With just a few taps of a control panel, the Genelec demo room in Natick, Mass., came alive with rich, high-quality sound. The audio poured evenly into the space, creating an experience that felt organic and immersive, as if the sound naturally belonged there.
Sitting in the studio chair, it was impossible not to be impressed. Crisp and clear, the audio enveloped the room with the same energy and detail as a front-row seat at a live concert. The performance of the Genelec Smart IP speakers was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression with its ability to produce exceptional sound quality – all over a single network cable.
When Commercial Integrator visited Genelec’s U.S. distribution office, tucked in a bustling technology park just outside Boston, it became clear how much is accomplished within this compact yet dynamic operation. From this office, a dedicated team of 10 highly skilled professionals manages everything from technical design support and customer service to nationwide sales, marketing, shipping and receiving. The team’s reach is vast, with sales representatives covering the West Coast, Midwest, Central and East Coast regions, ensuring support for customers across the country.
During the visit, the spotlight was on a live demo of Genelec’s award-winning Smart IP networked PoE loudspeakers. Originally launched in 2019, the Smart IP loudspeaker range provides flexible power, audio and management features via a single standard CAT cable. Producing superb clarity, intelligibility and uniform coverage, all models can be combined on a network. The Smart IP range is compatible with both Dante and AES67 streams, deriving power via PoE or PoE+.
This exceptional audio quality, experienced during the visit, is a hallmark of Genelec, the globally renowned professional loudspeaker systems provider headquartered in Iisalmi, Finland. Known for delivering superior sound experiences, Genelec has earned its reputation as a trusted name in recording studios, residences and commercial spaces worldwide.
It’s no surprise that clients around the world turn to Genelec for its audio solutions. From salons and upscale restaurants to boutique fitness centers, cozy cafes, museums, wineries and even spin studios, Genelec speakers define ambiance. Pendant speakers in wine tasting rooms, discreet models in hotel lobbies, or custom setups in high-end bars – the applications are virtually limitless.
Adding to this versatility is Genelec’s range of over 120 custom color options, allowing designers to blend speakers into any décor. Paired with a variety of mounting solutions, these speakers can be tailored to meet the unique demands of any space, delivering not just sound, but an experience that complements the environment.
Smart IP Sound System
Andrew Glasmacher, sales manager of installed and professional products at Genelec U.S. explains, “The adoption of IP speakers in corporate and commercial installations has grown steadily due to its ease of implementation. Traditionally, in smaller, upscale environments like high-end restaurants, clients want background music that sounds great, looks discreet, blends into the space and is easy to use. Genelec Smart IP can deliver on all these requirements.”
Genelec’s Smart IP networked PoE loudspeakers deliver power, audio and management via a single CAT cable. Courtesy / Genelec
He continues, “Our Smart IP loudspeakers are network based, meaning we can have PoE power, audio and control, all delivered over a single CAT cable which simplifies installation enormously. It solves multiple challenges by allowing the loudspeakers to be independently controlled and tuned, enabling integrators to uniquely tailor the audio from each loudspeaker.”
Genelec’s Smart IP loudspeakers are also designed for compatibility. “We offer drivers for most major control platforms and for tech-savvy integrators, we provide an open REST API, giving them flexibility to program custom solutions tailored to their specific needs,” adds Glasmacher.
Smart IP’s networked technology also makes systems “incredibly easy to scale. For example, if a restaurant expands with a new banquet room, integrators can simply run additional CAT cables and extend the system without hassle,” explains Glasmacher.
Genelec designs its products with integrators in mind. “Our solutions are straightforward to install and manage. The Smart IP Manager configuration software is remarkably intuitive, letting you set up everything — even down to 22 EQ points — very simply. When I run demos, all I need are loudspeakers, a PoE switch and the Smart IP Manager to showcase the system’s full capabilities,” Glasmacher says. “You can fine-tune each speaker individually to get the room sounding just right, rather than adjusting an entire zone or space. This level of control also allows for features like time delay and crossover adjustments. For integrators, the system is straightforward to implement and scale, with significantly lower labor costs,” adds Glasmacher.
Genelec’s Smart IP products carry the same DNA as their studio monitors, which are renowned for delivering the flat frequency response and uncoloured performance that’s essential for critical music and broadcast applications. In the world of installed sound, this means that Smart IP produces clear, intelligible audio both on and off axis – creating a high-quality experience wherever the listener is located.
Understanding the importance of aesthetics in modern installation projects, Genelec has collaborated with leading Finnish industrial designer Harri Koskinen for many years. This approach recently earned accolades from Japan’s Good Design Awards, whose judges noted that “Genelec loudspeakers feature a minimal and beautiful Nordic design.” The judges went on to comment that “The delicate details are excellent and, as a whole, they boast a high degree of perfection. In addition, Smart IP loudspeakers have built-in amplifiers that enable digital transmission over a single LAN cable. This enables both free space design and premium sound quality, which were previously difficult to achieve.”
Genelec ensures reliable inventory and consistent quality, thanks to combining its manufacturing and R&D operations under the same roof in Finland, thus avoiding the issues sometimes seen with production. “Our speakers are built to perform,” explains Glasmacher. “You won’t face issues like faulty units in your order. Designed for durability, they’re perfect for demanding applications like museums, where sound runs all day.”
This dedication to innovation and quality reflects Genelec’s broader philosophy of speaker design, emphasizing precision, reliability and superior audio performance in every project. As Paul Stewart, senior technical sales manager, explains, “Our philosophy behind creating a great speaker applies to any project. With every design, we already understand the speaker’s capabilities and range. The craftsmanship in the cabinet, electronics and overall design ensures superior audio quality. It has to be good, or we wouldn’t make it.”
Gaia Nomaya Wellness Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. blends music, art and wellness, featuring immersive soundscapes with Genelec 4430A Smart IP loudspeakers. Courtesy / Genelec
Sustainability
For Genelec, sustainability is as important as sound quality and profitability. As an ISO 14001-certified company since 2005, its philosophy towards energy conservation is deeply impressive. For example, 97% of the aluminum used in their signature on wall loudspeakers is recycled, and a proportion of the annual power consumption of the company’s Finnish headquarters is generated by solar energy – even the Natick office has 96 solar panels. “On a good day, we’re not taking any energy from anywhere else but from our roof,” says Stewart.
Genelec champions sustainability with recycled materials and solar energy. Their raw-finished speakers offer style and an eco-friendly touch. Courtesy / Genelec
For an even lower environmental impact, Genelec offers raw-finished speakers without any color coating, delivering a sleek, industrial aesthetic. “They come straight out of the mold,” explains Stewart. These speakers are perfect for commercial spaces with an industrial vibe, like coffee shops with concrete walls or venues with open ceilings and exposed ductwork. When installed in these settings, the speakers blend into the décor, complementing the overall style.
Reduced power consumption is also key, with widespread use of Class D amplifier technology, intelligent signal sensing and, with Smart IP models, API-based control of power management – yielding significant energy savings over the lifetime of a Genelec product.
“For consultants and design-build integrators working on modern installations – where sustainable practices or NEET-certified technology are essential – Genelec has always been ahead of the curve. Our commitment to sustainability has been part of our foundation since day one,” affirms Stewart.
“The top priority is creating a product that performs reliably, every single time, while keeping ownership costs low,” he adds. “I remember when we introduced the ISS signal-sensing feature, allowing our speakers to turn off automatically after periods of inactivity. This was long before any energy-saving mandates were in place. We recognized that in commercial settings, speakers often run continuously, consuming power even when not in use. By implementing this feature early on, we not only reduced energy consumption but also demonstrated our commitment to sustainability.”
Genelec Service, Support & Warranty
“We pride ourselves on offering fast, efficient service,” says Stewart. “Genelec speakers aren’t disposable products. Unlike other items that are simply replaced and discarded when something goes wrong, our products are designed to last. That’s why we’re constantly improving our service processes to ensure quick turnarounds and exceptional customer care. It’s all about taking care of the customer and standing behind our products.”
Genelec’s product lifespan is unmatched. “We understand that users depend on our speakers for years, even decades,” says Stewart. On the day Commercial Integrator visited technicians were working on a product from 1985 with the core technology still intact! “The percentage of failure is really low,” Stewart emphasizes. “That reliability is something we take pride in. It’s not only about building products that perform, but also about creating sustainable solutions that stand the test of time,” he adds.
All Genelec products come with a two-year warranty, extendable to five years via free online registration. “If you’re an integrator who just installed Genelec speakers, take a moment to register them. Registration not only streamlines support but shows your commitment to your customer’s satisfaction. Take care of your customers all the way through — we’ve got you covered.”
Genelec’s 4430A Smart IP loudspeakers deliver sleek design, powerful sound and seamless network integration at The Bar at NYC’s Penn Station. Courtesy / Genelec
Opportunities on the Horizon
Will Eggleston, U.S. marketing director for Genelec since 1996, says, “Every day brings a new opportunity, and that’s what makes it so exciting. The variety of projects that come our way keep things fresh. At the core, we’re focused on one thing: delivering outstanding audio. That focus ensures consistency, no matter what the project. We know exactly what to expect from our speakers.” He continues, “The acoustic design stays consistent across the board, whether it’s for a recording studio, installed sound or home use. The engineering team remains steadfast, focused on maximizing the sound pressure level achievable within each box.”
Stewart, reflecting on his 19-year (and counting) career with Genelec, shares, “The sheer volume of projects we handle now is immense, and it continues to grow every single day.” He adds, “We’re here to support you in delivering the spec, and we can even be part of the tuning process if that’s something you’d like us to be involved in. That’s the key — we’re here as a resource. If you don’t know us yet, you should. Take the time to get to know our small but mighty team here in the U.S.”
Visit Genelec U.S.
Whether you’re a design-build integrator or consultant, Genelec is a trusted partner you can rely on for your next installation.
Visit the Genelec U.S. office to experience the sound quality of the Smart IP family firsthand. Test the products, immerse yourself in their brilliance and discover the unmatched sound quality that sets them apart. Better yet, join an exclusive listening party at the Natick office for an unforgettable audio experience.
Address:
7 Tech Circle
Natick, MA 01760
USA
Contact Genelec’s U.S. team today:
Paul Stewart, senior technical sales manager | 508-652-0900 office | 774-270-0982 mobile | [email protected]
Andrew Glasmatcher, sales manager, install and professional products | [email protected] | 508-652-0900 office | 801-660-8835 mobile
Steffenee Copley, western territory sales manager | [email protected]
