© Genelec Oy, 2006. Published in Resolution Magazine, Sweet Spot, p 46-47, April 2006, V5.3
3
room response
correction is to connect
all loudspeakers to a
control network and
have the software to
perform the necessary
functions.
Many different audio
control networks have
been proposed, many
already exist but thus
far none of them has
gained unanimous popularity. Our industry has
some way to go before we have such network
standards, which are common in many other
industries (for example CAN which is found in
every modern car). We developed a bi-
directional network using the physical layer of
CAT5 cable, RJ45 connectors and related
electronics with a proprietary network protocol.
The user interface is called GLM, Genelec
Loudspeaker Manager and can control up to
30 loudspeakers. The GLM software runs on
PC (soon on Mac too) and with it the user has
global monitor volume control, user-definable
preset levels, individual channel mute and solo
functions, bass management bypass as well
as system mute and dim commands.
The GLM software is designed with usability in
mind. It is simple to use and has Cabling
Wizards for setting up cables, channels, and
basic system connections and an Acoustic
Wizard for setting distances, room response
controls and loudspeaker sensitivity level. The
GLM software can be minimized on screen to
have the basic controls visible. In addition to
the graphical fader, the volume control can
also be a hardware knob connected to a USB
port.
However, all applications do not need full
control of everything all the time and there are
plenty of cases where it is actually better to
limit user access. In these cases the system
has two additional operational modes: Stand-
Alone (stored settings) and Stand-Alone
(manual) mode. Both can be used with
analogue or digital sources. The “Stored
Settings” mode is very convenient in
applications where the system needs to be
properly set up and
calibrated without the
need for extra changes.
After setting up the
system with the help of
the GLM wizards, the
data is stored in each
loudspeaker and the
network can be shut
down or disconnected.
In this mode the console
monitoring section
(either analogue or
digital) provides all monitoring options. The
“Manual” mode uses the well-known dip switch
controls common to the 8000 series analogue
products. In this respect the 8200 series
products emulate 8000 series. This can be
useful in many facilities having both analogue
and digital rooms.
The 7000 series subwoofers were the starting
point for the 7260A, 7270A and 7271A DSP
subwoofers. They have full network control
and an eight channel AES/EBU bass
management system. The 7200 series
subwoofers can only be used with AES/EBU
signals.
It is easy to identify that the most audible
improvement potential of DSP based systems
lies in automated room response correction. It
is more rule than exception to read or hear
comments of too much or too little bass and
monitors are often blamed. Although the
perception is true, in most cases there is no
