INDEX
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS
3. DIMENSIONS
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE CONNECTION PANEL
5. HOW TO TURN ON THE DEVICE
5.2 TURN ON BY +12V KEY SWITCH (min 70 mA on +12V REM wire)
5.3 HOME INSTALLATION WITH SUPPLY 5V. (min. 500mA)
6. STREAMING AND PASSTHROUGH MODES
7. "ABSOLUTE VOLUME" FUNCTION
8. CONNECTION WITH AMP/PROCESSOR - EXAMPLES
8.1 Bit One HD Virtuoso / Bit One HD
8.2.1. AF bit / B-CON Absolute Volume ON / Automatic source switch through ADC to ADC cable
8.2.2. AF bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through programmable CTRL cable
8.5.1. bit NOVE / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through OPTICAL 2 cable
8.6.1. Hi-Fi digital input / B-CON Absolute Volume ON
9. PRIORITY MANAGE FOR STREAMING AND HANDS-FREE CALLS
10. ACTIVATE THE LDAC (AVAILABLE ONLY FOR ANDROID MOBILE DEVICES)
11. FIRMWARE/BLUETOOTH UPGRADE OF THE B-CON
11.1 INSTALLATION OF THE B-CON UPDATER
11.2 FIRMWARE/BLUETOOTH UPGRADE OF THE B-CON
11.2.1. Upgrade with the B-CON connected to an Audison bit One HD Virtuoso (R04 or R05)
11.2.2. Upgrade with the B-CON connected to an Audison AF bit amplifier.
11.2.3. Upgrade with B-CON connected to the PC through USB to ADC converter
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Audison B-CON is the only Bluetooth 5.0® receiver designed for automotive use that has obtained the "Hi-Res audio wireless" certification from JAS (Japan Audio Society).
B-CON is the ideal choice for streaming audio from a Hi-Res player (Fiio, Sony Walkman...) and from the latest generation Android/Apple mobile devices, and it fully support the car's Hands-Free Bluetooth profile. B-CON is compatible with all audio formats and achieves maximum performance with uncompressed BT streaming (max 96 kHz/24 bit, only with Android LDAC devices), both playing local files and with Apps that provide Hi-Res streaming (Tidal, Qobuz...).
As per Audison tradition, during the design phase particular attention was paid to volume management, a fundamental aspect for the search for maximum audio quality. The Audison R&D team’s study focused on the audiophile use of the "Absolute Volume" function. In the B-CON this manages the Master Volume of the DSP*, avoiding the loss of resolution that occurs when acting on the volume of the mobile device (mode: Absolute Volume Off), thus ensuring full dynamic range. In the event of a voice call, the DSP automatically switches to the processor's Master input (pairing the mobile device with the B-CON and the car). At the end of the call, it returns to the execution of the previously paused song, managing the hands-free of the car without limitations.
The Audison B-CON has a pass-through digital optical input (max 192 kHz/24 bit) that provides a second auxiliary input to the active DSP when BT streaming is not present. The digital output (max 96 kHz/24 bit) and analog output (max 2 VRMS, S/N RATIO 100 dBA) allow you to connect the B-CON to any audio device.
Note: B-CON cannot be used for streaming from aftermarket Android headunit, sinced these headunits do not support to send the audio signal via Bluetooth to an external device. They just support handsfree calls and streaming to the OEM headunit.
*available on the Audison AF line or bit One HD Virtuoso by connecting the ADC port
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS
3. DIMENSIONS
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE CONNECTION PANEL
1. OPTICAL DIGITAL S/PDIF INPUT
The B-CON accepts input PCM signals with sampling frequency up to 192kHz/24bit. This port can be connected to an external audio player with an optical fiber cable equipeed with a Toslink connector. This is a “pass-through” input, therefore the signal is sent straight to optical digital S/PDIF output without any D/A and A/D conversion.
2. MICRO USB PORT
Input for the alternative device supply if this is used on bench or at home.
3. SUPPLY/REMOTE PORT
- +BATT 12V cable(red): positive supply pole.
- GND cable (black): negative supply pole.
- MASTER EN cable (brown): generates +12V when the streaming is disabled (the paired player is not playing music).
- AUX SEL cable (pink): generates +12V when the streaming is enabled (the paired player is playing music).
- REMOTE IN cable (blue): cable to turn on the B-CON from a remote out signal at 12 V generated by an external device.
- +12V REM cable (orange): cable to turn on and supply the B-CON from a remote out signal at 12 V generated by an external device with at least 70 mA. In this case it is not needed to connect the +BATT 12V cable.
4. ADC PORT
Input for ADC to SDC cable (included in the box) if the B-CON is connected to a bit One HD Virtuoso with hardware release R01/R02/R03, or a ADC to ADC cable (included in the box) if the B-CON is connected to an AF bit amplifier or a bit One HD Virtuoso with hardware release R04/R05.
This port allows to manage the Absolute volume function and the automatic switch from Optical to Master input and viceversa to play a voice call in the Handsfree system (see sect. 7. "ABSOLUTE VOLUME" FUNCTION)
5. RCA LEFT&RIGHT OUTPUTS
Outputs available only with active streaming bluetooth. Not available is the passthrough mode is active.
6. OPTICAL DIGITAL S/PDIF OUTPUT
Output for signal PCM with sampling frequency up to 96kHz/24bit. This port can be connected to an AF bit amplifier, a Prima amplifier, a bit One HD Virtuoso processor or to any other device with S/PDIF input by using an optical fiber cable with Toslink connector.
7. LED STATUS
A:LED for BT pairing
blue blinking when the B-CON is not paired in BT. Blue when the B-CON is paired in BT to a device.
B:LED for audio resolution
green blinking in case of streaming at 48 kHz, yellow blinking in case of streaming at 48 kHz with codec LDAC, yellow in case of streaming at 96 kHz with codec LDAC (Hi-Res streaming).
5. HOW TO TURN ON THE DEVICE
5.1 TURN ON BY REM IN
5.2 TURN ON BY +12V KEY SWITCH (min 70 mA on +12V REM wire)
5.3 HOME INSTALLATION WITH SUPPLY 5V. (min. 500mA)
⚠️WARNINGS:
- The cables of the 6 poles SUPPLY/REMOTE PORT in this case must not be connected.
- When the il B-CON is supplied by the USB adapter, also the ADC port will be inactive.
6. STREAMING AND PASSTHROUGH MODES
6.1 STREAMING BT MODE
During the use in BT streaming it is possible to use both the RCA stereo outputs and the digital optical SPDIF output.
- Use with Audison Virtuoso or AF bit: in this case the source switch (from Master to Optical when the streaming starts and from Optical to Master when the streaming stops) is managed automatically by the ADC port through the integrated serial protocol. Therefore it is not needed to connect the MASTER EN and AUX SEL cables.
- Use with any device not compatible with the ADC: in this case the the source switch (from Master to Optical when the streaming starts, and from Optical to Master when the streaming stops) can be managed by connecting the MASTER EN and AUX SEL wires of the B-CON and by programming properly the device.
ABSOLUTE VOLUME
The Absolute Volume mode is available only when the B-CON is connected to an Audison bit One HD Virtuoso or AF bit through the ADC port.
To switch between Absolute Volume ON/OFF and viceversa, follow this procedure:
- Unpair the B-CON from the mobile device.
- Turn off the B-CON.
- Move the dedicated Switch in position Absolute Volume ON or OFF.
- Turn on the B-CON.
- Pair the B-CON to the mobile device.
6.2 OPTICAL PASSTHROUGH MODE
This mode allows to play music files from an external player connected to the B-CON optical input with an optical fiber cable. In this case the B-CON will reproduce exactly the same input signal without any D/A and A/D internal conversion.
Note: in Passthrough mode the RCA stereo output of the B-CON is disabled.
Passthrough is active when:
- The B CON is not paired in Bluetooth to any other device.
- The BCON is paired in Bluetooth with a mobile device, but the streaming is not active (the device is not playing any music file).
Example of Passthrough mode with B-CON connected to an Audison bitDMI and to an AF bit amplifier:
7. ABSOLUTE VOLUME FUNCTION
In keeping with Audison tradition, during the design phase, particular attention was paid to volume management, a fundamental aspect for the search for the highest audio quality. Most Bluetooth devices apply the volume controls to the audio stream, but this compromises the potential dynamic range significantly - often below the expected performance from digital audio!
The function Absolute Volume allows to manage through mobile device the Master Volume of the connected DSP, keeping the digital signal at the maximum dynamic range. This avoids the loss of resolution which is typical when using the volume buttons of the mobile device.
To enable the function it is sufficient to:
connect the ADC port of the B-CON with the ADC port of the amplifier or processor in use (port available in the line of AF bit amplifiers and in the processor bit One HD Virtuoso).
put the switch in position ON as per picture.
IMPORTANT: Once it is enabled, the user will be able to manage independently the volumes from the same mobile device for either Master Source e per Optical Source!
IMPORTANT: when B-CON is in Absolute Volume mode, the volume is controlled by the phone, with its own resolution. If you have a remote controller like DRC-MP CAN or DRC AC, it can only adapt to that resolution, therefore when the user selects a non-representable level in either DRC AC or DRC MP CAN, it will be adjusted to the nearest level available from the phone.
Note: the Absolute Volume function is available only in Streaming mode. It cannot be used for Passthrough mode.
Example of connection
8. CONNECTION WITH AMP/PROCESSOR - EXAMPLES
8.1 Bit One HD Virtuoso / Bit One HD
8.1.1. bit One HD Virtuoso rev. R01,R02,R03 / B-CON Absolute Volume ON / Automatic source switch through ADC to SDC cable
Note: in case of connection with a bit One HD Virtuoso through ADC to ADC, the B-CON always forces the automatic switch to source Optical IN #2.
8.1.2. bit One HD Virtuoso rev. R04, R05 / B-CON Absolute Volume ON / Automatic source switch through ADC to ADC cable
Note: in case of connection with a bit One HD Virtuoso through ADC to ADC, the B-CON always forces the automatic switch to source Optical IN #2.
8.1.3. bit One HD Virtuoso rev. R01,R02,R03,R04 or BIT ONE HD / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through CONTROL cable
Note: in case of connection with a bit One HD Virtuoso without ADC to ADC, the B-CON can force the automatic switch to source Optical IN #1 or #2 depending on how the AUX SEL wire is connected (pink color).
8.1.4. bit One HD Virtuoso rev. R01,R02,R03,R04,R05 / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through software function AUTO INPUT SWITCH
8.2 AF bit
8.2.1. AF bit / B-CON Absolute Volume ON / Automatic source switch through ADC to ADC cable
8.2.2. AF bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through programmable CTRL cable
8.2.3. AF bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / bit DMI in Passthrough mode / Automatic source switch through programmable CTRL cable
8.3 AP F8.9 bit
8.3.1. AP F8.9 bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through programmable CTRL cable
8.3.2. AP F8.9 bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / C2O in passthrough mode / Automatic source switch through programmable CTRL cable
8.4 AP bit
8.4.1. AP bit / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through OPTICAL SEL and MASTER EN cables
8.5 bit NOVE
8.5.1. bit NOVE / B-CON Absolute Volume OFF / Automatic source switch through OPTICAL 2 cable
8.6 Hi-Fi Home amplifier
8.6.1. Hi-Fi digital input / B-CON Absolute Volume ON
9. PRIORITY MANAGE FOR STREAMING AND HANDS-FREE CALLS
The B-CON allows a perfect integration with the OEM bluetooth system to manage the hands-free calls. When the mobile device receives a call, the B-CON stops the music streaming and forces the automatical switch of the amplifier/processor from Optical input to Master input. The Hands-free call will be reproduced by the OEM bluetooth system. At the end of the call, the B-CON resumes the music streaming, by forcing automatically the amplifier/processor switch from Master input to Optical input.
This automatic switch capability is available when the B-CON is connected to and Audison bit One HD Virtuoso or an AF bit amplifier through the ADC port. The ADC port does not require any software programming.
As alternative, if a different device is connected to the B-CON, you can still use the MASTER EN (brown) and AUX SEL (pink) cables on the SUPPLY/REMOTE cable and program them accordingly on the device to manage the automatic switch Master/Optical and viceversa. Please, read chapter 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE CONNECTION PANEL for more informations.
Important: in order to ensure a proper compatibility of the B-CON with the OEM bluetooth system, please make sure to follow these steps.
- Unpair the mobile device from the vehicle OEM bluetooth;
- Pair the mobile device to the B-CON (it is suggested to change the B-CON name in the mobile device settings in order to distinguish it from other eventual B-CON devices paired to the same mobile device);
- Pair again the mobile device to the vehicle OEM bluetooth.
⚠️WARNING: if the mobile device was unpaired and paired again to the B-CON, the audio streaming with B-CON may not work properly because of a change in the mobile device settings for the bluetooth connections.
In this case, to restore correctly the streaming with B-CON please follow these steps:
- Unpair the mobile device from the vehicle OEM bluetooth.
- Pair the B-CON to the mobile device.
- Pair the mobile device to the vehicle OEM bluetooth.
⚠️WARNING: Compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
The B-CON can be installed in vehicles equipped with CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
Please, note that the full compatibility depends both on phone model, vehicle model and CarPlay/Android Auto systems (it can be wireless or wired). In some cases the CarPlay/Android Auto system takes priority and does not allow to manage automatically the Source switch of the processor/amplifier connected to the B-CON.
10. ACTIVATE THE LDAC (AVAILABLE ONLY FOR ANDROID MOBILE DEVICES)
Activate the mobile device Bluetooth, so it will search for all available BT device to pair. Select Audison B-CON. Once the pairing is completed, clickover the text Audison B_CON highlighted to open the device settings, and activate the option Audio.
Open the main menu and select “Settings”. Scroll down and select “About phone”, select“Software information”. Scroll down and click rapidly for seven times “Build number”. The menu “Developer options” will be activated.
Enter the menu “Developer options” and scroll down until the menu “Bluetooth Audio Codec” appears.
Select the LDAC codec, and then optimize the audio settings.
The Android device is not ready for the streaming Audio Hi-Res.
11. FIRMWARE/BLUETOOTH UPGRADE OF THE B-CON
11.1 INSTALLATION OF THE B-CON UPDATER
The firmware upgrade of a B-CON requires the installation on the PC of the B-CON Updater vxx tool, available for download in the product webpage at the Support window and compatible with any PC equipped with Windows 10 or 11 operating system. To install the program it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Download the .zip file, extract its content in the PC and open the folder B-CON Updater vxx;
- Right-click on setup.exe and select Run as administrator. The following window will appear;
- Press Next to proceed
- Press I Agree to proceed;
- Press Browse if you want to change the installation folder in the PC, otherwise press Next to proceed;
- Press Next to proceed and wait until the installation is completed.
- Press Close to conclude.
The B-CON Updater and all the software folders will be available at the following path C:\Program Files (x86)\Audison\B-CON Updater. The program can be used any time there is a new firmware release on the website.
11.2 FIRMWARE/BLUETOOTH UPGRADE OF THE B-CON
When a new B-CON firmware or a new bluetooth firmware release is available on the Audison portal, please download the file in .zip format on your PC and extract its content. The firmware/bluetooth upgrade can be executed in three different ways:
11.2.1. Upgrade with the B-CON connected to an Audison bit One HD Virtuoso (R04 or R05)
- Disconnect the ADC to ADC cable and the supply cable.
- Move the switch in the proper position according to upgrade type:
- “Upgrade MODE” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
- "Absolute volume ON or OFF" if you are doing a Bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Connect the B-CON supply cable and ADC cable. The leds of the BCON will light up together to show that the device is ready to be upgraded. Then, connect the PC to the bit One HD Virtuoso through the USB cable and turn on the processor.
- Run the B-CON Updater tool.
- ︎The following window will appear. Select “bit One HD Virtuoso”, and then press “Connect”.
- The following window will appear to show the current firmware release of One HD Virtuoso and B-CON.
- Choose the upgrade to perform:
press “Update B-CON firmware” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
press "Update Bluetooth firmware" if you are doing a bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Select the file .bin downloaded from the Audison website
- Read the safety instructions in the Warning window and press “OK”
- Wait until the firmware upgrade is completed.
- At the end of the upgrade press “OK” and then “Disconnect”.
- Remove the supply cable and the ADC cable from the B-CON, move the switch to the desidered Absolute volume setting (”Absolute Volume ON or OFF”).
- Reconnect the B-CON to the audio system, and if needed connect the ADC cable. Proceed with a new Pairing to the mobile device.
11.2.2. Upgrade with the B-CON connected to an Audison AF bit amplifier.
- Disconnect the ADC to ADC cable and the supply cable.
- Move the switch in the proper position according to upgrade type:
- “Upgrade MODE” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
- "Absolute volume ON or OFF" if you are doing a bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Connect the B-CON supply cable and ADC cable. The leds of the BCON will light up together to show that the device is ready to be upgraded. Then, connect the PC to the AF bit through the USB cable and turn on the processor.
- Run the B-CON Updater tool.
- The following window will appear. Select “Audison AF bit”, and then press “Connect”.
- The following window will appear to show the current firmware release of AF bit and B-CON.
- Choose the upgrade to perform:
- press “Update B-CON firmware” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
- press "Update Bluetooth firmware" if you are doing a bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Select the file .bin downloaded from the Audison website
- Read the safety instructions in the Warning window and press “OK”.
- Wait until the firmware upgrade is completed.
- At the end of the upgrade press “OK” and then “Disconnect”.
- Remove the supply cable and the ADC cable from the B-CON, move the switch to the desired Absolute volume setting (Absolute Volume ON or OFF).
- Reconnect the B-CON to the audio system, and if needed connect the ADC cable. Proceed with a new Pairing to the mobile device.
11.2.3. Upgrade with B-CON connected to the PC through USB to ADC converter
- Disconnect the ADC to ADC cable and the supply cable
- Move the switch in the proper position according to upgrade type:
- “Upgrade MODE” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
- "Absolute volume ON or OFF" if you are doing a bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Connect the B-CON to the micro-USB cable to turn it on (or use the supply cable as alternative) and to the ADC-to-USB cable of the programming kit as per picture below. The leds of the B-CON will light up together to show that the device is ready to be upgraded.
- Run the B-CON Updater tool. Select “USB to ADC Converter”, select one serial port and press “Connect”. If the device does not connect succesfully, select another serial port and press “Connect”.
- Choose the upgrade to perform:
- press “Update B-CON firmware” if you are doing a firmware upgrade
- press "Update Bluetooth firmware" if you are doing a bluetooth firmware upgrade
- Select the file .bin downloaded from the Audison website
- Read the safety instructions in the Warning window and press “OK”.
- Wait until the firmware upgrade is completed.
- Wait until the firmware upgrade is completed. At the end of the procedure press “OK” and then press “Disconnect”.
- Disconnect the supply cable and the ADC cable from the B-CON, put the switch back to the original position (Absolute Volume ON or OFF).
- Reconnect the B-CON to the audio system and the ADC cable if needed. Proceed with a new pairing of the B-CON to the mobile device.
12. FAQ