Genelec launches first Smart IP active installation loudspeaker

Genelec has announced the availability of its new 4430 two-way active installation loudspeaker, the first model to incorporate the company’s Smart IP technology.

Smart IP provides scalable power, as well as audio and loudspeaker configuration, supervision and calibration features via a standard CAT cable – designed to offer integrators greater power, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and simplicity of installation.

The 4430 is a compact design that accepts both Dante and AES67 IP audio streams, and derives power via both PoE and PoE+ Power-over-Ethernet formats, with the 4430’s proprietary internal power supply helping to deliver 104 dB of short-term SPL, via two integral 50 W Class D amplification stages feeding the woofer and tweeter.

As well as receiving both power and audio-over-IP, the 4430’s single rear panel CAT connector also allows access to Genelec’s Smart IP Manager – a downloadable software tool running on Windows 10 that allows installers to configure an almost unlimited number of rooms, zones, loudspeakers and audio channels, and includes device discovery, a versatile room equalisation tool set, system organisation and status monitoring.

Additionally, APIs within the 4430 support the hooks to allow external control via third-party hardware, software or house automation. In terms of specification, the 4430 supports up to eight audio channels in a stream with sample rates of 32 – 96 kHz and 16 – 24-bit resolution. Streams can be managed by both Dante Controller and Dante Domain Manager software, as well as legacy balanced line analog audio.

The 4430 delivers a frequency response of 45 Hz – 23 kHz (-6 dB) via a 5-inch woofer and 3/4-inch metal dome tweeter, and the 4430’s compact, lightweight enclosure utilises Genelec’s Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide technologies for neutral, uncoloured sound both on- and off-axis. Manufactured using sustainable methods, the enclosure itself is produced from recycled aluminum, is available in black, white or 120 custom RAL colors, and is compatible with Genelec’s range of mounting accessories to allow the 4430 to be floor-, ceiling-, wall- or truss-mounted.

Genelec has chosen to officially launch the 4430 at the new Finnish Music Hall of Fame in Helsinki – a unique and innovative museum and dining experience that already features over 120 of the new 4430 loudspeakers installed throughout the museum. Showcasing more than 200 Finnish artists and composers via the newest AV technology combined with virtual and augmented reality solutions, the Music Hall of Fame will provide an interactive, multidimensional experience for an estimated 100,000 visitors per year.

Genelec managing director Siamäk Naghian commented: “Our research into IP loudspeaker technology dates back to 2005, and the response to the preview of Smart IP at ISE back in February was so overwhelmingly positive that we knew that this valuable work would now allow us to fulfill a very obvious gap in the installed audio market. The 4430 is just the first of a number of loudspeaker models to incorporate Smart IP technology, and we look forward to expanding the range in 2020 and beyond. For the Finnish Music Hall of Fame to become such a prestigious early adopter of Smart IP makes us very proud, and even more excited for the future of our installed audio business.”

www.genelec.com