Beolink Passive

The Beolink Passive was a development of the MCL 2 P. Looking very similar and indeed capable of all the same functions, the Beolink Passive also included some new elements to simplify installation when used with a Master Link (ML) system. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Externally, all that was noticeable to show the presence of the additions were two more sockets, one for the ML connection and one for the “Beolink Eye”, a small round wall unit that contained an IR receiver and some simple controls for timer, standby and volume. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

To complete an ML installation, all one had to do was to connect the ML cable from the master system to the Beolink Passive and to connect the “eye” and the loudspeakers. From then on, the master system could be controlled with a suitable remote control unit (e.g. Beo 4) in the linked room, with full source selection and independent control of the volume. This method dispensed with the need for the MCL 2 A/V and a lot of wiring. If the remote control was not to hand, the volume could be regulated using the controls on the “eye”, as well as switching the sound in the link room off and choosing if the timer of the main system should turn the link room loudspeakers on too. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

As well as providing these ML functions, the Beolink Passive could also perform all the functions of the MCL 2 P, making it a perfect replacement for damaged units of the earlier type. The Powerlink connections remained, though it was pointed out that these were inputs only, so the Beolink Passive could not be used as an ML – Powerlink converter. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.