gain 0dB to +48dB in 6dB steps
• Up to 16 analog outputs with electronically balanced Phoenix Combicon connectors
• Up to 16 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs
• Up to 16 AEC inputs and 4 telephone connections
• 256-channel, low-latency digital audio bus with fault-tolerant dual Dante/AES67 ports
• 100m maximum distance with Category 5e cabling; fiber optic media converters extend to 40km+
• 12 control inputs and 6 logic outputs for GPIO integration
• Front panel LCD display showing device name, firmware version, IP address, and subnet mask
• LED indicators for Phantom Power, Sync, Signal Present, and Clip
• EN 54-16 compliant for life safety applications

Operators and system engineers rely on the BLU-326 for stable, redundant I/O expansion in venues, install sites, and touring rigs where network reliability and comprehensive connectivity cannot fail. Its modular architecture scales easily as needs grow, and its fault-tolerant dual Dante ports ensure audio keeps flowing even if a single network path goes down.