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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello all. I am new to the forum and made a post on the "Flash your B&O" thread. I was asked some questions about my Beolab 90s. I did not want to "hijack" the theme of that thread with my answers. If I am in the wrong place with this, I hope you will forgive me.
People who have read the BL90 white paper and/or the Technical Sound Guide will note that the first page states "Note: Not all features described herein will be available at first release." There have been software upgrades and features implemented, but there is still work to be done.
The speakers are really good and the sound staging is excellent. There are features that I look forward to...........
The ARC (room compensation) is yet to be fully implemented. The speakers can create filters and compensate for the room acoustics so that locations in the room can receive the optimum sound. At the moment this is PC based which requires a B&O tech to set it up and the options are limited. Eventually the speakers will do this through using the microphone (supplied). We will then select one or more "pre-set" to provide the sound in the locations we want.
The beam direction and speaker distance compensation are yet to be implemented. We are not yet able to adjust tones or many of the "advanced controls. The list of features and their state of readiness are available at Geoff Martin's Blog.
http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/2016/06/28/beolab-90-released-features/
He instructs that he is not permitted give us the expected dates for release of features, but will keep the list updated as things change. Originally the final updates were supposed to have been released by July.
The Android App for BL90 has not been released yet (I have an Android phone and tablet). I can control the Beomusic functions ie the playlists and tracks, the source and volume, but have to borrow my wife's iPad or iPhone to change any speaker settings such as beam width.
I was asked what connections the speakers are using. Ours are connected via Cat 6 data cable to each other (for the speakers to work together), directly to the internet (for upgrades automatically) and via an Essence Mk2 to my NAS/network and my other B&O components (see my signature below). The installation was all organised by the B&O team in Adelaide with additional advice and help from a man that came from Melbourne. There are multiple ways to connect to these speakers, but to handle the data and speed required the data cables were the recommended solution. There is a little glitch which it being addressed tomorrow requiring a "switch" and a subnet to further speed communication through my network. The glitch is a brief stutter in the music 15-20 seconds into a track. The speakers have only been installed for 4 days so they are a work in progress (at home and in Denmark)
Don't get the wrong impression; I am very happy and these are the best speakers I have ever heard. They will only get better with the implementation of the features.......I am an "early adopter" and I have to be prepared to wait. It is nice to know that the upgrades are free and are not being rushed without proper testing (I hope). But like a small boy waiting for Christmas; the upgrades can't come soon enough.
If people are interested I will update this thread to let you know how things go and of my experience with these acoustic marvels.
Are there any other BL90 owners who would like to add their 2 cents?
Retired: Beovision 3-32, Beocord, DVD1.
Current: Mx4002, Beovision 6-26, Beovision 7-40 Avant 75. Beosound 9000, Beolab 2, BL2000, BL4000 (2 pairs), BL8000. Beolab 90. Headphones H7, A8 (x2). Beosound 2 (x2). Beo4 (x4) Beo6 Beo remote 1. Essence Mk2. B&O bottle opener.
Associated: Synology NAS 32 TB. Apple TV 4
Thanks for the update. I know I'll likely never own a pair but I'm keenly interested in learning more. Cheers!
Fred_Nerk: If people are interested I will update this thread to let you know how things go and of my experience with these acoustic marvels.
I am sure a lot of us are interested - so please keep us updated
Congrats on the speakers - enjoy them!
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Fred
Welcome to the Dark-side!
I hope you are as happy with your 90’s as I am?
I have found that the 90’s worked very well straight out of the box so to speak and needed very little in terms of calibration for me (guess I was lucky in positioning and the lack of variability of the room in which I use them). A few Weeks ago, I had B&O do the initial ARC calibration via PC (they were going around the UK doing ARC for all display units and those initial customers).
There is a good compendium of YouTube Training videos here:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L9KAXgHZDE&list=PLRPmJ785xnMgKXR3KgtScgvPf-V4sWa08
The App is available on iTunes but by typing "192.local" in you Android/Mac/Windows PC/Smartphone, I think you can pull-up the Beolabs own internal app which does the same thing.
There is still some development of that App and I know B&O have released a version with will control all the cable sources (XLR/SP-dif/Line etc….) and all the pre-set/fine-tuning settings. The latest App (which released to Apples schedule – not B&O’s will address cable line priority)
USB-Audio is now implemented
Omni direction is now implemented.
I have heard some indications that Beam-Width Control, App-based ARC and multi-zoning will be rolled-out in Q3. The main bulk of the software then being fully implemented and ready for upward revision. I have also heard indication that there is a wish for the new Avant’s will incorporate a lot of Beolab90 adjustment settings – whether that happens or I cannot say.
Rgds
10
Hello Mr 10 Percent,
That link to the youtube videos was quite interesting. I am certain that I won't attempt disassembly, but a clue to the complexity of the speakers is revealed. I was surprised at the residual charge and how long it took to discharge the power supply.
I tried typing 192.local but only ended up with a Google search. Is there something I have not understood? I would like to get my Android device to be able to control speaker settings.
My "glitch" has been improved significantly by the network switch. We (B&O and I) have narrowed down the issue to the network and the NAS. It is possible the issue began with an update to the NAS software as reports of the same or similar problem are appearing in NAS forums. It affects other (non B&O) systems too. The issue has been escalated to "company level" by the local technical team to seek a solution.
Congratulations to both of you owners. I hope you will share some more photos of your setups in the 'Flash your...' thread.
Have your local B&O technician where able to setup 1 custom preset for your beolab 90's?
And have they did a calibration ( Active room compensation) for the sweetspot in the location of your BL90's?
Hello zerocool143, We have not set up any ARC for my system yet. It is only available if the installer uses a PC based program. I gather there are limitations with the present(s) and the beolab 90 app.
I am waiting for the software upgrade so that the speakers can do the full APC thing with the microphone that is supplied. This is something I really look forward to.
As it stands now, the sound produced is optimised if using narrow beam and sitting in the geometric sweet spot. There will be many improvements as the software gets released.
I did not want you all to think that I had forgotten to let you know about my life since/with Beolab 90.
The updates to allow multiple presets and Automatic Room Compensation are due in a few weeks. I am really looking forward to playing with this. For the time being we have a "sweet spot"at my favourite chair, but ARC will bring more flexibility and versatility.
My network issue has not completely resolved, but there is a satisfactory "workaround". This is not a Beolab 90 problem, but B&O are helping get it resolved.
I have had an "eye" connected to the network and can use a Beo4 remote for basic functions.
I have a Deezer account connected. The music sounds very good, but not quite as good as lossless music from my NAS. There is a definite difference which is more noticeable with some tracks than others. I am wondering if Deezer vary the bitrate for some tracks.
Overall: I am very happy with the BL90s, keen for the implementation of more features and admit I spend much more time listening to music.......really listening.
Hooray! :-) Yesterday I have had the new upgrade installed and set-up with my B&O technician (thanks Michael).He was installing, helping and instructing.
The upgrade has, at last, enabled the Automatic Room Compensation, the creation of listening positions and presets to store and retrieve user defined room configurations. The supplied microphone is now a useful piece of the kit.Now I have listening positions and presets and can set up more as required to allow movement of furniture or whatever. My favourite sitting position is now a perfect place to listen to music too.
I couldn’t fault the quality of the music reproduction previously, but I reckon the BL90s are now sounding even better. The staging is amazing when I am in my new “one chair, no friends” spot. This spot is not exactly front and centre.
In summary, I am very pleased with update……..it just was slow coming.Anyone who was holding out for the upgraded software before buying could now take the plunge with confidence. We early adopters have been rewarded for our (im)patience.
This is great news - thanks for the info
Please notice the new video, that Geoff Martin just put on his blogsite:
http://www.tonmeister.ca/wordpress/2017/04/19/bo-tech-beolab-90-how-to-set-up-active-room-calibration/
Also note that the Technical Sound Guide has been updated to reflect the latest SW release - available here.
Cheers
-g
Updated just in time for the Axpona show in Chicago this weekend! I look forward to stop by and listen.
Went through my S/W upgrade process yesterday. One Sofa and no cuddle-bunny(ies) setting.
Cuddle-Bunny kept on coming in the room, opening doors, clanging loud things/talking on the phone and complaining about all the loud "warbling" noises I was making and ruining the calibration and making me start all over again. And Again. I digress.
1. Found the CrA*ple App rubbish. Would not agree that I had the Mic connected. Needed to delete and re-load the App continuously.
2. Took me ages to figure out the iApp overrides the Avant in L/R Front settings. Kept trying to toggle the micro-switches at the rear of the Master BL90 and wondered why it was not doing anything.
3. Found iApp crashed the whole proves when going through the sound-sequence if the screen time-out occurs. %Progression and save are lost.
4. Went to the IP-based App. Much better.
5. Takes about 2hrs when you don't know what you are doing, 15minutes when you do. Especially re-configuring the Avant. You need to have a clear mind on how the settings for Sources, Role types, Speaker Groups and BL90 W/N/O all interact with one another.
6. You need to be able to differentiate between a "pure" Wide for music and Wide (with surrounds) for Video.
Otherwise, tonight I get to do 4 extra calibrations:- Table, Sofa (CB Left), Sofa (CB Right) and probably a room-averaged Wide?
The BL90 Calibration has worked wonders for the optimal seating position. It has certainly transformed the "thickness" of the sound with the music becoming somewhat clearer, thinner and more transparent. Volume needs to be shifted up from 39 to 46 as I'm guessing a lot of bass has been taken out by the equations.
Mr 10Percent: One Sofa and no cuddle-bunny(ies) setting.
One Sofa and no cuddle-bunny(ies) setting.
Do you have a copyright on this phrase? Or can I start using it in my presentation without paying royalties? I'm getting tired of hearing myself say "One chair and no friends"... Your version is much more positive - which is unlike me, but would be nice for a change... :-)
Geoff Martin: Mr 10Percent: One Sofa and no cuddle-bunny(ies) setting. Do you have a copyright on this phrase? Or can I start using it in my presentation without paying royalties? I'm getting tired of hearing myself say "One chair and no friends"... Your version is much more positive - which is unlike me, but would be nice for a change... :-) Cheers -g
You can have the lot Geoff........(the phrase that is). How does £55k sound as a one-off payment? :)
I was lucky enough to witness David Zapfel of B&O give a talk and demo of the Beolab 90 at Axpona, Chicago this year (2017). I filmed his talk and we wrote a full review of the Beolab 90 from our experience at the show. You can see the full video and review here: https://www.rateyoursound.com/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-review-at-axpona-chicago
Thanks for that video and for mentioning it here.
And - since this is your first posting - welcome to Beoworld.
Thanks! I will post more in different threads about the various Beolab and Beosound equipment that my wife and I have collected over the years.
I realise that the Beolab 90 video link didn't show up as a link above, so here it is again https://www.rateyoursound.com/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-review-at-axpona-chicago
Hmmm...!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OI5Gqx8jE4
Beogram 6500 MMC2,Beosound Ouverture,2xBeolab 8000,2xBelolab 4000,Beolab 2,Beolab 7.2,Beo4 navi, 2xBeocom2,Serene,Beosystem 3 mk3,H6 2nd gen,Earphones E8,A8,A9 keyring,Beoplay A1,Bottle opener,Beoplay A2 active(thanks Botty)Wine Set(thanks Botty),4Ktv Samsung 55'',Beolab 7.1 with 42''Panasonic plasma,,Oppo udp-203, LinTronic.
OldJack:Hmmm...!!!
I really like the guy asking for the name of the speaker (may be he was just passing by and saw light inside...)
Double post
Thanks Yendys
Hi Fred,
I tried to check the Beolab 90 app and it seems that the Active Room Compensation feature is not yet part of the version 1.6.
So how did your guy was able to do the multiple ARC filters.
G'day zerocool143,
I have two methods for setting ARC. From an Apple device, use the Beolab 90 app. The app has had the ARC configuration for a few months. Geoff Martin's video explains it very nicely. The second method is from an Android device. If you can determine the IP address of your speakers then you can use a Web browser to directly access the software in the speakers and the interface is almost exactly the same as the Apple app.
If you are having difficulty, you might need to make sure you have the latest updates for the speakers. This was provided by (and installed) by the technical people from B&O. They had it on a USB, but it might be available online now.
I hope you can get the ARC sorted as it is the feature I best like about these speakers.
ARC and the BL90 app which sets "the scene" works 100% and is extremely effective unless I'm missing something. Described in detail on YouTube with Geoff Martin.
Can you tell me the version of your beolab 90 speakers and the version of your Beolab 90 app.
Is it very strange that I can see the ARC option in the app. Maybe because the speakers are connected Wirelessly with the TV(BV Avant 85NG)?
2.0.1.6250 Speaker sw
0.0.12 build date 2017-03-07 web UI
I gain a web access of the app (I assume from the Master) on ip http://192.168.0.20/#/system. Negates the need for either iOS or Android platform if you run only PC