Putting down your smartphone to pick up a remote control may seem anachronistic. And yet, anyone who has tried to lower the volume of a network player just as the phone rings understands the value of a dedicated physical control. The RC1 is the first remote control offered by Bluesound, a late but welcome response to requests from users of the BluOS platform.
The RC1 brings together the controls you use ten times a day: play and pause, next or previous track, volume adjustment, and mute. These buttons are positioned to fall naturally under the thumb, without looking. The central navigation pad, whose upper and lower positions remain programmable via the BluOS app, allows room for customization according to each user’s habits.
Ten numeric buttons provide instant access to presets. Internet radio stations, Spotify or Tidal playlists, albums stored on a NAS, a TV’s HDMI input: each button can be assigned to a source from the app. Owners of a Pulse Flex speaker are already familiar with the five memory buttons on top of the device; the RC1 doubles that capacity.
Bluesound infrared codes have been integrated into BluOS firmware since version 3.6.2. Insert the batteries, point it at the device: the remote control works. No code learning, no prior programming. This simplicity assumes that the player or amplifier is up to date, which can be checked in a few seconds in the app settings.
Infrared transmission requires a clear line of sight between the remote control and the device, with a stated range of 7 meters within a 30-degree angle. A NODE player hidden inside a closed cabinet will not receive the signal. This is a constraint inherent to the technology, which Bluetooth could have avoided at the cost of pairing complexity and higher power consumption.
In a multiroom setup, several Bluesound players sometimes coexist in neighboring rooms. To prevent a press on the volume button from affecting all devices within range, the RC1 and the players can be configured to one of the eight available infrared channels (0 to 7). The change is made by holding down two buttons for ten seconds; the indicator light confirms the operation with a green flash. On the player side, the channel is changed in the BluOS app settings.
The same remote control can successively control several devices on the same channel, or you can assign one RC1 per room with distinct channels. The configuration depends on habits: some prefer a universal remote control they move around, while others prefer a dedicated device placed on each coffee table.
The RC1 works with all Bluesound devices except Gen 1 models (NODE N100, POWERNODE N150, PULSE P300, and VAULT V500). It also controls BluOS-equipped NAD products: C 700, M10, M10 V2, CI 580, CI 580 V2, CI 720, CI 720 V2, M50, M50.2, and M66. The NAD M10 V2 even includes it in the box; the C 700, sold without a remote control, can add it as an extra.
The Bluesound professional ranges (B100S, B400S, B160S, B170S) are also supported, opening up possibilities in commercial settings where local control remains preferable to a control tablet.
No. First-generation models (NODE N100, POWERNODE N150, PULSE P300, VAULT V500) do not have the compatible infrared receiver. Only Gen 2, Gen 2i devices, and later versions are supported.
Presets are configured in the BluOS app, not on the remote control. Once an internet radio station, playlist, or audio input is assigned to a number (1 to 10) in the app, the corresponding button on the RC1 directly launches that source.
Yes, provided the devices are configured on the same infrared channel. You simply point the remote control at the desired device. If each device uses a different channel, you will need to change the RC1’s channel or use several remote controls.
Simultaneously hold down the network standby button and the preset button corresponding to the desired channel (1 to 7, or 10 for channel 0) for 10 seconds. The indicator flashes green to confirm the change.
The upper and lower positions of the pad have no function assigned by default. They can be configured in the BluOS app to perform customized commands.
No. Infrared technology requires a direct line of sight between the remote control and the device’s sensor. A player hidden inside a closed cabinet will not receive the signal.
Eric
Convenient for switching from one favorite to another without using the phone and for adjusting the volume. Expensive for a remote control.
Comment from July 07, 2025 — Experience from June 26, 2025
Vincent
Not much to say, except that it's convenient for skipping to the next track or pausing and resuming the track you're listening to. However, the stop button is useless...
Comment from February 19, 2024 — Experience from December 01, 2023
Lambo Tiana Fabien
It's very useful and very easy to use. I really appreciate it.
Comment from January 05, 2024 — Experience from August 17, 2023
