Facts about B&O link systems
MCL, Masterlink and Network Link
For decades, Bang & Olufsen has developed advanced link systems that make it possible to connect sound and image across products and rooms. Instead of standalone systems, B&O has always worked with coherent AV systems and multi room solutions, where operation, sound and functionality come together in a higher unity.
As early as the early 1980s, Bang & Olufsen introduced the idea that a TV and an audio system should function as one integrated system. Audio/Video system (AV system)This philosophy became the foundation for B&O's link technologies.
Over time, Bang & Olufsen has developed three different link systems:
- MCL – Master Control Link
- Masterlink
- NetworkLink
On this page you will get a comprehensive overview of the three B&O link systems, their differences and their role in the development of B&O multiroom.
What is a Bang & Olufsen link system?
A B&O link system allows you to connect multiple Bang & Olufsen products to work as one unified system throughout your home. Depending on the generation, a link system can:
- Distribute sound – and in some cases image – between rooms
- Share sources such as radio, record player, tape recorder and TV
- Provide common operation via one B&O remote control
- Create a consistent multiroom experience
Although the technology has changed significantly from MCL to Network Link, the basic idea is the same:
high sound quality, simple operation and integration across rooms.
Overview of the B&O link systems
MCL – Master Control Link
The first B&O link system and the start of AV thinking
MCL (Master Control Link) was Bang & Olufsen's first link system, developed in the early 1980s. The system was created to bring together audio and video products into one common AV system.
At this time, TVs typically had simple built-in speakers, while audio systems had significantly better amplifiers and speakers. With MCL, The TV sound is moved to the audio system speakers, and music from audio sources such as radio, gramophone and tape player could be heard via the TV.
MCL also introduced the first link room, such as kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Here, the following were used: Local Control System (LCS) devices, which provided access to the main room sources. The system was based on a 7-conductor cable that carried stereo sound, control signals and power to the link rooms.
MCL laid the foundation for Bang & Olufsen's way of thinking about multiroom and system integration.
👉 Read more about MCL – Master Control Link
Masterlink
The classic and most widespread B&O link system
Masterlink was introduced in the early 1990s as a replacement for MCL and became the standard in Bang & Olufsen installations for many years.
With Masterlink audio, video and control could be combined into one common link system. A single cable made it possible to distribute high-quality audio and control signals between the main room and the link room.
Masterlink made it possible to:
- build advanced B&O multiroom solutions
- combine audio and video products in the same system
- control the entire installation with one B&O remote control
The system is still in use in many B&O homes and still plays a central role in classic Bang & Olufsen installations.
👉 Read more about B&O Masterlink
NetworkLink
Modern, network-based B&O multiroom
Network Link is Bang & Olufsen's current link technology and is used in modern B&O products. Instead of dedicated link cables, Network Link is based on IP network via Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
With Network Link, the focus has shifted towards:
- digital audio distribution
- streaming services
- app-based operation
- wireless B&O multiroom
Network Link is fundamentally different from MCL and Masterlink and cannot be directly connected to older link systems without special converter or integration solutions.
👉 Read more about Network Link – B&O multiroom today
Interaction between old and new B&O link systems
Many Bang & Olufsen owners today have a combination of older and newer products. Although MCL, Masterlink and Network Link represent different technological generations, they are all built on the same basic philosophy.
At Neomesteren We work with solutions that make it possible to:
extend the life of classic Bang & Olufsen products & O link systems
preserve existing B&O link systems
add modern audio sources and features
FAQ section
A B&O link system is a technology from Bang & Olufsen that allows multiple audio and video products in the home to be connected to function as one unified system. With a link system, sound – and in some cases video – can be shared between rooms, and the entire system can be controlled with one B&O remote control.
Bang & Olufsen has developed three link systems over time:
MCL (Master Control Link) – the first link system from the 1980s
Masterlink – the classic and most widespread link system from the 1990s
NetworkLink – the modern, network-based multiroom solution
Each system represents its technological generation.
MCL is an early, analog link system that primarily focused on AV integration and basic link rooms. Masterlink is a further development that combines audio, video and control in one common cable and supports more advanced multiroom setups and multiple products in the same installation.
Yes. Masterlink is still in use in many Bang & Olufsen installations and continues to function stably. Although the system does not natively support streaming, it can be expanded with modern solutions that add new sound sources without replacing the entire installation.
Network Link is Bang & Olufsen's current link technology and is based on IP networking via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The system enables digital multiroom playback, streaming and app-based control and is used in modern B&O products.
MCL and Masterlink cannot be directly connected to Network Link, as the technologies are fundamentally different. However, there are special converter and integration solutions that make it possible to combine older B&O link systems with modern network-based audio.
In many cases, yes. Many older Bang & Olufsen systems can be preserved and expanded with modern features so that they can continue to be used in everyday life. This makes it possible to combine classic B&O design and operation with today's sound sources.
Neomesteren has the sole purpose of upgrading older B&O systems so that they are technologically up-to-date.