Subwoofer Model Selection
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Low frequency responses and levels are primarily defined by room size and shape, low frequency absorption and resulting Reverberation Time, combined with the subwoofer positioning in the room.
Step 1:
The table below describes in simple form the first step in matching the room size to subwoofer selection. Please also note the physical size parameters for each subwoofer – you typically do not want to select a subwoofer that will not fit into the intended location.
| Room Volume m3 (ft3) | Subwoofer | Subwoofer Dimensions H x W x D |
|---|---|---|
| up to 55 (1,950) | 5040A | H 251 mm x D 302 mm H 9 7/8" x D 12" |
| 55 - 75 (1,950 - 2,600) | 7050B | 410 x 350 x 319 mm 16 1/8 x 13 3/4 x 12 9/16" |
| 75 - 85 (2,600 - 3,000) | 7060B | 527 x 462 x 363 mm 20 3/4 x 18 3/16 x 14 3/16" |
| 85 - 110 (3,000 - 3,900) | 7070A | 625 x 555 x 490 mm 24 5/8 x 21 7/8 x 19 5/16" |
| 110 - 170 (3,900 - 6,000) | 7071A | 755 x 803 x 490 mm 29 3/4 x 31 5/8 x 19 5/16" |
| 170 - 240 (6,000 - 8,500) | 7073A | 524 x 1440 x 558 mm 20 5/8 x 56 11/16 x 22" |
Room Size and Subwoofer model Selection Table
- The SPL of one 7070A is identical to the SPL of 2 x 7060B. The same applies to 7071A and 7073A.
- For the 1000 Series discontinued products, please use the replacement model reference to find the suitable subwoofer for your application. 1029A replaced by 8030A, 1030A replaced by 8040A, 1031A replaced by 8050A.
Step 2:
Next, consider the main speakers you are going to match to the subwoofer. In some cases you may decide to match main speakers that go considerably louder than the subwoofer. This is not always advised since the subwoofer may run out of headroom before the main speakers. In other cases you may decide to use smaller speakers even in larger rooms due to short listening distances.
The tables below define typical “matched” main speakers and subwoofers. Finally consult your Genelec dealer or Genelec directly if you have other more specific questions. The goal is to have a complete understanding as to your selection and not have any surprises at the time of installation.
(a) Matched Subwoofers and Stereo Main Speakers
| Stereo Main Speakers | Subwoofer(s) |
|---|---|
| 6010A |
5040A |
| 8020A, 8030A, 8130A | 7050B |
| 8040A | 7060B |
| 8050A, 1032A | 7070A or 2 x 7060B |
| 1037C, 1038B, 1038BC | 7071A or 2 x 7070A |
| 1034B, 1034BC, 1039A | 7073A or 2 x 7071A |
| 1035B, 1036A | 2 x 7073A |
Active Speaker System Selection Table for 2-Channel Stereo
(b) Matched Subwoofers and Multichannel Speaker Systems
| 5.1 Front Speakers L-C-R |
Side and Rear Speakers (per channel) |
Subwoofer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 6010A |
6010A | 5040A |
| 8020A | 8020A | 7050B |
| 8030A, 8130A | 8020A, 8030A, 8130A | 7060B |
| 8040A | 8040A | 7070A or 2 x 7060B |
| 8050A, 1032A | 8050A, 1032A | 7071A or 2 x 7070A |
| 1037C, 1038B, 1038BC | 1037C, 1038B, 1038BC | 7073A or 2 x 7071A |
| 1034B, 1034BC, 1039A | 1038B | 2 x 7073A |
| 1035B, 1036A | 1038B or larger | 3 x 7073A |
Active Speaker System Selection Table for Multichannel Audio
- Additional subwoofers of the same type may be required in larger rooms with bass heavy program material. The surround loudspeakers can be compromised to a slightly smaller model if space and/or budget are limited. If you have any questions, or are looking for larger systems, please contact Genelec. It is better to ask and get it right first time than to make a mistake.
- For the 1000 Series discontinued products, please use the replacement model reference to find the suitable subwoofer for your application. 1029A replaced by 8030A, 1030A replaced by 8040A, 1031A replaced by 8050A.