Radial Engineering’s BT-Pro is a Bluetooth direct box that is able to capture the wireless transmission from a Bluetooth enabled device and convert the signal to a balanced line for use in a PA system.
‘Bluetooth wireless technology is everywhere,’ says Radial President Peter Janis. ‘You can connect your phone to your car, your laptop to your house and tablet to your TV. It only makes sense that Bluetooth wireless technology would hit the stage. The BT-Pro employs a T-shaped access cavity behind which we located the antenna. This is protected by a milled Sintra insert made from closed-cell PVC that allows the wireless signal to pass. This allows reception distances of 12m (40ft) or more.’
The BT-Pro housing is made from 14-gauge steel with an I-beam frame that makes it impossible to torque the PC board, eliminating outside stress and the chance of damage to solder joints. A book-end cover creates protective zones at each end that protect the volume knob, switches and connectors.
The BT-Pro is powered by an external power supply, either with a USB power adapter or a USB port from a laptop. Two top-mounted LEDs will toggle as it awaits paring. Turn on your Bluetooth device, it will identify the BT-Pro as ‘Radial Eng’ in the Bluetooth devices menu. A connection pass code is then used to initialise the connection. This important safety feature ensures other nearby Bluetooth devices cannot ‘pollute or hijack’ the system. Once paired, the BT-Pro’s blue LED flashes every 3s to indicate that the two devices are talking to each other.
The BT-Pro audio signal path uses the latest Bluetooth wireless A2DP interface over 2.0 EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for higher speed transmission and best audio quality. This employs a 16-bit wireless compressed format with the actual bit rate determined by the source material. Inside, the BT-Pro converts the data to a stereo analogue signal, producing up to +4dB at the output. The signal level is controlled by a front panel potentiometer that is shared with the built-in headphone amp. This features a standard 3.5mm mini TRS and is used for troubleshooting. A stereo-to-mono switch is provided that sums the input for dual-mono operation to reduce input requirements on the mixer or split the signal to the PA and monitors. Should noise be encountered, two side-mounted switches insert isolation transformers into the signal path. This is supplemented by a ground lift switch for the XLRs.
The BT Pro interface carries am MAP US$229.99.
More: www.radialeng.com
