Genelec Launches Smart IP Audio Platform

Genelec is unveiling a unique open IP networking technology platform. This platform is aimed specifically at the installation market and will deliver power, audio and scalable loudspeaker system configuration, supervision and calibration features via a single standard CAT5 cable.

This novel technology will be rolled out over a range of Genelec’s installed audio loudspeakers, commencing in Q4 of this year. Based on IP and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), the Genelec technology platform includes a proprietary internal power supply that delivers much higher SPLs than was previously possible via any conventional PoE. Indeed, the Genelec solution is powerful enough to run small to medium sized systems – a world first.

In addition to its superior power handling qualities, Genelec’s smart IP platform also enables flexible system integration, supervision, management and monitoring over IP thanks to Genelec’s sophisticated loudspeaker management software. The concept of loudspeaker management by software is already a mature and well-established tool within Genelec’s studio monitoring loudspeaker range, but to address the specific needs of the installed audio market Genelec has developed dedicated software that offers a raft of tools focusing on solving specific installed audio problems – including device discovery, automatic room equalization and calibration, system organization and status monitoring. In short, saving integrators a huge amount of working time whilst ensuring that the system performs with outstanding clarity and speech intelligibility.

The smart IP platform solution is compatible with the most popular audio-over-IP networking protocols for complete flexibility and scalability. A standard analog input is also included, increasing the system design flexibility.

According to Aki Mäkivirta, Director of R&D at Genelec, the development of the IP technology platform offers integrators an easy and cost-effective route to uncompromised high-quality audio installations:

“With everything you need delivered over a single, standard network cable – including enough power to drive medium SPL applications – integrators have a complete solution at their fingertips: the highest quality loudspeakers with onboard signal processing, integrated power amplifiers and automatic room calibration, all underpinned by Genelec’s renowned audio and build quality. Additionally, since all Genelec production takes place at our factory in Finland and follows strict principles of environmental compatibility and design for long service lifetime, it simply doesn’t get any easier to guarantee sustainable quality audio installations!”

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