Genelec 4020C Users Manual

4020C

Operating Manual

General

The bi-amplied Genelec 4020C is an extremely

compact two way active loudspeaker designed for

xed installations. As an active loudspeaker, it con-

tains drivers, power ampliers, active crossover l-

ters and protection circuitry. The 4020C is designed

for indoor use only, in temperatures between 15 to

35 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between

20 % and 90 %.

The MDE™ (Minimum Diraction Enclosure™)

loudspeaker enclosure is made of die-cast alumin-

ium and shaped to reduce edge diraction. Com-

bined with the advanced Directivity Control Wave-

guideTM (DCWTM), this design provides excellent fre-

quency balance in dicult acoustic environments.

Positioning the loudspeaker

Each 4020C is supplied with an integrated ampli-

er unit, mains cable, a 3-pin balanced Euroblock

connector for audio signal, a keyhole type wall-

mount and an operating manual. After unpacking,

place the loudspeaker in its required listening posi-

tion, taking note of the line of the acoustic axis. The

axis should be pointed towards the center of the

listening area.

Connections

Before connecting up, ensure that the loudspeakers

and the signal source have been switched o. The

power switch of the 4020C is located on the back

panel (see Figure 3). Connect the loudspeaker to an

earthed mains connection with the supplied mains

cable. Never connect the loudspeaker to an un-

earthed mains supply or using an unearthed mains

cable. Audio input is via a 10 kOhm balanced

connector. The pin sequence of the connector is

shown in Figure 2.

4020C

Active Loudspeaker

Connect the signal cable to the 3-pole plug pro-

vided with the loudspeaker and secure the con-

nections by tightening the screws on each pole.

Push the plug into the connector on the loud-

speaker.

If you want to daisy-chain multiple loudspeak-

ers, simply connect a second signal cable to the

plug and use it to route the signal to the next loud-

speaker (see Figure 4).

Never connect the 4020C to the loudspeaker

outputs of a power amplier or an integrated am-

plier or receiver.

Once the connections have been made, the

loudspeakers are ready to be switched on.

ISSTM Autostart

The automatic power saving function ISS (Intelli-

gent Signal Sensing) can be activated by setting

the “ISS” switch on the back panel to “ON.” Auto-

matic powering down to standby mode happens

after a certain time when playback has ended. The

power consumption in standby mode is typically

less than 0.5 watts. Playback will automatically

resume once an input signal is detected from the

source.

There is a slight delay in the automatic pow-

ering up. If this is undesirable, the ISSTM function

can be disabled by setting the “ISS” switch on the

back panel to “OFF.” In this mode, the loudspeak-

er is powered on and o using the power switch

on the back panel.

2

GROUND

> 0,7 m

ACOUSTIC

146 mm

AXIS

Figure 1: Location of the acoustic
axis

+

NON-

INVERTING

–

INVERTING

GND

Figure 2: Audio input pin sequence

REFLEX PORT

THREADS FOR
CEILING AND

292-4020CT

WALL MOUNTS

TONE CONTROLS

POWER SWITCH

SENSITIVITY CONTROL

CONNECTOR PANEL
(HORIZONTAL)

Figure 3:
Control and
connector

WARNING:ELECTRICSHOCKHAZARD.DONOTOPEN.DONOT
SUBJECTTOWATEROR MOISTURE.NOUSER SERVICEABLE
PARTSINSIDE.REFERSERVICINGTO QUALIFIEDPERSONNEL.
USEEARTHEDMAINSCONNECTIONONLY.
AVERTISSEMENT:RISQUEDECHOCÉLECTRIQUE.NEPAS
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APPARATETMÅTILKOPLESJORDET STIKKONTAKT.
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SUGGESTEDTONECONTROL

SETTINGS

-6dBBASS

-6dBBASS
FREESTANDINGINAROOM:

FREESTANDINGINAROOM:

TILT

TILT

ALLTONECONTROLSOFF

ALLTONECONTROLSOFF

-4dBBASS

-4dBBASS
TILT

TILT

MAINSINPUT

4020C

50/60Hz60W

ACTIVE

100- 240V~

SPEAKERSYSTEM

MADEINFINLAND

SERIALNUMBER

Thisdevicecomplies withFCCPart 15and Canadian
ICES-003radiofrequency ClassBemissionrequirements.
Refertooperatingmanualforfullinformation.

www.genelec.com

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

BASSROLLOFF -4dB

BASSROLLOFF -4dB

TREBLETILT+2 dB

TREBLETILT+2 dB

292-8030W

ISS

ISS

-2dB

-2dB

BASSTILT-4 dB

BASSTILT-4 dB

-6dB

-6dB

SIGNAL
INPUT

+ -GND

layout.

+
–

GND

Figure 4: Cable connection for daisy-chaining speakers

Level control

The input sensitivity of the loudspeaker can be

matched to the output of the signal source by ad-

justing the level control on the rear panel.

Setting the tone controls

The frequency response of the Genelec 4020C

can be adjusted to match the acoustic environ-

ment by setting the tone control switches on the

rear panel. The controls are “Treble Tilt”, “Bass

Tilt” and “Bass Roll-O”. An acoustic measuring

system such as WinMLS or comparable is recom-

mended for analyzing the eects of the adjust-

ments, however, careful listening with suitable

test recordings can also lead to good results if a

test system is not available. Table 1 shows some

examples of typical settings in various situations.

Figure 5 shows the eect of the controls on the

anechoic response.

Treble Tilt

The Treble Tilt control (switch 2) boosts the treble

response of the loudspeaker at frequencies above

4 kHz by +2 dB, which can be used for compensat-

ing for the high frequency loss occurring at long

listening distance, o-axis listening or when the

loudspeaker is placed behind a screen or decora-

tive cloth.

Bass Tilt

The Bass Tilt control oers three attenuation levels

for the bass response of the loudspeaker below

2 kHz, usually necessary when the loudspeakers

are placed near a wall or other room boundaries.

3

Loudspeaker Mounting Position Treble Tilt Bass Tilt Bass Roll-O

Flat anechoic response OFF OFF OFF

Free standing in a damped room OFF OFF OFF

Free standing in a reverberant room OFF -2 dB OFF

Near eld or desktop OFF -4 dB OFF

Near to a wall OFF -6 dB OFF

Table 1: Suggested tone control settings for diering acoustical environments

The attenuation levels are -2 dB (switch 4 “ON”),

-4 dB (switch 5 “ON”) and -6 dB (both switches

“ON”).

Bass Roll-O

Bass Roll-O (switch 3) activates a -4 dB lter to

the lowest bass frequencies (65 Hz). This can be

used for compensating excessively heavy bass re-

production typically caused by loudspeaker place-

ment near room boundaries.

The factory setting for all tone controls is “OFF”

to give a at anechoic response. Always start ad-

justment by setting all switches to “OFF” position.

Measure or listen systematically through the dif-

ferent combinations of settings to nd the best

frequency balance.

Mounting considerations

Align the loudspeakers correctly

Always place the loudspeakers so that their

acoustic axes (see gure 1) are aimed towards

the center of the listening area. Only vertical

placement is preferred, as it minimises acousti-

cal cancellation problems around the crossover

frequency.

Minimise reections

Acoustic reflections from objects close to the

loudspeakers like walls, cabinets etc. can cause

unwanted colouration or blurring of the sound im-

age. These can be minimised by placing the loud-

speaker clear of reective surfaces.

Minimum clearances

Sucient clearance for cooling of the amplier and

functioning of the reex port must be ensured if the

loudspeaker is installed in a restricted space such as

a cabinet or integrated into a wall structure. The sur-

roundings of the loudspeaker must always be open

to the listening room with a minimum clearance of 3

centimeters (13/16”) behind, above and on both sides

of the loudspeaker. The space adjacent to the ampli-

er must either be ventilated or suciently large to

dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature does

not rise above 35 degrees Celsius (95°F)

Mounting options

The Genelec 4020C oers several mounting op-

tions: On the base of the loudspeaker is a 3/8”

UNC threaded hole compatible with a standard

microphone stand. On the rear there are two

M6x10 mm threaded holes for Omnimount® size

4

20.5 brackets or the keyhole wall mount adapter

provided with the loudspeaker. See Genelec Ac-

cessories Catalogue on www.genelec.com for a

complete list of mounting hardware options.

• Note that the amplifier is not completely

disconnected from the AC mains service

unless the mains p o wer cord is r emo ved

from the amplier or the mains outlet.

Maintenance

No user serviceable parts are to be found within

the amplier unit. Any maintenance or repair of the

4020C unit should only be undertaken by qualied

service personnel.

Safety considerations

Although the 4020C has been designed in accord-

ance with international safety standards, the fol-

lowing warnings and cautions should be observed

to ensure safe operation and to maintain the loud-

speaker under safe operating conditions:

• Servicing and adjustment must only be

performed by qualified service personnel.

The loudspeaker must not be opened.

• Do not use this product with an unearthed

mains cable or an unearthed mains

connection as this may compromise

electrical safety.

• Do not expose the loudspeaker to water or

moisture. Do not place any objects lled with

liquid, such as vases on the loudspeaker or

near it.

• This loudspeaker is capable of producing

sound pressure levels in excess of 85 dB,

which may cause permanent hearing

damage.

• Free flow of air behind the loudspeaker is

necessary to maintain sufficient cooling.

Do not obstruct airflow around the

loudspeaker.

Guarantee

This product is guaranteed for a period of two

years against faults in materials or workmanship.

Refer to supplier for full sales and guarantee terms.

Compliance to FCC rules

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential instal­lation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer­ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent
from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.

Modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer

could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under
FCC rules.

5

90

20k

Genelec Oy 4020 13 Mar 17

BASS ROLL-OFF

TREBLE TILT

BASS TILT

Frequency Hz

dB SPL

75

80

85

70

20k

Genelec Oy 4020 9 Mar 17

70

65

dB SWL

0°

60°

15°

30°

45°

Frequency Hz

dB SPL

85

90

95

85

80

75

40

70

100

200

500

1k 2k

90

85

80

75

200

500

1k 2k

40

70

100

6

Figure 5. The curves show the
eect of the “Bass Tilt”, “Treble
Tilt” and “Bass Roll-O” con­trols on the free eld response
of the 4020C.

5k

10k

Figure 6. Frequency responses
at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degree
angles and power response in
full space. Input level -20 dBu.

5k

10k

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Lower cut-off frequency, –6 dB: < 56 Hz

Upper cut-off frequency, –6 dB: > 25 kHz

Accuracy of frequency response:
62 Hz – 20 kHz (± 2.5 dB)

Maximum short term sine wave acoustic output on axis
in half space, averaged from 100 Hz to 3 kHz:
@ 1 m > 100 dB SPL

Maximum long term RMS acoustic output in same
conditions with IEC weighted noise (limited by driver unit
protection circuit): @ 1 m > 93 dB SPL

Maximum peak acoustic output per pair @ 1 m distance
with music material: > 107 dB

Self generated noise level in free field @ 1 m on axis:
< 5 dB (A-weighted)

Harmonic distortion at 85 dB SPL @ 1 m on axis:
Freq: 50…200 Hz < 3 %
>200 Hz < 0.5 %

Drivers: Bass 105 mm (4
Treble 19 mm (3/4 in
Both drivers are magnetically shielded

Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lb)

Dimensions:
Height 226 mm (87/8 in)
Width 151 mm (6 in)
Depth 142 mm (55/8 in)

in

) cone

) metal dome

CROSSOVER SECTION

Input connector:
Balanced Euroblock 10 kOhm

Input level for 100 dB SPL output at 1 m:

-6 dBu at volume control max

Level control range relative to max output:

-40 dB (constantly variable)

Crossover frequency, Bass/Treble: 3.0 kHz

Treble Tilt control operating range:
0 to +2 dB @ 15 kHz

Bass Roll-Off control: –4 dB step @ 65 Hz

Bass Tilt control operating range in –2 dB steps:
0 to –6 dB @ 100 Hz

The ‘CAL’ position is with all tone controls set to ‘off’
and the input sensitivity control to maximum (fully
clockwise).

AMPLIFIER SECTION

Bass amplifier output power: 50 W
Treble amplifier output power: 50 W
Long term output power is limited by driver unit
protection circuitry.

Amplifier system distortion at nominal output:
THD < 0.05 %

Mains voltage: 100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz

Voltage operating range: ±10 %

Power consumption:
Idle 3 W
Standby in ISS mode <0.5 W
Full output 60 W

7

International enquiries

Genelec, Olvitie 5
FI 74100, Iisalmi, Finland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]

In Sweden

Genelec Sverige
Ellipsvägen 10B
P.O. Box 2036,
S-127 02 Skärholmen
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]

In the USA

Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle
Natick, MA 01760, USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]

In China

Beijing Genelec Audio Co.Ltd
B33-101
Universal Business Park
No. 10 Jiuxianquiao Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100015, China
Phone [phone],
400 700 4978
Email [e-mail]

www.genelec.com

Genelec Document D0090R001d. Copyright Genelec Oy 3.2017. All data subject to change without prior notice