Created to deliver superb definition, the 7370A subwoofer intelligently adapts to your acoustic space to provide controlled, uncoloured LF reproduction.
7370A SAM™ Studio Subwoofer

Active Crossovers

Bass Management System

SPL
113 dB

Frequency Response
19 Hz - 150 Hz (-6 dB)

Dimensions
H 625 x W 555 x D 496 mm, (view in inches)

Clean and precise
Offering more SPL and low frequency extension than our smaller smart subwoofers, the Laminar Spiral Enclosure design of the 7370A offer clean, precise performance with extremely low distortion – even at high playback levels. Created for discerning music, post and broadcast professionals, the 7370A will provide decades of reliable service in even the most demanding environments.

Low frequency that translates
The 7370A also offers onboard bass management and multi-channel connectivity, and can be configured and calibrated with our GLM software. GLM will analyse your room acoustics and intelligently adjust frequency, level, delay and crossover phase - so monitors and subwoofer integrate perfectly. This process produces a totally optimised listening experience, delivering mixes that translate beautifully.
Genelec
7370A SAM™ Studio Subwoofer
1 x 7370A subwoofer
1 x mains cable 1,8 m
1 x RJ45 cable 5 m
1 x operating manual
7370A SAM™ Studio Subwoofer
Utmärkelser
Technical Specifications

SPL
113 dB

Amplifier Power
400 W Bass (Class D)

Frequency Response
19 Hz - 150 Hz ("-6 dB")

Accuracy of Frequency Response
± 3 dB (19 Hz - 100 Hz)

Driver Dimensions
⌀ 305 mm Bass (view in inches)

Dimensions
H 625 x W 555 x D 496 mm, (view in inches)

Weight
48 kg / 105.8 lb

Connections
8 x XLR Analog Input
8 x XLR Analog Output
1 x XLR AES/EBU Input
1 x XLR AES/EBU Output
2 x RJ45 Control
1 x XLR Analog Input
1 x XLR Analog Output
7370A SAM™ Studio Subwoofer
Technical Specifications
System Specifications
Frequency Response
19 Hz - 100 Hz (± 3 dB)
Low cutoff -6dB
19 Hz
High cutoff -6dB
150 Hz

SPL
Peak SPL Maximum peak SPL output with random pink noise, measured in half space at 1 meter.
≥118 dB
Short term max SPL Maximum short term sine wave SPL output averaged from 30 to 85 Hz, measured in half space at 1 meter.
≥113 dB
Self-generated noise
Self-generated noise Self generated noise at 1 m on axis (A-weighted).
≤5 dB
Weight
Weight48 kg (105.8 lb)
Dimensions
Height
625 mm
Width
555 mm
Depth
496 mm

Enclosure
Enclosure type
Reflex port
Drivers
Driver type
Cone
(no magnetical shielding)
Diameter
305 mm
Harmonic distortion
Amplifier Section
Amplifiers
400 W Class D
Mains voltage
100-240 VAC 50/60Hz
Power consumption
ISS Active
≤1 W
Idle
≤20 W
Full output
400 W
Signal processing section
Connectors
8 x Input 7.1 Analogue XLR input connectors XLR female, balanced 10 kOhm.
8 x Output 7.1 Analogue XLR output connectors XLR male.
Input Digital signal input connector XLR female 110 Ohm.
Output Digital signal output / Thru connector XLR male 110 Ohm.
2 x Control Two CAT5 (RJ45) GLM Network connectors for computer control using the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software.
Input Link In connector.
Output Link Out connector.
For even more technical details please see product operating manual.
Key Technologies

Active Crossovers

Bass Management System

Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) Technology

Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE™) Technology

Optimized Amplifiers

Protection Circuitry

Smart Active Monitor (SAM™) Systems
Active crossover operating at low signal levels.
Audio electronic crossovers allow to split the audio signal into separate frequency bands that can be separately routed to individual power amplifiers which then are connected to specific transducers optimized for a particular frequency band.
Active crossovers come in both digital and analogue varieties. Genelec digital active crossovers include additional signal processing, such as driver protection, delay, and equalization.
Genelec analogue active crossover filters contain electronic components that are operated at low signal levels suitable for power amplifier inputs. This is in contrast to passive crossovers that operate at the high signal levels of the power amplifier's outputs, having to handle high currents and in some cases high voltages.
In a typical 2-way system the active crossover needs two power amplifiers — one for the woofer and one for the tweeter.
The active crossover design offers multiple benefits:
- The frequency response becomes independent of any dynamic changes in the driver's electrical characteristics or the drive level.
- There is an increased flexibility and precision to adjust and fine tune each output frequency response for the specific drivers used.
- Each driver has its own signal processing and power amplifier. This isolates each driver from the drive signals handled by the other drivers, reducing inter-modulation distortion and overdriving problems.
- The ability to compensate for sensitivity variations between drivers.
- The possibility to compensate for the frequency and phase response anomalies associated with a driver’s characteristics within the intended pass-band.
- The flat frequency response of a high-quality active loudspeaker is a result of the combined effect of the crossover filter response, power amplifier responses and driver responses in a loudspeaker enclosure.
Using the active approach enables frequency response adjustments and optimization of the full loudspeaker system, placed in various room environments, without expensive external equalizers. The end result is a simpler, more reliable, efficient, consistent and precise active loudspeaker system.
Bass Management System handles multichannel low frequency content.
The principle of bass management is that the bass content of the main channels and the Low Frequency Effect (LFE) channel are directed and reproduced only by loudspeakers capable of handling them, whether they are main system loudspeakers or one or more subwoofer(s).
In stereo reproduction, signals from 20 Hz to 20 kHz need to be replayed. Large multi-way monitoring systems will reproduce such a wide bandwidth evenly. With multichannel audio, professional and consumer audio systems must also be able to reproduce audio between 20 Hz and 20 kHz for each channel. To achieve this, main monitors, subwoofers and crossover electronics should work together.
A Bass Management system uses either analogue electronic circuitry or software based filtering which will filter low frequency information from the main channels and route that information to one, or more, subwoofer feed.
The dedicated LFE channel can also be monitored via that subwoofer and added to the low frequencies of the other main channels. Therefore, the Bass Management’s basic and main goal is to ensure that the entire audio bandwidth of all channels can be accurately monitored.
The benefits of the Bass Management System:
- The subwoofer extends the system frequency response down the lower limit of the audible range
- Monitor can produce a higher maximum sound level when not reproducing low frequencies
- Optimized low frequency reproduction by selecting adequate subwoofer location; monitors can also be placed more freely
- Subwoofer’s output are aligned in level and phase with monitors allowing flat and accurate reproduction down to 19 Hz and across the crossover point
- LFE channel output level (0 or +10 dB re. main channels) can be selected for accurate reproduction depending on the source type
- The ability to bypass the subwoofer allows to evaluate the audible impact of the subwoofer
Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) for power consumption reduction in stand-by mode.
Introduced early 2013, Genelec’s Intelligent Signal-Sensing technology has been developed to meet with both European Union ErP Directives and the company’s own wider sustainability commitments.
The Intelligent Signal Sensing, ISS™ circuitry tracks the signal input of the loudspeaker and detects if it is in use. If the ISS circuit does not find any audio on the input for a period of time, it sets the loudspeaker to a low-power sleep state and the loudspeaker will consume less than 0.5 watts. When an input signal is detected, the loudspeaker immediately turns itself on. Basically, the loudspeaker system will start saving power as soon as work is interrupted.
Additionally an ‘ISS Disable’ switch is located on each product’s back plate next to the other room response controls. First, when the mains power switch of the loudspeaker is set to “ON”, the ISS™ auto-start function (low-power sleep state on/off) of the loudspeaker is active.
If this function is not desired, the ISS™ function can be disabled by setting the “ISS Disable” switch on the back panel to “ON” position. In this mode, the monitor is only powered on and off using the mains power switch.
Note that the mains power switch will always turn the monitor off completely.
Highly efficient Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE™) provides accurate low frequency reproduction.
The demands placed on subwoofers over the last years have increased substantially to the point where traditional design concepts are no longer valid. For Genelec, in order to achieve the absolute best performance possible, bold initiatives must be taken.
Drawing on years of acoustic research and knowledge, Genelec's engineering group accepted the challenges placed upon them in the beginning of the 21st Century. The totally unique, curvilinear shape of the LSE™ Series Active Subwoofer enclosure is the revolutionary patented result of their efforts.
All of the Genelec LSE™ series subwoofers feature this innovative Laminar Spiral Enclosure™ (LSE™) bass reflex cabinet. It provides excellent laminar flow characteristics with minimal turbulence noise and enables an optimal packing of a very long reflex tube into a small space.
The learnings from the LSE Technology are also utilized in the reflex port design of our aluminium enclosure products.
The spiral-shaped design yields an extremely rigid enclosure exterior while also forming the subwoofer's integral port. The fact that one is part of the other means that air flow in and out of the enclosure's interior through the port is totally unrestricted. This results in an extraordinarily accurate and responsive low-frequency system with measured second and third harmonic distortion levels typically better than 30 dB below the fundamental.
When combined with Genelec stereo and multichannel bass management active electronics, the LSE™ Series Subwoofers provide a low-frequency listening experience like no other. The result is a product range with impeccable technical performance: The Genelec LSE subwoofer range is unique, complete, functional, different from any other products on the market, and consistent.
Each transducer is driven by its own optimized amplifier.
Audio electronic crossovers allow to split the audio signal into separate frequency bands that can be separately routed to individual power amplifiers which then are connected to specific transducers optimized for a particular frequency band.
In a typical 2-way loudspeaker system, the active crossover needs two power amplifiers — one for the woofer and one for the tweeter. The power amplifiers are connected directly to the drivers of an active loudspeaker, resulting in the power amplifier’s load becoming much simpler and well known. Each driver-specific power amplifier has only a limited frequency range to amplify (the power amplifier is placed after the active crossover) and this adds to the ease of design.
The active design principle offers multiple benefits:
- The power amplifiers are directly connected to the speaker drivers, maximizing the control exerted by the power amplifier’s damping on the driver’s voice coil, reducing the consequences of dynamic changes in the driver electrical characteristics. This may improve the transient response of the system.
- There is a reduction in the power amplifier output requirement. With no energy lost in the passive crossover filter components, the amplifier power output requirements are reduced considerably (by up to 1/2 in some cases) without any reduction in the acoustic power output of the loudspeaker system. This can reduce costs and increase audio quality and system reliability.
- No loss between amplifier and driver units results in maximum acoustic efficiency
- Active technology can achieve superior sound output vs. size vs. low frequency cut-off performance
- All loudspeakers are delivered as a factory aligned system (amplifiers, crossover electronics and enclosure-driver systems)
Sophisticated drive unit protection circuitry for safe operation.
When working in critical audio production environments it is essential that monitoring systems remain reliable and functional at all times. One of the main reasons behind Genelec’s excellent success in broadcasting environments is the reliability of our products and a key element behind the reliability is the internal protection circuitry found in all products since 1978.
The protection circuitry prevents driver failures by detecting signal levels, and in case of sudden peaks or constantly too high levels, taking the signal level down automatically. Of course this feature does not affect the sound quality in any way when working within the specifications of the loudspeaker, but only prevents inadequate input signals from breaking the loudspeaker.
Protection circuitry features and benefits:
- Reduces the output level when required, (e.g. when driver voice coil temperature reaches the safe limit) which highly improves the system reliability
- Appropriate protection circuitry design in every loudspeaker and subwoofer enables to maximise system output sound level.
Networked Smart Active Monitor (SAM™) Systems feature automatic calibration to the environment.
The last decade has experienced a rapid increase in global media content creation, resulting in significant changes in the way network facilities deal with increased workload. Now, more than ever, a growing number of audio productions are done in tighter, more confined working environments. This increases acoustic problems and lowers the reliability of monitoring. At the same time, a professional audio engineer needs to have high confidence in a reliable and precise monitoring system that reproduces sound neutrally and without distortion.
Built upon the solid electro-acoustic foundations of the 1200, 8000 and 7000 Series products, Genelec advanced SAM Systems are today’s most advanced and flexible monitoring solutions. They are an indispensable tool for audio professionals, as they are capable to automatically adapt to the acoustic environments and correct for levels, delays and room anomalies. SAM Systems can be controlled via Genelec proprietary Loudspeaker Manager (GLM™) network and software, enabling you to build a highly flexible and reliable monitoring system.
The GLM 3 software is a highly intuitive and powerful monitor control networking system that manages connectivity to all SAM studio monitors and subwoofers on the network – up to 30. The GLM 3 software features adjustment of levels, distance delays and flexible room response compensation equalization with the state-of-the-art and robust AutoCal™ automated calibration system. All parameters and settings are stored in system setup files or saved in each individual monitor or subwoofer if the GLM network needs to be disconnected.
Also, all acoustical features of SAM Systems can be optimised for different working styles or client demands. Additionally, even if the monitors or the production projects move between rooms, you can expect SAM technology to achieve the highest consistency in monitoring, providing a neutral sound stage imaging with low distortion.
Genelec SAM Systems offers a comprehensive, solution-oriented, intelligently networked product range supporting analogue and digital signals in virtually any working environment.
References
Can you briefly summarise your professional background for our readers?
I'm an internationally recognised leader in the field of live-sound mixing, systems design and the optimisation of sound reinforcement. For more than 15 years I've established an upward trajectory in my career, collaborating with distinguished national and international artists on various productions.
I've been Mexico's representative for the Soundgirls.org organisation since 2016, and my professional career was highlighted in the 2019 book 'Women In Audio' presented by the Audio Engineering Society in London and written by the renowned sound engineer Leslie Gaston-Bird.
Aside from being the CEO of our studio, Goro Goro Immersive Lab, I've co-founded a company called 3BH with which I develop integration projects for post-production in Latin America.
Can you tell us something about your creative space and where it's located?
Goro Goro Immersive Lab is a boutique studio that's ideally situated in the heart of Mexico City. We're a laboratory formed by engineers and creative artists dedicated to immersive audiovisual experiences that use cutting-edge technology.
Can you give an overview of the key equipment you use in the studio?
Computer system: Apple Mac Pro.
Software: Pro Tools Ultimate 2021, Ableton Live 11, Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite and Dolby Audio Bridge.
Control Surface: AVID PT Dock and 2 AVID S1s. That's 16 Faders connected with EUCON.
Signal chains: DAW > Dolby Audio Bridge > Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite > AVID HD Native interface > Focusrite RED 16Line > Genelec monitors & LFE (sub).
Audinate DANTE system > Cisco network switcher (PoE) > Focusrite AM2/X2P > headphones distribution (binaural & stereo)
What type of work do you do in your studio?
We provide sound design services, we mix in stereo, Dolby Atmos and Ambisonic, and we make pre-mixes for films in 5.1, 7.1 & Dolby Atmos.
Is there a particular immersive format you specialise in?
We specialise in spatial mixing using Dolby ATMOS, and we also create audiovisual immersive experiences for live concerts.
How and when did you become interested in immersive audio?
I've always been curious about trying new technologies and creating new experiences, so I started making binaural mixes in Ambisonics. That led to me mixing in Dolby Atmos and making immersive sound for live performances.
What made you decide to equip your studio for immersive audio work?
In 2018, Daniel Castillo, who's the CEO of 3BH, suggested making our studio ready for Dolby Atmos. We love the sound of Genelec monitors, so we decide to equip our studio with a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 setup using Genelec Smart Active Monitors. Our studio was designed by both 3BH and Dolby.
What's been different about working with immersive compared to stereo?
Everything is different! I love to mix immersive sound. For me it's very natural and you can be as daring or conservative as you wish. I have mixed a lot of audiovisual content, and all my clients, artists and producers end up amazed by the immersive experience. The creativity is endless, I just love it!
How would you describe your relationship with Genelec loudspeakers and which ones do you own?
I generally love the sound of Genelec loudspeakers, but when I tried The Ones, I loved Genelec even more! The sense of space that those monitors enable is amazing - their frequency response and clarity make immersive mixing much easier.
The system that we have at Goro Goro Immersive Lab is:
L,R,C,Ls,Rs,Lrs,Rrs: 8331A
Ltf,Rtf,Ltr,Rtr: 8320A
LFE: 7370A
Did you use GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) to calibrate your system, and can you describe what difference it makes?
Yes, we use GLM 4 to calibrate the studio. I have many years of experience calibrating studios for music and post-production, and I've found GLM 4 to be an excellent tool. It's amazing how you can get a very good equalisation, sound pressure level and many other advantages. Having everything in GLM means that we don't need any separate signal-processing for monitoring.
What immersive projects have you worked on recently, and has immersive work boosted your business?
Recently we hosted an event organised by Dolby, 3BH and Apple Music called 'Dolby Days'. During the event we demonstrated Dolby Atmos content to musicians, record labels and producers. I mixed my first song from the merengue genre using Dolby Atmos - El Jaja Jala by Olga Tañón. I've also made several mixes for music videos using the Ambisonics format.
We've pushed immersive technology for years, so we were innovators in this field when it wasn't popular yet. I feel the decision to build an immersive studio was the best decision we could have made, and now we're living in the great future that we used to only imagine.
What does immersive audio mean for the future?
I see it as the new standard in sound.
To find out more about Goro Goro, click here
Do you want to be featured in our ‘Immersive Talk’ series? If so, just post some pictures of your setup on Instagram using the #GenelecImmersive hashtag. We’ll be keeping a look out for the most interesting setups, so who knows? We may be in touch with you!
Multiple GRAMMY®-nominated producer engineer Jeff Balding, known for his work with a wide array of artists including Eagles, HARDY, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Dan+Shay, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Megadeth, recently upgraded his studio and installed an all-Genelec 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos® immersive-sound system. Located in the heart of Nashville’s Berry Hill recording community, Balding’s new studio features a wide array of Genelec Active Monitors. Specifically, the horizontal array comprises nine Genelec 8351 Smart Active Monitors™ for L-C-R and surrounds (including two for wide coverage) and four 8331A monitors above the mix position acting as the overhead array, with two 7370A subwoofers handling bass management as well as the LFE.
“My interest in converting the studio to an immersive environment was spurred with Apple announcing that they’re diving into immersive audio, and considering that everyone has access to binaural mixes, immersive audio struck me as something that is here to stay, and it's something I wanted to be a part of,” stated Jeff Balding. “On top of all that, I’ve always tried to make stereo mixes more 3D, so this is a very instinctive format for me. A Dolby Atmos setup is an environment to hear in that perspective, and that was a big interest for me. It was an opportunity that I thought I should seize.”
When it came time to make a decision on what monitors to employ for his new immersive studio, Balding says the decision was easy. “I was looking for a speaker system not only that sounds great, but one that had an ease of getting consistency between speakers. It had to be an amplified speaker with the technology to manage the system. Genelec came to mind immediately, specifically with its GLM software for set-up and control. Ultimately, it delivers ease of use on top of the sound I wanted. I’m very familiar with Genelecs; I’ve been using Genelec 1031s for years, and then when The Ones came out, I stepped up to 8351s and a sub for stereo. So then, when I went immersive, I just expanded that system. I’m extremely comfortable with Genelec and happy with how it translates.”
Balding employed the GLM™ (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™) software to help in the management of the immersive monitoring. “GLM is an integral part of my setup,” stated Balding. “I’m coming out of my I/O’s AES outputs and feeding the speakers’ AES inputs. So everything stays in the digital realm. The GLM software is key to flexibility and control of the Genelec system.”
As immersive production is a new and evolving realm, Balding checks his work a number of different ways to make sure the final product translates to a wide variety of playback sources. “I check the mixes not only on the Genelecs, but also on different components from Apple AirPod Max headphones to their spatial earbuds to regular headphones. And then, bouncing out an MP4 is currently our way of making a very close check of how the mix will sound when rendered by Apple,” said Balding. “You really have to just cross-reference everything. In a lot of these situations, there’s a stereo mix already out there or being released alongside the immersive mix. So, you have to make sure that you’re translating and conveying what the stereo mix delivers to the consumer, musically and emotionally, to make sure they feel like they're experiencing the same record when they hear the Dolby Atmos mix. It’s a complicated process, as listeners don’t necessarily always know which mix they’re hearing, because it might depend on the device, the software, the headphones, user settings or other factors. But whichever mix they are hearing, the experience must shine through. There’s a lot of QC that goes into immersive production. That’s a big part of the time involved in doing these mixes. It’s a similar process to something we’ve done for decades: doing a mix on a set of really nice studio monitors and then going, ‘Okay, how’s this going to sound in the car and on a boombox and whatever else the consumer plays it on?’ It’s basically the same process, just more intense because there’s a lot more going on when you fold down the immersive mix and compare it to stereo binaural.”
Currently Balding is working on a wide variety of projects with immersive mixes for Blake Shelton, Train, Thomas Rhett and a host of others. When asked if he was having fun mixing in immersive, Balding replied, “Oh man, I love this format, and I love mixing in immersive. I go back to what I said earlier: in my opinion, this is how you really want to experience music. And it’s how I want to create music as well. I look forward to coming in to the studio every day, because I feel like the creative playground is so much larger, and that excites me. In terms of both space and tonality, there is just so much at your fingertips you can do with an immersive project. Some may have a hard time adjusting to the format, but for me it’s a perfect marriage.”
“And I could not be doing what I do without the support from Genelec,” he continues. Genelec’s customer support has been unbelievable through all this. They helped me get up and running quick, right when I needed it. When the lockdowns started to subside, Genelec brought together everything needed to get me in motion quickly; I had immersive projects sitting at the door waiting to get in, and I needed to get to work. Genelec was right there in step with it all, making sure what needed to happen, happened.”
Jeff Balding, pictured in his newly upgraded studio featuring an all-Genelec 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos® immersive-sound system (photo by CJ Hicks)
Outside the gaming world, Yasunori contributes to a diverse range of projects, including music for TV, movies, and anime, whilst providing written material and production expertise for well-known artists, both in Japan and internationally.
Despite the diversity of his work, he’s very willing to share his views about his career highlights, saying that “I feel my work for Square Enix is my best, including Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and many more of their titles.” He’s also worked with other game companies, gathering credits for more than 60 game soundtracks in his career, comprising of hundreds of songs altogether.
At the core of Yasunori’s whole operation is Procyon Studio, expertly set up with a Genelec Smart Active Monitoring system comprising five 8351B three-way coaxial monitors and two 7370A subwoofers, all calibrated with a GLM kit. Yasunori conceptualised the studio’s wooden environment as a way to feel close to nature and provide a large space with ample options for positioning his equipment. Occasionally, he moves his monitors to his second room, for example when recording orchestral parts in his main room. He feels that GLM calibration software is vital in these moments, telling us that “I can use GLM to listen in my other space with the same feeling I experience in my main room.”
Watch our exclusive video for the rest of Yasunori’s thoughts about optimal studio monitoring.
For more information about Yasunori Mitsuda visit:
PROCYON STUDIO: www.procyon-studio.co.jp Twitter : @YasunoriMitsuda
“Madam Cuba is a simple but classy lady. Her passion for sharing an authentic Cuban experience has created a new level of refined and delicious drinks and cocktails.” So say the owners of the new Madam Cuba bar, ideally situated on the banks of the river Aarhus which flows through the historic Danish city of the same name. Dedicated to the art of cocktails and conversation, Madam Cuba wanted a premium sound system to enhance the Latin vibes and keep their customers entertained until the early hours. Local pro audio specialist Thomas Vestergaard specified a Genelec solution based on the ubiquitous 4000 Series installation loudspeaker range, in the RAW aluminium finish.
The active design removes the need for bulky amplifiers and associated cabling, simplifying the installation.
“As a high end bar serving a fabulous range of sophisticated drinks, Madam Cuba naturally wanted a sound system of the same calibre,” remarks Vestergaard. “They weren’t necessarily looking for a high powered system – the emphasis really is on an atmosphere where the quality of the sound combined with drinks and conversation all meld together for the perfect night. The keywords as far as audio is concerned were comfort and coverage. These are areas in which Genelec excels, so it was an easy choice. The gorgeous RAW aluminium finish – which looks amazing against the distressed brick walls of the bar’s interior – was the cherry on the cake.”
Vestergaard specified four powerful 4040s supplemented by a 7370 subwoofer for the DJ area in front of the bar, and nine compact 4030s with three 7050 subs for the mezzanine sofa/table area. Two compact 4020s in a bright yellow custom RAL finish keep the atmosphere alive in the rest rooms. Control is handled through a DBX zone controller running four zones with local control situated behind the bar.
The wide range of bracket options means that you can install them pretty much anywhere you like.
“We decided on the 4040s for the DJ/bar area plus the sub, because even though the brief was for background sound rather than a full PA system, when the bar is crowded, the noise levels can be quite considerable. The sound system needs to make an impact above that, but without giving the impression that it’s really loud and that you have to compete with it to make yourself heard,” explains Vestergaard. “The 4040s are pretty powerful but having the sub as well just adds a bit more bass extension for a really full, rich sound with bags of headroom to spare. The system is just purring rather than roaring.”
For the mezzanine area which is slightly removed from the bar, Vestergaard has opted for the same approach but slightly scaled down in terms of power. “The aim is that customers feel enveloped by the sound but not aggressed by it,” he clarifies. “They should just be enjoying the atmosphere and soaking up the Latin vibes at comfortable levels for a fun night out.
“Genelec loudspeakers are an excellent choice for this sort of application,” concludes Vestergaard. “They sound amazing out of the box, and the room response controls on the back offer further adjustments to tailor frequency response as required. The active design removes the need for bulky amplifiers and associated cabling, thus simplifying the installation process – always a plus – and finally the wide range of bracket options means that you can install them pretty much anywhere you like. They look as good as they sound, and the clients are invariably delighted with the end results.”
Joel has spent the last 10 years playing clubs right across the UK and Europe. Growing up during the peak of the UK Garage era, Joel’s early musical influences included iconic figures like Todd Edwards, MJ Cole and DJ EZ, who continue to influence his musical output to this day.
Joel’s Platinum-selling breakthrough single ‘Sorry’ spent 10 weeks in the UK Top 10 in 2019, peaking at #6, and broke Shazam’s all-time daily record in the UK after receiving over 41,000 tags in one 24-hour period. He has since followed it up with further Platinum hit singles ‘Lonely’, which peaked at #4, and ‘Head & Heart’ featuring MNEK, which scored Joel his first ever UK #1 and is officially the longest-running consecutive #1 record of 2020, after spending six weeks at the top spot.
With his newly released single ‘BED’, Joel join forces with RAYE and legendary dance producer, David Guetta, on a track written to capture the feelings of longing experienced by so many during the pandemic.
Music doesn’t influence my life. It IS my life!
Based in London, Joel’s studio at the Tileyard Complex is equipped with Genelec 8351B smart active monitors and a 7370 subwoofer, while a pair of Genelec 8040 monitors in RAW aluminium finish adorn his home studio.
In this exclusive video you’ll see the depth of Joel’s dedication to his craft, and you’ll understand why he asserts that “Music doesn’t influence my life. It IS my life!”
Having started DJ-ing at parties as a youngster, he soon started making music himself, which brought him into the orbit of other emerging German rap stars including Farid Bang, Manuellsen, KC Rebell and Summer Cem. With numerous number one records under his belt, Juh-Dee now has the luxury of his own beautifully-equipped home studio in Duisburg, complete with Genelec 1234 and 8331 Smart Active Monitors.
“The first time I made it to #1 with a single was actually in 2020. That was with the song ‘90-60-111’ from Shirin David, and that was a great feeling,” comments Juh-Dee. “Then with Apache, we were 3 weeks at #1, and that song was replaced at #1 by another Apache song that we produced. And the next tune after that also went straight to the top spot!”
But it’s obvious that Juh-Dee sees Germany’s love for rap music as way more than a passing trend. “I don't see this as short-term popularity. That hype has actually been there for a long time, since 2008/2009. It just never reached the masses because at that time the distribution wasn't there. Kids didn’t buy CDs, they just downloaded the songs illegally at that time. But when that started to subside, people bought more CDs again. Now, in the era of smartphones, with streaming and YouTube, that's the reason it won't go away. It’s become the new Pop music.”
You can hear clearly the whole frequency spectrum and the tweeters are really nice!
Juh-Dee’s preference for studio monitoring has always been large, wall-mounted main monitors, so the Genelec 1234s were an obvious choice.
“In a great studio, there has to be speakers in the wall,” he insists. “I did my first mixes here and I was really surprised at how ‘real’ the 1234s sound, even at high volume. Having heard my first mixes, I realised what made the difference. You can hear clearly the whole frequency spectrum and the tweeters are really nice! They don't bite, they are really honest. That was important for me.”
The 1234s are complemented by a 7370 subwoofer for even more LF control and precision. Juh-Dee explains that “I usually use the subwoofer when I'm working on deep 808s, for example, so I can really hear the whole spectrum down to 20 Hz and I can absolutely hear if they sound ok, or if there's any strange frequencies going on.”
But while Juh-Dee loves the high-SPL energy of his main monitoring system, his 8331 coaxial three-way nearfields from ‘The Ones’ series allow him to dial things down when he needs to.
“I use The Ones to double check things at a lower volume, so when I don't need the full blast of the big 1234s, they are really good for details,” explains Juh-Dee. “Also, when I'm mixing for too long with too much volume, I use the 8331s - and I can also easily control them using Genelec’s GLM software. It's super easy to quickly dial in changes, tweak the frequency response, change the volume, and do adjustments.”
Aside from the pure creative joy that his Genelecs are bringing him, Juh-Dee’s monitors are simply very good for business too, as demonstrated by the reaction of artists visiting the studio recently:
“The feedback was awesome, they all wanted to stay here. I think I worked with 3 new artists at that time, and they all called their management and said ‘Hey, you have to book us here for another session, we're not going anywhere else. Please, we need to come back next week!’”
Since their beginnings in 2009, the company has opened seven more restaurants and a cocktail bar in the Finnish capital of Helsinki and employs around 200 people. Farang, their flagship venue, has recently relocated to stunning new premises spread over two floors offering both public and private dining facilities plus a large bar. A key part of the overall experience is the soundscape, delivered by a comprehensive 4000 Series Genelec sound system, designed and installed by renowned Finnish AV integration specialists, 4Business Oy.
“The brief from Matti was very clear,” explains 4Business’s Janne Lankinen: “With the new premises, Farang is set to make even more of an impact on the Helsinki restaurant scene, so sound quality - along with everything else - had to be absolutely top notch. Genelec was an obvious choice for us as it matched all of the quality and reliability criteria – and Matti was already familiar with the brand as he’d used Genelec almost exclusively for his other restaurant projects.
“The layout and the surfaces of Farang were a bit of a challenge from an audio perspective,” Lankinen describes. “The feel is quite industrial with lots of exposed concrete and metalwork. There are no convenient - and sound-absorbing - false ceilings or wall panels to hide behind, so we had to make sure that all cabling, mountings and installation were done properly as everything was visible. It also meant we had to be very careful with our system design in order to minimise unwanted reflections and reverberations. The restaurant is situated in a building which also houses newly renovated offices, so we also had to ensure that there was no sound conduction through the structure to the other premises in the building, especially for the low frequencies. Finally, the restaurant is spread over two floors with a very large opening between them; not only did we need to design a system that would cover the whole area evenly with no dead spots or hotspots, but we were inevitably confronted with problems of sound leakage between the two floors.”
Lankinen and his team conducted exhaustive simulations to determine coverage before specifying a system comprising a total of 54 active Genelec loudspeakers and subwoofers. “We decided on the analogue 4000 Series loudspeakers - with Symetrix Prism DSP processors equipped with Dante I/O expanders for matrixing, EQ and delay - as it was a useful approach to optimise the overall cost,” notes Lankinen. “Our aim was to ensure that when you move around the space, the audio experience remains similar throughout, and that the sound pressure would not drop at any point in a way that you’d feel that the music was disappearing.
“We used a mixture of 4020s, 4030s and the powerful 4040s depending on required throw and maximum SPL. Every single speaker was meticulously aligned and DSP was adjusted individually for the best possible results. That, together with acoustic treatment to minimise leakage between floors has enabled us to achieve a system that works beautifully at low sound pressure levels throughout the restaurant, and still has enough power in reserve to be turned up when required for a real party atmosphere.”
For the 7300 Series smart active subwoofers that are mounted in the ceiling, 4Business designed a custom mounting solution that is mechanically isolated from the structure. This ensures that any vibrations are conducted into Sylomer absorbers rather than the hollow core slab which might cause unwanted disturbance elsewhere in the building. When it came to calibrating the subwoofers, 4Business used Genelec’s GLM software with AutoCal to speed up the final adjustment process and ensure that every element of the system was sounding its best.
Responsibility and sustainability are key principles for Farang, and Genelec supports and communicates these values.
“I’m delighted with the results,” reports Lankinen. “The audio system supports the Farang brand as a top-class, place-to-be venue in Helsinki. What’s more, responsibility and sustainability are key principles for Farang and BW Restaurants, and Genelec supports and communicates these values consistently, making them a perfect match. The atmosphere in the restaurant is social and relaxed thanks to carefully thought-out playlists and high quality sound support.”
We have crystal clear audio throughout that sounds amazing, yet doesn’t get in the way of conversation.
Matti Wikberg echoes Lankinen’s sentiments entirely. “All my goals have been achieved, and frankly, exceeded,” he admits. “Janne and his team identified the challenges from the outset and solved them beautifully. We have crystal clear audio throughout that sounds amazing, yet doesn’t get in the way of conversation, whether you’re two or ten people at the table. The right atmosphere enhances the experience immeasurably, and that’s what we’ve achieved here.”
One such post production house is Aurom Post Sound, who have deepened their commitment to immersive audio with the addition of a second 7.1.4 room, powered by Genelec Smart Active Monitors.
“With customers impressed with the kind of performance we were getting from our first immersive studio, we decided to upgrade our original 5.1 room to a 7.1.4 configuration,” explains Aurom’s owner Akhilesh Acharya – who is a sound designer and mix engineer in his own right. “That would mean we would have two rooms with Genelec 7.1.4 monitoring that can both offer multi-format post production.”
(L-R) Ajaykumar PB, Abhilasha Gautama and Aishwarya Acharya.
We all know as mixing engineers that if you want to get the right sound and translation, Genelec is the only option.
The project saw Genelec’s Indian distribution partner, Sound Team, work closely with acoustic consultant Ajay Kumar PB and the local team from Dolby to ensure that the room would offer the translation between the studio and the movie theatre that Aurom required, as well as meeting Dolby’s exacting standards in a challenging space. The facility’s first Atmos studio used 8240A monitors and a 7270A subwoofer for the 7.1.4 configuration, but due to the size of the second room a different solution was found for the new space.
“We all know as mixing engineers that if you want to get the right sound and translation, Genelec is the only option available,” says Acharya. “For the new room we are using 8340As as LCR, with 8330As for surrounds and overheads plus a 7370A subwoofer and 9301A Multichannel AES/EBU interface,” he adds. “These monitors were suggested by both Dolby and Sound Team in accordance with the room size, so that we can work on both theatre mixes and OTT platforms. We are absolutely happy with our monitoring chain.”
We were impressed with the way GLM’s Auto Calibration works, and gets you very accurate results.
With the solution designed, installation was a smooth process, taking five days from cabling to commissioning. One of the reasons for this was Genelec’s GLM calibration software.
“We were impressed with the way GLM’s Auto Calibration works, and gets you very accurate results,” says Acharya. “The ability to then manually tweak after the AutoCal stage really gives a lot of flexibility to the person calibrating the room. We have also made different setups in GLM so that we can switch at any time between presets for a 5.1 film mix, theatrical Atmos, OTT Atmos and stereo too.”
Reflecting on the overall project, Acharya is clearly satisfied with the choices that Aurom has made. “For a mix room everything is results oriented,” he reasons. “It’s all about translation. We have not lost a single client in the past 5 years. The main reason is, they have heard more or less the same mix in the theatres or at home. Customers are happy and we have been getting regular work. We have found a high-performance product with very good reliability, and we are extremely happy with our purchase of Genelec monitors.”
Now, Florence-based acoustic design specialist Studio Sound Service has dramatically transformed De Robertis’ personal studio, assisted by a Genelec monitoring system which the composer describes as “simply perfect”.
Perhaps best-known for his long-term, award-winning collaboration with celebrated filmmaker Gabriele Salvatore, De Robertis began working in his current studio space after relocating to the countryside near the Italian town of Lucca.
His twin passions of cinema and music come together within the studio, where he works with Fede e gli Infedeli, the eclectic group of musicians with whom he collaborates for film scores, and the Underground Supporters, a collective of young and talented DJs and electronic music producers from Lucca, who also organize the afterparty for the famous Notte Bianca all-night summer festival.
Until recently, however, the studio was extremely humble. In fact, it was so small, cramped and acoustically challenging that the composer nicknamed it ‘Loculo’ – literally, ‘the crypt’. However, Studio Sound Service’s complete reinvention of the interior was so dramatic that De Robertis has now renamed the studio Aldilà – meaning ‘Afterlife’.
“The control room was in a very narrow area with skylights and a low ceiling,” recalls Studio Sound Service’s Donato Masci, who worked to bring De Robertis’ vision to life. “These three factors presented critical problems that needed to be solved. The room was also very complicated to treat – we couldn’t add any treatment to the ceiling because Federico needed to retain the natural light. Finally, all of the walls were concrete, which created a significant booming effect.”
Having previously been described by Masci as possessing a “grey and gloomy look”, the space is now unrecognisable with an inviting palette of soft colours chosen by De Robertis.
Most importantly, the room’s acoustic problems have been solved. “We designed a full acoustic treatment, starting with a new concrete and masonry front wall where we flush-mounted two Genelec 1237 smart active main monitors,” explains Masci. “The front wall and the floor are the only solid surfaces, since the rest of the room is constructed with absorbent materials. We also used some diffuser panels to improve low frequency absorption and diffusion.”
Complementing the 1237 stereo setup is a 5.1 smart active monitoring system comprising five 8240 two-way nearfield monitors and a single 7370 subwoofer. Finally, Masci used Genelec’s GLM software to configure and calibrate the system. “GLM is critical when monitors are flush-mounted in a solid wall – in this case the low frequencies were raised by as much as 12 dB – but GLM controls the effect perfectly,” he says. “In an environment such as Aldilà, with so many compromises, GLM is of great help for fine-tuning.”
“I love my Genelec system,” declares De Robertis. “At the beginning it did change my work a little bit – my ears had to adapt to having perfect acoustics and perfect sounding speakers. But the transition was easy. The definition and quality of the sound remains unchanged right across the entire frequency range. My Genelecs are the jewels of my studio.”
Audio Lisbon had been working in 5.1 for a long time, so the ability to handle fully immersive content was a natural progression. “Being a new facility designed from scratch, it seemed logical to plan and install this format early, to avoid making changes in the future,” explains Pedro Carvalho, Partner at Audio Lisbon. “It is also a way for us to be able to offer other solutions to regular customers, as well as attracting new clients from other markets.”
Having made this decision, the next challenge was to find the right tools to enhance the studio’s workflow. “We considered several brands and systems for immersive audio monitoring,” recalls Carvalho. “We wanted auto-calibrated nearfield active monitors with an SPL that suited the room volume, and had AES/EBU connectivity so as to integrate with our Avid MTRX interface. Of course, they also had to sound good.”
It was at this point that Genelec’s local distribution partner Garrett Audiovisuais became involved in the project. “Ever since Genelec launched The Ones series of coaxial three–way monitors, we had been curious to hear what they could do,” says Carvalho. “After a visit to hear the 8351s at Garrett’s listening room, which happens to be nearby, all of our doubts were dispelled.”
It is a huge advantage to have a system that corrects minor anomalies in room acoustics.
Working with Marcelo Tavares from Audiodesigner for the acoustic design and Paulo Mendes for the technical design and installation, Audio Lisbon ultimately opted for an all–Genelec 7.1.4 Smart Active Monitoring solution. 8341A coaxial monitors have been installed in the LCR positions, while 8340A two-way monitors have been used for side and rear surrounds, and 8330A two-way monitors handle the ceiling channels. Two subwoofers have also been employed, to handle the LF content and provide bass management for the system. A 7370A subwoofer is coupled with the front and surround monitors, while the more compact 7360A model was chosen to partner the ceiling monitors.
Following the installation of the system, Carvalho describes the fine tuning possible with the GLM calibration software as “the icing on the cake”. “Although I had absolute confidence in Marcelo's work acoustically, it is a huge advantage to have a system that corrects minor anomalies in room acoustics, and makes it possible to store different calibration settings from 2.0 to 7.1.4 in a practical and effective way,” he reflects.
I'm a fan of these coaxial models. The quality and sound detail is impressive and the size/power ratio is amazing.
With the new post facility now fully operational, Carvalho is certainly happy with the results it has achieved and the new monitors in particular. “I'm a fan of these coaxial models. The quality and sound detail is impressive and the size/power ratio is amazing. Even though we have chosen a mixture of coaxial and conventional two–way models for our system, the balance obtained is really good. They also have a good dynamic range and good transient response. This investment represents an opportunity for expansion into other markets at both national and international level.”
The main recording space at Audioguy differs from others in the country since it consists of one large room which accommodates multiple artists together – rather than a series of isolated recording booths. By adopting this approach, the studio has been able to take advantage of the unique acoustic qualities of its recording room. “Typically, studios make the reverberation time as short as possible in order to record mostly the direct sound from the source, whereas Audioguy has a longer reverberation time of 2.7 seconds, more like a concert hall,” explains Jung-Hoon Choi, founder of Audioguy Studios. “We are able to record not only the direct sound from the source to the mic, but also a lot of reflected sound from the walls, ceiling and the floor. Our intention here is to produce music with a unique and colourful sound.”
This kind of environment has made recording in 7.1.4 an interesting process. “With the very long reverberation time, our recordings can emphasise the full benefits of 7.1.4 immersive audio by capturing all the resonances and the reverberation of the room,” says Choi. “We can record using an ambisonic microphone to capture the immersive atmosphere, and spot mics to capture the individual instruments. However, the ambisonic and spot mics tend not to blend well together, so we have tried to separate the two different microphone configurations by using the ambisonic mic to cover the .4 channel content, as well as the rear channel source. The front and side sources are then covered by the additional spot mics next to the instruments in order to capture the unique and atmospheric feel of the content.”
The results of this process are monitored and mixed using Genelec coaxial Smart Active Monitors, supplied by Genelec’s local Korean distribution partner Sama Sound. The system comprises three 8351As as LCR, eight 8331A monitors as surrounds and overheads – with a 7370A subwoofer handling LF duties, and the entire system configured, calibrated and controlled using Genelec GLM software.
“When you need to mix 7.1.4 immersive audio properly in a limited space, accurate monitoring is essential. The Ones’ point source quality is a must, and I would be very confused when making mix decisions without the standardised in-situ corrections of frequency response, level and delay offered by Genelec’s GLM software,” reflects Choi. “Using this system, the 11 individual monitors sound exactly as they should - which is very much focused. So, we can mix in the most precise and accurate way, and when the mixing is done, GLM makes it very convenient and easy to switch between 3D, binaural and stereo formats and analyse the differences.”
Having supplied the system, Sama Sound have themselves been able to deploy the studios as the perfect location for listening sessions and seminars, such is the extremely high quality of the monitoring environment. Looking to the future, Choi is also determined to get the best out of the new setup at Audioguy Studios. “As we now have this beautiful 7.1.4 immersive audio system, we will be actively recording, mixing and mastering more immersive audio content,” he states. “Aside from their extraordinary accuracy, it’s actually very interesting and fun to work with Genelec monitors!”
The New Children’s Hospital (HUS) in Helsinki is one of a kind. Over a million Finns contributed funds to build the new €170M state-ofthe-art facility which welcomed its first patients in late 2018. Focused on demanding, specialised health care for children, the new facility is a case study in patient-centric design that uses art and play – both recognised as key elements for a ‘healing environment’ - combined with the latest digital technology to provide the highest quality medical care in a safe, reassuring environment for the children and their families.
Part of the hospital’s innovative approach included the development of a buildingwide soundscape to create a soothing sonic environment for patients and staff. Genelec is proud to have contributed to this unique endeavour with the provision of nearly 100 loudspeakers, including 39 Genelec 8430A IP SAM™ loudspeakers which serve the soundscape project and were donated outright. Indeed, the soundscape design was recently awarded the Grand Prix in the soundscapes and ambient sound category of the 2019 International Sound Awards (ISA) in Hamburg.
The project was led by paediatrics specialist, Pekka Lahdenne, head of digital and innovations services at HUS who engaged Miikka Peltomaa, an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist and keen musician. Dr Peltomaa’s brief was to create the best possible sound experience in one of the world’s most modern children’s hospitals. “My role was kind of CEO of the project,” he says with a smile. “I chose the professionals and collaborators for the venture, for which we had no budget, begged for donations (which was fun and easy) and looked after the project as it developed.
The project steering group consisted of me and Dr Outi Ampuja. Outi is an adjunct professor at the university of Helsinki and a recognised expert in noise analysis and the effects of noise, sound and silence on the human body. Her input was invaluable.”
The idea was to create a soundscape based on the visual theme of each of the hospital’s eight floors, starting in the underground car park. Inspiration was drawn mostly from the natural world as well as the much-loved Finnish Moomin stories; the ocean theme for the underground carpark gives way to the shore at ground level, through valleys, forests and mountains all the way up the stars on level eight. Dr Peltomaa recruited Antti Ikonen, Head of Sound in New Media at Aalto university and ten of his MA students for the mammoth task of developing the content.
“Firstly, the sound is generative, not looping, to avoid stress and ear fatigue,” explains Antti. “All the audio material is hosted in a single computer which generates and renders the soundscapes before feeding them out to each floor and location via the hospital’s IP network. Each soundscape contains ingredients from real sound environments like the ocean, the forest, the jungle, blended with all sorts of other elements that we either created or recorded ourselves or sourced from sound libraries. It was a huge undertaking.”
“The design and planning started before the building even existed,” he continues. “We discussed with the architects, doctors, electrical engineers, IT people, and Genelec how to implement this holistic technological system. The idea was not to fill the building with background music but to create a discreet, lowlevel ambience that is pleasurable and soothing for the kids but won’t disturb nurses or other staff.” A crucial element of the design was speaker placement, which was determined at the very outset of the project and effectively designed into the building to facilitate cabling and infrastructure. The soundscape is delivered via 39 Genelec 8430A IP SAM loudspeakers and ten AIC25 in-ceiling loudspeakers distributed throughout the hospital’s lobbies and corridors from the underground car park all the way up to the top floor. They are specifically not located in proximity to the nurses’ workstations so as not to disturb hospital staff, and neither are they found in patients’ rooms, operating theatres, meeting rooms or any other space that has a specific function.
“The huge advantage of using IP networked loudspeakers is that there’s no need for traditional audio cables when connecting the loudspeakers to the sound source (in this case an Apple Mac Pro computer running the audio engine). Without IP audio, the sound system would have required hundreds of metres of audio cable and would have been vulnerable to many kinds of interference,” explains Antti.
“In an IP audio network, the signal is conveyed as data via the ethernet cables of the computer network. In other words, the sound system is utilising a network which exists anyway. This, of course, is a huge cost saving. And last but not least, there’s no loss in the signal chain and the audio is reproduced perfectly in full quality.”
Jon-Patrik Kuhlefelt, sound technician and digital audio specialist from the Sibelius Academy at Helsinki’s University of the Arts, also played an important role in the technical system design and content planning for the soundscape. “The heart of the system is the Mac Pro running a Max/MSP patch,” he confirms. “A Focusrite REDNET PCIeR audio interface in the Mac Pro feeds Dante streams to a BSS BLU-806DA DSP processor, that is used mainly for muting all the loudspeakers in case of a fire alarm. From there, the outputs are fed to the Genelec 8430A IP SAM loudspeakers via AES67. Finally, we have a Focusrite REDNET AM2 feeding the AIC25s.”
“All system tuning and individual loudspeaker configuration is done directly in the Max patch rather than in the loudspeakers themselves, for the simple reason that if ever we need to exchange a loudspeaker for any reason, all we have to do is swap it out, configure the IP address and select the correct input stream – the new loudspeaker is automatically configured as the old one was, so there is much less risk of altering the sonics of the system by accident. Finally, since the Mac Pro is connected to the hospital’s existing IT infrastructure, we can easily control the system from anywhere in the hospital via VNC (remote desktop) using the hospital’s Wi-Fi. That’s a big help when working with a large distributed system like this.”
Another point worth mentioning is that because all of the Genelec speakers are active, there is no need to worry about finding room for amplifier racks. “There are nearly 100 Genelec loudspeakers throughout the building in total – in addition to those used for the soundscape project, there are over fifty 4000 Series loudspeakers (mainly the compact 4020Cs) found in meeting rooms and conference areas throughout the hospital – that would have been a lot of amplifiers to house!” says Miikka Peltomaa.
The final word goes to Antti Ikonen: “Genelec was an ideal partner for such an ambitious and challenging project as the New Children’s Hospital soundscape. In addition to providing the loudspeakers, Genelec helped the sound design team to resolve the technical issues which were inevitable in such pioneering work. We’re all very proud of what we’ve achieved here and hope it will be the blueprint for many projects to come.”
Over the years, Dutch studio designer and acoustician Jan Morel has formed an extremely successful partnership with superstar DJ producer Hardwell - having created two studios already, with a third planned for later this year. At the heart of this relationship are Genelec studio monitors - which help to give Hardwell the sound quality and low end control he requires.
Voted the world’s number one DJ in both 2013 and 2014 by DJ Mag and ranked at number three in the title’s top 100 DJs poll in 2018, Hardwell has developed a reputation as one of the most in-demand performers in the world. Having taken a break from touring, Hardwell’s recent musical focus has been back in the studios that Morel has created for him.
The most recently completed project saw Morel turn a bedroom in Hardwell’s lakeside home in the Dutch town of Breda into a top-of-the-line production facility. “Hardwell wanted to have an environment where he was able to work 24 hours without any signs of fatigue,” recalled Morel. “It was a special project because it was a challenge to create the best possible producer’s studio for a number one DJ in a bedroom!
“We needed to start from a large bedroom situation, which had a lowered concrete ceiling on one side,” Morel continues. “It was not easy to create a design where we would end up with the right acoustic balance, so as a solution for this we integrated the lowered ceiling into the acoustic shape and mirrored it on the opposite side of the room. After that we could build up the heavy stone front wall for the Genelec main system to complete the whole acoustic room shape.”
The system in question comprises a pair of 1034B main studio monitors with a 7073A subwoofer. “This is the perfect main monitor system for getting the best out of this room,” explains Morel, adding “I am still overwhelmed by the beauty and harmony of the room: the ambiance is amazing and the sound is brilliant. This certainly is a room where you can work for a full day without getting tired.”
Hardwell himself comments that “The whole room is one giant sweet spot - no matter where you are in the room, the sound doesn’t change.”
Moving on from this, the next collaboration will see Morel create a holiday studio for Hardwell on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Following the success of his home studio in Breda, Genelec will once again be at the heart of this new facility, with 1237A smart active studio monitors being specified along with a pair of 7370A subwoofers. “For me, when it comes to main monitoring systems there are no other alternatives now to the Genelec 1200 series,” he states. “They have all the qualities that you look for, such as high definition right across the frequency range and full dynamics at every level.”
With construction of this third facility underway (and we’ll bring you more news as soon as the project is completed), the relationship between Morel, Hardwell and Genelec looks to be going from strength to strength. “We will always work to deliver a final result that is beyond expectation and matches his number one status,” concludes Morel.
Founded in 1995, Sixième Son strategically reinforces brand recognition and enhances the customer experience specifically through sound, music and voice. With a team of highly talented composers and sound designers, the company has tailor-made audio identities for over 400 clients, including global brands such as Krug, Samsung, Renault and Coca Cola.
Sixième Son has a deep relationship with Genelec, both as a long-term user and also the company behind Genelec’s own sonic identity. As such, when the agency decided to update its studio monitors, there was only one choice. “Although our equipment was high quality, we had some very technical requests which required state-of-the-art monitors,” recalls Ella Duda, International Strategy Director at Sixième Son. “We had been using older Genelec models, which have served us incredibly well, so it was only natural that we sought out new monitors from the same brand. Like Genelec, we’re always looking for the finest sound quality so there wasn't any doubt which brand we would go with.”
Their speaker technology is compact without compromising the sound.
The studio decided to make the move from a 2.1 solution to a 5.1 setup comprised of three 8341A coaxial three-way monitors as LCR, a pair of the more compact 8331A coaxial models for the surrounds, and a 7370A subwoofer handling the low frequencies. “The need for a state-of-the-art system was accelerated mainly by the increase in demand for broadcast mixing for films,” explains Studio Manager Romain Morlat. “As such, we naturally gravitated to Genelec products due to their technical excellence, as demonstrated in ‘The Ones’ coaxial models that we’ve chosen. Additionally, their technology is compact without compromising the sound, so we could easily integrate their monitors into our space.”
The project looked to be moving ahead at speed until it came up against the same challenges that just about every project has faced in 2020. The new monitors arrived in France just as the country went into a national lockdown. Morlat received special permission to test the new equipment to ensure everything was in order, but public safety came first and the installation itself had to wait until France emerged from its lockdown.
The GLM software was essential to the proper set up and calibration of the system.
As soon as the country began to get back on its feet, Morlat set to work with the installation and commissioning of the new system, with Genelec’s GLM calibration software playing an important role. “We found that GLM was essential to the proper set up and calibration of the system, both in stereo and multichannel formats,” states Morlat. “We're very confident that everything is optimised.”
With the new solution installed and people returning to a safe working environment, the team at Sixième Son are quickly getting to grips with their new monitoring setup. “It has been an instant hit,” says Duda. “The precision that the solution gives us in terms of frequency and depth, is incredible.”
“Now that we have our Genelec setup, we can improve the way we work on complex projects – like a VR apartment tour which we recently completed – and be more creative at the same time,” adds Morlat. “As a bonus, the experiences that we give our customers at the studio are more immersive than ever. Now, since we can do absolutely everything in house, there’s no need to outsource for surround mixes. It’s a great feeling and a milestone for us.”
Reflecting on the project as a whole, the entire team is clearly delighted to have the 5.1 setup and believes it will serve Sixième Son well through its continued growth. “We are beyond happy and so grateful to have the new monitors in our studios,” Duda concludes. “We always strive to have good, quality materials, of course, but our new Genelec monitors take us to the next level.”
A wholly-owned R&D subsidiary of G-bits, the company employs enthusiastic games fans with one simple mission - to produce ‘unique and great games’. As a result of Leiting’s dedication to creating all-round immersive experiences for its users, the company recently commissioned a 5.1.4 game audio studio based around Genelec Smart Active Monitors.
"For a games company like ours, an audio studio is a must," commented composer and game sound designer Knuckles (Jianyu) Zhang, who led the studio project. "Our requirements are quite special, though. What we want is not just a recording studio, nor a standard mixing studio or a reviewing studio. To be precise, what we want is a ‘Game Sound Lab’ to assist us in the conceptual design of games.”
Originally conceived as a surround sound studio, the acoustic design and construction of the project was handled by Qiao Zhenyu of Huanyu Acoustics, who persuaded Knuckles to go fully immersive. “I knew that many games had already used the 5.1 format to produce sound. But Qiao suggested that since it was already 5.1, why not make it 5.1.4 by adding the 4 height channels? I realised then that immersive audio technology is no longer a new thing, and we as creators surely have to learn to master this format."
The studio then engaged the system integrator DMT to install a pair of Genelec 1234As as its main stereo monitoring system, with a 5.1.4 immersive system comprising eleven 8330A nearfield two-way monitors in all positions - complemented by a 7370A subwoofer. All the monitors were supplied in a stunning Polar White finish, and the entire system was configured and calibrated by DMT using GLM loudspeaker manager software.
Genelec's sound is very reliable. You can trust what you’re hearing.
Knuckles’ choice of Genelec monitoring was arrived at after many years of experience of working with other monitors - and actually avoiding Genelec in his earlier years, believing them to be too flat! “I used various monitors to evaluate my work in different rooms. Sometimes, it would sound fine on my own monitors in my own room, but the results would often vary when I’d listen to material in other spaces. So I’d start to doubt what I was hearing.”
He goes on to say “It was then that I realised that I needed a genuinely truthful monitoring system to do my work. Genelec's sound is very reliable. You can trust what you’re hearing, and you can be certain about what you create using them. When I use the 1234s to listen to material, I can immediately evaluate the quality of mixing.”
Knuckles is convinced that immersive audio is the format of the future for games developers. “In recent years, the domestic games industry has attached greater importance to the sound experience. As we look to the international market, we’re finding that more and more games with big-budget production are using immersive audio to create the sound experience. Because sometimes, we just want to step into another world and forget about real life, or even ourselves, for a while.”
He concludes by saying “While others here are still at the learning and building phase with immersive rooms, we already have the experience and a place to create immersive audio. Now we’re one step ahead, we’re ready to take the lead!"
Game sound designer Knuckles (Jianyu) Zhang
The Shanghai Vocational School of Contemporary Music has a noble aim: to cultivate professional talents in modern music production and performance. With the support of the Shanghai Municipal Government, it has set about this undertaking by creating a studio complex that will establish a high-level music training base to cultivate market-oriented students. Ensuring that the students are using the best possible equipment, Genelec Smart Active Monitors have been installed throughout the new facility.
During the early stages of development, Shanghai SunYart Digital Technology Director Alex Wei created a basic layout for the facility and continued to refine the plans alongside Technical Director, Zhang Minggang. Technical Execution was provided by He Weier, alongside world-renowned acoustician, Sam Toyoshima. One of the key factors for the team was creating a facility that would combine acoustics and aesthetics to the best effect. “Mr Toyoshima is an acoustic designer full of design aesthetics,” says Wei. “I wanted this project to meet the acoustic requirements and to have visual impact, to have that ‘wow’ factor, so our ideas fitted well.”
Genelec monitors have gained a good reputation in the industry, and were an inevitable choice for this project.
The design choices fitted well with the more technical decision to select Genelec Smart Active Monitors precisely calibrated with Genelec’s GLM Loudspeaker Manager software throughout the complex, with the monitors’ minimalist design and classic colour scheme complementing Mr Toyoshima’s modern, condensed aesthetic style. “Genelec monitors have gained a good reputation in the industry, and were an inevitable choice for this project,” explains Wei.
Beyond the style of the studio complex, a great deal of technical thought has gone into its creation. Take for example the large 300m2 recording studio with its variable reverberation time. The space features more than 70 rotary columns with different heights and diameters, and different sizes of sound absorption holes - which are used to achieve a reverberation time ranging from 0.8 to 1.2s.
The control room for this space features a pair of 1236 main monitors embedded in the floor-to-ceiling window. The team had a vision of making the monitors look as if they were floating in the glass, but faced challenges with the weight of the monitors and the assembly. Wei worked with Toyoshima’s design, calculated the angle, centre of gravity and friction at the bottom accurately, and compared various construction materials and methods. With this worked out, the two 1236 monitors were installed, remaining consistent with the 6 degree inclination angle of the glass.
I think the high-quality equipment and creative atmosphere provided by the school can train a group of future-oriented sound engineers better and faster.
In addition, three 8351 coaxial nearfield monitors have been placed on retractable stands - which don’t impede the sound from the main monitors when lowered, but can then rise mechanically to provide a 5.1 system for surround mixing. These are accompanied by two 7380 subwoofers. “8351 monitors give a very modern sense of science fantasy,” Wei explains. “When they are combined together with the 7380 subwoofers, it’s as if you are piloting a spaceship in Star Wars!”
A further unique teaching space comes in the form of the ‘staircase classroom’, where students sit on steps rather than traditional seating. On one side of the classroom there is a large floor-to-ceiling window, looking into a studio. When the teacher is working, the students can enter the studio to watch or observe through the glass from the steps outside. Above the mixing console, a high-definition camera displays the teacher in action via a projection screen, while Genelec 1238 three-way monitors relay audio to the class.
The project also created four other recording spaces, including a mastering room on the ground floor fitted with stereo 1238 monitors and a 5.1 system comprising 8351s and a 7370 subwoofer. Additionally, a multifunctional 5.1 teaching studio features 8260 monitors with a 7370 subwoofer, and two small practice studios in the basement are each equipped with a pair of 8351 monitors.
Staff at the school describe the results as going “beyond our expectations” and Wei is clearly proud of the innovative complex that has been created. “What we’ve ended up with here is excellent sound quality, and very accurate sound image positioning,” he comments. “The teachers at the school, the professors at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and the visiting professors from other schools think that this is the best studio they’ve ever seen.”
For his part, Toyoshima agrees: “I think the high-quality equipment and creative atmosphere provided by the school can train a group of future-oriented sound engineers better and faster.”
Genelec’s Smart Active Monitors are helping to make SOUND360 stand out from the crowd in South Korea, with the country’s first 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos studio. The SOUND360 studio is the creation of CEO Jung Hoon Choi, who is already a very well-known figure in the Korean music industry through his Audioguy record label.
“The recording room is designed for Dolby Atmos 3D audio, and immersive sound recording and mixing,” explains Ha Neul Lee, the audio engineer responsible for both stereo and Dolby Atmos mixing at Audioguy. “Reverberation time and acoustic treatment for the studio were also calibrated for 360-degree mixing with the surround monitors.”
The decision to create an immersive recording space was based on the belief that this is the direction that audio recording is moving in, while the 9.1.6 format was selected for its ability to deliver 3D mixes through popular consumer devices. “As you know, before immersive audio we used to have surround sound,” comments Choi. “We used to be able to produce multi-channel surround content, but not many consumers could play that content through a multi-channel playback system. For that reason, surround didn’t become standard.
Genelec monitors deliver consistent sound not only at loud volumes, but also at relatively low volumes so I can easily get the right balance of each instrument in the mix.
“Now that immersive audio is available, Dolby Atmos is one of the various immersive audio formats that SOUND360 currently offers,” Choi adds. “The mixes that are created by the 9.1.6 system here at the studio, can easily be enjoyed using just a simple stereo system like you would find on a typical mobile device. This compatibility is at last making 3D audio more accessible to the public, and it is becoming popular.”
When it came to the choice of monitors for the immersive space, Genelec was the only option. “For audio engineers like me, the importance of monitor speakers cannot be overstated,” says Choi. “One of the biggest reasons I have been using Genelec for a long time is because I tend to set the monitoring level slightly lower than other engineers, typically around 75 dB, and make it louder at certain points. Genelec monitors deliver consistent sound not only at loud volumes, but also at relatively low volumes so I can easily get the right balance of each instrument in the mix.”
Having opted to choose Genelec, SOUND360 worked with local Genelec distributor Sama Sound to create the 9.1.6 setup. The space utilises three-way coaxial monitors from The Ones series, and features three 8351s for the L-C-R channels, twelve 8341s as surrounds and overheads, and three 7370s as subs – with the whole system tuned and calibrated using GLM Loudspeaker Manager software. The all-Genelec solution has been a popular choice with the team of engineers working at SOUND360.
By using Genelec Smart Active Monitors with GLM, we were able to calibrate the monitoring systems for consistent sound from one room to the next.
“Genelec monitors allow users to calibrate and control with ease,” says Lee. “I feel so much gratitude for the 8300 series. If monitors sound different in different rooms, as an audio engineer, it feels like going through hell every day. By using Genelec Smart Active Monitors with GLM, we were able to calibrate the monitoring systems for consistent sound from one room to the next. We were even able to fix acoustical problems while working with the consistent sound. Now we have the room, which is acoustically well set up, and I am 99% satisfied with Genelec. I kept the 1% to spare my pride!”
SOUND360 is also proving to be a popular new facility for Korea’s musicians. “We’ve been working with various young emerging pop artists,” says Choi. “We’ve just finished Atmos mixing and mastering ‘THE SHOW’ live album by Black Pink. We’ve also worked with ITZY, TWICE, AKMU, LISA, STAYC, Beenzino, Treasure, Fisherman, BewhY, Giriboy, Sumin and Guckkasten, plus LEENALCHI Band’s album ‘Sugung-ga’ and ‘Please Don’t Go (Yeobonari)’ were also mixed here in Dolby Atmos.”
As the first recording space in Korea to offer a 9.1.6 setup, SOUND360 is already a pioneer. Through careful planning and the right choice of equipment it has every chance to succeed in its mission to help more people enjoy immersive audio.
How GLM™ (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) Software Works
Next Steps for Genelec SAM™ Systems
How GLM™ (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) Software Works
Frustrated that your material doesn’t sound so great on other systems? In this video we show you how to calibrate the Genelec SAM™ monitors with the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM™) Software to get the most out of your room and ensuring that your mixes translate perfectly.
Next Steps for Genelec SAM™ Systems
In the video Genelec introduces the new generation, high resolution 8340 and 8350 Smart monitors and 7360 and 7370 Smart subwoofers for all analogue and digital audio applications. In addition, the 9301 AES/EBU Multichannel interface allows the use of 7.1 digital audio sources with new Smart subwoofers.
Documentation
Documents
Operating Manual 7370A Brochure 7370A SAM™ Series Full Line Catalogue Bass Management User Guide Daisy-Chained Subwoofers and LFE Channel Management Immersive Solutions BrochureFAQ
The Classic 8000 Series monitors have an analogue input. The 7200 Series SAM subwoofers have AES/EBU digital outputs only. However, other 7300 Series SAM subwoofers have analogue inputs and outputs and can be used also with analogue monitors.
Which SAM™ Products You Are Going to Mix With the Classic 8000 Series?
Mixing 8000 Series and SAM™ monitors is not recommended
We do not recommend mixing Classic 8000 Series monitors with SAM™ Monitors.
If the analogue input sensitivity of 8000 Series and SAM™ Series monitors are the same, Genelec SAM™ Monitors exhibit a slightly larger latency (< 5 ms) than 8000 Series monitors. Therefore Classic 8000 Series and SAM™ Series monitors should not be mixed in a stereo pair or multichannel setup.
It is alright to mix Classic 8000 Series with SAM™ Subwoofers
However, it is okay to mix the Classic 8000 Series monitors with SAM™ Subwoofers. Any Classic 8000 Series monitors can be used with SAM™ Subwoofers, in any stereo or multichannel setup.
Setting the room response calibration controls
Genelec monitors are calibrated flat in anechoic free field conditions. When the monitor is placed in a room close to walls or other boundaries, the low frequency output of the monitor increases. To achieve a flat low frequency response an adjustment of typically -4 dB on the bass tilt control is used. Genelec also provides a bass roll-off control to compensate for any remaining excessive LF energy around the low cut-off frequency.
Genelec GLM AutoCal can implement a more precise compensation after measuring the acoustic effects produced by the monitor’s installation location.
Differences in room reverberation time and listening distance can lead to changes being required in the treble region so treble tilt is fitted to most of the models in the Genelec range.
In three-way monitors and large main systems there are additional driver controls for the bass level, mid level and treble level which enable very fine adjustment of the frequency response so that the monitors can be placed in many different listening environments, whilst still achieving a consistent and neutral sound reproduction.
The best way to set the room response controls of a Genelec monitor is by taking an acoustical measurement at the listening location, using a measurement system for those products that offer local controls (DIP switches) on the monitor or subwoofer, or by using GLM AutoCal for the SAM™ (Smart Active Monitoring) products.
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