Having launched the highly successful 4000 series of active installation loudspeakers in 2010, Genelec more recently turned its attention to networked loudspeaker technology with its growing family of Smart IP PoE models. Smart IP loudspeakers operate via a single CAT cable, which delivers power, audio-over-IP and loudspeaker management, and they combine exceptional audio quality and high SPL with modern networked convenience.
Now, with the introduction of the 3440A Smart IP subwoofer, Genelec has finally solved the issue of reproducing low frequencies at high playback levels via the modest power output of PoE.
Pristine audio over long distances
Traditionally, the challenge in AV has always been the long distances between power amplifiers and loudspeakers, with one power amplifier sometimes feeding several parallel loudspeakers. As a result, 70 and 100 Volt constant-voltage systems became extremely popular since they allow the use of thin cables – but their reliance on step-up transformers does bring challenges in terms of audio quality and bandwidth.
Genelec’s Smart IP technology has all the advantages of traditional constant-voltage speaker systems – but offers pristine audio quality without degradation over distance. Since it utilises the building’s standard IP network infrastructure, Smart IP is an extremely scalable solution that’s quick to install, and very easy to expand or re-configure.
Compatible with Dante and AES67, the Smart IP family has steadily grown to encompass wall, ceiling and pendant loudspeaker models – with the most recent addition being the ground-breaking 3340A PoE subwoofer, which can now be combined with any other Smart IP loudspeaker model to deliver full-range studio quality audio via PoE.
Power on demand
The challenge with producing high SPL over PoE is the limited power available via Ethernet, and Genelec’s solution to this is via Smart IP’s proprietary PSU design – which acts much like a reservoir, storing PoE power and then releasing it on demand to cope with the dynamics of music and speech. In the 3440A subwoofer, this PSU design is complemented by efficient internal 70 W Class D amplifier circuitry and a dual reflex port design to generate an impressive 106 dB of short term SPL, and clean, controlled LF extension right down to 35 Hz.
With integrators increasingly looking to create scalable, future-proof networked audio systems that offer power efficiency and long term reliability, Genelec Smart IP fills an obvious gap in the market. Now, the ability to specify full-range loudspeaker systems powered by PoE is yet another step forward in creating great sounding, sustainable AV solutions.
