Bluesound POWERNODE

Welcome to Bluesound

Thank you for purchasing the POWERNODE, a network music streaming amplifier designed to bring hi-resolution audio to everyday life. It allows you to connect loudspeakers for a two-channel or three-channel system, and can be grouped with other Bluesound players for multi-room listening experiences.

BluOS Platform

The POWERNODE utilizes the BluOS multi-room music streaming platform, a leading ecosystem for hi-res streaming audio. It features built-in music services, enabling simple playback of artists or playlists. The BluOS Controller App allows grouping of the POWERNODE with other Bluesound players for whole-home audio or setting it up as a complete stereo system by connecting to audio sources like a TV and loudspeakers. For assistance, visit support.bluesound.com or email support@bluesound.com.

Device Overview

Front Panel

The front panel features a touch-sensitive top surface and controls for playback and volume.

• Top Panel: Includes touch controls and a status indicator LED.
• Front Panel Controls: Features a volume slider/tap interface, track navigation buttons, and a play/pause button. A 6.35mm headphone jack is also located on the front.

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides various input and output options:

• Speaker Terminals (7): Connect right, left, and center speakers using the marked terminals (+/-). Ensure correct polarity and prevent stray wires from crossing terminals.
• LAN PORT (8): For a wired Ethernet connection to your router. This is an optional connection as Wi-Fi is also supported.
• USB INPUT (TYPE C) (9): Connect a PC or Mac to stream content. Select POWERNODE in your computer's audio settings.
• USB INPUT (TYPE A) (10): Connect USB mass storage devices (FAT32 or NTFS formatted) for music playback. Supports Server Mode for network access.
• HDMI eARC (11): Connect to a TV's ARC/eARC-enabled HDMI output using an HDMI cable. The source will appear as HDMI ARC or eARC in the BluOS App.
• OPTICAL IN 1 (12): Connect a digital optical cable from a compatible device. The source appears as Optical Input 1.
• OPTICAL IN 2 / ANALOG IN 2 (13): Connect a 3.5mm stereo audio cable for analog input (source: Analog Input 2). Use the included Mini Jack to Toslink adapter for digital optical input (source: Optical Input 2).
• ANALOG IN 1 (14): Connect an RCA stereo audio cable from a compatible device. The source appears as Analog Input 1.
• SUBW (SUBWOOFER) OUT (15): Connect to a powered subwoofer. Can also pair with a Bluesound subwoofer wirelessly.
• IR IN (16): Connect an infrared extender for remote control when the front panel IR sensor is obstructed.
• AC MAINS IN (17): Connect the appropriate AC power cord for your region.

Accessories Included

• 120V AC Power Cord
• 230V AC Power Cord
• Ethernet Cable
• Mini Jack to Toslink Adapter

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel Controls

• 1. PRESETS: Five programmable preset buttons configured via the BluOS App.
• 2. VOLUME SLIDER/TAP: Adjusts volume. Tap ends for 1dB increments, tap slider for 3dB increments.
• 3. PREVIOUS TRACK/NEXT TRACK: Navigates through the current play queue.
• 5. PLAY/PAUSE BUTTON: Controls playback (Play/Pause). Mutes the player when grouped. Also used for Factory Reset functions.
• 6. HEADPHONE JACK: A 6.35mm jack for connecting headphones.

4. STATUS INDICATOR LED

The LED on the front panel indicates the player's status:

Network Setup

The POWERNODE is a network audio player requiring a stable local area network and internet access for updates and streaming services. Connect via wired Ethernet (LAN PORT) or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. After connecting to power and the network, the player must be added and initialized using the BluOS Controller App. The LED will turn solid green when ready for network connection (Hotspot Mode) and solid blue upon successful network connection.

Presets

Favorite radio stations, music streams, or playlists can be saved as presets using the BluOS Controller app. These presets can be recalled using the five preset buttons on the POWERNODE or via an IR remote, such as the Bluesound RC1 remote (sold separately).

Audio Settings

Customize your listening experience through various audio settings accessible via the BluOS Controller App:

• LISTENING MODE (Future Update): Create separate profiles for Music, Movies, and Late Night listening.
• BALANCE: Adjust audio volume between left and right channels.
• CENTER CHANNEL: Enable or disable the center channel speaker output.
• CENTER CHANNEL TRIM: Fine-tune the center channel level (-10dB to +10dB) when enabled.
• TONE CONTROL: Adjust Treble and Bass output levels (-6dB to 6dB). Note: Enabling this reduces total player volume by 6dB.
• SUBWOOFER: Enable subwoofer output and adjust the crossover frequency.
• REPLAY GAIN: Configure consistent volume levels between tracks using Track gain, Album gain, or Smart gain options based on metadata.
• STEREO SURROUND: Play stereo content through all speakers for a more immersive sound field. Requires Center Channel enabled or Home Theater Group.
• ENHANCED STEREO (Future Update): Distributes stereo signals across channels for an expanded soundstage. Requires Center Channel enabled or Home Theater Group.
• OUTPUT MODE: Select audio output channel configuration: Left/Right, Mono, or Stereo.
• VOLUME LIMIT (dB): Set upper and lower limits for volume controls within the BluOS Controller App.

Settings

Configure various player settings via the BluOS Controller App:

• IR REMOTE: Set up IR remotes, either by learning commands from an existing remote or using the Bluesound RC1 remote. Options include enabling/disabling specific remotes and changing IR channels.
• INDICATOR LIGHT: Adjust the brightness of the status indicator LED (Normal, Dim, Off).
• PROXIMITY: Enable or disable the proximity sensor for the top panel user interface and adjust timeout settings.
• CUSTOMIZE SOURCES: Rename inputs and change their associated icons.
• BLUETOOTH: Configure Bluetooth settings for visibility and functionality (Manual, Automatic, Guest, Disabled).
• Input Customization (Analog/Optical/HDMI ARC/USB C): Adjust input names, icons, enable Auto Sense, Auto Sense Ungroup, A/V mode, Compressed Grouped Audio, and Hide Source options.
• SERVER MODE: Make USB drive content accessible on the network via the BluOS Controller app. The USB drive must be FAT32 or NTFS formatted. Enable or disable network sharing for the USB drive. Indexing may take time, indicated by the LED turning solid blue upon completion.

Factory Reset

WARNING! Performing a factory reset will erase all customization, including Wi-Fi configuration, file shares, and saved playlists. This process is recommended only if the player is malfunctioning or a firmware upgrade has failed. Contact Bluesound Customer Representative for assistance before proceeding.

Steps to Factory Reset:

1. Disconnect the POWERNODE from electrical power.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power.
4. Once the LED turns Red, press and hold the PLAY/PAUSE button. The LED will turn Green, then back to Red. Continue holding for 30 seconds.
5. After 30 seconds, the LED will begin to blink red. Release the button.
6. All customization will be removed, and the POWERNODE will be restored to factory settings.

IMPORTANT: Releasing the PLAY/PAUSE button before the LED begins flashing red will cancel the reset and leave the player in Upgrade Mode. Restart the steps to perform a factory reset.

A successful factory reset is indicated when the POWERNODE returns to Hotspot mode (solid green LED) or connects automatically to the network (solid blue LED if wired).