BeoSound Shape

Amplifier and Empty Tile Type 6307

Speaker Tile Type 6308

Acoustic Damper Tile Type 2997

Fabric Cover Type 6072

Installation Guide English - version 0.5

Preliminary ver. 0.5

Brand: BANG & OLUFSEN

Introduction

BeoSound Shape is a unique, scalable wireless speaker system designed to integrate high-quality music into interior design. It functions as a modular wall decoration composed of hexagonal shapes, allowing for custom sizes and patterns. The system comprises Speakers, Amplifiers, Empty Tiles, and Damper Tiles, available in various patterns, fabrics, and colors. The Amplifier Tile houses the electronics and eight amplifiers, capable of driving up to four speaker tiles. Each speaker tile features a 3/4-inch tweeter and a 5 1/4-inch bass/midrange unit.

The system is typically set up with a BeoSound Core. However, the Amplifier Tile, along with speaker tiles, can connect to other audio sources via Power Link or Optical In. With the BeoSound Core, users can wirelessly stream high-quality music from mobile devices using technologies like AirPlay, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. The BeoLink Multiroom functionality allows BeoSound Shape to be part of a multi-room audio setup, enabling different music playback in various rooms or a unified audio stream throughout the home.

A specialized cable solution ensures that despite being an active speaker design with one amplifier per driver, only one cable is needed per speaker tile. This allows for combining multiple amplifier and speaker tiles into a coherent system for enhanced sound performance. Tiles without speakers or electronics serve to unify the design, hide components like the BeoSound Core, dampening materials, cabling, or mains outlets.

There are virtually no limitations on the number of tiles in a design; a setup with 44 tiles has been tested. Each Amplifier Tile contains eight 80-watt amplifiers, meaning system performance depends on the number of amplifier and speaker tiles used. Each Amplifier Tile can power up to four speaker tiles.

A star rail system, used for mounting the design, clicks together with connector rails to form the desired pattern on a plain vertical wall. This allows for pre-visualization of tile placement on the floor before wall mounting. The Star Rail is screwed into the wall, followed by mounting the tiles with their electronics, drivers, and cabling. The cabinet design helps manage cabling for a neat installation. The Bang & Olufsen Logo badge is an optional aluminum attachment that can be easily connected to any tile connector.

The speaker system is designed using the Configuration Tool on www.bang-olufsen.com. The design is saved to a BeoCloud account, generating a PDF with details. Once mounted, the Bang & Olufsen app is used to set up the system with the specific configuration.

How to Use This Installation Guide

This installation guide should be used in conjunction with the installation video available at www.bang-olufsen.com/bsshapeuserguide. The guide and video provide an introduction to the product and step-by-step instructions for:

• Mounting the BeoSound Shape on the wall. Refer to the Placement Tool on BeoWise for correct wall placement.
• First-time setup and additional setup of speakers, services, and settings.
• Troubleshooting common issues.
• Other relevant information and connector specifications.

The right side of this page and page 24 (Table of Contents) act as an interactive table of contents, allowing direct navigation to sections.

Navigation in this Guide

The guide automatically opens in Full Screen Mode for optimal screen reading. Navigation is facilitated through keyboard shortcuts and on-screen icons.

Navigation Tips

Keyboard Navigation:

• Arrow keys [arrow-left] [arrow-right]: Navigate to the previous or next page.
• Esc: Exit Full Screen Mode. Press Ctrl + L to return to Full Screen Mode.

Navigation Icons (at the bottom of the screen):

• [arrow-left]: Navigates to the previous view.
• [home-icon]: Navigates directly to the start page.
• [document-icon]: Navigates directly to the table of contents (these are active links).
• [print-icon] (or Ctrl + P): Prints the document.

BeoSound Shape Components

Visual overview of the system's components:

• Amplifier Tile: Hexagonal module containing electronics. [hexagon-logo]
• Empty Tile: Hexagonal module for design unification and component hiding. [hexagon-logo]
• Speaker Tile: Hexagonal module with integrated speaker drivers. [hexagon-logo]
• Damper Tile: Hexagonal module for acoustic damping. [hexagon-logo]
• Star Rail: Mounting rail system for creating the desired pattern on the wall.
• Fabric Cover: Interchangeable fabric fronts for the tiles.
• Connection Rail: Connectors used to join Star Rails.
• Gap Absorber: Small components used in the mounting system.
• Logo badge: Optional Bang & Olufsen branding attachment.

What is in the package?

* Also includes: 2 star rails, 4 connection rails, 4 gap absorbers, 5 felt stickers, 2 straps for wires, 12 PT3x18 torx 10 zink screws, 12 washers.

Connection Panel

Amplifier Tile Connections:

• OPTICAL-IN: Digital audio input [optical-symbol]
• USB: For control and SW update [usb-symbol]
• COMM IN: Amplifier input (sound & control input) for daisy-chaining amplifiers.
• COMM OUT: Amplifier output (sound & control output) for daisy-chaining amplifiers.
• POWER LINK: Power Link input [power-link-symbol]
• 1-4: 4 x speaker 4-wire output.
• ~: AC power connection (each amplifier requires its own AC power connection).

Speaker Tile Connections:

• 1 x speaker 4-wire input.

Diagram illustrating the connection panel of the Amplifier Tile, showing ports for OPTICAL-IN, USB, COMM IN, COMM OUT, POWER LINK, and speaker outputs. The Speaker Tile shows its single input port.

Mounting

Placement Conditions

Before mounting, consult the installation video at www.bang-olufsen.com/bsshapeuserguide and the Placement Tool on BeoWise.

The product is intended for indoor use in dry domestic environments only, mounted on a plane vertical wall. Recommended temperature range: 10-40°C (50-105°F).

Note: The final setup pattern may differ from the Star Rail pattern alone due to the shapes of the Star Rails and tiles (Amplifier, Speaker, Damper, Empty).

Mounting Star Rails

Lay out all Star Rails on the floor according to the chosen pattern from the Configuration tool. Connect the Star Rails using the Connection Rails. The diagram illustrates connecting Star Rails with Connection Rails, showing a hexagonal grid formation. The connection mechanism is described as a 'click' action.

Illustrates how Star Rails connect using Connection Rails to form a hexagonal grid pattern on a wall. Shows connection points and the 'click' mechanism.

Example of Star Rail Setup

For easier mounting, disconnect the setup into smaller sections (e.g., 3-5 tiles per section). Begin by hanging the most compact part of the setup.

Example of a large Star Rail setup divided into numbered sections (Section 1 to Section 6) for sequential mounting.

Mounting Considerations

Before mounting Star Rails, identify the wall socket location. Ensure the Star Rail for the Empty Tile is positioned over the wall socket. An extension cord with extra sockets can be concealed within the Empty Tile.

Shows a Star Rail layout highlighting the placement of a wall socket and an Empty Tile to conceal it and any extension cords.

Important

If multiple wall sockets are used, it is crucial to switch on the socket connected to the Master Amplifier first, followed by the sockets connected to Slave Amplifiers.

Mounting Star Rails (Continued)

For initial mounting (section 1), insert one screw [screw] and washer [washer] into the top of a Star Rail. Use a spirit level and the provided leveling towers [levelling-towers] to ensure the Star Rails are level. Repeat for each Star Rail. After all Star Rails are secured with one screw, add at least two more screws [screw] and washers [washer] per Star Rail. A minimum of three screws [screw] per Star Rail is recommended for stability. Always use the spirit level before final screw tightening.

Note: Screws for wall mounting are not included.

Demonstrates mounting Star Rails with screws and washers, using leveling towers. Includes visual guides for recommended, alternative, and incorrect screw placements.

Extra Supporting Star Rail

If the construction feels unstable due to single Connection Rails between Star Rails, consider adding extra Star Rails and Connection Rails during mounting.

Important

Mark these extra supporting Star Rails (e.g., with tape over mounting holes). Crucially, do not insert screws [screw] into these extra supporting rails. Remove the supporting Star Rails and extra Connection Rails before mounting the tiles.

Depicts a Star Rail configuration with dashed lines indicating where extra supporting rails might be added for stability, with instructions for marking and removal.

Mounting Bang & Olufsen Logo Badge

The Bang & Olufsen Logo badge can be attached to any tile connector. The diagram shows the badge being clicked [click] into place on a tile.

Shows the optional Bang & Olufsen logo badge being attached to a tile connector with a 'click' action.

Mounting the Tiles

Refer to the Installation Video on www.bang-olufsen.com/bsshapeuserguide for instructions on mounting the tiles.

This page will be updated in future releases.

Connecting Cables

Refer to the Installation Video on www.bang-olufsen.com/bsshapeuserguide for detailed instructions.

Attention: Do not bend the Optical cable [optical-symbol].

Ethernet Cable Length:

• Maximum length between each Amplifier: 15 meters.
• Total maximum length: 40 meters.

Instructions on how to shorten signal cables for speakers are provided in the video.

Multiple Amplifier Setup

For systems with more than one amplifier, amplifiers must be bridged together using an RJ45 cable [rj45-symbol]. For example, Amplifier A's COMM OUT must connect to Amplifier B's COMM IN, and Amplifier B's COMM OUT must connect to Amplifier C's COMM IN.

Illustrates a multi-amplifier setup: a central 'Core' connected to Amplifier A (Master), which then connects to Amplifier B (Slave) and Amplifier C (Slave) via COMM OUT to COMM IN using RJ45 cables. Shows OPTICAL, USB, and POWER LINK connections.

Mount Fabric Cover

Place the fabric covers onto the tile cabinets and press gently to attach them. Ensure the fabric pattern is identical on all tiles. It is recommended to use Kvadrat fabric with the texture shown in the drawing for optimal appearance.

Shows hexagonal fabric covers being placed onto tile cabinets, with arrows indicating gentle pressing and emphasizing consistent fabric pattern.

First Time Setup

For first-time setup, refer to the Installation Video on www.bang-olufsen.com/bsshapeuserguide.

Alternative Setup

This page will be updated in future releases.

Software Update

Automatic Software Update

Software can be checked and updated via the Bang & Olufsen app. Automatic updates are enabled by default (On) and can be set to Off, though this is not recommended. Updates are checked nightly between 00:00 and 06:00 local time, only if automatic update is enabled and the system is in standby mode.

Situations where disabling automatic updates might be considered include Hotels, Retailers, Home Automation setups, and test environments. Disabling updates prevents other network products from prompting for updates when BeoSound Shape updates. If automatic updates are turned off, manual checks should be performed regularly.

Web Interface Access to the BeoSound Shape

Access the web interface via the Bang & Olufsen app or a computer. For computer access, connect the BeoSound Shape via LAN cable [rj45-symbol] to the home router/AP [wifi-symbol], and connect the computer to the same router/AP (wired or wirelessly). Handheld devices with web browsers can also be used.

Access the web server by entering http://<BeoSound Shape IP address> in a web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari), where <BeoSound Shape IP address> is assigned by the home router.

The BeoSound Shape IP address can be found using freeware programs like "Discover digital networks" or "Fing".

Illustrates network access to the BeoSound Shape via a computer or handheld device connected to a home router, showing the connection path.

Troubleshooting

This page will be updated in future release.

LED Indications

The following table describes the LED indicator behavior on the Amplifier for different states:

Technical Specifications

Designer:

Øivind Alexander Slaatto

Materials:

Lightweight composite casing and fabric covers.

Dimensions:

Tile with fabric and star rail system: 36.4 x 32.0 x 11.1 cm

The star rail system creates a 0.6 cm air gap between the cabinet and wall.

The size of the gap between the fabric covers depends on the type of fabric.

Diagrams showing the dimensions of a single tile with its star rail system (36.4 x 32.0 x 11.1 cm) and the 0.6 cm air gap. Another diagram shows two connected tiles with dimensions.

Component Specifications:

Amplifier Tile

• Weight: 2.0 kg + 0.4 kg (fabric cover)
• Power amplifiers: 8 x 80 Watt (Class D)
• Maximum speakers per amplifier: 4
• Cabinet colour: Black
• Connections: AC power, Optical In [optical-symbol] (Digital audio input), USB [usb-symbol] (control/SW update), Power Link input [power-link-symbol], COMM IN (input for daisy-chaining), COMM OUT (output for daisy-chaining), 4 x speaker 4-wire output.

Speaker Tile

• Weight: 1.9 kg + 0.4 kg (fabric cover)
• Cabinet principle: Closed box
• Cabinet colour: Black
• Speaker drivers: Woofer 5 1/4", Tweeter 3/4"
• Connections: 1 x speaker 4-wire input.

Damper Tile

• Weight: 0.51 kg + 0.4 kg (fabric cover)
• Cabinet colour: Black
• Damper Tiles can also be used as Empty Tiles to hide cables, power strips, or power adapters by removing the sound-absorbing material.

Fabric Covers

• Each tile requires a fabric cover.
• Available colours: Black, Brazilian Clay, Infantry green, Parisian Night blue, Purple Heart, Wild Dove grey.
• Kvadrat fabric colours: Brown moss green, pink, dark blue.

Connectivity (provided by BeoSound Core)

The BeoSound Core connects to the BeoSound Shape via optical-in [optical-symbol] and USB [usb-symbol], providing wireless streaming connectivity. The Core fits invisibly into an empty tile.

Dimensions and weight:

• Base diameter: 151.20 mm
• Height: 43.5 mm
• Weight: 290 grams
• USB-C power supply weight: 150 grams

Wireless networks:

• Wi-Fi/WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) [wifi-symbol]
• Bluetooth 4.1 [bluetooth-symbol]

Streaming technologies:

• Chromecast built-in
• Apple AirPlay
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming
• DLNA - DMR
• Spotify Connect
• QPlay 2.0 (China specific)

Supported Audio Formats:

• MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
• Standard sample rates up to 192 kHz, stereo and up to 24 bit.
• Note: WMA lossless is not supported.

Connectors:

• 1 x USB-C (for power via external power supply) [usb-symbol]
• 1 x Power Link socket (RJ45) with two channels [power-link-symbol] [rj45-symbol]
• 1 x Line-in (analogue & digital combo) with sensing
• 1 x Ethernet
• 1 x Optical out - digital sound out (for connection to BeoSound Shape) [optical-symbol]
• 1 x USB (for connection to BeoSound Shape) [usb-symbol]
• 1 x Digital Power Link (for future use)

Remote Control options:

• Bang & Olufsen App
• BeoSound Essence Remote: BeoSound Core can be paired wirelessly (Bluetooth Low Energy) with the BeoSound Essence Remote. Up to five BeoSound Essence Remotes can be connected to one system.

Connection Specifications

OPTICAL

Optical socket - for Audio input (S/P-DIF) [optical-symbol]

USB

USB B Audio 2.0 for Audio input and ServiceTool [usb-symbol]

Pinout:

• Pin 1: +5VDC
• Pin 2: Data
• Pin 3: Data +
• Pin 4: GND

COMM IN

RJ45 - used for Amplifier input [rj45-symbol]

Pinout: Pin 1: A2B_AP, Pin 2: A2B_AN, Pin 3: Signal GND, Pin 4: Signal GND, Pin 5: Signal GND, Pin 6: Signal GND, Pin 7: Data RX, Pin 8: Data TX

Diagram showing the pinout configuration for the RJ45 connector used for COMM IN.

COMM OUT

RJ45 - used for Amplifier output [rj45-symbol]

Pinout: Pin 1: A2B_BP, Pin 2: A2B_BN, Pin 3: Signal GND, Pin 4: Signal GND, Pin 5: Signal GND, Pin 6: Signal GND, Pin 7: Data TX, Pin 8: Data RX

Diagram showing the pinout configuration for the RJ45 connector used for COMM OUT.

POWER LINK

RJ45 - used for Power Link 1 and 2 [power-link-symbol] [rj45-symbol]

Pinout: Pin 1: Not used, Pin 2: Not used, Pin 3: Signal GND, Pin 4: Speaker On/Off (On => 2.5V, Off =< 0.5V), Pin 5: Not used, Pin 6: Audio R out (0V-6.5V RMS), Pin 7: Signal GND, Pin 8: Audio L out (0V-6.5V RMS)

Diagram showing the pinout configuration for the RJ45 connector used for POWER LINK.

Mains Inlet

C8 socket - Mains inlet. For different types of mains leads, see exploded view in the Retail Ordering System.

Live, Neutral

Table of Contents

This document provides a comprehensive guide to the BeoSound Shape system, covering:

• Introduction and system overview
• How to use the installation guide and navigation tips
• Component identification and package contents
• Connection panel details
• Mounting procedures for Star Rails, Logo Badge, and Tiles
• Cable connection instructions, including multi-amplifier setups
• Fabric cover attachment
• Setup procedures (First time, Alternative)
• Software updates and web interface access
• Troubleshooting and LED indications
• Technical specifications and connectivity details
• Connection specifications and pinouts

Version 0.5 - 2017-08-08