McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- McIntosh
Table of Contents
MB20
Bluetooth Transceiver Owner’s Guide
MB20 BLUETOOTH TRANSCEIVER
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2
Chambers Street Binghamton,
New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512
www.mcintoshlabs.com
Safety First
It is a smart idea to read all the enclosed MB20 SAFETY INFORMATION even if
you already know this stuff, you can’t be too safe.
Here is some compliance information:
FCC Informa on (US Customers)
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY
THIS PRODUCT
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in
this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modi cation, not e pressly approved by
McIntosh may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
2. CAUTION:
- To comply with FCC RF e posture compliance requirement, a separation distance of at least 20cm must be maintained between this product and all persons.
- This product and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
3. COMPLIANCE INFORMATION:
- Product Name: MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver
- Model Number: MB20
- This product contains FCC ID: BWY -MB20
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
Tel.607-723-3512
Informa on (Canadian Customers)
-
PRODUCT:
This device contains license empty transmitter(s) receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licensee empty RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. -
CAUTION:
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and ma imum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
This radio transmitter (IC: 2483A-MB20) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the ma mum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the ma imum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The antenna used by this product: MB20 Antenna Model: 380B peak gain: 3dBi Informa ons sur C ( our es c ients Canadiens)
RED INFORMATION
-
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Our products follow the provisions of EC EU directives:
LVD: 2014 35 EC
EMC: 2014 30 EU
RED: 2014 53 EU
ERP: EC regulation 1275 2008 and its framework directive 2009 125 EC RoHS: 2011 65 EU -
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS PRODUCT
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets RED directive requirements. Modi cation of the product could result in hazardous Radio and EMC radiation. -
CAUTION:
A separation distance of at least 20cm must be maintained between this product and all persons. This product and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Safety information
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
** ATTENTION:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR**
-
Read these instructions.
-
Keep these instructions.
-
Heed all warnings.
-
Follow all instructions.
-
Do not use this apparatus near water.
-
Clean only with a dry cloth.
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Do not use or place near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
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Only use attachments accessories speci ed by the manufacturer including the supplied AC DC adapter.
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Unplug the supplied AC DC Adapter during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
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Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, the AC DC Adapter is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been e posed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
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Do note pose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, should not be placed on the equipment.
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This equipment is supplied with AC DC Adapter with a separate power supply cord or the AC DC Adapter plugging directly into an a.c. receptacle, they shall remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this equipment from the a.c. mains remove the AC DC Adapter mains power supply cord from the a.c. a receptacle or remove the AC **** DC Adapter when it is directly plugged into the .c. receptacle.
Working temperature: 0-35o C.
This product is intended for use only with the adapter provided:
Manufacturer: GOLDEN PROFIT ELECTRON-
ICS LTD.
Model: GPE-013B-050240-Z -
WARNING: Do not e pose apparatus to e cessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like. No naked ame sources such as lighted candles should be placed on the apparatus. Les piles ne doivent pas être e posées de forte chaleur, tel qu’ la lumi re du soleil, au feu ou autres choses de semblable. Aucune source de amme nue, tel qu’une bougie, ne doit être placée sur l’appareil.
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Rating plate is located at bottom enclosure of the apparatus. Les marquages sont inscrits en bas de l’appareil.
Statement for Class B digital device acc. to FCC -
105 as follows:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
–Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit di erent from that to which
the receiver is connected.
–Consult the dealer or an e perienced radio TV technician for help.
–This device complies with Industry Canada licence-e empt
RSS standard(s). Le présent appareil est conforme au CNR d’Industrie Canada
applicables au appareils radio e empts de licence.
Thank you
From all of us at McIntosh, thank you for purchasing our MB20. The MB20
Bluetooth Transceiver is a precision instrument that will provide many years
of enjoyment. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the
features and instructions to get the ma imum performance from your equipment.
If you need further technical assistance, please contact your dealer who may
be more familiar with your particular setup including other brands. You can
also contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the unlikely event of
needing service.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903 Technical Assistance Phone:
607-723-3512 Customer Service (for
repairs) Phone: 607-723-3515 Fax:
607-724-1917
support@mcintoshlabs.com Website:
mcintoshlabs.com
Make a Note
For future reference, you can jot down your serial number and purchase
information here. We can identify your purchase from this information if the
occasion should arise.
Serial Number:……………………
Purchase Date:……………………………
Dealer Name:…………………………………
Introduction
The MB20 functions as a Bluetooth receiver or as a Bluetooth Transmitter. The
MB20 has been designed to provide a superior Bluetooth connection to equipment
that lacks Bluetooth connectivity. The MB20 is a Class 1 Bluetooth device with
a transmission range ten times that of a typical Class 2 Bluetooth device
(such as most cell phones.) As a receiver, the MB20 employs an e tremely
sensitive receiver for better reception even from Class 2 devices.
Class 1 Bluetooth transmission has a range up to ten times that of Class 2
devices. Class 1 operation can typically be 150 feet (45.7 meters) in ideal
conditions with mobile devices. The actual range of Bluetooth Class 1
technology may be affected by physical obstacles as well as the performance of
devices with which the MB20 is intended to connect, particularly Class 2
devices. Think of this measure as a point of comparison since the world is not
always ideal. As a receiver, the ma imum range is determined by the
capabilities of both paired devices.
Internal sampling and bit shifting, which can be thought of as sophisticated
up-sampling, will enable all digital processing to occur and the highest
available speed and resolution. The MB20’s internal DAC processing at 192 kHz
is the gentlest way of altering the audio signal. The digital output will be
at 96 kHz for wider compatibility with other DACs.
Bluetooth Transmit and Receive support aptX HD for improved sound quality.
Plus aptXTM Low Latency audio improves the end-to-end speed of audio
transmission to keep the sound in sync with the screen. Using two MB20, one as
a receiver and the other as a transmitter provides full wireless aptX HD code
and decode bridge.
The receiver or Transmitter
The MB20 can be either a Receiver (RX) or Transmitter (TX). It can switch between these two modes, but it can only be one of these at a time. Set the MB20 to the desired mode, either RX or TX, by pushing the RX TX Button located on the rear of the unit. See Figure 1. When the RX TX Button is depressed (pushed in), the MB20 is in Receive Mode. When the button is in the released position, the MB20 is in Transmitter Mode. Pushing the RX TX button will toggle between these two modes.
RX/TX Button | MB20 Mode |
---|---|
In | Bluetooth Receiver |
Out | Bluetooth Transmitter |
MB20 Front View
Power the MB20
Use the supplied AC/DC adapter with the included USB cable to power the
MB20. You may be tempted to plug the USB cable into a computer. This will
not supply enough power for the MB20 to function properly.
The DC input labeled DC 5V IN can be found the net to the antenna connection
in Figure 3 MB20 Rear View” on page 7.
To allow the MB20 to properly reset when powering o and on, please allow 5 to
10 seconds between removing and re-inserting the power cord.
MB20 Rear View
Attach the antenna
Attach the included Bluetooth Antenna to the ANT Connection in the center of
the rear panel of the MB20. (See Figure 3 on page 7.) Tighten the brass nut at
the base of the Antenna until finger tight.
Transmitter Mode
In the Transmitter Mode (TX), the MB20 will take a signal from one of the
inputs:
- Analog Balanced (XLR)
- Analog Unbalanced (RCA)
- Digital Coa
- Digital Optical and send (transmit) the signal to a Bluetooth-connected device.
The Front Panel Button will glow Green in Transmitter Mode.
To Power On, press and hold the Front Panel Button for two seconds. The MB20
will automatically search for the last paired device. After one minute, the
MB20 enters
Discovery Mode. It will stay in Discovery Mode for 15 minutes.
The MB20 will pair a previously paired device while in Discovery Mode or pair
with a new device that is also in Discovery Mode.
After 15 minutes in Discovery Mode, if no pairing occurs, the MB20 will power
o .
If the MB20 has not been previously paired (or the pairing list has been
erased), the unit will more quickly (10 seconds) enter Discovery Mode.
Discovery Mode is indicated by the Front Panel Button ashing green (single
blink on and off).
Since you may not be able to see a list of discoverable Bluetooth Devices to
choose from on the device you are trying to connect to the MB20, it is helpful
to not have any other discoverable devices competing with the MB20 when trying
to pair. The process of pairing will happen automatically.
When the MB20 pairs with another device, the Front Panel Button will be solid
green (no longer blinking). When connected, the MB20 will send input to the
paired device via Bluetooth.
When powered on, the MB20 will attempt to pair with the last paired device for
one minute. If that device is unavailable, the MB20 will enter Discovery Mode.
Low agency /High Denition Preference Button sets a preference for either
Low Latency or High Denition connections when the MB20 is in Transmitter mode.
Since a receiver (such as a speaker) may not support both protocols, the MB20
will use the available protocol. If both protocols are available on the
receiver this button will set the preference of which to use,
Low Latency may be a desirable preference for video viewing to better sync
video and audio.
Button Position | apex Protocol Preference |
---|---|
In | Low Latency |
Out | High |
Receiver Mode
In the Receiver Mode (RX), the MB20 will send a received Bluetooth signal to ALL these outputs:
- Analog Balanced (XLR)
- Analog Unbalanced (RCA)
- Digital Coa
- Digital Optical
The Front Panel Button will glow Blue in Receiver Mode. To pair the MB20 to receive from your device:
- RX TX Button should be in the receive (RX) position (depressed)
- Power On the MB20. Front Panel Button will glow blue. It will begin to blink (single blink on and o ) when in pairing mode
- On the device, you wish to connect to the MB20, scan for Available Devices. The MB20 will be listed as MB20″
- Choose MB20. If asked Pair with MB20 “, choose OK
- MB20 should be connected for Audio. When successfully paired the Front Panel Button will display as solid blue. The unsuccessful pairing will display as solid white
You can use the Bluetooth menu of your connected device to connect and disconnect the MB20.
Clearing and Resetting
To reset the MB20 and clear the pairing list:
- Press and hold the Front Panel Button for 10 seconds
- The LED of the Front Panel Button will blink, pause, and then double blink when reset. Release the Button
- Pull out DC USB Power Connector from the rear of MB20 for 10 seconds and then replace
Packing the Mx00
When shipping the MX100, it is highly recommended that the unit be packed as
it was originally shipped to avoid damage. For this reason, you may wish to
save the original box and packing material for your MB20. If you need any of
the packing material, you can contact McIntosh Customer Service. Use only
packing material that is in good condition and replace any material that has
seen better days.
License Information
Trademark Logo | License Information |
---|---|
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by |
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by McIntosh Group, Inc. is under
license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective
owners.
| Qualcomm® aptXTM is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and or its
subsidiaries.
Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United
States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies
International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.
Technical Specifications
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Supported Protocols
A2DP, SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD
Digital Input
up to 192kHz 24-bit
Digital Output
96 kHz 24-bit
Analog Input and Output
2.5 Vrms ma imum
Dimensions
Width is 9.45 inches (24cm) antenna adds 1.35 inches (3.43cm)
Depth is 3.94 inches (10.01cm)
Height is 2.375 inches (6.03cm) with feet 2.5 inches (6.35cm)
Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 12 inches (30.48cm)
Depth is 8 inches (20.32cm)
Height is 4 inches (10.16cm)
Weight
2.5 pounds (1.2 kg) net, 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) in the shipping carton
The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh
Laboratory Incorporated which reserves the right to improve the design without
notice. Printed in the U.S.A. Mcintosh Part Number 24109000 revC
References
- McIntosh: Home Audio Systems for Music & Home Theater
- McIntosh: Home Audio Systems for Music & Home Theater
- P65Warnings.ca.gov
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