B&O MCL 2AV – X-TRA Active Speaker Kit and advanced AV link

The MCL 2AV (Type 2020, 2021 and 2023) is the most advanced and sophisticated unit in Bang & Olufsen's Master Control Link system. It was developed as a further development of the MCL 2A and made it possible to establish a self-contained audio and video link room with local volume control, local sources and support for active speakers.

The MCL 2AV was often sold under the name X-TRA Active Speaker Kit and represents the culmination of the MCL architecture before the transition to Masterlink.

What is MCL 2AV?

The MCL 2AV is a Local Control System (LCS) unit , designed for use in link rooms such as bedrooms, kitchens or offices. Unlike previous MCL units, the MCL 2AV does not simply act as an extension of the main room, but as a truly independent room in the system.

MCL 2AV makes it possible to:

  • control Bang & Olufsen audio and video components in the main room
  • adjust volume locally without affecting the main room
  • connect both passive and active speakers
  • use local audio sources in the link room

The most advanced MCL solution

In addition to the features of the MCL 2A, the MCL 2AV introduced a significantly higher level of flexibility and ease of use. Where previous solutions such as the Link 82 and Link 30 primarily functioned as simple extensions of the main room, the MCL 2AV provided full control of both the hi-fi system and TV from the link room.

At the time of introduction, the MCL 2AV was the most sophisticated MCL system Bang & Olufsen had developed.

Local volume control

The main difference between the MCL 2AV and the MCL 2A is independent volume control.

With the MCL 2AV, the sound level in the link room can be adjusted without affecting the main room. It is possible to increase the sound level in the link room by up to 12 dB compared to the main room without changing the volume of the main room. This limitation is deliberately chosen to ensure stable operation and predictable operation.

This feature solved one of the biggest limitations of previous MCL systems.

Passive and active speakers

The MCL 2AV can be used with both passive and active speakers.

When using passive speakers, the MCL 2AV acts as a link amplifier. Typical speakers in MCL installations were Beovox CX 50, Beovox CX 100, Beovox 300 and Beovox 5000.

A significant innovation in MCL 2AV was the introduction of Powerlink, which made it possible to connect active Bang & Olufsen speakers directly in the link room, including BeoLab 3000 and BeoLab 5000. At the same time, passive speakers could still be used. Powerlink is also used today on Neo products such as Neo 7, Neo TV, Neo Radio.

Unlike the MCL 2A, the MCL 2AV allows you to connect local audio sources in the link room.

MCL 2AV supports:

  • local B&O CD player
  • local tape recorder (tape)
  • AUX input

There is no dedicated phono input on the MCL 2AV.

Operation via IR transceiver

The MCL 2AV uses a separate IR transceiver , which receives signals from B&O remote controls such as the Beolink 1000 and later Beo4.

Via the remote control, the user can:

  • turn the system on and off
  • choose sources
  • adjust volume
  • control both main system and local sources

The operating experience is the same throughout the house and follows Bang & Olufsen's system logic.

As part of the MCL2 system, the MCL 2AV also supports video-related functions. TV audio from the main room can be distributed to the link room, which was often used to follow news or broadcasts in the kitchen or bedroom.

The MCL 2AV thus functioned as a full audio and video link , not just an audio solution.

Technical background and design choices

The MCL 2AV was developed in 1987, at a time when Master Control Link was already installed in many homes. The expected lifespan, MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), was set at approximately 10 years, which was a realistic target for electronics developed in the late 1980s.

In practice, many MCL 2AV units have proven to be much more durable and are still operating today.

At the time of development, the market was dominated by existing main systems such as the Beomaster 5000 and later the Beomaster 6500. The MCL 2AV therefore had to be developed as an add-on that could work with already installed products and thus protect the customer's investment.

Analog signals and noise

Today, a similar solution would be digital, but in the 1980s, one had to work with analog speaker outputs from the main system.

When the main room plays loud, the signal-to-noise ratio is favorable. When the main room plays very low, the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced and electronic noise becomes relatively more prominent.

Since the MCL 2AV had to be able to play relatively loud in the link room, even when the main room was playing low, it was necessary to amplify the signal – and thus also the noise. This was a fundamental technical challenge that had to be accepted.

Electronic damping and volume control

To handle differences in signal level, the MCL 2AV was equipped with electronic attenuation based on resistor networks and electronic switches, controlled by a microprocessor. The control was done via the data signal in the MCL cable, the white conductor in the 7-conductor cable.

Due to component selection and cost considerations, the damping could cause audible clicks when the volume was changed. This was known during development and was considered an acceptable compromise in terms of functionality.

MCL 2AV technical specifications

Frequency response (IHF) 20 – 20.000 Hz
Harmonic distortion (THD, IHF) < 0,05%
Signal-to-noise ratio > 80 dB A-weighted
Channel separation at 10.000 Hz > 60 dB

Input sensitivity and impedance
Master Control Link 20 V / 100 kohm
Tape, CD, TV (Aux) 200 mV / 70 kohm

Exit
Powerlink 1V / 100 ohms
Tape, TV (Aux) 200 mV / 3 kohm

Stromforsyning
MCL adapter 2024, 220 V
Power consumption 2,5 W

Physical measures
30x15x3 cm
Weight 0,9 kg

MCL 2AV today

The MCL 2AV remains one of the most sought-after MCL devices because it combines local volume control, support for active speakers, local sources and high sound quality.

Today, it is primarily used in existing installations or as part of upgraded solutions where classic Bang & Olufsen speakers are to be preserved.

The MCL 2AV represents the highest technical level in the MCL system and pointed directly towards Masterlink, where local control, full AV integration and flexibility became standard.

Many of the functions that later became self-evident in Masterlinksystems, was first realized in MCL 2AV.

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