7350A SAM™ Studio Subwoofer

Akukon is the number one expert in acoustics, noise abatement and audio-visual design services in Finland and the Baltics. Their aim is to create better living conditions by protecting people from environmental noise and promoting the safety and operability of facilities, as well as their visual appearance. In late 2021 the company opened a pioneering new facility – the Akukon DemoLab – which is a tool for modelling and listening to acoustics and noise in spaces prior to their construction. The room is equipped throughout with Genelec 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers supplemented by a pair of 7350 Smart Active subwoofers.

“Acoustic design is an essential part of modern construction and environmental projects,” says Akukon acoustician and project manager Perttu Laukkanen. “Akukon’s DemoLab takes acoustic design to the next level.” Laukkanen explains that the DemoLab was designed to enable auralisation, a technique by which a virtual sound environment can be reproduced with multiple loudspeakers to provide a realistic impression of the acoustics or noise environment of a space.

“For example, DemoLab allows us to compare the effects of different levels of sound insulation between rooms, understand the effect of room acoustical design in a certain space, or set a design target for, say, train noise ingress for residential or office buildings,” he says. “Trying to explain these differences using numeric values of decibels and hertz is extremely difficult. However, when customers can actually hear the difference for themselves, it suddenly becomes real rather than abstract and allows them to make informed decisions on cost vs. acoustic quality.”

Akukon selected Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers as the optimum audio solution for their new facility. Akukon acoustician Javier Gómez Bolaños explains why: “To achieve a realistic reproduction of the simulated sound field, auralisation requires loudspeakers that provide absolute neutrality and no colouration of the sound. Moreover, we were interested in a loudspeaker setup that can grow and be easily manageable, in addition to minimal installation efforts. For this reason, we were looking for audio-over-IP loudspeakers.

“The 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers offered us an ideal solution,” he continues. “They provide the high quality and fidelity inherent in Genelec’s studio monitors; they can be configured easily using the Smart IP Manager software; and thanks to the PoE+ capability, more loudspeakers can easily be installed simply by running extra CAT cables. Their active design means that there are no external amplifiers (or amplifier cables) to worry about, so installation is exceptionally straightforward.”

The Akukon DemoLab setup consists of nine 4430s in the horizontal plane, five additional 4430s as overhead loudspeakers and two 7350 subwoofers for low frequency extension. All loudspeakers were calibrated using the Smart IP Manager software to provide a flat frequency response in the listening area.

“We are extremely pleased with the results,” notes Perttu Laukkanen. “We have created a room that is particularly quiet and neutral in terms of room acoustics and enables accurate listening and comparison of various acoustic phenomena. The sound environments created in DemoLab can be calibrated to match almost exactly the actual sound conditions using the most advanced calculation methods to reproduce acoustics and surround sound. Thanks to the powerful subwoofers, we can even model and experience the effects of low frequency vibration in a space.

“Hearing acoustics offers priceless added value in solving complex issues,” says Laukkanen in conclusion. “DemoLab is a truly unique facility – in which Genelec has played a key role – that adds a new dimension to understanding acoustics.”

Can you tell us a little about how you ended up in audio?

The reason I got into engineering is because of my mom. She found out about Full Sail University in the April of 2008 and told me I should go there because I'll love it. I'd never heard of audio engineering until she told me about it, and she didn’t give me a choice if I wanted to go or not, so a month later I was a student there! These days, I mix mainly pop, hip hop and R&B songs at my studio, and I work on a lot of short films.

What kind of studio space do you have and what's the history of the place?

My studio is in the city of Columbia, in a cabin connected to another building where bleacher seating for stadiums is manufactured. The company owned that building for 20 years before they made this cabin for the owner's son. The studio room's size is 15x23x16 ft, 16 in the middle of the room.

What are the key items of equipment in your studio?

My Apogee Symphony MK II interface, Avid Dock, Pro Tools, and Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM).

How did you become interested in immersive audio and start to equip your studio for it?

I first became interested early last year after a random studio tour popped up on YouTube showing a recently finished room - I was considering going 7.1 for films at the time. That studio tour video blew my mind, and when I saw that the music business was moving into immersive audio, I decided to get into it myself. I made a few calls to get some information, but generally people didn't seem to know much about it. I knew the number of speakers I wanted and where they'd be going, so I reached out to Genelec on Instagram, and the next thing I know, I’m on the phone with Paul Stewart (great guy, love him). Paul took me through everything step by step over about a week, and ensured I had everything working. Thanks, Paul.

How does it feel to mix in immersive, are there any new challenges?

When I first started mixing in immersive, it felt weird. I could spread everything out as I didn’t have to make room in the mix anymore. The challenge is that you think you should do something because of the increased possibilities, and that can blind you from doing what the song needs versus what you might want to do for it.

What Genelecs are you using and why did you choose them?

My left and right monitors are 8341s, the center monitor is 8331, LFE is 7350, and the rest are 8330s. When I chose to go immersive, I looked at three big brands including Genelec and since I knew that a lot of film mixers use Genelec, I figured it had to be for a good reason. In my opinion, that reason is GLM. Personally, I don’t have the perfect room, so GLM tightens up my low end nicely, and the delay and level adjustments make a big difference.

What are you working on right now and how's business so far with your new setup?

I’m working on two albums right now, one that's pop and the other R&B. I only finished my room last week, so I'm yet to see how things will turn out for me business-wise in immersive audio. I do believe however, that it was an excellent decision to make the jump. I think immersive audio is here to stay, and in 3 to 5 years it will be the main playback format for music. Of course, stereo will still be relevant.

To find out more about Orpheus Sounds, 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!

The multi-room project - which includes both immersive and 5.1 surround studios as well as a host of video edit suites - was handled by SES-Audio, and all 15 rooms feature Genelec Smart Active Monitoring.

Studio 1 - which has been awarded Dolby Atmos HE certification – features a 7.1.4 system based entirely on the 8341 coaxial monitors from The Ones series. Eleven 8341s handle the LCR, surround and height positions, complemented by a 7380 subwoofer.

Studio 2 is also a 7.1.4 immersive room, again with 8341s in all positions supported by two 7360 subwoofers, and has complete compatibility with Studio 1 for maximum flexibility in optimising workflows.

Studio 3 is a 5.1 space powered by five 8320 nearfield two-way monitors and a 7350 subwoofer, while a separate Quality Control room has been equipped with eleven 8330 two-way nearfield models and a 7360 subwoofer. This room is designed to guarantee sound quality throughout the post-production chain, to meet the highest standards required by cinema and OTT platforms, and is capable of playing back content in all formats.

Finally, there are a total of 11 video editing rooms, each one equipped with 8330 monitors.

Charly Schmukler, head of Drago's Sound Post Production department, comments that “The Dolby Atmos certification allows us to adapt to the latest trends in the audiovisual industry with the certainty that we are working in an environment that meets the highest quality. This in turn guarantees a perfect transcription of our work to the domestic environment.”

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.”

Elite Park Avenue hotel is one of Gothenburg’s premier establishments, and also hosts the prestigious ‘At PARK’ restaurant, run by Michelinstarred chef, Stefan Karlsson. Specialist Uppsala-based AV, lighting and multimedia systems integrator, Kreativ Teknik, was commissioned to develop a complete solution including audio and lighting automation for the restaurant and bar, and they had no hesitation in identifying Genelec installation loudspeakers as the ideal solution to At PARK’s requirements.

"We required a high quality system with both detail and headroom that was also aesthetically pleasing."

Kreativ Teknik’s Daniel Landmark explains why Genelec was such a good choice: “Our first priority was sound quality,” he says. “We needed to achieve smooth, even coverage and a balanced soundscape at low volumes that is pleasant to listen to without being aggressive or intrusive. However, the system is running almost 24 hours a day and, during the weekend, also needs to be able to run comfortably at high SPLs for several hours when the DJ is in residence. We required a high quality system with both detail and headroom that was also aesthetically pleasing: so Genelec’s 4000 Series installation speakers fitted the bill perfectly.”

Landmark specified a total of thirty 4030C loudspeakers in order to achieve full coverage of the space. “It wasn’t as straightforward as you might think, actually, but fortunately Genelec has solutions for most things!” he notes with a smile. “The first issue was how to physically mount the speakers, as many of the walls in the dining area are covered with murals from Peter Apelgren, a well-known Swedish artist and comedian. However, Genelec has a vast range of mounting options compatible with the 4000 Series, so it was possible to find a good compromise.”

"The 7350As are perfect when space is limited, yet they deliver absolutely premium performance."

The second issue was how to reinforce the low end in the bar area for the DJ sessions. The 4030Cs were still ideal for the mid & high frequency ranges, but Kreativ Teknik had to be able to extend the low end. “There was simply nowhere we could reasonably install a free-standing subwoofer without it looking out of place, so instead we installed a pair of Genelec 5041A active in-wall subwoofers which are totally discreet and do the job perfectly,” recalls Landmark. “We faced the same problem in the dining area as well, but we got around that by installing a pair of Genelec 7350A smart subwoofers hidden in the base of a couple of sofas! The 7350As are perfect when space is limited, yet they deliver absolutely premium performance. Furthermore, by using them we could benefit from Genelec’s GLM software to handle any crossover or room calibration issues, so it was an excellent solution.”

Landmark confirms that the Genelec solution provided by Kreativ Teknik ticked a large number of boxes for the client. “Firstly, thanks to Genelec’s wide range of loudspeakers and accessories, as integrators we are confident that we can rise to just about any challenge – as we proved with At PARK. We also appreciate that they are active speakers, which makes installation even more straightforward. Secondly, there was a clear directive to work with manufacturers who offer sustainable solutions that will deliver reliable performance for many, many years. Finally, of course – and this is what makes Genelec such a great choice for these sorts of applications – is just the purity of the sound. It will never sound messy or woolly, even when played at relatively high levels. What’s more, we don’t have to spend hours EQing the system or tweaking audio settings because we know that Genelec will perform amazingly straight out of the box. The client is delighted and so are we.”

THE KIT

30 x 4030C
2 x 7350A
2 x 5041A