Genelec 1236A Operating Manual
Introduction
Congratulations and thank you for
choosing Genelec!
Since 1978, Genelec has been guided
by a single idea – to make perfect
active monitors that deliver neutral and
accurate sound in every kind of acoustical
environment. In Genelec’s quest for this
ultimate goal, our unrivalled commitment
to research and development has led us
to continuously develop innovative driver
technology, electronic circuitry, enclosure
designs and more. Our design philosophy is
based on sustainability and environmental
values, where industrial design serves our
products' acoustical performance.
Your Genelec product has been designed
and manufactured with care in our factory,
in Finland, using environmentally efficient
solutions to give you reliable operation
over many years.
Please take the time to read this manual.
Happy monitoring!
General Description
The Genelec 1236A Smart Active Monitor
is designed for neutral sound reproduction
at high SPL in large control rooms. The
system comprises of a 430 litre enclosure
and a RAM-XL 19 in 3U rack mount
amplifier unit.
The monitor enclosure contains two 458
mm (18 in) bass drivers, two 130 mm (5 in)
midranges, and a 50 mm (2 in) compression
driver into a 25 mm (1 in) throat for treble
frequencies. The midrange and treble
drivers are mounted in a Genelec Directivity
Control Waveguide™ (DCW™) which
can be rotated through ±90° for either
horizontal or vertical mounting. The system
low frequency response extends down
to 17.5 Hz (-6 dB). The high frequency
response extends up to 21 kHz (-6 dB).
Digital signal processing in the RAM-XL
amplifier unit is done with high precision
algorithms, and includes driver and
amplifier overload protection. The room
response compensations include highly
flexible parametric filters, level alignment,
and acoustic delay compensation. These
allow accurate matching to all console
output sections and room acoustics.
The power amplifiers of the RAM-XL
produce 2 x 1000 W, 2 x 400 W and 250 W
of short term power in the bass, midrange,
and treble channels respectively.
Delivery Content
The Genelec 1236A Smart Active Monitor is
shipped in a box containing an enclosure,
an individually calibrated RAM-XL amplifier
unit, a mains connecting cable, an RJ45
cable and one Allen key.
Before installing the system, check
all items for damage and omissions. If
damage is found, contact directly the
distributor and insurance agent. If there
are any missing components, contact your
local dealer.
Cables and Connectors
Each 1236A is delivered with the following
cable kit:
• One mains cable
• Two 10 m (32 ft 9 in) 4-pole Speakon
cables
• One 10 m (32 ft 9 in) RJ45 cable
• One 5 m (16 ft 4 in) RJ 45 cable
The 10 m cables are designed to go
between the amplifier and the monitor
enclosure. If you need to make custom
length cables for this, please connect the
Speakon cables pin to pin and see Table 1
for recommended wire gauges.
Amplifier Positioning
The RAM-XL amplifier is encased in a
standard 19" 3U rack case. The cooling
system circulates air into the amplifier
from behind, so that it exits through the
openings on the right side. Free flow of
fresh air must be ensured and the space
around the amplifier must be sufficiently
ventilated to dissipate accumulating heat
so that the temperature does not rise
above 15-35 degrees Celsius (50-95°F). If
the system overheats it will stop operating
until a safe temperature is reached.
Make sure that the amplifier is positioned
so that the monitor connecting cables will
reach. A space 100 mm (4 in) deep should
be left behind the rear panel of the amplifier
unit to allow for the cable connectors and
air circulation.
The RAM-XL amplifier is compatible with
mains voltage supply of 100 - 120 VAC and
220 - 240 VAC 50/60 Hz.
Operating Environment
These monitors and their RAM-XL
amplifiers are designed for indoor use
only. The permissible ambient temperature
is 15-35 degrees Celsius (50-95°F) and
permissible relative humidity between
20% and 80%. Humidity condensation on
the product is not allowed during use. For
instance, if the product has been stored or
transported in a cool environment and then
taken into a warm room, it must be allowed
to warm up to the ambient temperature
before connecting to mains power.
Aligning the DCW
The 1236A monitor is designed to be flush
mounted in either the vertical or horizontal
configuration. The DCW should be rotated
so that the treble and midrange drivers
align vertically. This ensures that optimum
stereo symmetry is obtained.
IMPORTANT-The DCW plate is heavy,
care must therefore be taken when
removing and replacing the DCW. To rotate
the DCW plate, proceed as follows:
• Place the monitor in its intended
listening orientation.
• Unscrew the eight M5 fixing screws on
the edges of the plate using a 4 mm
Allen key.
• Carefully pull the plate a small distance
away from the enclosure. Rotate the
DCW so that the midrange and treble
drivers are aligned vertically (treble
driver on top) and remount the DCW
plate reversing the procedure above.
Flush Mounting of the
Enclosure
Although the 1236A may be used
successfully as a free standing monitor,
flush mounting is strongly recommended
for acoustical reasons. Flush mounting
improves the bass response and efficiency
and also enhances the midrange transient
