Radial Engineering BT-Pro Bluetooth Direct Box

The BT-Pro is a Bluetooth direct box designed to capture the wireless transmission from a Bluetooth enabled device and convert the signal to a balanced line for use in a PA or recording system. It employs an innovative T-shaped access cavity behind which is located the antenna. This is protected by a milled insert made from Sintra® – a rugged closed-cell PVC - that permits the wireless transmission signal to pass without interference, allowing reception distances of 12 meters (40') or more with line of sight between devices.

The audio signal path itself employs the latest Bluetooth wireless A2DP interface over 2.0 EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for higher speed transmission to deliver optimal audio quality. This standard employs a 16-bit wireless compressed format with the actual bit rate determined by the transmission source material. Inside, the BT-Pro converts the data to a stereo analog 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 with standard 3.5mm mini TRS that is used for troubleshooting. For greater flexibility, a stereo-to-mono switch sums the stereo output for dual-mono operation to reduce input channel requirements on the mixer or to share the signal between separate systems. Should noise be encountered, two side-mounted isolation transformers may be inserted into the signal path. This is supplemented by a ground lift switch for the XLRs to further help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

Connecting to the BT-Pro is easy. The BT-Pro is powered by an external 5V supply via a mini USB port and may also be powered from a laptop or USB hub. Once turned on, two top-mounted LEDs will toggle as it awaits pairing. Turn on your Bluetooth device and its transceiver sends an initial pairing message to identify the BT-Pro. This will show up as 'RadialEng'. A connection pass code is then used to initialize 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 will flash every 3 seconds to let you know the two Bluetooth devices are talking to each other.