System
The Genelec HT320BC is a dedicated center
channel loudspeaker for three channel (LCR)
and Surround systems. Its compact enclosure
has been designed for optimum placement
in the limited space above or below a video
monitor or screen. The HT320BC is a three-
way active loudspeaker including drivers,
multiple power amplifiers and active crosso-
vers. The amplifiers and crossovers are built
into a separate 3U rack mount unit.
The system is designed for room volumes
up to 250 m
3
/ 8800 ft
3
with maximum listen-
ing distances up to 6.1 - 7.6 meters (20-25
ft) The HT320BC is recommended to be flush
mounted into the wall structure, but it can also
be used as a free-standing loudspeaker.
The unique Directivity Control Wavegui-
de
TM
(DCW
TM
) Technology provides excellent
stereo imaging and frequency balance even in
difficult acoustics environments. The fast, low
distortion amplifiers are capable of driving the
system to peak output levels in excess of 124
dB SPL at 2 m with program signals. Versatile
crossover controls allow for precise matching
of the system to different acoustic conditions.
Drivers
The bass frequencies are reproduced by two
250 mm (10") bass drivers loaded with a 110
liter vented box. The -3dB point is 33 Hz and
the low frequency response extends down
to 29 Hz (-6 dB). The midrange frequencies
are reproduced by a proprietary 130 mm (5")
direct radiating cone driver loaded with a
DCW
TM
. The high frequency driver is a 25 mm
(1") metal dome also loaded by a DCW
TM
. The
HT320BC is magnetically shielded in order to
minimise interference with video monitors
Crossover filters
The crossover frequencies of the active
crossover network are 410 Hz and 3.0 kHz.
Special calibrated controls are included in
the crossover in order to obtain a uniform fre-
quency balance under different acoustic con-
ditions; the Bass, Midrange and Treble Level
controls operate in 1 dB steps. Furthermore,
the low frequency Tilt and Roll-Off controls
both have four 2 dB steps to allow refined LF
response tailoring.
A high-pass filter is included in the LF
channel to protect the woofer from subsonic
signals. The crossover network is driven by
an active balanced input stage fed by a 3
pin XLR. Variable input sensitivity allows for
accurate to the signal source output.
Amplifiers
The bass, midrange and treble amplifiers
produce 400 W, 120 W and 120 W, respec-
tively of short term power with very low THD
and IM distortion values. The negative output
impedance of the woofer amplifiers improves
acoustic transients. The system incorporates
special circuitry for driver overload protection
and amplifier thermal protection.
Installation
Each HT320BC loudspeaker is supplied with
a separate RAM5 amplifier unit in a 19" 3U
rack mount chassis, four Neutrik Speakon
cable connectors, a mains cable and an
operating manual. Once unpacked, place the
loudspeaker in its required position, aiming
the line of the acoustic axis (see figure 1) to
the center of the listening area.
The RAM5 amplifier is shipped with a pair
of rack ears to provide fitting into a 19" rack
and a set of feet for placement on a shelf or
table.
Sufficient cooling for the RAM5 amplifier
must be ensured. The cooling fan on the
amplifier back panel draws air through the
filter on the left side panel and blows the
warmed air to the space behind the ampli-
fier. The airflow must not be obstructed. Note
also that the space behind the amplifier must
either be ventilated or sufficiently large to
dissipate heat so that the ambient tempera-
ture does not rise above 35 degrees Celsius
(95°F).
When flush mounting the units it should be
noted that the cable connectors require 10
cm (4") of free space behind both the loud-
speaker and the amplifier.
Connections
Each system is delivered with two 8-pole and
two 4-pole Speakon cable connectors for con-
structing signal cables of desired length.
Measure the required lengths of 8-pole and
4-pole cable and secure the connectors on
them pin to pin. See Table 2 for recommended
cable thicknesses. The whole cable should
have an outside diameter of 8 to 20 mm (5/16"
to 13/16") to fit in the Speakon connector.
Genelec HT320BC Active 3-Way Speaker
