[Madskp]

As we already know that sound input on the MCL port of the BL3500 is possible when a ML source is also connected, I wanted to try if this was also the case if the MCL source has a datasignal.

So I made this setup:

BM5500 – MCL cable – BL3500 – ML cable – 1611 beolink converter – DIN to minjack cable – iphone.

Tested with the setting ML on in the BL3500 service menu (Menu+0+9+GO)

Only the source from the 1611 Beolink converter was available

Tested with the setting ML off in the BL3500 service menu (Menu+0+9+GO)

Beolab 3500 froze and didn’t react to any remote commands at all.

So I guess the conclusion of this test is that the BL3500 can’t handle data signals on both the MCL and ML connector at the same time.

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

My Beolab 3500 is and MKI (SW 1.2) with the MCL connector. I have used the service manual for the BL3500 (its called LCS9000 servicemanual) available on Beoworld but also a lot of other servicemanuals, and MCL related documentation to get information and inspiration and I will try to mention them as we go along.

To get A baseline for testing I choose to start with a test of the BL3500 in a MCL network as it was supposed to be used to confirm everything working and to know what to expect for certain scenarios. I have a Beomaster 5500 I have used as the audiomaster in the MCL setup.

BM5500 – MCL Cable – BL3500

Tested with both the setting ML off and ML on in the BL3500 service menu (Menu+0+9+GO)

The sources from the BM5500 is controlable, and volume control is possible. This setup seems to be working as expected.

With a multimeter I tried to measure voltages on the different pins, and I got a voltage reading of 4,68 V on the data pin (pin 6) relative to all other pins. The voltage would drop slightly for a second when I turned the system into standby, and then continue at 4,68V. I know that the signal has embedded data, so these measurements might not tell everything.

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Use cases via Beolink Converter 1611 and ML connector

Beolab 3500 MKI or MKII connected to Beolink Converter type 1611, two sound inputs controlled with Beo remote via custom cable https://forum.beoworld.org/forums/topic/beolab-3500-and-1611-converter-settings/page/4/#post-14017 thanks to Matador for the great drawing.

Use cases via Almando Masterplay and ML connector

Beolab 3500 MKI or MKII connected to Almando Masterplay with sound detection input or Powerlink from a B&O music system/B&O TV

The product is not for sale from Almando anymore, maybe due to a relativly high price point.

I have now (october 2025) acquired this product and from I can tell mine is version I where version II according to the user manual on Almando’s web page also has a built in bluetooth receiver.

Usermanual for version I: https://doc.av-connection.com/Sale/AlmandoMasterPlay_InstallationManual_GB-DE.pdf

Usermanual for version II from Almando’s web page: https://almando.com/support/manuals/almando-Masterplay-II_EN.pdf

The Masterplay unit has DIP switches on the side that has to be set for either automatic sound detection or Power Link

The timer function on the BL3500 has to be active for it to work.

I have tried both automatic sound detection and Power Link and both seems to work fine.

The display on the BL3500 will always show RADIO 1 when active.

As for the inner workings of this product as far as I can tell it is using some Masterlink trickery as the data + and – voltages are not +0.25V / – 0.25V as they normally should be. I measured them to +0.22V and -040V which looks more like a not connected Masterlink product. This might also explain why Almando states that only one Beolab 3500 can be connected to the Masterplay.

Use cases with MCL/Poverlink connector

Beolink 3500 MKI MCL connector

Custom cable pinout post number 2 in this thread https://www.hifi4all.dk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32157&PN=1&TPN=30

Beolab activated with Menu+0+4+GO command. Powers of at any other button press so no volume regulaton on the BL3500 or with remote. The MCL connector can be Can be used this way even though a ML source is also connected to the BL3500

 

Beolink 3500 MKII PL connector

Custom cable Custom cable pinout post number 2 in this thread https://www.hifi4all.dk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32157&PN=1&TPN=30

Beolab activated with Menu+Menu+0+4+GO command. Powers of at any other button press so no volume regulaton on the BL3500 or with remote. The PL connector can be used this way even though a ML source is also connected to the BL3500

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Knowledge about the BL3500

Link to BW product page: https://beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=373

Link to BW faq regarding BL3500: https://www.beoworld.org/faq_view.asp?id=80

Beolab MKI (originally called LCS 9000) has an 8 pin connector on the back marked MCL. serial numbers are lower than 19343452

Beolab MKII has an 8 pin connector often refered to as powerlink on the back, but according to the servicemanaul for BL3500 MKII only intended for use with Beolink Wireless 1 (W1). No pinout for the connector is shown in the service manual other than pin 6 in the Din connector being data. Serial numbers on BL3500 MKII are from 19343452 and up

Not confirmed knowledge about the BL3500

A user on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/BangandOlufsen/comments/rvr4f4/best_way_to_modernise_a_beolab_3500_soundbar_as/ apparently has a setup with a BL3500 MKI (SW 1.1) where he is injecting 5V from a USB power adapter to turn It on. User Matator has been in contact with this person who has mentioned that the power is connected to pin 1 and 7 on the DIN connector. It has not been possible for Matador, Guy or me to replicate this in our test’s in this thread https://forum.beoworld.org/forums/topic/beolab-3500-and-1611-converter-settings/page/17/#post-16910 Nor with the reverse pin combination (pin 3 and 6) or the dataline and its shield (pin 6 and 7).

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Guy wrote:

Madskp wrote:

which commands did you use? With the 1611+MCL2AV combination it was the AV+Video source command or shift+radio+1 that made the sound from the tv come to the MCL2AV

I was mostly trying AV-TV*, but have just tried shift-radio-1 and that doesn’t work either, even if the TV is already on. AV-TV does turn the MCL2AV on (the sensor LED goes out) but the TV does not react either from standby or when already on. *EDIT: I tried all other audio/video commands also!

ok so the conclusion on the 1615 based on your tests must be that it will only work with a Beovision with datalink I guess.

ironically on our local Ebay equivalent here in Denmark the 1615 (and 1614 for that matter) are typically priced higher than the 1611 box…

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Guy wrote:

So I just tried adding the MCL2AV (and IR sensor) and it didn’t work – I tried several option settings on both TV and MCL2AV. But looking at the MCL2AV circuit diagram, pins 1 and 4 are only an output hence effectively I have two audio outputs connected, which cannot work. TV source for this and earlier test was the TV’s internal tuner (which worked over ML before with the BL3500). Regardless of the lack of audio, the BL1615/MCL2AV setup will not even pass control commands to the TV to turn it on etc. So this looks like a non-option!

which commands did you use? With the 1611+MCL2AV combination it was the AV+Video source command or shift+radio+1 that made the sound from the tv come to the MCL2AV

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Guy wrote:

I just tested a BL1615 connected to BV10-32 with ML – unfortunately there is no line output from the AAL. I checked AAL pins 1 & 4, and then 3 & 5 (the latter just in case the service manual was wrong). So it looks like some form of AAL trigger is required. When I get a chance I will see if the MCL2AV (with IR sensor) can provide this. EDIT: I suppose that the TV needs to receive some form of trigger in order to activate audio over the ML, but it needs to receive this via AAL -> 1615 converter -> ML data.

ok seems logical that it has to be triggered. I have to ask though, was it an analog source on the TV?

looking forward to see if the MCL2AVwill also be able to work this way. Could be an alternative to a Beolink Active, but with more local inputs

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

tb59427 wrote:

if the 1615 can translate ML audio into more digestible DL/AAL formats, couldn’t we attach an AD converter with AUX in to it and use it as a poor man’s “stream any ML source to modern speakers” device?

This hasn’t been tested in this thread as the focus was more on audio the other way into the ML network. Looking at the diagram for the 1615 there isn’t the same switching circitry as in the 1611, so the sound might just drain through from the ML to the AAL connector without any control needed.

@Guy: did you have a 1615? then maybe it can be tested with your Beovision or your beoport if you are up for it?

 

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

1. usabilty: In general I don’t like these types of online book. Most times I struggle with zoom functions not beeing great, and fast scrooling is just easier with the mouse wheel than with screen buttons in my opinion.
2. I don’t think it’s better than PDF primarily because of the above
3. No added value for me, but I’m ok with it if it’s also possible to open the PDF file (it’s not possible with all of the 4 you have uploaded).

But great Idea with easy access to manuals from the forums. Keep up the good work 🙂

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

tb59427 wrote:

Interesting – so if I wanted to connect a BeoGram record player to my ML network (I don’t have any product that can control the BeoGram anymore, would I be able to remote control it via the 1611/1615? Or would a 1611/14 converter be insufficient as it still needs a beomaster talking properly to the turntable?

Just to clarify my earlier quick answers: The 1611, 1614 and 1615 beolink converteres are 3 different products. The 1611 is confirmed in this thread to work as a converter between a link speaker on ML and AAL input without any Audio- or videomaster in the system.

The 1614 I don’t know a lot about, but it’s mostly the same, but without the capability to works as a audiomaster in the ML network according to the ML handbook. So you would probably need a real audimaster as well in the system going against the idea of using the BEogram without an audiomaster.

The 1615 is only for connection a link room Beovision without ML connection to a ML network and recieve audi signals from the audio and or videomaster in the ML network, and therfor as describe earlier only on way audio from the ML network to the Beovision, and therefor not useable for your case.

The MCL2AV will work as a “light” audiomaster and can convert the AAL control signals from the 1611 to AL signals that can control the Beogram via the ML netwrok. Further the MCL2AV can have a IR eye and speakers connected for local control and listening if that makes sense in you setup.

Guy wrote:

Also, in that linked thread the Beogram was a ‘local source’ but I would hope that the BL1611 would make if available across the whole system.

I am pretty confident that it should make it available on the ML network as my test with my Beocord 3500 has shown I can control it from a BC6 via the 1611 and MCL2AV.

 

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

If you dont want a beomaster you can use the MCL2AV to convert AAL from the 1611 to AL to control the record player. The chain would look like this:

ML-1611-MCL2AV-Beogram

The MCL2AVdont support the phone command, but for its inputs, but CD can be used

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

tb59427 wrote:

Quick question for the “1611 creative use SWAT team” I can get my hand on a 1615. Now this box obviously only has the AUX port. But other than that: would this box allow my similar stunts to what you guys are pulling with the 1611? cheers Torsten

It hasnt been tested in this thread, but Guy concluded based on the servicemanual that it is only One way ML->AAL

https://forum.beoworld.org/forums/topic/beolab-3500-and-1611-converter-settings/page/9/#post-14356

So I guess you better look out for the 1611

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

One little update regarding the MCL/PL connector in the BL3500.

I have been a little confused since Keithe mentioend that the PCB’s wasn’t changed when the MK2 version was made. Especially the pinout differences between the MCL connector and a PL connector was illogical where the signal and GND pins are different

Also Peter Pans drawings indicated that (MKI top MKII bottom):

I looked at the wiriring diagrams in the servicmanuals for both the MKI and MKII several times and notices that also here the signal pins and the GND pins is reversed (MK1 top, MKI bottom):

So I thought if the PCB’s are not changed can the pinouts be reversed. I had earlier made a   mini jack to DIN conenctor like the Peter Pan one for the MK1. So I tried to switch the pins and put the signal lines on pin 3 and 5 and the GND on pin 1 and 4. Activating the BL3500 with the Menu+0+4+GO and the sound is comming through and I can’t hear a difference between that pinout and the pinout I had before.

So as for signal lines this suddely makes it very similar to the powerlink conenctor.  It doesn’t make us wiser on the 5V power on thing, but it might be a piece of the puzzle

 

 

 

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

I agree with Guy that you might need to go the ML ->1611 way to get an input with some kin of datalink that you might be able to communicate with.

A couple of source regarding datalink:

1.

Article on the Beotech section on this site: https://beoworld.org/beotech/datalink.htm

The linked datalink manual linked to on that site is not availebale there, but can be found in the manuals section if you upgrade your membership.

2.

A readme file for some Github projects regarding datalink. https://github.com/toresbe/datalink

he refers to it as datalink 80 and datalink 86. As far as I have found out datalink 80 is also what B&O call Audio Link which is the communication used between a Beomaster and tape/CD/phone. Datalink 86 is then what’s called Audio Aux Link which is the communication between Beomasters and Beovisions or in this case the 1611 converter.

As for how the inner workings of the communications work I have no idea, but hope you can get something out of these sources.

 

 

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

matador wrote:

Madskp wrote:

If you still need to connect airplay/cromecast as you mention in your first post you could always try if the 1611 coverter will give you an extra input or two

The Beosound Ouverture in the cabinet as since then be replaced by a Playmaker for streaming, including radios. It drives the BL8000 but also a Beolink Passive and a pair of C40 in the back. The Ouverture you see in the pictures is just there for when/if I need to listen to a tape or a CD. And also because I have no other place to store it!

Ahh then you are all covered with all sources in this setup 🙂

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Very nice looking setup. I like the detail with the lamellas on the cabinet.

If you still need to connect airplay/cromecast  as you mention in your first post you could always try if the 1611 coverter will give you an extra  input or two

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Guy wrote:

Madskp wrote:

Did we have other combinations in play?

Have you tried these pins with ML both ‘off’ and ‘on’, using MENU MENU 0 9 GO and up/down arrow? I suppose it could make a difference (not that I noticed any with mine, but mine is SW2.0, and your SW1.2).

just tried that with the three same combinations. No luck again.
just a note I have no sound source connected, but Iexpect that the display should show something if its on?

also checked the SW version in the service menu, and it is indeed 1.2

One thing we havent considered is that the guy who succeded with this might actually have a modified unit without knowing it.

At some point I will try to open my BL3500 up and see if I notice anything we cant decode from the service manual

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Madskp wrote:

matador wrote:

Congratulations too. First thing to try would be the 5v trick on the MCL port. Once Again, they guy on reddit swear it works but we have yet to see!

I most certanly will try various combinations of this

ok so just troed to apply 5V to the following pin combinations on the BL3500’s MCL connector

Pin 1 and 7

Pin 3 and 6

Pin 6 and 7

No reaction at all on any of these. Did we have other combinations in play?

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

Guy wrote:

Madskp wrote:

And there you go. an extra input that can be chosen by any audio command that is not used for a datalink unit connected to the DIN inputs.

That’s useful! So as a ‘stand-alone’ the MCL2AV can have 4 selectable inputs if you include the AUX/TV socket (using ‘AV TV’). And the MCL input is a one-button-press selection. Does your test above have the AUX/TV socket connected to BL1611 etc, or is that to follow?

this was tested with the entire chain, MCL2AV – 1611 – BC6. Of course Ill also have to test it with my new BL3500 when I have a little more time for testing.

As I see it the total number of inputs for a BL3500 could be five with this setup:

– 1 MCL input on MCL on MCL2AV selectable with any audio command not used for other inputs

– 2 DIN inputs on MCL2AV selectable with shift+radio+6/7 or a.tape/CD if its data link products.

– 1 Din splitter input on the 1611 selectable with any video command

– 1 MCL/PL input on the BL3500 selectable with (menu) + menu + 0 + 4 +GO

 

Location: Denmark

[Madskp]

tb59427 wrote:

Madskp wrote:

…

The setup would look something like this: BM5 -ML- 1611 -7 pin Datalink- MCL2AV – Beogram/Beocord

Yeah, I’ve been following this thread with a mixture of amusement, fascination and sheer respect for the amount of knowledge present in this community. I have started to put out searches in ebay classifieds to see whether I can source the components at reasonable prices to also build such a setup.

great to hear that orhers are also following our little black box adventure ? let us know if you needany input.

one buying advice for the MCL2AV is try to get one with the original power supply to be sure it has the right polarity on the power connector

Location: Denmark

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