4010A Installationshögtalare

Castrén & Snellman is one of Helsinki’s premier law firms with an enviable reputation in mergers, acquisitions and other specialised fields of business law. The company is also a pioneer of sustainable business practice in the legal services industry and was the first Finnish law firm to join the UN Global Compact initiative. The company recently carried out an extensive renovation of their client areas and staff workspaces, with the goal of taking the iconic 130-year old law firm to the next level. Castrén & Snellman turned to renowned Finnish AV integrator, 4Business Oy, who specialise in delivering tailored AV and automation systems. The solution integrated a large number of Genelec loudspeakers for flawless audio quality throughout the building.

Genelec products are a perfect match for the customer’s high quality standards.

“Genelec was simply an ideal choice for this project,” states 4Business COO Janne Lankinen. “On top of Genelec’s product quality, visual appearance and neutral sound reproduction, the company’s values and commitment to sustainable development fit beautifully into the original brief. Our aim was to modernise Castrén & Snellman’s activity–based office, including lobby areas, meeting rooms, conference rooms and training facility, with the requirement that the technology solutions would be as reliable and future proof as possible. Genelec products are a perfect match for the customer’s high quality standards, and their product lifecycle is the longest in the industry. Thanks to their sophisticated design and smart in-room calibration capabilities, Genelec products also reproduce the human voice very naturally, which makes them an excellent choice for video conferencing and speech reproduction systems.”

4Business installed a wide variety of Genelec speakers throughout the space depending on function, ranging from a pair of powerful 8351 Smart Active loudspeakers supplemented by two 7360 subwoofers in the 100-capacity event space, to the very compact 4010 and 4020 installation speakers for the wide variety of conference and board rooms.

Castrén & Snellman’s ICT Specialist, Mikko Kurhela, who worked closely with 4Business and Genelec throughout the project, describes the new system in their 100-person event space: “The solution we chose for music, speech and multimedia consists of two carefully tuned 8351 Smart Active loudspeakers, with two 7360 Smart Active subwoofers and an automatic mixer, all integrated into an easy-to-use AV system. The space is rectangular with the direction of presentation from the long wall into the room, so we needed wide angle speakers to ensure that speech is reproduced throughout the space with clarity and intelligibility. We also wanted high quality sound at low frequencies for music and multimedia, which we got by adding the two 7360 subwoofers. The speakers and subwoofers were tuned for the room using Genelec’s GLM calibration software.”

The Paja gym uses four ceiling-mounted 4020 speakers linked to a Sonos Port player for wireless music playback, while the music and speech sound system in the Tori café - which has a company library attached directly to the space - uses four 8430 IP loudspeakers. “Castrén & Snellman uses this multipurpose facility both as separate areas and sometimes as one large venue, for example for monthly company updates,” explains Lankinen. “The main challenge was to provide the flexibility for the customer to realign the layout without compromising reliability and ease-of-use. We solved this by using streamlined mobile screen stands with integrated custom loudspeaker mounts, with embedded AV-over-IP technologies for audio and video distribution combined with 8430 IP loudspeakers with their AES67 streaming capability. The customer can easily move these mobile units into the required position, and everything fires up automatically.”

Kurhela confirms that Genelec was ultimately a natural choice: “The stylish, uniform design language, audio quality, versatility and long lifecycle of the speakers were key values for us. The long lifecycle means that we’ll be able to re-use the speakers in different solutions following future renovations. As a company we are committed to finding sustainable solutions, so Genelec is a perfect fit for us from that point of view. The fact that they are an internationally renowned Finnish speaker manufacturer was also a plus.”

The final word goes to Janne Lankinen, who also appreciates Genelec products from a workflow perspective. “They are very familiar to our technical staff and thus are quick to install. Everything always works out of the box and we receive top notch support from the Genelec factory in Iisalmi. Shipments generally arrive right on time and there are no efficiency losses on site. We are able to deliver high quality, visually aesthetic, reliable solutions that last for years. It’s companies like Genelec who enable us to shine at what we do.”

B26 in Västerås, Sweden, offers 5000m2 of luxuriously appointed space over seven floors for companies to work, do business, meet and create together. With areas for working together, or apart, meeting rooms, a restaurant plus a vast roof terrace with panoramic views, B26 is Västerås’s first co-working space and it is world class. B26 called on award- winning Swedish AV integration specialists, JML-System AB to design the high quality AV systems throughout the building. JML- System specified Genelec’s new RAW finish 4000 Series installation loudspeakers as the perfect solution for B26’s needs.

WE’VE DELIVERED A FLEXIBLE, EASY-TO-USE SYSTEM THAT SOUNDS GREAT BOTH AT LOW AND HIGH LEVELS.

The building that houses B26 was designed in the 1950s by the renowned Västerås architect Sven Ahlbom and bears traces of the industrialization that saw Västerås develop from a small town to the big city it is today. B26 was keen to retain the industrial feel of the space whilst still creating a modern, welcoming atmosphere. Aesthetics were therefore as much a part of the brief as audio quality. JML-System’s Johnny Franzén explains:

“We needed to think about design and function as well as cutting edge technology. As B26 is a very new concept, the client wanted assurances that we would not only provide the best of what is available today, but that it would also stand the test of time. We worked on the project for a long time before agreeing on the best way forward.”

“Genelec looked like a good solution from the outset, but when it became clear that the RAW finish was available, all the pieces fell into place,” he admits.

“Visually, the RAW models with their ‘unfinished’ natural aluminium casings are a perfect fit for the old factory environment with its exposed bricks and ductwork. The fact that they are environmentally friendly was also a big plus point for B26, as part of their philosophy is to actively reduce their environmental impact.”

THE RAW FINISH LOOKS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND IT’S AN EVEN MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCT.

Genelec’s RAW models require no painting and less finishing material for an even more environmentally friendly solution. The speaker enclosures are already made from recycled aluminium, and the RAW option takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the material to give a uniquely nuanced finish for each loudspeaker. All RAW models feature Genelec’s Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, whose curved form delivers incredibly flat frequency response, precise imaging and unparalleled acoustical performance.

Aside from the aesthetics, the technical requirement was for a high quality audio system that would work at low levels during the day but could be turned up after hours to create a club-like, party atmosphere with no loss of quality.

JML-System specified a multi-zone, distributed system based on 42 of the powerful 4040 installation loudspeakers – the largest in the 4000 Series – and 20 of the compact 4020 loudspeakers for the smaller areas. There is also a pair of 8050B nearfield studio loudspeakers that deliver cinema-quality audio for the drop-down projector screen in the main open plan meeting and social space. This space also benefits from a mini- auditorium area complete with a cleverly designed raked seating area.

“We opted for the 4040s in the larger areas as they are sufficiently powerful and develop enough low end that we didn’t need to supplement them with subwoofers,” says Franzén. “This saved on cost, space and also meant that we didn’t have to worry about uneven levels. This can sometimes happen with the use of subwoofers as part of a distributed system in a large space, unless you use a lot of subs, and then you run into the problem of where to put them. However, the 4040s have enough headroom to be used at pretty high levels to generate a real ‘club’ atmosphere after work, and still sound amazing. The smaller 4020s were perfect for the smaller spaces.”

In addition to audio quality, another major consideration for JML-System was the fact that the Genelec 4000 Series loudspeakers are active. “This was important for us as it makes installation a lot simpler,” notes Franzén. “We don’t have to worry about extra cabling or finding room for amplifiers; everything you need is already in the box, and Genelec has a wide range of mounting accessories that are perfectly suited to most situations.”

In keeping with the modern industrial feel of the B26 premises, all of the loudspeaker cables are housed in shiny metal pipework which marries perfectly with the RAW recycled aluminium finish of the loudspeakers. Franzén is delighted with the results. “From an audio perspective, we know we can count on Genelec to deliver the highest quality, and it’s the case for B26. In partnership with our subcontractor One4All AB, we’ve delivered a flexible, easy-to-use system that sounds great both at low and high levels with no hot spots or dead zones. However, I think the real plus for this installation was the RAW finish – it looks absolutely amazing, and it’s an even more environmentally friendly product from a Scandinavian company that already ranks very high on the sustainability scale. This was definitely what tipped the balance for B26 who are absolutely thrilled with the results at every level.”

As Denmark’s oldest town and home to Maren Spliid, the country’s most famous witch, the setting is ideal for a museum that aims to tell the stories of these witches - who they were, why they were so feared, and the myths and superstitions that surrounded them. In order to create the best possible visitor experience, HEX! turned to the exhibition designers and museum technology experts - led by Johan Ahrenfeldt - at the famed Moesgaard Museum. Having recently used Genelec’s Smart IP technology with great success on one of their own recent exhibitions, Ahrenfeldt had no hesitation in recommending it for HEX!

“We wanted to create a complex soundscape for the various stories being told in each of the nine exhibition rooms,” explains Ahrenfeldt. “However, the building itself posed a few challenges as it’s an old listed building in the centre of Ribe. While this definitely adds to the atmosphere, it’s not ideal for audio-visual installations! Many of the rooms are quite small with low ceilings, so it was important that the technology remained as unobtrusive as possible, whilst nevertheless delivering a high quality experience. Genelec’s Smart IP loudspeakers were therefore an obvious choice.

Smart IP technology is a godsend to those of us who work in architecturally sensitive environments.

“Smart IP technology provides power, audio and control all over a single network cable, and is a godsend to those of us who work in architecturally sensitive environments - HEX! is a case in point,” he continues. “Furthermore, we know that Genelec is a guarantee of superlative audio quality, even at low levels, which was a requirement in this instance due to the intimacy of the environment and the proximity of the loudspeakers to the audience. Our aim was to provide linear and detailed sound reproduction that allows visitors to lose themselves in the experience without feeling overwhelmed.”

The sound design was created by the composer Søren Bendixen of Audiotect, who specialises in creating soundscapes for exhibitions. The design was prepared in the studio but mixed on-site in an iterative process. The onsite use of the Spat Revolution software engine in the mixing process made it possible to map the sound designs and adapt and benefit from the specific speaker placement in the exhibition rooms - independently of standard audio formats. Ahrenfeldt utilised a total of thirty-six 4420 Smart IP loudspeakers across the exhibition rooms supplemented by six 4020 and four 4010 installation loudspeakers and a compact 7050 active subwoofer.

“Each of the nine rooms is set up as a separate zone,” explains Ahrenfeldt. “The zones are managed and controlled via the Smart IP Manager software, which has proved both easy and efficient. We’re using QLab software and a Dante-compatible RME Digiface interface to control the 47 discrete channels and feed them to the Dante network. The playback by QLab is triggered by the main show control.

“As the rooms are all adjacent to each other with open doors, the audio separation between the zones is very poor. We needed to turn this obstacle into an opportunity. By considering the overall sound design as a composition of nine separate yet interconnected designs, the result is an auditive experience that both facilitates the mood in each individual room as well as providing a more holistic listening experience throughout the museum as a whole.”

Sonically, their superb definition and crystalline intelligibility offer a truly immersive experience.

Ahrenfeldt believes that the best audio in this type of visitor attraction is the audio that registers almost subliminally. “The last thing you want is for the soundtrack to start playing and people’s attention being instantly drawn to the source. Ideally, we don’t want people to even notice that there are loudspeakers in the room at all. Genelec’s Smart IP loudspeakers help us achieve that thanks to the minimal cabling infrastructure which reduces cost and makes for quicker, tidier and more flexible installation. Also, Smart IP’s harmonious design enables them to blend into any environment, with the useful ability to dim the on/off LED indicator on the front of the loudspeaker. Sonically, their superb definition and crystalline intelligibility enable us to create audio designs that offer a truly immersive experience and bring the exhibition to life. For HEX!, the Smart IP series was an obvious choice that helped us overcome a number of obstacles and deliver a world-class audio experience.”

Vasakronan is Sweden’s largest commercial property company with a portfolio comprising 170 properties with a total area of 2.3M sq. metres. Arena Sergel in the heart of Stockholm is the company’s most recent project and combines the Vasakronan HQ with one of Sweden’s most modern and innovative co-working locations. To ensure wellbeing at every level, Efterklang – experts in sound design, acoustics and vibration control – were called in to design an efficient and attractive sound environment, which was implemented thanks to a comprehensive Genelec Smart IP solution supported by 4000 Series installation loudspeakers.

Sustainability was one of the leading design thrusts at Arena Sergel; great care has been taken to highlight the building’s history in the interior design concept, where the focus has been on recycling existing interiors as well as upcycling through climate-smart purchases from sustainable production sources. Offering no less than 150 flex workplaces and over thirty conference and meeting rooms plus numerous lounge areas, the impressive four-storey building is also home to Vasakronan’s brand new HQ. Vasakronan’s aim was to streamline their own operation by eliminating their satellite offices and relocating to Arena Sergel which offered more space for the main HQ in a sustainable environment, plus a range of flexible expansion possibilities when required in the adjoining co-working spaces.

This type of flexibility is not possible with standard 100/70v speaker systems.

Wellbeing is another key design element, which is why Vasakronan called on Efterklang to design a sound environment that would support the different needs, functions and flows in Arena Sergel. Efterklang’s Margareta Andersson explains: “The key is a well-balanced interplay between acoustic measures and psychoacoustically anchored sound design. Psychoacoustics is the study of the relationship between sounds and how sound affects us. For example, in the entrance lobby, all visitors are greeted by soothing lounge music combined with elegant scent design. The aim is to create an inviting environment where visitors and co-workers can relax and feel safe.

“Visual themes have also been enhanced with sound design – the sound design in the internal stairwell, which is festooned with greenery, evokes a forest environment with birdsong. Also, the open fireplace effects have been elevated with the sound of fires crackling and the scent of woodsmoke,” she continues. “In fact, there is sound almost everywhere you go, from background music in the social areas to a gradient soundscape in the working areas – which goes from completely silent focus spaces to nature-inspired sound masking in the open flex areas. We have even designed soundscapes for the restrooms for extra wellbeing and privacy.”

Enabling Efterklang’s beautiful sound design is a comprehensive network of Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers supported by 4000 Series installation loudspeakers. Efterklang worked with AV integration specialists JML-System AB to define the best components to achieve the right results. Anthony Berry, VC and Collaboration specialist at JML, explained that it was a joint decision to specify Smart IP loudspeakers.

“The system covers four levels with over 20 individual zones,” notes Berry. “We used the compact Genelec 4420s in all the main zones – 114 in total – except for two event zones in which we used the larger 4430s, since those areas required more power and the extended frequency range provided by 4430s. We opted for Smart IP loudspeakers for a number of reasons; firstly, they are active speakers which means that there is no need for amplifiers – this is a huge advantage when you’re dealing with high numbers of loudspeakers, as we were for this installation. Secondly, they are powered over Ethernet meaning there were no long speaker cable runs required and there was also no need to have separate power outlets to each speaker. This simplifies installation enormously. Furthermore, as the Smart IP loudspeakers use the Dante protocol and benefit from control via Genelec’s Smart IP Manager software (delivered over the same cable incidentally), we were able to adjust and tune each individual speaker to create uniform coverage throughout the office. We were also able to configure which speakers were located in each zone, or create new zones as needed. This type of flexibility is not possible with standard 100/70v speaker systems but it’s enormously helpful when configuring large systems.”

Genelec’s Smart IP technology proved to be the ideal solution for all sorts of reasons, both aesthetic and technical.

Berry also commented on the challenges and the benefits of a networked audio system such as this: “As with any network-based system it is of course critical that both JML and Vasakronan’s IT provider were on the same page,” he remarked. “There was a significant amount of coordination required to ensure that we had the requisite network ports in the right locations, that the network supported the PoE requirements of the Smart IP loudspeakers, and that all required network configuration was carried out and tested prior to commissioning. In this particular network there is a separate VLAN for all Dante devices and the IT team used dynamic port allocation based on the MAC address profiles of the Genelec loudspeakers. This meant that we could connect any speaker to any network switch port in the building and it would land in the right VLAN, which saved a huge amount of time in the commissioning phase.”

All parties are delighted with the results. “This was a fascinating project, and many parties contributed to its success,” says Berry. “Efterklang provided a great sound design with amazing custom content that is both calming and energising; JML backed this design with efficient coordination and well-planned implementation which has brought Efterklang’s design to life – but perhaps most important was Vasakronan’s willingness and desire to implement such a sophisticated design throughout their office spaces. There’s no doubt that Arena Sergel is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking working environments in Sweden.”

Efterklang’s Margareta Andersson agrees. “We’re very proud of this project, and Genelec’s Smart IP technology proved to be the ideal solution for all sorts of reasons, both aesthetic and technical. As Genelec themselves say, ‘beauty and simplicity on both sides of the wall’ – and they’re absolutely right!”