How to Set Up Your Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance

What You'll Need

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance
• Bang & Olufsen app (iOS or Android)
• Wi-Fi network
• A B&O account

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Position the speaker. The Beosound Balance is designed to sit against a wall. Its beam-forming technology directs sound outward into the room rather than backward, so wall placement is actually ideal here.
2. Connect the power cable. Route the cable neatly since the Balance is a design piece you will want looking clean.
3. Download the B&O app and sign in or create an account.
4. Add the speaker in the app:
   • Tap "+" and select Beosound Balance
   • The app connects via Bluetooth for initial setup
   • Enter your Wi-Fi credentials when prompted
5. Configure room placement. The app asks about the speaker's position relative to walls and room geometry. Answer accurately because the speaker uses this information to optimize its beam-forming output.
6. Set up Google Assistant if you want voice control. Follow the prompts in the B&O app to link your Google account.
7. Create or select sound profiles to match your preferences.

Placement and Sound Tips

The Beosound Balance uses seven custom drivers with beam-forming technology that directs sound into the room while minimizing what bounces off the wall behind it. This is the opposite of most speakers, which sound best pulled away from walls. The Balance actually sounds best right against a wall or on a sideboard pushed against one.

Place it at about hip to waist height on a credenza, buffet, or side table. The speaker is tall and cylindrical with a substantial weight to it, so make sure the surface is sturdy. The top surface has a proximity sensor that lights up touch controls when your hand gets close, so keep the top accessible.

The room placement questions during setup are worth answering carefully. If you later move the speaker to a different room or wall, re-run the room configuration in the B&O app to recalibrate the beam-forming.

Sound Profiles

The B&O app offers a range of sound profiles and a manual EQ. You can create custom profiles for different situations: a bass-heavy profile for weekend music, a balanced profile for everyday listening, and a speech-optimized profile for podcasts. Switch between them quickly in the app or through the touch interface on top of the speaker.

Smart Home Integration

With Google Assistant built in, the Balance can control smart home devices, answer questions, set timers, and play music on command. It also works within the Google Home ecosystem for multi-room audio with other Chromecast-enabled speakers. AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect give you additional ways to stream without going through the B&O app.

For multi-room audio within the B&O ecosystem, you can link it with other B&O speakers using the Beolink feature in the app.

Troubleshooting

• Wi-Fi setup fails: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone during initial setup. The B&O app uses Bluetooth to configure the Wi-Fi connection. If it still fails, restart the speaker and your phone, then try again.
• Sound does not fill the room: Re-run the room placement configuration in the B&O app. The beam-forming needs accurate information about the speaker's position to project sound correctly. Also try a different sound profile if the current one sounds too narrow.
• Touch controls not responding: Clean the top surface with a dry, soft cloth. Moisture or smudges can interfere with the proximity sensor. Also check the B&O app settings to make sure touch controls are enabled.
• Google Assistant not responding: Verify that the speaker is connected to Wi-Fi and that your Google account is properly linked in the B&O app. Check that the microphone is not muted.
• Factory reset: Use the B&O app to reset the speaker, or consult the quick start guide for the physical button combination. The process varies slightly by firmware version, so the app method is the most reliable.