Description

Genelec 7040A compact subwoofer for 2.1 systems with 6.5″ driver and patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure technology extends low-frequency response down to 30Hz

Studios with limited real estate can be problematic when it comes to bass, which is where the Genelec 7040A subwoofer comes in. Built to fit comfortably into control rooms where there’s barely enough room to swing a cat (provided it’s a mild-tempered, declawed cat that doesn’t mind a few nasty cracks about the head), the 7040A can crank out a distortion-free 100dB SPL down to 30Hz with a 6.5″ woofer. To achieve results that defy the laws of physics, the 7040A features Genelec’s patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) bass reflex cabinet. Additional features to make the 7040A an ace of bass, it includes room acoustics compensation, protection circuitry, energy-saving sleep mode, bass management system, and a highly efficient Class D amplifier. All of these technologies combine to produce precise bass articulation and enhanced low-end capacity for small studios, mobile setups, or surround systems.

Genelec 7040A subwoofer in one take:

• Innovative laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) bass reflex cabinet
• Bass management System
• Room response compensation
• Protection Circuitry
• Optimized Amplifiers
• Active Crossovers
• Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) Technology

INSIDE THE BOX—Genelec 7040A

Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) bass reflex cabinet

 To meet the challenges of modern bass-heavy production requirements, Genelec took point to lead the industry in new technologies for superior bass reproduction. Enter the LSE series subwoofers, which feature the patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) bass reflex cabinet. The LSE is a spiral-shaped design that yields an extremely rigid enclosure exterior, simultaneously forming the subwoofer’s integral port, which allows unrestricted air flow through the port.

The design of the cabinet enables it to house a very long reflex tube in a small space with minimal turbulence. It provides excellent laminar flow characteristics, which is a flow of air columns at the same speed with minimal, or no crossover of air streams, as opposed to a turbulent flow that can create noise and disturbance in the low-frequency range. The results are an extraordinarily accurate and responsive low-frequency system with second- and third-order harmonic distortion measured lower than 30dB below the fundamental.

When combined with Genelec stereo and multi-channel bass management active electronics, the LSE Series subwoofers provide a dramatic low-frequency listening experience.

Bass management system

The principle of bass management is to limit the low-frequency range to loudspeakers able to handle it, whether its integral in the system or external.

A Bass Management system uses either analog circuitry or software-based filtering to separate low-frequency signals from the main channels and route it to one or more subwoofer feeds. The dedicated Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel heard via subwoofer is also be added to the low frequencies of the other main channels. As such, the Bass Management System’s goal is to ensure that the entire audio bandwidth of all channels can be accurately monitored.

Bass management benefits are:

• The subwoofer extends the system frequency response down the lower limit of the audible range
• Monitor can produce a higher maximum sound level when not reproducing low frequencies
• Optimized low frequency reproduction by selecting adequate subwoofer location; monitors can also be placed more freely
• Subwoofer’s output are aligned in level and phase with monitors allowing flat and accurate reproduction down to 19 Hz and across the crossover point
• LFE channel output level (0 or +10 dB re. main channels) can be selected for accurate reproduction depending on the source type
• The ability to bypass the subwoofer allows to evaluate the audible impact of the subwoofer

Room-response compensation controls

All Genelec monitors feature analog room-response adjustments to compensate for acoustic room characteristics to achieve a flat frequency response at the listening position. Room response controls include (depending on model), bass roll-off and tilt, treble roll-off and tilt, bass level, midrange level, treble level, and desktop control.

Optimized Class D amplifiers

Active monitors, as opposed to powered monitors, use active crossovers, which electronically splits the audio into separate frequency bands. These bands in turn can routed to individual, highly efficient Class D power amplifiers, which drive transducers optimized for each frequency band. The active design offers several benefits. By connecting power amps directly to the drivers, damping control on the driver’s voice coil is maximized, reducing unwanted changes in the driver’s electrical characteristics, which can improve transient response. Active technology can produce superior sound output vs. size vs. low-frequency cut-off performance. All monitors comprise a factory-aligned system (amplifiers, crossover electronics, and enclosure-driver systems).

Active crossovers

Active crossovers come in both digital and analog varieties. Genelec digital active crossovers include additional signal processing, such as driver protection, delay, and equalization. The flat frequency response of a high-quality active loudspeaker is a result of the crossover filter response, power amplifier responses and driver responses in a loudspeaker enclosure.

Using the active approach enables frequency response adjustments and optimization of the full loudspeaker system, placed in various room environments, without expensive external equalizers. The end result is a simpler, more reliable, efficient, consistent and precise active loudspeaker system.

Protection circuitry

Maintaining reliable performance in the studio is essential, which is why Genelec builds protection circuitry into the 7040A. With signal level detection, it prevents driver failure by reducing signal level automatically in case of sudden peaks or constant high levels.

Protection circuitry features and benefits:

• Reduces the output level when required, (e.g. when driver voice coil temperature reaches the safe limit) which significantly improves system reliability
• Protection circuitry specifically optimized to each loudspeaker and subwoofer enables maximum system output levels

Intelligent Signal-Sensing technology

Intelligent Signal Sensing, ISS circuitry tracks the signal input of the loudspeaker. If no audio input is detected for given period of time, it puts the loudspeaker to “sleep” or a low-power state that consumes less than 0.5 watts. When an input signal is detected, the loudspeaker immediately turns itself on. Basically, the loudspeaker system will start saving power as soon as work is interrupted.

OUTSIDE THE BOX—Genelec 7040A

The cabinet of the 7040A embodies sustainability and green values in its efficient use of materials, low-energy consumption, and extremely long life time. The rear panel has balanced stereo left/right XLR inputs and outputs, universal IEC mains connector for global use, and phase-matching and bass roll-off control for calibration to all acoustic spaces.

The Genelec 7040A subwoofer is designed to complement Genelec 8010 and 8020 monitors for studios that are small in stature, but no less serious than their larger counterparts. For more information, call or chat online with your Westlake Pro Sales Consultant today.

Genelec 7040A specifications:

• SPL: 100dB
• Frequency response: 30Hz – 85Hz (-6dB)
• Driver dimension: 6-1/2″
• Amplifier power: 50W
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 16-1/8″ x 13-3/4″ x 8-1/8″ (410 x 350 x 205 mm,
• Weight: 25 lb. (11.3 kg)
• Connections: 2x XLR analog in