GENELEC 8350A Smart Active Monitor System User Manual

GENELEC 8350A Smart Active Monitor System

Product Information

Genelec Smart Active Monitor 8350A

The Genelec Smart Active Monitor (SAM) system is a high-precision and reliable monitoring device suitable for professional monitoring tasks. It is equipped with Minimum Diffraction EnclosureTM (MDETM) and advanced Directivity Control WaveguideTM (DCWTM) technologies to provide excellent frequency balance even in difficult acoustic environments. The SAM system can integrate easily into all professional environments, supporting both standard analog line level audio and AES/EBU formatted digital audio signals. The SAM system is also equipped with Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISSTM) technology that automatically puts the monitor into a deep sleep state where it consumes less than one Watt of power. Upon sensing an input signal, the monitor wakes up to full operation.

Product Usage Instructions

To set up the SAM system, follow the steps below:

System Setup using GLMTM Control Network:

Figure 1 shows the GLM control network cabling. The setup is fast and consists of the following steps:

1. Connect the GLM Network Microphone to the USB port of your computer.
2. Connect the GLM network cable to the GLM Network connector on the back of the SAM monitor.
3. Connect the other end of the GLM network cable to the GLM network connector on the GLM Network Microphone.
4. Launch the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLMTM) software on your computer and follow the instructions for system calibration and setup.

Note: While the GLM network is disconnected, you can select the settings stored using the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager software by setting the STORED switch ON.

Setup without using the GLM:

When GLM is not available, you can use the settings on the monitor for system setup. These settings are limited but provide the basic acoustical calibrations and input selection. To use this method, follow the steps below:

1. Connect the MAINS INPUT to the mains supply. These products support any mains voltage globally (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz) so they can be plugged in anywhere.
2. Set the STORED switch OFF.
3. Use the DIP switches to adjust the Bass Tilt, Desktop, Bass Roll-Off, Treble Tilt, and LED Disable settings as per your requirements.

Note: To reset the SAM system to factory settings, push the RESET button for 10 seconds.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the operating manual provided with the product.

Introduction

Congratulations and a thank you for the purchase of this Genelec Smart Active Monitor (SAM) system. This manual addresses the stand-alone setup and use of the 8350A SAM monitor. These monitors can also be set up and used with the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ and the proprietary Genelec monitor control network and software, offering much more versatile acoustic settings and features. Use with the GLM™ is described in the GLM™ System Operating Manual.
All Genelec SAM systems are designed to integrate easily into all professional environments, supporting both standard analog line level audio and AES/EBU formatted digital audio signals.
The 8350A is suitable for professional monitoring tasks demanding high precision and reliability of monitoring. The Minimum Diffraction Enclosure™ (MDE™) and advanced Directivity Control Waveguide™ (DCW™) technologies provide excellent frequency balance even in difficult acoustic environments.
Each monitor is supplied with a mains cable, one 5 m GLM network cable and an operating manual.
Energy saving Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) can be turned on to put the monitor automatically into a deep sleep state where the product consumes less than one Watt of power. Upon sensing an input signal the monitor automatically wakes up to full operation. The wait until entering the ISS power save can be configured using the GLM software. When the ISS is active you can have your monitoring system ready for action at all times.

System setup using GLM™ Control Network
Although the 8350A can be used without the GLM™ software and control network, they only reach their full potential when set up and calibrated using the GLM™ software. Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ and the proprietary Genelec monitor control network and software offer automated acoustic equalization and alignment for any reproduction system from simple stereo to very complex 3D immersive audio setups including also one or more subwoofers. GLM setup is fast and accurate. The settings can be controlled with a computer or be permanently stored in the monitors to make the setup available at all times even when a computer is not in use. Genelec recommends setting up SAM monitoring systems using GLM. You can find a detailed description of the setup and the use of GLM™ in the GLM™ System Operating Manual.

The setup is fast and consists of the following steps:

• Connect a CAT5 (RJ45) cable between each monitor (and subwoofer) and finally to the control network input of the GLM Adapter device (see Figure 1).
• Connect the GLM Adapter device to computer USB connector.
• Using a microphone stand, place the Genelec measurement microphone at the listening location with the microphone pointing upwards and the microphone top at the height of the engineer’s ear. The microphone is a part of the GLM User Kit.
• Connect the microphone cable to the microphone input in the GLM Adapter device.
• Download the GLM software at the Genelec web site (www. genelec.com).
• Install the GLM software and follow the instructions in the software to measure and set up your monitors.
• If you plan to not use a computer for controlling the monitors, use the GLM software to write the setting into the monitors (use menu item “Store | Store the Current Group Settings…”).

While the GLM network is disconnected the settings stored using the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager software can be selected in use by setting the STORED switch ON.

Setup without using the GLM
When GLM is not available, you can use the settings on the monitor for system setup. These settings are limited but provide the basic acoustical calibrations and input selection. To use this method, set the STORED switch OFF.
Connect the MAINS INPUT to the mains supply. These products support any mains voltage globally (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz) so they can be plugged in anywhere. If the mains power is provided with a generator, inverter or certain lower- quality UPS devices, we recommend filtering of the mains power voltage harmonics and taking care that the voltage supply is stable.

The ANALOG IN connector is used for analog audio signals. The maximum input level is +25 dBu. These monitors produce 100 dB SPL sound level at 1 meter in free space for an analogue input signal of -6 dBu.
The DIGITAL IN AES/EBU female XLR connector is for AES/EBU formatted digital audio input signals. This input is selected automatically when a valid digital audio signal is present. Analog input is selected when the AES/EBU signal input is disconnected. The AES/EBU input supports two channels in a single cable). When the digital source device controls the digital output level, it may be advantageous to lower the level on the monitor’s controls, which will enable the use of a higher digital signal level with more digital resolution. With digital inputs the audio is referenced to 0 dBFS (dB relative to the digital full scale, the largest level that can be represented in the AES/EBU signal). These monitors produce 100 dB SPL sound level at 1 meter in free space for a digital input signal of –30 dBFS. The DIGITAL OUT male XLR carries an unaltered copy of the digital signal fed into the digital in connector. This enables daisy-chaining up to four monitors.
The CONTROL NETWORK RJ-45 connectors are used with Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™ (GLM™) network. These connectors are not Ethernet LAN compatible. Do not connect to Ethernet LAN.

Monitor

Mounting Position

| Treble Tilt| Bass Tilt| Bass Roll-Off| Desktop
---|---|---|---|---
Flat anechoic response| None| None| None| None
Free standing in a damped room| None| -2 dB| None| None
Free standing in

a reverberant room

| None| -4 dB| None| None
Near field on

a reflective surface

| None| -2 dB| None| -4 dB
In a corner| None| -4 dB| -4 dB| None

Table 1. Suggested Tone Control settings for some typical monitor placement positions.

Stand-Alone Control Functions

Bass Roll-Off Control
Bass Roll-Off control attenuates the monitor’s output near the cut-off frequency. Attenuation levels of -2 dB, -4 dB or -6 dB (both switches ON) can be selected.

Desktop 160 Hz
The desktop low-frequency control (switch 5) attenuates the bass frequencies around 160 Hz by 4 dB. This feature is designed to compensate for the boost often occurring at this frequency range when the monitor is placed upon a meter bridge, table or similar reflective surface.

Bass Tilt Control
The Bass Tilt control switches (swiches 3 and 4) offer three attenuation levels for the bass response below 800 Hz, usually necessary when the monitors are placed near room boundaries. The attenuation levels are -2 dB, -4 dB and -6 dB.

Figure 3. The location of the acoustic axis is on the center-line of the monitor at the given height “h”.

Figure 4. Symmetrical layout and keeping the acoustic axis clear from obstructions minimizes reflection surfaces and maintains accurate localisation because reflections are symmetrical.

Figure 5. Recommended distances from a single wall to the front baffle of free-standing monitors. Correct (green) and not recommended (red).

Figure 6. Recommended monitor positioning for 5.1 multichannel audio reproduction

Treble Tilt Control
Treble Tilt control allows adjusting the treble response above 5 kHz by +2 dB, -2 dB or -4 dB, which can be used for correcting an excessively bright or dull sounding system or to compensate for high-frequency level loss if the monitor is placed behind a screen.

LED Disable
This switch shuts off the front panel LED light.

ISS
This switch activates or deactivates the ISS automatic power-saving function. The default time for ISS activation is 60 minutes, but can be adjusted in GLM.

modified because of protection)
Solid red| Monitor is muted
Yellow| Monitor is not in the active (playing) group
Yellow blinking| Overheat protection is active (audio is modified because of protection)

Table 2. Monitor front panel light indications summary

Digital
The Digital switch selects the digital audio channels on the AES/EBU. Turning both switches on reproduces the sum of the A and B channels. A 6 dB of attenuation is applied to avoid overloading the monitor. If the AES/EBU cable is operated in dual-wire mode, the monitor detects this automatically and the channel selection switches have no effect.

Level
The Level switches scale down the monitor output level in 10 dB steps. The effects of these switches add up and combine with the effect of the rotary level adjustment control. The combined total setting range is 42 dB.

Stored
Stored switch selects the use of the controls on the monitor’s back panel or the settings stored inside the monitor memory using the GLM system calibration software. Setting the Stored switch to OFF position selects the settings defined by the monitor’s own controls. Setting the Stored switch to ON position selects the use of internally stored GLM settings. Using the Stored option overrides all adjustments done with the monitor’s own controls.

Operating Environment

These monitors are designed for indoor use only. The permissible ambient temperature is 15-35 degrees Celsius (50-95°F) and relative humidity 20% to 80% (non-condensing). When the product has been stored or transported in cool environment and is taken into a warm room, wait 0.5-1 hours before opening any packing to prevent condensation of humidity before connecting to mains power. Sufficient cooling must be ensured. The minimum clearance is 50 mm (2 in) behind, above and on both sides of the monitor. The space must be ventilated sufficiently to dissipate the heat.

Mounting and Placing Monitors

Mounting Options
The vibration insulating Isolation Positioner/Decoupler™ (Iso-Pod™) table stand allows tilting of the monitor for correct alignment of the acoustic axis. The stand can be attached to three points on the enclosure, allowing vertical and two horizontal positions. Aim the monitor so that its acoustic axis point towards the listening position (see Figure 3). Vertical orientation is preferable, as this eliminates acoustical cancellation problems around the crossover frequency. Place the monitors symmetrically at equal distances from the listening position. If possible, place the listening position on the left- right centerline of the room (see Figure 4). When a monitor far away (1 to 2.2 m, 3-7 ft) from the acoustically hard wall behind the monitor, an acoustic reflection from the wall may cause cancellation of low frequencies and reduce bass output.
Acoustic reflections from objects like desks, cabinets, computer monitors etc. can cause unwanted colouration and blurring of the sound image. Minimise these by placing the monitors away from acoustically reflective surfaces. Putting the monitors on stands behind and above a mixing console usually improves the response over placing monitors on a meter bridge. Symmetrical positioning of the sound reflecting objects maintains a balanced soundstage (see Figure 4).
A wide variety of ceiling and wall mounts are available through your Genelec dealer. The 8350A can be fitted with König & Meyer monitor mounts using two M6 x 10 mm threaded holes on the enclosure back. There is an M10 x 10 mm threaded hole in the base of the monitor. Do not use this thread for mounting the monitor on a microphone stand. Monitor stands typically have an incompatible 3/8” UNC thread. A wide selection of accessories is available for Genelec monitors. Consult the Genelec Accessories Catalogue at www.genelec. com or your local distributor/dealer for information.

Front Panel Light
Normally, the light on the front panel is green, indicating normal operational mode. Red and yellow colours are used to indicate special situations. See Table 2 above.

Use with Subwoofers
Genelec recommends using the 7300 series subwoofers. For more detailed system configuration and matching products, please consult the online Genelec Product Selection Tool at www.genelec.com.

Maintenance

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the monitor. Maintenance or repair must only be done by a Genelec-certified service.

Figure 7. The curves above show the effect of the “Bass Tilt”, “Treble Tilt”, “Desktop Low Frequency” and “Bass Roll-Off” controls on the free field response of the 8350A.

Figure 8. The upper curve group shows the horizontal directivity characteristics of the 8350A measured at 1 m. The lower curve shows the system’s power response.

Figure 9. The curve above shows the delay variation of the 8350A as a function of frequency.

Safety Considerations

Although the 8350A has been designed in accordance with international safety standards, to ensure safe operation and to maintain the monitor under safe operating conditions, the fol-lowing warnings and precautions must be observed:

• Servicing and adjustment must only be performed by a certified Genelec service. The monitor enclosure must not be opened.
• Do not use this product with an unearthed mains cable or a mains connection without the protective earth contact as this may lead to personal injury.
• To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to water or moisture.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquid, such as vases on the monitor or near it.
• Note that the amplifier is not completely disconnected from the AC mains service unless the mains power cord is removed from the amplifier or the mains outlet.
• Free flow of air behind the monitor is necessary to maintain sufficient cooling.
• Do not obstruct airflow around the monitors.

WARNING!
These monitors are capable of producing sound pressure levels in excess of 85 dB, which may cause permanent hearing damage.

Guarantee
The Genelec 8350A is guaranteed for two years against manufacturing faults or defects altering performance. Refer to the reseller for full sales and guarantee terms.

Compliance to FCC Rules

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
• Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

Figure 10. The curves above show the horizontal directivity characteristics of the 8350A.

Figure 11. The curves above show the vertical directivity characteristics of the 8350A.

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

AMPLIFIER SECTION

SIGNAL PROCESSING SECTION

The notch and shelving filters adjustments, AutoCalTM and GLMTM manual system calibration features are part of the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLMTM) software

Genelec Document D0133R002 Copyright Genelec Oy 9.2017. All data subject to change without prior notice.

International enquiries: Genelec, Olvitie 5
FIN-74100, Iisalmi, Finland Phone +358 17 83881
Fax +358 17 812 267 Email genelec@genelec.com

In the U.S. please contact: Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle Natick, MA 01760, USA Phone +1 508 652 0900
Fax +1 508 652 0909
Email genelec.usa@genelec.com

www.genelec.com

References

• World Leader in Studio Monitors - Genelec.com
• World Leader in Studio Monitors - Genelec.com
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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