Posted on May 29, 2024June 18, 2024 by Multicare

BeoCord 5500

As part of Beosystem 5500, this advanced tape recorder was as close to professional standard as could be made at the time, bristling with features you just loved to use!

There was Auto Reverse, letting you play or record both sides of a cassette as one continuous tape. And automatic adjustment of sound levels avoided annoying volume changes from one recording to the next. Then there was Bang & Olufsen’s famous HX-Pro recording system which gave vastly superior sound quality on the higher frequencies, creating a richer, more detailed sound image.

Beocord 5500 automatically adjusted itself to match standard, chrome or metal tapes. You had the option of Dolby B or C during recording. During playback, the recorder automatically switched itself to the noise reduction system you recorded with. Automatic track search was also included – just key in the track number and the recorder did the rest.

The cassette recorder could be controlled via the two-way Master Control Panel 5500 as part of the Beosystem 5500.

Auto Record level

One of the less-pleasant chores in making a recording is setting level control to its optimum position. Setting it too low raises the level of background noise on the recording. Setting it too high makes the recording distorted at high music levels. With this in mind, Bang and Olufsen introduced an automatic record mode which was called ‘Auto Record’.

Auto Record worked in two steps: when the record button was pressed for the first time, the cassette recorder went into a record pause mode, where the incoming signal was monitored. Under microprocessor control, the highest level was monitored and the record level was set at the optimum level for that music. On pressing the record button the second time, the tape was set in motion and the recording started, but continuing to make minor adjustments. If at any time during the recording, the level of music rose above the monitored level, the level control was lowered by exactly the amount required for the new optimum recording level.

This method of setting the level control closely imitated the action of a highly skilled recording engineer, if asked to set the level for a recording. It was the best that could be done when the full recording could not be monitored before recording started.

This feature incorporated a new method of monitoring the signal, which proved to be a more effective method over conventional methods. It was patented by the company with the patent number 158702.

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BeoCord 5500 Product Details

Type Numbers

4931 (1986 – Sept 1990)
4935 (AUS) (1986 – Aug 1989)
4932 (GB) (1986 – Jan 1990)
4934 (J) (1986 – Jan 1990)
4933 (USA) (1986 – Jan 1990)

Designer

Jacob Jensen

Manufactured

1986 – 1990

Colour Options

Metal grey, aluminium

BeoCord 5500 Product Specification

Compact cassette: C46-C60-C90-C120
Recording system: HX PRO
Tape transport system: Auto reverse
Search system: Track numbers
Record level: Auto Recording level
Noise reduction: Auto Dolby B and C
Tape switch: Auto. ferro/chrom/metal
Tape head: Sendust

Wow and flutter DIN: <+/- 0.15%
Fast forward and rewind: C60 75 sec
Frequency range chrome: 30 – 18,000 Hz +/- 3 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio metal Dolby NR: B: >66 dB, C: >73 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio chrome Dolby NR B: >64 dB, C: >74 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio ferro Dolby NR B: >62 dB, C: >72 dB
Power supply 4931 220V
4932 240V
4933 120V
4934 100V
4935 240V
Power consumption: max. 25 W
Dimensions W x H x D 42 x 7.5 x 32.5cm
Weight 8 kg

Connections: AUX IN 7 pin
Microphone DIN 0,3mV /3kohms
Audio Link

Type	Language	Type
User Guide	DK	BeoCord 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	EN	BeoCord 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	FR	BeoCord 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	GER	BeoCord 5500 User Guide	View label
Service Manual	EN	BeoCord 5500 Service Manual	View label
Service Manual Update	EN	BeoCord 5500 Service Manual Update	View label

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Beo4

Three variations on a theme… Beo4 over the years. From the Mark I version introduced in 1994 with its central ‘AV’ button, the Mark II version introduced in 1999 to accommodate the then recently introduced DVD format, and the November 2004 Mark III inception with its noticeable DTV, VMEM and AMEM buttons.

Beo4 is the key to all current Bang & Olufsen television and music systems. A remote control must be able to be operated in the dark, without glasses and without moving your eyes from the screen. That’s why the most often-used controls on the Beo4 are gathered together on one multi-functional button which you can control with just your thumb: programme shift, video play and wind. Choose a function and your command is registered on the Beo4’s LCD display. Simple and logical, so the manual can be put away after a few days. The design is ergonomical and so tough that Beo4 can be left in the hands of the youngest user.

Beo4 Mark III Update – November 2004

Released in order to ensure that the remote control keeps up to date with products currently sold, as well as new products on the horizon, Beo4 Mark III was produced for sale at the end of 2004.

Visual changes were made to the V.TAPE, A.TAPE and SAT buttons and are now renamed V.MEM, A.MEM and DTV. A number of changes have also been made to the ‘LIST’ functions. The part number of the new remote is: 1162700

Beo4 remote control is provided with all new Bang & Olufsen TV receivers. It may be purchased as a separate accessory (around £155 – 2004 prices) to control audio equipment and lights. It works with all recent (post-1994) Bang & Olufsen products and also Beolink® around-the-house systems. It is one of the most powerful remote controls on the market; so much so, that the user needs not point it directly at the appliance being controlled.

The star-shaped control can be operated by your thumb alone – you don’t need to move your eyes to look to see what you’re doing. Extra ‘buttons’ can be programmed into the unit to control other not so much needed functions of Bang & Olufsen products.

Plastic-free surface on remote control units

“Surface treatment is very important to Bang & Olufsen. It affects not only the appearance but also the feel of a piece of equipment” states Technology Director Peter Petersen. “A product is created to be used, and you can’t do that without touching it.”

“A Bang & Olufsen terminal – or remote control – must sit nicely and comfortably in the hand. So we don’t coat it with plastic. A plastic terminal somehow doesn’t feel as genuine as ours. And gets hot and sweaty, too. After a great deal of work on the choice of materials we have selected zinc for all our terminals. It sits well in the hand and is pleasant to touch. The heat from the hand is conducted away, so the terminal never feels clammy. In design terms, this choice represents an extra form of quality.”

Bang & Olufsen terminals, of course, are not just attractive to the eye and pleasing to the hand. User interface is in fact one of Bang & Olufsen’s main concerns, where technology is really put in the service of humankind. Through logic operations, in fact, B&O’s remote control units make life with the product a pleasant experience.

Did you know? To determine which version of Beo4 you have, try pressing GO and MENU at the same time and then LIST to ‘scroll’ through the information. It will show you, for a 2003 version:

EE: 6.0

SW: 5.0

Handing it intuitively to Bang & Olufsen: a history of remote controls

Bang & Olufsen’s first remote control came on the market in 1974. That year, Bang & Olufsen launched two products, each with a remote control of the same design. It was the size of a small cigar case and had a steel top plate. These two remote controls, which were not integrated, were the Beovision 6000 Commander and the Beomaster 6000 Commander. The TV remote control allowed the user to select programmes and picture quality from the comfort of an armchair. The remote control for the stereo enabled the user to control a four-channel sound system.

Before too long remote controls became smaller, in the form of Beovision 6002’s Beovision Control Module. The buttons on its surface were designed so that you could use the remote control without looking at it. Those for turning down a setting were shaped to curve downwards, while the buttons for turning up a setting curved upwards.

The following Video Terminal was cast in zinc so that heat was conducted away from the palm of the hand. This remote control, which used an infrared beam, was launched in 1980. It was quite narrow, with a keypad that both resembled and functioned the same way as the buttons on a telephone. This was another way of helping the user to operate the remote control without looking at it. This version introduced additional buttons for operating Teletext TV.

The following year, Bang & Olufsen added functions for operating video recorders and a new version of the Beovision Control Module. System integration had advanced to the point of sharing a remote control between the Beovision 8800 and Beocord 8800 Video.

The next generation of remote controls arrived when it became necessary to transfer more operating information that, for purely technical reasons, could not be incorporated into a single remote control. Now sound could be transferred between the television and the stereo system. This became possible with the combination of a video terminal and an audio terminal into an AV Terminal – the forerunner of Beolink 1000 – in 1985.

In 1987, all audio, video and audio/video remote controls were integrated into one unit with the Beolink 1000. Since then, Bang & Olufsen has pursued a strategy of only having one remote control for all products – most recently with Beo4, which is capable of operating all products. Beo1 is a minor exception to the strategy. It only operated Beocenter 1 and Beovision 1 and was intended for a new customer segment, which it did not completely succeed in capturing. For this reason, it was replaced by the Beo4 from autumn 2002.

Beo4 Specifications

In general, Bang & Olufsen’s development of remote controls can be summed up in a simple concept: Intuitive use. It is important to be able to adjust sound and picture from wherever you may be in the home. Accordingly, Bang & Olufsen has chosen simple functions – and that, of course, also has implications for the design of the remote control. It’s easy enough to pack a lot of buttons and functions into a remote control, but Bang & Olufsen has chosen a simple operational philosophy for the customer.

Beo4 has relatively few buttons, but it can retrieve a lot of information if required. That is what you call quality. Since the development of the first remote control cast in zinc, the company’s remote controls have had a certain intrinsic weight. This helps to give a sense of quality. Last but not least, the remote control is renowned for having a long range. You don’t have to get into a special position to communicate with the system. Once you have the remote control in your hand, you are ‘in total command’.

(Taken from Beolink Magazine: ‘The First 50 Years of Television’ © Bang & Olufsen a/s 2002)

Beo4 Product Specifications

Type Number

Type: 1624
Type: 1625
Type: 2067
Type: 6014

Designer

Designer: David Lewis

Manufactured

Manufactured: 1994 – ?

Colours

Colours: Grey

Specification

Batteries: 3 x AA
Dimensions: 25,4 x 3,8 x 2,0cm
Weight with batteries: 290g
Beo4 part number: 1162411 (EU)
Beo4 Wall bracket (Type 2067) part number: 1206766

Source Change
Old names, hard sources New names, hard sources
V.TAPE V.MEM
A.TAPE A.MEM
SAT DTV
Old name, soft sources New names, soft sources
V.TAPE2 DVD2
P-V.TP2 P-DVD2
L-V.TP2 L.DVD2
A-V.TP2 A-DVD2
CAMCORD CAMERA
DOORCAM V.AUX2
A.TAPE2 A.MEM2
New soft sources
P-V.AU2
Deleted soft sources
PHONE
CD2

New Features
New features Description
P.MUTE Picture mute, toggle function that blanks picture
LOCK Manual record lock
UNLOCK Manual record unlock
VIDEO4 configuration Enables P-AND-P as default for the B-chassis
Old Feature Name: New feature name
P-I-P P-AND-P

Most recent S/W 4.2

Beo4 configuration
to set the Beo4 to work with specific products,
i.e. Avant, BS9000.

The Beo4 with SAT, V.TAPE and A.TAPE buttons displays
MX, AV9000, AVANT, AV5 and NONE as video options.
BASIC and BS9000 as audio options.

There are also Beo4 versions with the same buttons that have numeric options.
For example a 2003 version with software EE: 6.0 SW: 5.0
has Video 1 to 3 and Audio 1 and 2.

The Beo4 with DTV, V.MEM and A.MEM buttons has numeric options.
Video 1 to 4 and Audio 1 and 2.

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Type	Language	Type
User Guide	Arabic	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Brazil	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Chinese	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	DK	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	ENG	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	ESP	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	FIN	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	FR	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	GER	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	GR	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Hebrew	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	IT	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	JP	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Korean	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	NL	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Polish	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	PORT	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	RUS	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	SWE	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Taiwan	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Hungarian	Beo4 User Guide	View label
User Guide	Turkish	Beo4 User Guide	View label
Lexicon	EN	Beo4 Lexicon	View label
Touchpad Switches	EN	Beo4 Touchpad Switches	View label
Service Manual	EN	Beo4 Service Manual	View label

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Designer – Henning Dahl-Mikkelsen

Henning Dahl-Mikkelsen – ‘Mik’ – designed Bang & Olufsen’s well-known logo in 1931. But Dahl-Mikkelsen created also other well-known figures than Bang & Olufsen’s logo. He is also the man behind the comic strip Ferd’nand, a world-wide success and published in 15-16 different countries. In 1999 it was 60 years since Dahl-Mikkelsen began developing Ferd’nand. Since 1939 Ferd’nand has been published in 100 to 120 papers all over the world. Until his death in 1982 Dahl-Mikkelsen made more than 15,832 Ferd’nand strips.

Fact - The very first product to bear the 'new' Bang & Olufsen logo was the tone-arm and magnetic cartridge of 1933.

Henning Dahl-Mikkelsen was born in 1915. After grammar school he spent two years as a painter’s apprentice with a part-time job as an advertising artist. In 1931 he contacted Bang & Olufsen and showed them a logo he wanted to sell. The logo was very typical of the period and in the style known as Bauhaus. Dahl-Mikkelsen wanted five Danish kroner for the drawing, but Svend Olufsen, who was otherwise known for being careful with his money, offered Dahl-Mikkelsen ten kroner – twice Mik’s asking price! Bang & Olufsen has being using the logo since 1931, when it was registered.

Dahl-Mikkelsen then moved to Copenhagen and found employment in an animation studio. That led to a job in London in 1935, where he was senior artist for an English film company. His great example was Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse cartoon and for a number of years he worked with cartoon films until on 3 May 1937 he began the comic strip Ferd’nand. That same year he created the pantomime comic strip Ferd’nand for the Danish Press Agency PIB Copenhagen Copenhagen. It had its debut in two English newspapers and in May also began appearing in Danish provincial newspapers. Only after the New York Herald Tribune and the Chicago Tribune had bought publication rights to the series did the major Danish daily newspapers show interest. After the Second World War the strip achieved international success, especially with the Americans. Mik, as Dahl-Mikkelsen now called himself, emigrated to the USA to be closer to his most enthusiastic readers.

Success

Ferd’nand was a success in Denmark even under the German occupation of the country from 1940-45. The success set Mik to work on still another series, the double strip Familien Hansen (The Hansen Family). The comic book version of Jens Locher’s popular radio show about a typical Danish family’s humorous everyday experiences was published in the magazine Landet (The Country) from 1942-48, with Mik as the artist until 1946. He was succeeded by Chris, Helge Hau and then Holger Philipsen.

Mik had created his first comic for The Country as early as 1941, with De gamle guder (The Old Gods) first appearing in issue no. 35. This full colour page with charming caricatures took as its starting point the Nordic mythology and life of the gods in Valhalla in a story by Harald H. Lund. The series was published as a comic book in 1943 by Illustrationsforlaget (Carlsen) under the title Thor og hans hammer (Thor and his Hammer).

Mik’s third comic in Landet was the children’s series Lise og Lasse. It started as a double strip in colour in 1944 and was written by Harald H. Lund. It was an imaginative epic series from fairy tale- and toyland in a style reminiscent of Harry Nielsen’s Bamse og Dukke Lise (Teddy Bear and Lise the Doll), transformed into detailed drawings rich in perspective. When Mik left Denmark in 1946 to try his luck in the USA, Lise and Lasse was continued by Ib Steinaa until 1950, however with little success.

Later years

Mikkelsen moved to California and continued to draw the strip until his death in 1982. Today, Ferd’nand continues to be drawn in “Mik’s” style by Henrik Rehr. Rehr says he was honoured when asked to draw Mikkelsen’s character. “I grew up with Ferd’nand and have always admired the strip. It’s one of the classic silent strips and I liked the international appeal of working without words.”

Ferd’nand is the classic “silent” comic strip, starring a wide-eyed cherubic mime, his wife, son and dog. Every day is a new adventure for the title character as he confronts life and fate with wonderful expressiveness. From circus performer to bank cashier to orchestra conductor, Ferd’nand has spent almost six decades as the pantomiming protagonist of middle class life. A timeless classic with universal appeal, Ferd’nand is one of the 10 longest-running comic strips still being drawn.

Designer – Gideon Lindinger-Lowy

Designer – Henning Moldenhawer

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Posted on May 27, 2024May 27, 2024 by Multicare

Designer – Bang & Olufsen

“Design has become our new niche. The gear should look smart, but technical performance should be outstanding. Designers and technicians work together in close collaboration from the very start of a new product” Bang & Olufsen video products

For over 75 years, Bang & Olufsen has been setting standards in the application of technology through innovative design – beginning in 1925 with Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen’s invention of the world’s first radio with a mains plug, to today’s integrated audio and television entertainment systems.

The company seeks to unite form and function through design by developing products that combine sophisticated technology with ingenuity and aesthetic appeal. Meticulous attention is paid to looks, sound clarity, vision delivery and technological proficiency for intuitive ease of operation. The unique Beolink® system enables seamless, integrated access to B&O products – in the home, workplace, hotel or studio. In essence, the design of any B&O product makes choice and operation rewarding for the senses.

Appreciated as art forms, B&O’s ‘original classics’ have received many design awards and appear in design collections of museums around the world, including the permanent design collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This recognition symbolises the company’s ability to integrate both design and technology, together with their commitment to innovation and the delivery of excellence in the entertainment experience. However, before any product reaches the market, a designer has to come up with the way a product has to look, to feel and to perform…

Designer – Bang & Olufsen

Acton Bjørn

Beolit 500

Sigvard Bernadotte

Beolit 500

Designit A/S, Denmark

BeoCom 3 (iF Winner 2002)

Ib Fabiansen

Modular System – Unit furniture, 1958
Dirigent

Gideon / Lone Lindinger Löwy

BeoCom 750
BeoCom 2000 and BeoCom 1000 (iF Winners 1990)
BeoCom 2100
BeoLab / Beovox Penta range

Anders Hermansen

BeoLab 2000 (iF Winner 1996)
A8 Earphones

Martin Iseli, Switzerland

Georg Jensen

Clock / barometer set
Expandable book ends

Jacob Jensen

David Lewis

Erik Rørbæk Madsen

The tonearm and MMC cartridge principle

Henning Moldenhawer

Beomaster 900
Beovision 3000
Beovision 6000
Beovision 8900

Steve McGugan

Form 2 Headphones

Anne Mette Sonnicksen

Designing interface menus for B&O televisions

Henrik Sorig Thomsen, Denmark

Ole Terndrup (Concept developer)

Eigil Thomsen (Design manager)

Bodil Viftrup

iF provides a broad range of design-related services. It is internationally known thanks to its iF Design Award which has been staged since 1954. Today the Award is regarded as one of the most important design competitions worldwide, attracting over 1800 entries from 30 different countries every year. The jury, composed of top international designers, not only critically examines and selects the award-winning entries, but also guarantees iF’s special status and the high-quality reputation of the iF label. The company also markets its core expertise – its know-how in the area of organising competitions, tenders or pitches – to companies, institution and political parties. For example, its expertise is often sought on design questions, architectural competitions, advertising pitches and other services involving a strong creative component.

I.D. Magazine is the USA’s leading critical magazine covering the art, business and culture of design. Winner of five National Magazine Awards — four for General Excellence (1995, 1997 and 1999, 2000) and one for Design (1997), the publication appears eight times a year. Issues include the Annual Design Review, America’s largest and most prestigious juried design-recognition programme and which has been published since 1954. The Design Review showcases the best American and international design in the areas of Consumer Products, Furniture, Equipment, Environments, Packaging, Graphics, Concepts and Student Projects.

I.D. past winners include: Video System 5000(1990)

Award bestowed on Bang & Olufsen – Press Release 22.02.02

Prestigious Technical Achievement Award bestowed on Bang & Olufsen

The Sonic Foundry Outstanding Technical Achievement Award 2002 is to be presented at the Banff Television Festival 2002 in Canada in June. This award represents the pinnacle of technical and creative achievement over time in the international television and new media industry.

In making the announcement today at a special reception at the Danish Design Centre, Pat Ferns, president and CEO of the Banff Television Foundation said, “Watching television is at the heart of what we do and Bang & Olufsen has added another dimension of pleasure to this experience in the brilliant systems it has created. Watching and listening on equipment designed to be works of art in themselves – without sacrificing any visual or aural element – has endeared audiences to this company and its products. As the Board of Governors explored the full range of Bang & Olufsen’s creations, they came to a happy conclusion that this innovative Danish company represented true excellence, deserving of Banff’s top technology award.”

Bang & Olufsen’s Chief Technology Officer Peter Petersen expressed the gratitude of the company when thanking Pat Ferns for the honour, and stated “Bang & Olufsen has always prided itself with the refinement and application of technology in order to benefit the user. We constantly strive to ensure that the technologies applied inside our products are never outshone by the design elements found on the outside. A few years ago, we asked people what they liked most about Bang & Olufsen products. Those who did not own any said ‘The way it looks’. Those who owned our products said ‘The way it works’. Thank you Banff, for also acknowledging our technological endeavours.”

W. Paterson Ferns continued by stating “Although Bang & Olufsen’s products have been justly celebrated for ‘the way they look,’ it is important to keep in mind that the Sonic Foundry Outstanding Technical Achievement Award is not a design award. It recognizes outstanding technological contributions to excellence in television. It is one thing for something to look stunning, but if it doesn’t work, what’s the point? In the final analysis, it’s what’s inside that counts. The genius of Bang & Olufsen, throughout its distinguished history has been, and continues to be, the company’s commitment to expert, innovative, and imaginative applications of technology. The company makes the most sophisticated technology consumer-friendly, because the technology works brilliantly. What’s inside – the essence of the product – is what matters most; making it look so good is a bonus.”

The Sonic Foundry Outstanding Technical Achievement Award will be presented to Bang & Olufsen at a special Tribute ceremony on Tuesday, June 11 during BANFF 2002. A complete list of past recipients is attached.

About the Banff Television Festival

The Banff Television Festival is a special gathering place for television broadcasters, program producers, and online content creators. Over 60 hours of seminars, plenary sessions, keynote speakers, Master Classes, and pitching opportunities are featured along with the international Banff Rockie Awards program competition. The Banff Television Festival 2002 will be held on June 9 – 14, 2002

The Festival is the premier activity of the Banff Television Foundation, a management organization for some of the world’s leading television and new media industry events including the World Congress of History Producers, the World Congress of Science Producers, and the Alliance Atlantis Banff Television Executive Program.

BeoLab 200

On the amplifier itself were buttons for adjusting bass and the level of sensitivity. This meant that you could arrive at a permanent adjustment that matched the room exactly.

BeoLab 150: Controlled overdrive

At the base of the BeoLab Penta column was the BeoLab 150 amplifier with a power output of 175 watts DIN/IEC. This could give your music a tremendous boost, both to the quality and the actual power output. It was ideal if you loved to party but had a relatively small music system. Big power needs careful control – so the amplifier was equipped with Bang & Olufsen’s Dynamic Soft Clipping system. This was a circuit that prevented both distortion and damage to the speaker units by softly rounding off signals that were too powerful. Another circuit prevented damage due to prolonged overloading.

BeoLab Penta turned on automatically when it received a signal and also turned itself off three minutes after receiving the last signal. BeoLab Penta had a light display that indicated the volume level and which sound source the music was coming from. This was especially useful with Beosystem 5500 and Beocenter 9500.

BeoLab 150 and 200 were used as part of the BeoLab Penta active loudspeakers range.

Connections:

At the bottom of BeoLab 150 were two clip-sockets and a four pole DIN socket for connecting speakers, a line input phono socket and a mains cable.

BeoLab 200 Product Specifications

Type Number

Type: 1721 (1986 – Dec 1988)
Type: AUS 1725 (1986 – Nov 1987)
Type: GB-N 1722 (1986 – Dec 1988)
Type: J 1724 (1986 – Dec 1988)
Type: USA 1723 (1986 – De 1988)

Designer

Designer:

Manufactured

Manufactured: 1986 – 1988

Colours

Colours: Grey

Specification

Specifications: Power output 20 – 20,000 Hz IHF 1 x 150 watts / 8 ohms
Power output RMS DIN/IEC 1 x 175 W / 8 ohms
Power output music 1 x 225 W / 8 ohms
Total harmonic distortion < 0.015 %
Intermodulation distortion IHF < 0.02 %
Wideband damping factor IHF 150
Dynamic headroom IHF > 1.5 dB / 8 ohms
SN A-weighted 1 W IHF > 78 dB
S/N A-weighted 150 W > 100 dB
LINE input 80 mV / 1W, 10 V / 150 W, 150 Kohms
22 Kohms, phono plugs

Speaker input
800 mV / 1 W, 10 V / 150 W, 15 Kohms
DIN 4-pin or spring loaded contacts
Bass level switch Linear, +3 dB / 40 Hz, +6 dB / 40 Hz
Sensitivity switch 0 dB, -3 dB, -6 dB

Power supply:
1721: 220 V
1722/1725: 240 V
1723: 120 V
1724: 100 V
Power frequency 50 – 60 Hz
Dimensions WxHxD: 25 x 13 x 25cm
Weight 7kg

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Type	Language	Type
Service Manual	EN	BeoLab 150 Service Manual	View label

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BeoMaster 5500

Beomaster 5500 was the brains and heart of the system which it made up.

Connected by Datalink to the record player, tape recorder and CD player it allowed the user to remote-control the whole system via the Master Control Panel. The 2 x 60 watt/8 ohm tuner/amplifier gave true hi-fi quality. Bang & Olufsen’s Automatic Power Handling Control system prevented overloading and distortion, regardless of how many speakers were connected. Up to 20 stations on the tuner could be preset and the frequency synthesizer took care of automatic search and fine tuning of stations. The result – superb reception of LW, MW and FM wavebands and impressive ease of use.

Beomaster 5500 was aesthetically balanced to match the rest of the components within Beosystem 5500

These days, these receivers are the cheapest of the Beolink 1000 controlled stackable systems. They do have the huge advantage of having not only DIN connectors but also a full complement of RCA plugs. This actually makes them ideal for present day use as the extra connections allow computer and digital music connections in addition to usual sources.

BeoMaster 5500 Product Specifications

Type Number

Type: 2331 (1986 – March 1990)
Type: AUS 2335 (1986 – Aug 1989)
Type: GB 2332 (1986 – March 1990)
Type: J 2334 (1986 – Oct 1989)
Type: US 2333 (1986 – Dec 1989)

Designer

Designer: Jacob Jensen

Manufactured

Manufactured: 1986 – 1989

Colours

Colours: Aluminium, WhiteTypes:
2331 (1986 – March 1990)
AUS 2335 (1986 – Aug 1989)
GB 2332 (1986 – March 1990)
J 2334 (1986 – Oct 1989)
US 2333 (1986 – Dec 1989)

Specification

Long-term max. output power IEC 2 z 110 / 8 ohms
Power output 20 – 20,000 Hz IHF 2 x 50 W / 8 ohms
Total harmonic distortion IHF < 0.09 % / 8 ohms 20 – 20,000 Hz
Intermodulation IHF < 0.1 %
Signal-to-noise ratio:
TAPE A-weighted: >78 d
PHONO A-weighted: >80 dB
Channel separation: 10000 Hz 60 dB
FM range 87.5 – 108 MHz
LW range 150 – 350 kHz
MW range 520 – 1610 kHz

Power supply:
2331: 220 V
2332/2335: 240 V
2334: 100 V
Power consumption. max 225 W
Dimensions W x H x D: 42 x 7.5 x 32.5cm
Weight: 8.5 kg

RIAA amplifier: built-in

Connections: Beocord Tape 1 7 pole DIN, Datalink
Beocord Tape 2 7 pole DIN, Datalink
Beogram CD 7 pole DIN, Datalink
Beogram LP 7 pole DIN, Datalink
Beovox/BeoLab 4 pole DIN
Beovision 7 pole DIN, Datalink
Link room: Speaker set Master Control Link
Line IN/OUT Phono plugs
Extra speakers Phono plugs

Link compatibility: Master Control Link

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Type	Language	Type
User Guide	DK	BeoMaster 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	EN	BeoMaster 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	FR	BeoMaster 5500 User Guide	View label
User Guide	GER	BeoMaster 5500 User Guide	View label
Setup Guide	EN	BeoMaster 5500 Setup Guide	View label
Service Manual	EN	BeoMaster 5500 Service Manual	View label

BeoGram CD 5500

BeoGram CD 5500 The quality of the Beogram CD 5500 CD player took time to…

Celestial

Celestial All music. Zero clutter. Discreet in-ceiling speakers made for room-filling sound experiences. Exceptional sound…

BeoLit 800

BeoLit 800 A renamed Beolit 611T, with novel features such as the rubberised feet that extended…

BeoLab 4000

BeoLab 4000 ” When it comes to sound reproduction we believe there’s only one relevant…

Posted on May 19, 2024May 19, 2024 by Multicare

Accessories 1999

Stands/Wall brackets

Pick-up Cartridges

Audio/Video

Satellite

Beolink

Plugs

Wall Sockets

Cable Mounting

Tools

BeoCom

Cable connections

Posted on May 19, 2024May 19, 2024 by Multicare

Accessories 1996

Introduction

Stands / Wall Brackets

Pickup Cartridges

Audio/Video

Satellite

Beolink

Cables

Plugs

Wall Sockets

Cable Covers

BeoCom

Posted on May 19, 2024May 19, 2024 by Multicare

BeoLab 1

New and Improved Sound on BeoLab 1

After purchasing a pair of brand new Beolab 1 I was dissatisfied with the sound (as I expressed in the BeoWorld Forum). Bang & Olufsen seemed to be unhelpful and a little arrogant in the matter, as to helping me resolve the issue.

In my opinion these big “pillar” speakers sounded razor sharp, ice-cold and screamy when playing CDs of good dynamic qualities.

As a technician I refused to accept this. I started researching everything I could about these speakers.

After having spent some time researching, I discovered three potentiometers on the active X–over located behind the covers (at the bottom), which controls each of the amplifier units with 3-4 Db. I started experimenting with these.

I quickly discovered that, when turning a potentiometer left, an element played less, and when turned right it played louder. I wrote down all the original values and continued experimenting.

After a little while I was able to localise each screw and what element it symbolised:

I have now customised the values on the screws and the result: a little more bass and less ice-cold and screamy sound from the mid-range element!

These customised changes have allowed me now to enjoy a little more listening, instead of getting worn out by the continuous metallic, cold, surgical and artificial sharp sound (especially at high volumes 50-56).

Warning: Before attempting any form of modifications, please be aware that modifications carried out by none B&O personnel could result in loss of warranty (as posted by our moderator). Further more, if you make the modifications be sure to “mark” the positions of the “damping bricks” as to where they are located in the cabinet. The following modifications are based on previous modifications made to my BeoLab 1s (where I changed all three potentiometer values).

Modifications carried out with the following setup: BeoSound 3000 and BeoLab 2.

Even with my previous modifications (to the potentiometers) I was never 100% satisfied with the outcome. Though the modifications (in my opinion) were a great improvement, I decided to see if any other modifications could be carried out (as to improve the sound).

So, in my quest for perfection, I recently decided to disassemble my BeoLab 1s.

The first thing I noticed was that very little damping material had been used to damp the reflection of the inner-waves. As illustrated on the picture below, only four small “damping” bricks and one very thin sheet of damping material (at the bottom) are used.

As you can see on the picture, no damping material has been used on the upper part of the speakers (where the upper woofer is located), which seems very odd to me.

Now if you disassemble other speakers of high-end brands like B&W, Tannoy etc you would see that the speakers are filled with damping material. And even as insignificant that this may seem to many of you, I can assure you that it has a great impact on the “sound experience” from a speaker.

So I decided to modify the BeoLab1 with high-quality damping material, enough for 30 – 40 litres. And filled the whole cabinet with it (as illustrated on the bottom picture):

Before assembly, I moved the “bricks placement” to maximum width to see how the woofers sounded. When placed far apart, the woofers sounded softer (much more like the Pentas) and when placed close together (like originally mounted), it sounded punchier! So I decided to experiment with the placement of the “bricks”, and eventually found a satisfying position for them.

With the original placement of the “bricks” the woofers theoretically only had about 2-3 litres of volume.

These customised changes, have made my BeoLab 1s much smoother and I think I’m nearing pure perfection.

Posted on May 19, 2024May 19, 2024 by Multicare

Datalink

DataLink

Datalink was the first digital language developed by Bang & Olufsen and allowed various components of a music system to work in conjunction with each other. It used the addition of two extra pins to a standard 5-pin DIN plug via which a digital code was sent. It was a way whereby products could ‘talk to each other’. Datalink is the forerunner of Beolink®. The DIN connector has two pins for control signals, one pin as an audio ‘common’, two pins for stereo ‘in’ and two more pins for stereo ‘out’. The control pins are referred to as Datalink pins and these carry signals to do the following:

transfer program-location data to the primary component to show up on the primary unit’s console, two-way remote controls, display-equipped BeoLab speakers or BeoVision TVs that are installed in other rooms and part of their Beolink ‘multi-room’ audio-video infrastructure
‘open up’ the audio inputs on the BeoMaster or BeoCenter if the local ‘PLAY’ key is pressed on the unit
accept control signals to control the device from either the primary unit or a remote control

The original idea was seen in a prototype system called BeoSystem 6000 which comprised a stereo receiver, stereo tangential tracking turntable and an advanced auto reverse reel to reel tape recorder. This system was never put into production but styling cues from the BeoMaster led to the BeoMaster 6000 quad receiver, the record player became the BeoGram 4000 but the BeoCord was dropped after only 6 examples were made. The idea of each component being able to talk to each other was postulated but no system was put into production based on this design.

The first production model with any type of link system was the BeoMaster 2400 which, when connected to a BeoGram 4004, allowed remote control of the BeoGram via an ultrasonic remote control. Unlike previous systems, all the major controls on the BeoGram and the BeoMaster were electronic and hence suitable for remote operation The system was later to include a radial BeoGram as well, the BeoGram 2402. This system however was a one off and was incompatible with later versions of Datalink. The BeoGram and receiver were connected via a captive 7-pin lead on the BeoGram.

Datalink first was seen in its full glory in the BeoLab 8000 system in 1981. Unlike the earlier system, full remote control of all the different sources was now possible, with play, record, cueing, programme selection and volume control all possible at the press of a single button on an infra red remote control. The system also allowed one to press a start button on any of the sources which would switch on the BeoMaster or vice versa. All the sources were attached to the BeoMaster by 7-pin DIN leads. An important point was that the BeoMaster remained the hub of the system with all commands from the remote control travelling via the infra red receiver on the BeoMaster and Datalink being the messenger to the source.

The system was refined over the years and eventually allowed all functions to be controlled remotely as seen in the BeoSystem 7000. These days, the system has fallen into disuse but the language continues in a different guise as MasterLink. No longer speaking between components in a single audio system, MasterLink connects systems together. Older systems can still communicate with the aid of the 1611 converter which translates Datalink to the newer codes.

Main Datalink audio products:

BeoMaster	2000 **	4500	7000
	2400 / 2400-2	5000	8000
	3000	5500
	3300	6000
	3500	6500

BeoCord	2000	5000	6500 ***	8004
	3300	5500 ***	7000 ***	9000
	3500	6000	8000
	4500	6002	8002

BeoCord VCR

VHS 91

VHS 91.2

BeoGram	1900 / 1902	4500	6002*	9000
	2000	5000	6006	9500
	3000	5005	6500
	3300	5500	7000
	3500	6000 *	8000
	4002	6000	8002

BeoGram CD	3300	5500
	3500	6500
	4500	7000
	CD50

BeoCenter	2300	9000
	2500	9300
	8000	9500
	8500

BeoSound

4000

Ouverture

Notes: * Datalink communication in the BeoGram 6000/6002 is one-way, which means that pressing /PLAY/ on BeoGram 6000/6002 will not start the BeoMaster/BeoCenter ** BeoMaster 2000 cannot be operated by remote control *** BeoCord 5500/6500/7000 have some special functions, for example tape counter and adjustment of recording level via remote control, which can be only operated with BeoMaster 5500and MCP5500

BeoCord 5500

BeoCord 5500

Auto Record level

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BeoCord 5500 Product Details

Type Numbers

4931 (1986 – Sept 1990) 4935 (AUS) (1986 – Aug 1989) 4932 (GB) (1986 – Jan 1990) 4934 (J) (1986 – Jan 1990) 4933 (USA) (1986 – Jan 1990)

Designer

Manufactured

1986 – 1990

Colour Options

Metal grey, aluminium

BeoCord 5500 Product Specification

Beo4

Beo4

Plastic-free surface on remote control units

Handing it intuitively to Bang & Olufsen: a history of remote controls

Beo4 Product Specifications

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Designer – Henning Dahl-Mikkelsen

Designer – Henning Dahl-Mikkelsen

Fact - The very first product to bear the 'new' Bang & Olufsen logo was the tone-arm and magnetic cartridge of 1933.

Success

Later years

Designer – Bang & Olufsen

Designer – Bang & Olufsen

Designer – Bang & Olufsen

Prestigious Technical Achievement Award bestowed on Bang & Olufsen

About the Banff Television Festival

BeoLab 200

BeoLab 200

Connections:

BeoLab 200 Product Specifications

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BeoMaster 5500

BeoMaster 5500

BeoMaster 5500 Product Specifications

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Accessories 1999

Table of Contents

Stands/Wall brackets

Pick-up Cartridges

Audio/Video

Satellite

Beolink

Plugs

Wall Sockets

Cable Mounting

Tools

BeoCom

Cable connections

Accessories 1996

Table of Contents

Introduction

Stands / Wall Brackets

Pickup Cartridges

Audio/Video

Satellite

Beolink

Cables

Plugs

Wall Sockets

Cable Covers

BeoCom

BeoLab 1

New and Improved Sound on BeoLab 1

Datalink

Table of Contents

DataLink

Main Datalink audio products:

4931 (1986 – Sept 1990)
4935 (AUS) (1986 – Aug 1989)
4932 (GB) (1986 – Jan 1990)
4934 (J) (1986 – Jan 1990)
4933 (USA) (1986 – Jan 1990)