Great audio on a single, normal, dial-up line at an affordable price!

The BlueBox codec delivers the audio quality of a Matrix or Vector (about 15 kHz on an average phone connection) for the entry-level price. Comrex POTS codecs have become the industry standard for high quality audio over a plain dial-up line. They are known for being extremely reliable and easy to use. The BlueBox is a worthy addition to the Comrex codec family, combining a high speed modem with a digital audio codec to produce 15 kHz audio from a standard dial line. All you have to do is dial it like a phone to get great sounding remotes with program delivery and station cueback on a plain old telephone line. There are no special circuits to order and no distance limitations. Easily used by nontechnical personnel, the BlueBox, at 1.5 pounds, is perfect any time you need to "grab-it-and-go." Whether for a breaking news story, a sports event, a hot celebrity interview or a last-minute remote, the BlueBox is the right choice. If you’re one of the many who is already a loyal Comrex POTS codec user, you will be pleased to note that the BlueBox is compatible with all existing Comrex POTS codecs including the Matrix, Vector and HotLine.

The Audio Interface

The BlueBox includes one mic/line switchable input, one headphone output and one line level output on XLR, providing direct connection to mics and headphones or a mixer. An additional -10 dbu tape input allows connection to a minidisc or DAT player. The BlueBox contains an internal peak limiter.

Phone Line Features

The BlueBox (like the Matrix) adds several utilities which aid in ease of use and reliability on difficult phone lines. The unit automatically detects the optimal data rate and delivers the best audio possible. A maximum data rate can be set prior to connection, giving further assurance of stability. A quick rate drop feature sets a new Max Rate for reliability with only a 2 second loss of audio. Renegotiation can be disabled, preventing drop outs at inconvenient times. A quick rate drop or a full renegotiation can be performed at any time by pressing a single button at either end of the call. Error correction is available. And even at 14.4 kb/s, the BlueBox will deliver 7 kHz audio (see frequency response chart). Comrex has implemented every tool possible to aid you in delivering a seamless and uninterrupted broadcast.

Cellphone Operation

The BlueBox provides a jack for connection to the 2.5 mm hands-free port on mobile phones. This utility does not add any audio enhancement to the wireless call, but it makes a useful back-up tool. Adding professional microphones will often improve audio quality. Calls can be placed to regular telephone hybrids (no BlueBox or other codec is required on the receiving end of the call).

Other Noteworthy Features

• Two contact closures are available at each end of the BlueBox. One is automatically enabled upon connection. The second is a momentary contact closure that can be initiated by pushing a button on the keypad.

• The BlueBox gives the option of automatically answering a call or letting you answer manually.

• The BlueBox may be dialed from an external telephone.

• The BlueBox may be programmed for any of 20 different international dialing protocols. It will also work on virtually any A/C power in the world.

• Up to 44 digits (including pauses) can be entered into the BlueBox's dialer - useful for credit card or international calls.

• Qdial button allows quick dialing of preprogrammed numbers.

• Last number redial is available for ease of use.

• Audio outputs provide adjustable mix of local and return feed.

• Backlit LCD allows easy viewing.

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