4430A Smart IP Installation Speaker

SPL
104 dB

Amplifier Power
50 W Bass (Class D) + 50 W Treble (Class D)

Frequency Response
45 Hz - 39 kHz ("-6dB")

Accuracy of Frequency Response
± 1.5 dB (58 Hz - 20 kHz)

Driver Dimensions
⌀ 130 mm Bass + ⌀ 19 mm Treble (view in inches)

Dimensions
H 285 x W 189 x D 178 mm, (view in inches)

Weight
5.1 kg / 11.2 lb

Connections
1 x RJ45 Dante Input
1 x Euroblock Analog Input
4430A Smart IP Installation Speaker
Technical Specifications
System Specifications
Frequency Response
58 Hz - 20 kHz (± 1.5 dB)
Low cutoff -6dB
45 Hz
High cutoff -6dB
39 kHz
SPL
Peak SPL Maximum peak acoustic output per unit in a listening room with music material, at 1 m, using PoE+ power.
≥107 dB
Short term max SPL Maximum short term sine wave acoustic output on axis in half space, averaged from 100 Hz to 3 kHz at 1 m.
≥104 dB
Long term max SPL Maximum long term RMS acoustic output in same conditions with IEC weighted noise (limited by driver unit protection circuit) at 1 m.
≥96 dB
Self-generated noise
Self-generated noise Self generated noise level in free field at 1m on axis(A-weighted).
≤5 dB
Weight
Weight5.1 kg (11.2 lb)
Dimensions
Height
285 mm
Width
189 mm
Depth
178 mm

Enclosure
Enclosure material
Die cast aluminium
Enclosure type
Reflex port
Drivers
Driver type
Cone
Diameter
130 mm
Driver type
Metal dome
Diameter
19 mm
Directivity


Harmonic distortion
> 200 Hz ≤0.5 %
Amplifier Section
Amplifiers
50 W Class D
50 W Class D
Mains voltage
PoE+/PoE
Power consumption
ISS Active
≤4 W
Idle
≤5 W
Full output
25.5 W
Signal processing section
Connectors
Input Ethernet (Power over Ethernet and Audio over IP)
Input Audio input is via a 10 kOhm balanced connector.
Crossover
Bass/Treble
2900 Hz
For even more technical details please see product operating manual.

Power to the speaker
Combining class-leading sound quality with single cable convenience, the 4430A uses PoE to produce uncompromised SPL and acoustic performance, and is fully compatible with both Dante and open streaming standards such as AES67 and ST2110-30. Manufactured in Finland using certified sustainable methods, the 4430A will provide decades of reliable service.

Power to the installer
As part of the Smart IP family, the 4430A integrates tightly with our Smart IP Manager software – which allows installers to configure an almost unlimited number of rooms, zones, loudspeakers and audio channels, and includes device discovery, a versatile room EQ tool set, system organisation and status monitoring. After which, a public API command set allows the 4430A to be integrated into house automation systems for day to day use. Easy.
Available in 120 RAL colours
Would you like to match your speakers with your interior design?
No problem – simply choose from our wide range of colour options.*
*RAL colours not available for 4010 model
Key Technologies

Active Crossovers

Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) Technology

Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) Technology

Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE™) Technology

Optimized Amplifiers

Protection Circuitry

Reflex Port Design

Room Response Compensation

Versatile Mountings
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.
Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) for flat on- and off-axis response.
A revolutionary approach was taken by Genelec in 1983 with the development of its Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) used at the time in an egg-shaped enclosure. The Genelec DCW technology developed and refined over more than 30 years greatly improves the performance of direct radiating multi-way monitors.
The DCW technology shapes the emitted wavefront in a controlled way, allowing predictable tailoring of the directivity (dispersion) pattern. To make the directivity uniform and smooth, the goal is to limit the radiation angle so that the stray radiation is reduced. It results in excellent flatness of the overall frequency response as well as uniform power response. This advanced DCW technology minimizes early reflections and provides a wide and controlled listening area achieving accurate sound reproduction on- and off-axis.
Minimized early reflections and controlled, constant directivity have another important advantage: the frequency balance of the room reverberation field is essentially the same as the direct field from the monitors. As a consequence, the monitoring system's performance is less dependent on room acoustic characteristics.
Sound image width and depth, critical components in any listening environment, are important not only for on-axis listening, but also off-axis. This accommodates not only the engineer doing his or her job, but also others in the listening field, as is so often the case in large control rooms.
DCW™ Technology key benefits:
- Flat on- and off-axis response for wider usable listening area
- Increased direct-to-reflected sound ratio for reduced control room coloration
- Improved stereo and sound stage imaging
- Increased drive unit sensitivity up to 6 dB
- Increased system maximum sound pressure level capacity
- Decreased drive unit distortion
- Reduced cabinet edge diffraction
- Reduced complete system distortion
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.
Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE™) for uncoloured sound reproduction.
A common problem with standard free-standing loudspeakers is that the front baffle discontinuities cause diffractions and the loudspeaker sharp corners act as secondary sources through reflections.
In order to improve the flatness of the frequency response and the power response of free standing loudspeaker systems, Genelec have designed a highly innovative enclosure optimized to match the properties of the monitor drivers, featuring rounded edges, and gently curved front and sides. In addition to achieving an unsurpassed flatness of the frequency response, the enclosure having minimum diffractions yields superb sound stage imaging qualities.
To achieve such a smooth and elegantly curved cabinet surface and to reduce the outer dimensions of the enclosure, maximising at the same time the internal volume for improved low frequency efficiency, we designed a cabinet made off die-cast aluminium. Aluminium is lightweight, stiff and very easy to damp to yield a “dead” structure. The cabinet walls can be made fairly thin, providing at the same time good EMC shielding and excellent heat sink for the power amplifiers. Die-casting is made in two parts, front and rear, and they are easy to separate for potential servicing needs.
The DCW waveguide has been integrated in the MDE aluminium enclosure to provide improved control of the loudspeaker’s directivity. Basically, the low frequency limit for constant directivity is determined by the size of the waveguide, so the larger the surface the better the control. With a very controlled off-axis radiation, the listening window becomes consistent, which is of utmost importance with multi-channel audio monitoring. Controlled directivity also reduces possible first order reflections on surfaces near the loudspeaker, helping to provide consistent audio reproduction in different acoustical environments. In fact, the entire front baffle is gently curved and the acoustically transparent grilles are part of the outer cabinet aesthetics, blending perfectly with the various other curved surfaces.
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.
Advanced reflex port design for extended low frequency response.
Genelec’s choice for vented, or reflex, enclosures dates back to the S30 model, the first Genelec product from 1978. Port performance has been improved and refined over the years with the aim to increase the woofer’s low frequency extension and sound pressure level capability to provide outstanding bass articulation and definition.
Both driver and vent contribute to the total radiation of a reflex enclosure. Most radiation comes from the driver, but at the vent-enclosure resonant frequency the driver displacement amplitude is small and most of the radiation comes out of the vent.
To minimize the air speed in the tube, the cross sectional area of the vent should be large. This in turn means that the vent tube has to be long which presents quite a design challenge.
The long, curved tube maximizes airflow so deep bass can be reproduced without compression. The reflex tube terminates with a wide flare located on the rear of the enclosure for obvious reasons, minimizing port noises and providing excellent bass articulation.
The curvature of the tube has also been carefully designed to minimize any audible noise, compression or distortion. The inner end of the tube has proper resistive termination to minimize once again audible chuffing noise and air turbulence.
Proper reflex port design allows also to significantly reduce the woofer’s displacement, improving the linear low frequency output capacity.
Precise room response compensation for optimizing in-room performance.
The interaction between room acoustic and loudspeaker radiation is complex. Each room changes somewhat the monitor’s response in a unique way, e.g. reflective vs. damped rooms, or placement against a wall vs. on a stand away from the walls.
All Genelec loudspeaker systems feature room response adjustments to compensate for the room influences and retrieve a flat frequency response at the listening position.
Analogue Systems
Genelec analogue loudspeaker systems provide versatile Room Response Controls. They include (depending on models):
- Bass Roll-Off and Bass Tilt
- Treble Tilt and Treble Roll-Off
- Bass Level
- Midrange Level
- Treble Level
- Desktop Control
At low frequencies two main controls are provided. The Bass Tilt control, which acts as a shelving filter together with the Bass Roll-off control allowing you to optimize the low and very low frequency response of the system in different installations. Bass, midrange and treble level controls are provided in large systems. These controls allow to optimize the relative balance between the various pass bands.
The operating manual and datasheet of each loudspeaker contains a list of preferred room response control settings for different installations. These have been specified out of long practical experience and measurements of various kind of typical acoustic environments.
Smart Active Monitor (SAM™) Systems
Genelec SAM Systems offer a comprehensive, solution-oriented, intelligently networked product range which all feature Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM™) software and its automatic calibration system called AutoCal™.
Genelec AutoCal provides the industry’s first integrated process for complete automated measurement, analysis, and adjustment of every monitor on the GLM control network. The system measures the response in the listening area and applies relevant compensation in the low and low-mid frequencies to minimise the detrimental room acoustic anomalies as well as the differences between various listening positions. AutoCal also aligns relative levels, time-of-flight, as well as adjusts correct crossover phase (called AutoPhase) for all subwoofers on the network.
The Acoustic Response Editor provides accurate graphical display of the measured response, filter compensation and the resulting system response for each monitor, with full manual control of acoustic settings.
Versatile mounting options for all installation needs.
In addition to perfect acoustical design and advanced tailoring options to optimize the loudspeaker’s behaviour to the room environment, Genelec loudspeakers offer a variety of mounting options for easy installation in different applications.
Our wide range of accessories and fixed mounting points on the back of our aluminium enclosure products offer solutions to all common installation situations. M6 support points have been integrated in the die-cast enclosure for wall and ceiling mounts.
Some models also feature a 3/8” thread at the bottom of the enclosure to fit a robust microphone stand. Other larger and heavier models feature M10 fixing points. Special floor stand plates have been designed in order to fit the Iso-Pod stand that is part of our product design.
With these features our loudspeakers have found their way to a variety of applications beyond the professional audio and studio world, for example in commercial and AV installation projects as well as in home environments all around the world.

Where to Buy
4430A Smart IP Installation Speaker
Awards
Documentation
Documents
4430A Operating Manual 4430A Quick Setup Guide Smart IP for AV Brochure Special Colour Options Smart IP Q&A Sheet Case Study G Livelab TampereDownloads
4430A Line Drawings (pdf) 4430A Line Drawings (dwg) Simulation File (GLL) 4430A Simulation File (EASE 4) 4430A Simulation File (CLF) 4430A NOTE: Simulation File Use for 4430AFAQ
Genelec Smart IP is a revolutionary loudspeaker family for installed audio applications, supporting single cable connectivity via standard Ethernet networking protocols. Smart IP loudspeakers receive power and audio, plus monitoring and management signalling over a single Ethernet cable. Smart IP does not introduce any performance compromises in terms of maximum sound pressure level or acoustic quality. It provides complete professional quality room compensation and multi-loudspeaker system alignment tools built into all loudspeakers, and allows several complete setups to be stored within the loudspeaker’s internal memory. Smart IP also enables easy integration into house automation systems by offering a public API command set.
• Single-cable connectivity using PoE+ without performance sacrifice.
• High maximum SPL on PoE+ power.
• Renowned Genelec audio and build quality.
• Support for open audio and IP standards.
• Uncompromising uncompressed low-latency audio streaming directly into each loudspeaker.
• Loudspeaker synchronisation to sub-microsecond level for solid acoustic imaging.
• Full set of acoustic room compensation and alignment tools built into each loudspeaker.
• Extensive accessory support.
• Complete public API command set.
• Designed and manufactured in Finland for high reliability, long lifetime and respecting environmental sustainability.
Almost any project, since the number of Smart IP loudspeakers in one installation is virtually unlimited, and IP networks themselves can support a very high loudspeaker count. This, with the very flexible audio streaming options available, enables complex installations with many speakers to be implemented quickly and easily.
References
Formerly known as the Tribeca Grand Hotel, the Roxy Hotel is a four-pearl, 201-room property in the heart of Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. It’s hip and cool – amenities include an in-room pet goldfish (on request) and free loaner bicycles – and multiple bars offer regular live music, including a jazz club and cocktail lounge. The newest amenity is a cozy cocktail and dining area under the hotel’s marquee, designed for a bite and sip in a pandemic-safe environment. But the hotel didn’t skimp on sound: a pair of Genelec 4430A Smart IP Installation Speakers were installed there over the summer by integrator Essential Communications, which had earlier installed and then updated the hotel’s distributed sound system.
Genelec is all about sound quality.
“The Roxy is all about music and all about great sound,” says David Schwartz, President of Essential Communications, which specializes in AV for hospitality clients, among others. “When you want to convey the idea of quality, Genelec is the best choice of speaker, because Genelec is all about sound quality. It’s why musicians, record producers and recording engineers use them.”
And the Genelec 4430A was the perfect fit for the hotel’s needs. Weighing barely 11 pounds, and approximately 11 inches high, seven inches wide and seven inches deep, the 4430 delivers full-range sound in a compact package, and its weather-resistant finish makes it perfect for covered outdoor applications such as this. But what also caught Schwartz’s attention was its inclusion of power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and Genelec’s traditional self-powered operation. The 4430A offers power, audio and loudspeaker management via a single standard CAT cable, delivering unrivalled flexibility, cost-effectiveness and simplicity of installation. “I had been talking about that idea for years, and when Genelec delivered that in the 4430, I knew this was the speaker for this project,” he says. Integration of the 4430As with the existing Dante™ protocol audio transport network was a simple task. “A single cable back to the PoE switch we had installed there, create a zone for it in the sound-system processor, and we were done. And they loved the sound.”
They also liked the value. Schwartz remarks, “In addition to the level of quality you’re getting, you also have to factor in that you don’t need to buy and install and wire an amplifier. Combined with the PoE connection, everything over one cable, this was a very cost-effective installation. And combined with the great sound, it’s a complete winner.
It has recently reopened after the most extensive renovation project in its 130-year history. Four years on and 130M Euros later, he food hall has regained its former glory and developed into a modern and sustainable trading venue, complete with a Genelec Smart IP loudspeaker solution for the Saluhall’s largest and most prestigious trader, Lisa Elmqvist.
In order to find a suitable audio solution to cover the various zones, Lisa Elmqvist turned to Stockholm AV integrator and pro audio specialist, JAM Stage & Proaudio, who quickly concluded that a Genelec Smart IP system was the ideal solution.
“The mission was to supply a high quality audio solution that could cover all of the various customer areas with ease,” explains JAM’s Dragan Nedeljkovic. “We needed a system that could deliver a tonal balance with good dispersion and off-axis response, to counter the noisy environment and create an oasis of calm for the restaurant diners. We also needed to be able to zone the areas efficiently to cater for events and other scenarios.”
However, given the extremely tight timescale and the constraints of the building, JAM’s choices were limited. “It may have taken four years to complete the renovations, but there is a tendency in these types of projects to allow less than a week to worry about sound!” Nedeljkovic says with a wry grin. “This one was no exception. We only had three days to deliver a complete solution with little or no information to go on regarding placement, power access, distances, and so on. Plus, we were working in a classified building where the only accessible space for racks was in the basement and cabling options overall were extremely limited. The only truly viable option was to run the entire project over IP. Genelec’s new Smart IP loudspeakers – with audio, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and control all over a single standard network cable – were simply the perfect solution.”
Nedeljkovic and his team implemented a Dante network running a total of 19 Genelec 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers across six zones. A single standard network cable delivers power, control and the audio signal to each loudspeaker, with Genelec’s sophisticated Smart IP Manager software handling device discovery on the network, room EQ, calibration, delay and other functions. A cost-effective Xilica Dante interface and a touch panel facilitate routing, source selection and zone control.
“Honestly, the Smart IP solution from Genelec solved all my problems,” declares Nedeljkovic. “Despite having almost no time to design a system, the client nevertheless had extremely high standards when it came to audio quality. However, with Genelec, exceptional audio quality is a given, so that box was ticked straight away. With so little space or room for manoeuvre in installation terms, we required an active solution at the very least, and ideally something that could run on a Dante network to reduce cabling. The cherry on the cake with Genelec’s Smart IP system is that the same cable also delivers power, so that’s another problem solved.
“Finally, late in the installation process, the client decided that they’d like to add an additional zone to the original specification of five zones. In any non-network-based audio system, this would normally require considerable head-scratching to come up with a solution, plus additional cost for added amplifiers and possibly some additional mixers and/or DSP. In this case, all it required was some patching in the Dante Controller software, a couple of button presses and 25 minutes of configuring and tinkering to magically solve the problem, and bingo – the desired solution is delivered to the happy customer! You can also route L/R channels within Dante Controller as appropriate to achieve the best stereo listening experience in any given zone, which is a huge advantage. This kind of flexibility is priceless and clearly a huge advance in the world of AV integration.”
In the wake of the unmitigated success that is G Livelab Helsinki, the Finnish Musicians’ Union has opened a brand new – and bigger – venue in the vibrant city of Tampere, some 200km north of the Finnish capital. The same team was deployed to realise the Tampere project which is built according to the same ‘music first’ philosophy as Helsinki. The result is an extraordinary live music experience based on quality programming, modern design, and state-of-the-art Genelec audio systems including the ground-breaking new 4430 Smart IP loudspeaker.
Housed in a striking red brick building which was formerly the boiler house of the Frenckell paper mill in the heart of the city, the venue hosts up to 250 people and offers a hugely varied programme including jazz, folk, world music, pop/rock, chamber music, electronic music and more. Akukon Oy designed the acoustics, electroacoustics, lighting, sound, video, communication systems and basic IT structure as well as the rigging systems, as they did for Helsinki, and leading Nordic AV integrator, Bright – another key member of the Helsinki team – brought Akukon’s vision to life.
“Genelec was already a tried and tested solution with the first G Livelab project in Helsinki which has had great reviews,” explains Bright’s Head of Installation, Santtu Sipilä. “People really liked what we achieved in Helsinki, so it was an obvious decision to equip the Tampere club with Genelecs as well.”
The biggest difference between the two venues is the space – Tampere is much bigger with significantly higher ceilings. Although this posed certain challenges in terms of acoustic treatment, it also allowed greater freedom for the audio design.
The second notable difference is the use of Genelec’s 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers which weren’t available at the time of the Helsinki installation.
“We definitely wanted the new 4430s for easier cabling and added control; it’s opened up a world of possibilities for us,” admits Sipilä. “We have a fully networked system running on Dante – this includes the big loudspeakers used for the main PA – and any of the 4430s can take any signal from anywhere. This means that we can use the same loudspeakers for virtual acoustics, surround sound, background music, delays… the possibilities are endless, and it’s enabled us to considerably reduce the total amount of loudspeakers required in order to achieve what we wanted. We are able to make art with loudspeakers and we are not limited in any way in terms of how we can use the system.”
Tapio Ilomäki, the project manager for Akukon, agrees: “Our primary objective was the same as for Helsinki: to deliver a high-quality system with high musicality that serves the performer best. However, the versatility of systems and spaces was a key element of the design; modern venues need to be multi-purpose and they have to be able to facilitate these changes as quickly and easily as possible, for optimum functionality and quick return on investment. The use of the 4430s plays an important role at this level as well as offering extremely musical sound with very low distortion.”
The ability to have everything delivered over just a single cable is every installer’s dream.
Sipilä is also extremely impressed with the PoE (Power over Ethernet) capabilities of the 4430s. “We were really surprised by the SPLs and sound quality from this size of loudspeaker over PoE. We honestly didn’t think it was possible, so yes, we’re very impressed. The ability to have everything delivered over just a single cable is every installer’s dream, so I think that Genelec’s Smart IP range will be figuring in a great many of our future designs!”
In addition to the 4430s, the main PA system comprises a pair of 1236 SAM studio monitors, the flagship of the Genelec range, seventeen S360s for surround and delay, a pair of 1238s as the first delay line, and finally a flown sub array of nine 7380 subwoofers. “We didn’t have either the height or the space to include subs in Helsinki, so this is a welcome addition in Tampere which gives us some extra headroom in the system and helps add body and fullness to the sound,” continues Sipilä.
When you come here to listen to live music, it will most likely sound even better than it did on the record.
Renowned Finnish singer/songwriter, Markus Nordenstreng of Tuomo & Markus and the Latebirds considers G Livelab as his favourite venue for intimate performances. “Some of the best music I have ever heard has been live, but sound quality is often let down by the venue, either through bad acoustic treatment or a sub-par sound system – or both. What you have here at G Livelab is just the opposite end of the scale – for me it’s the ultimate live sound experience. When you come here to listen to live music, it will most likely sound even better than it did on the record – you can hear things you never heard before. It would be a great service to mankind if there was a G Livelab in every city around the world!”
The final word goes to Annamaija Saarela, CEO of G Livelab Tampere: “G Livelab isn’t just about the technology or the programming – it’s about the whole experience of enjoying live music, and I’m proud to say that in bringing together the best of everything and everyone involved, we have achieved a result that is even greater than the sum of the parts. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback since we opened, both from the public and musicians alike.”
Designed by multi-award-winning architects, Henning Larsen AS, Moesgaard Museum (MOMU) is one of Denmark’s leading attractions. Ingeniously designed as an integrated landscape feature, built into and rising up from the rolling hills overlooking Aarhus Bay, MOMU is a vibrant house of culture and knowledge that blends ancient artefacts with modern technology to bring the past alive.
The latest exhibition, “Bound for disaster – Pompeii and Herculaneum,” brings to life the events that unfolded around the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, killing an estimated 2,500 people. The sound design for this spectacular new audio-visual experience was created by exhibition soundscape specialist, Søren Bendixen of Audiotect, and is built entirely around Genelec’s new 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers. Combined with the scenography, video mapping and lighting, the soundscape immerses visitors in the predisaster atmosphere of the lively city of Pompeii, before leading them into the postapocalyptic scenes that followed.
"In terms of installation, the Smart IP concept opens up a world of possibilities."
“We are using a total of 51 Genelec 4430 loudspeakers, all fed by discrete channels over a Dante network with Ubiquiti Edge switches,” explains Johan Ahrenfeldt who is responsible for exhibition technology at MOMU. “We’re using QLab software for the playback and a Dante-compatible RME Digiface interface to run a total of 54 discrete channels flawlessly. Various audio formats are used in the sound design, including Ambisonics and Quadrophonic sound, to provide a fully immersive experience.”
Ahrenfeldt is no stranger to Genelec, having used many 4000 Series and 8330A loudspeakers on previous exhibitions, but he says that the new 4430s introduce a new paradigm to the world of installed sound solutions. “I’m not talking about sound quality – the 4430s meet the same exacting standards as the rest of the Genelec range – but in terms of installation, the Smart IP concept opens up a world of possibilities. The most significant benefit is the flexibility and the functionality added by the network-based infrastructure and the use of PoE+ for powering the speakers. This means lower installation costs, easier, tidier and more flexible cabling, the possibility to add or move speakers late in the exhibition building process, and the ability to monitor and control the speakers remotely. All of these factors made a big difference to us when installing our newest exhibition.”
“Many of the loudspeakers are concealed by the scenography,” he continues, “but in other places they are mounted directly on the walls. However, they blend in very well thanks to the harmonious design of the Genelec enclosures and a new feature implemented in the Smart IP Manager software which allows us to dim the brightness of the on/off LED indicator in the front.
"Despite the openness of the space, the transitions between the different areas work very well."
Ahrenfeldt recalls that “Bound for disaster” was not without its challenges in terms of audio, in particular due to the very open exhibition areas which were delineated by virtue of their sound designs. “One of the main obstacles was to minimise the sonic overlap between the different areas. We achieved this by using many sound sources (loudspeakers) so we could benefit from their sound directivity and cover the required areas with a low SPL per speaker. Genelec’s superior sound quality with crystal clear definition and intelligibility even at very low levels makes this possible. Despite the openness of the space, the transitions between the different areas work very well.”
“Our approach is to consider the sound design as a holistic entity where the different sound designs relating to specific areas of the exhibition are edited, mixed and synchronised on site into the main sound design covering the whole exhibition,” he continues. “The danger, of course, is ending up with ‘audio soup’ but careful design and Genelec’s superior clarity and definition have helped to create a truly memorable visitor experience.”
“The new 4430 fits perfectly into the market of exhibition technology due to the use of flexible infrastructure, on-board amplification, and the minimal need for cabling – but still delivering class leading sound reproduction,” notes Ahrenfeldt in conclusion. “The reduced cable requirement is often of greatest value in relation to implementing exhibition technology, particularly in old buildings which often are classified as protected cultural heritage. This isn’t the case at Moesgaard which is a new building, but it still makes life a whole lot easier! I’m delighted with this new solution from Genelec and look forward to them expanding the range in the near future.”
The Finnish Music Hall of Fame is Helsinki’s most recent and innovative cultural landmark. Located in the newly redeveloped Pasila district of the Finnish capital, already noted for its vibrant street art, the museum is attracting visitors in droves thanks to the unique concepts that have been deployed to depict the history of Finnish music.
Genelec was approached from the outset to be a part of this exciting project, the design and installation of which was awarded to renowned Nordic AV integration specialists, Bright.
“Genelec is the world leading company in professional audio monitoring,” says Music Hall of Fame board member, Olli Ilmolahti. “We knew that Genelec has been researching and developing products over many decades and already has much experience in this field.
"We wanted to have the best of the best, so Genelec was the perfect choice."
As the Finnish Music Hall of Fame, we were not ready to make any compromises concerning the listening environment and sound quality. We wanted to have the best of the best, so Genelec was the perfect choice to be a part of the story of Finnish music throughout history.”
The new music museum offers a multisensory experience for all music lovers covering genres from three centuries - from symphonies to Finnish rap music to folk and heavy rock plus everything in between - made possible by utilising the newest technologies available. The aim was to provide an interactive museum experience at a whole new level, offering visitors the chance to experience full musical immersion and a dive into the textures of music. Virtual technology enables visitors to embark on spectacular musical journeys whilst modern sound technology permits them to explore the roles that various instruments and voices play in a symphony orchestra, a mixed choir and a military band. Visitors can make their voice heard by performing on Finland’s finest stages, from the Helsinki Music Centre to Olavinlinna Castle on a virtual karaoke tour, and much more besides.
Genelec’s new Smart IP platform was an absolutely key element in making all of this a reality. Genelec worked with Bright and various content creators to establish the optimum audio design for each space and each exhibit. Bright deployed 124 of Genelec’s new 4430A two-way, active installation loudspeakers throughout the museum - the first model to incorporate Genelec’s ground-breaking Smart IP technology. The Smart IP platform enables IP networking via both Dante and AES67, and derives power via both PoE and PoE+ Power-over-Ethernet formats. As well as receiving both power and audio-over-IP, the 4430’s rear panel CAT connector also allows access to Genelec’s Smart IP Manager – a sophisticated downloadable software tool running on Windows 10 that allows installers to configure an almost unlimited number of rooms, zones, speakers and audio channels, and includes device discovery, versatile room equalisation, system organisation and status monitoring. External control via third-party hardware, software or house automation is also possible.
“We were responsible for designing a digital experience system with the possibility to change exhibitions efficiently when required,” says Bright’s Head of Installation, Santtu Sipilä, who worked closely with Genelec throughout the design and installation process. “As this was the Finnish Music Hall of Fame, some extra attention was needed regarding the sound quality. We investigated several other music museums to ensure that our solution would deliver the best sound quality of them all.
The decision to use Genelec was clearly a determining factor in achieving that goal, and the possibility of using the new networked loudspeakers made it even easier. The Smart IP technology enables us to drive each loudspeaker independently, and that opens up a wealth of opportunities for immersive sound experiences.”
In order to ensure the best possible audio experience, particular attention was paid to the acoustics of the museum during the design stage: “Even the best loudspeakers are no good if the acoustics don’t work!” says Santtu with a smile. “We also had to pay careful attention to the network to be able to run perfectly synchronised sound and video at the same time. Again, the Smart IP platform played an important part in making this work successfully.”
The Board members are thrilled with the results, and customer feedback confirms the success of the project. “The Finnish Music Hall of Fame is full of technology - virtual reality and digital technology are used to convey music, video, audio, sound effects and live music. I strongly believe that the sound world and acoustics form the most important and memorable experience at the Music Museum from the customer’s point of view,” says Olli Ilmolahti. “Genelec´s new Smart IP technology was a perfect choice for us, offering a complete solution with the highest quality and flexibility which means savings in working time, maintenance and investment costs. We achieved everything we wanted and more, and the immersive sound world and listening environment in certain areas of the Fame Music Museum - as well as the neutral, transparent sound throughout - is something to be experienced. Customer feedback has been nothing but positive.”
Mikko Vanni, chairman of the board for the museum, agrees wholeheartedly. “We wanted to use the most advanced technology available, and all the technological solutions devised by Genelec and Bright have been successful. We have been able to leverage this by informing the media and our main target groups that we have a very advanced Genelec solution (including an immersive voice system) combined with other sophisticated technology, which has given added value to the content credibility of the museum. We think that the Genelec system is amazing - the vocal reproduction throughout the venue is truly special. We set out to achieve a level above what is already out there, and we’ve done it. We’re delighted with the results.”
Naturkraft is a new experience centre in the Danish town of Ringkøbing, West Jutland, which aims to increase awareness of nature and the forces that shape our world as a way of encouraging more sustainable behaviour. Visitors are treated to a rich array of exhibitions and learning experiences – outside there are eight different types of natural environment whilst indoors, an iconic 5500 sq metre building designed to integrate into the flat coastal landscape offers a range of fascinating exhibitions. Digital experience creators, No Parking, were responsible for the design and development of the main installations inside the Exploratorium including IT and AV equipment. No Parking selected a Smart IP sound system from Genelec as the ideal audio partner for their designs.
“Our background is AV production and integration with a focus on experience design,” explains No Parking director, Morten Ranmar. “We were chosen for this particular task because of the complexity and scale of the project which required a lot of careful planning to ensure the best visitor experience. From an audio perspective we decided to use Genelec’s Smart IP solution for two of the installations for the simple reason that it was absolutely perfect for our needs and we know we can count on great support if it’s required.”
The exhibitions in the main building are dedicated to the forces of nature as they exist in the local environment of West Jutland. Naturally, the sea plays a huge part in the lives of West Jutlanders, so one of the main installations is the majestic recreation of a North Sea wave. Visitors can walk up to the first floor through the wave accompanied by powerful audio effects triggered by motion sensors and delivered by eight RAW finish Genelec 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers.
The beautiful RAW finish perfectly complemented the architecture, and scores highly on sustainability.
“The aim was to create the sensation of what it would be like to be in the midst of the rushing wave, through sound, lighting, video projection and architecture,” describes Ranmar. “Genelec Smart IP was an ideal choice for us for the audio element thanks to the proven quality of the loudspeakers – you can really hear every detail, even at low levels – the pleasing form factor, and of course the Smart IP technology that delivers audio, power and control over a single network cable. There are no external amplifiers to worry about, and the installation is incredibly neat and tidy. We can take audio from several sources if required – in this instance we have a basic ambience mix in eight channels plus sound effects – and the Dante network means we can re-route the signal as required or change the source when the installation changes, so it’s an extremely flexible solution that can adapt as exhibits change and evolve.
“The cherry on the cake was the beautiful RAW finish which perfectly complemented the architecture for the Wave installation, and of course scores very highly on the sustainability scale. This is an extremely important factor for Naturkraft for whom sustainability – along with climate and nature – is one of the key drivers that prompted its creation. Even Genelec’s non-RAW finished products are made from recycled aluminium according to sustainable processes, so they would have been a perfect choice regardless.”
Indeed, No Parking deployed eight 4420 Smart IP loudspeakers in white for Naturkraft’s West Jutland and Nature of Humans exhibits which describe the different landscapes that can be seen across West Jutland. Visitors will learn how the different forces of biology, geology and cultural history have interacted together over time to create the environment we see today.
“Museum and visitor attractions have evolved enormously over the last twenty years to become rich, interactive experiences that involve all of the senses,” says Ranmar. “Sound is of course an integral part of the mix, and as integrators, the onus is on us to select the equipment we need to deliver the best possible experience. Genelec ranks very high on the list thanks to the extremely high quality and reliability of their products, and their Smart IP technology makes them even easier to integrate. I’m looking forward to seeing even more models in the Smart IP range in the future.”
The Finnish Sports Museum housed at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki has recently reopened to the public with a completely revitalised permanent exhibition after extensive renovations closed the venue for five years. The new exhibitions celebrate Finnish sport using the best of what modern technology has to offer, including a state-of-the-art Genelec Smart IP audio solution. All audio, video and control technology was supplied by AV integration specialists Studiotec Oy, with AV and sound design by building services engineering experts, Granlund Oy.
Granlund’s Aki Päivärinne and Timo Muurinen were responsible for the AV design. “Our aim was to put the visitor in the middle of the action, to make them feel as if they are really there,” says Päivärinne. “It’s hard to think of any sport where sound is not a crucial part of the experience. Sounds from various sports are accompanied with occasional musical layers specially composed for the exhibition, and UX (User Experience) sounds. The sound design was realised using object-based sound design tools – immersive audio is the key to making the experience as complete as possible.”
The Smart IP speakers are definitely the most important element of
the audio solution.
Päivärinne specified Genelec’s Smart IP range of loudspeakers for most of the sound design, as they met all of his criteria for quality and particularly for ease of deployment. “The ability to use the museum’s existing CAT cabling infrastructure for both power and audio signal transport simplified the system design and installation enormously, as we didn’t have to worry about any analogue cables – everything just sits on the existing network.”
Project manager Pauli Lamsijärvi from Studiotec agrees. “The Smart IP speakers are definitely the most important element of the audio solution and certainly made life easier for us in terms of installation,” he notes. “They operate on the Dante network which carries both audio and control signals. It even delivers power to the speakers via PoE, which is something of a revolution in the audio world. The audio quality is what we’re used to hearing from Genelec – in other words, world class – so we’re very pleased with the results.”
The result is a fully immersive experience that truly brings the action to life for the visitor.
One of the largest exhibitions is Finnish sporting heroes across the ages. Visitors are treated to a massive video projection by Finnish visual artist, Janne Ahola, combined with a 10-channel immersive sound design using Genelec 4430s that places sound objects in space relative to what is happening on the screen. The result is a fully immersive experience that truly brings the action to life for the visitor.
Another exhibition is dedicated to winter sports. “Winter sports are important for us Finns, so this was another area where we wanted to make the experience as real as possible,” says Päivärinne. “Once again, we have a multichannel sound system using eight 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers in a stretched diamond layout that works with a short movie projected onto a 98” LED screen. Visitors will find themselves amongst children playing in the snow, skating on a frozen lake or even swimming in the lake – since Finns are a bit mad like that! Another part of the winter sports section takes us up onto the slopes with skiers and snowboarders. There is even an authentic double chair lift from 1965 with a huge screen behind it to reinforce the impression of being out on the slopes. Here I used four 4430s.”
The final area to use a Smart IP solution is the water sports exhibition which is brought to life using a 4-channel immersive sound system with four 4430s. Visitors experience the thrills of scuba diving below the waves to sailing above them, before being hurled into a canoe to negotiate the rapids.
Where the requirement was for stereo rather than immersive sound, Päivärinne opted for Genelec 8010 and 8030 loudspeakers, as the media players are located close to the loudspeakers. The larger installations with immersive multichannel sound designs all use Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers run from dedicated media servers capable of outputting Dante signals.
All of the museum's AV equipment is controlled from a single touch screen linked to the control system. All the projectors and dozens of monitors can be turned on and off at the touch of a button. It also enables control of all the loudspeakers and the content fed to them, and the control system also manages signal delay to keep the pictures and sound in sync.
The museum’s development director Kaisa Laitinen is delighted with the results. “Through spectacular visuals and a strong world of sound, the museum visitor's experience is better than ever,” she declares. “Studiotec and Granlund have done a great job in bringing our vision to life. The use of the latest technology enables visitors to share in the adrenalin, the triumphs and the disappointments along with all the emotions and feelings that sport brings. I’m very proud of what we have achieved and I’m excited to share it with the public.”
Genelec Smart IP Loudspeakers – Exceptional Sound over IP
Genelec Smart IP helps deliver multisensory experience at Finnish Music Hall of Fame
Genelec and G Livelab Tampere: creating the perfect live music venue | Genelec AV
Genelec Smart IP Loudspeakers – Exceptional Sound over IP
AV installers - our Smart IP loudspeaker technology is now available. The 4420 and 4430 Smart IP installation loudspeakers deliver exceptional audio, power and sophisticated loudspeaker management via a single CAT cable.
Genelec Smart IP helps deliver multisensory experience at Finnish Music Hall of Fame
“Genelec's new Smart IP technology was a perfect choice for us, offering a complete solution with the highest quality and flexibility which means savings in working time, maintenance and investment costs. We achieved everything we wanted and more, and the immersive sound world and listening environment in certain areas of the Fame Music Museum - as well as the neutral, transparent sound throughout - is something to be experienced. Customer feedback has been nothing but positive.”: Olli Ilmolahti, Hall of Fame board member.
Genelec and G Livelab Tampere: creating the perfect live music venue | Genelec AV
We go behind the scenes with the team from G Livelab in Tampere, Finland to find out how they’ve designed and created a live music venue that is regarded as ‘sonically and acoustically speaking, perfect.’ Deploying a network of over eighty Genelec loudspeakers - including forty four 4430 Smart IP installation speakers - they are now able to host live performances that will ‘most likely sound better than the record.’ Watch the video to find out exactly how they did it.