Genelec 8260A, 8351A, 8250A, 8240A Operating Manual

8260A

8351A

8250A
8240A

Operating Manual

Betriebsanleitung

Introduction

Congratulations and a thank-you for the purchase of this
Genelec SAM system. All Genelec SAM systems are designed
to integrate easily into the digital production environment.
There are several ways to configure and operate SAM sys­tems for a wide variety of high quality audio applications. The
SAM monitors also have analog inputs, making them versatile
and intelligent replacements for standard analog monitors.

This manual addresses the setup and use of the 8240A,
8250A, 8351A and 8260A SAM monitors in stand-alone mode
without the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ and the
proprietary Genelec monitor control network. Use with the
GLM™ is described in the GLM™ System Operating Manual.

LISTENING

POSITION

MICROPHONE

GLM
NETWORK

GLM
NETWORK

USB

GLM
NETWORK

System

Genelec 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and 8260A are designed for
precise monitoring of 24 bit/192 kHz AES/EBU digital audio
signal or line level analog audio signal. They are fully com­patible with Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ and the
proprietary Genelec monitor control network, and Genelec
7260A, 7270A and 7271A SAM Subwoofers, but can also be
used independently of these. The 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and
8260A feature high SPL output, low colouration and broad
bandwidth in a small enclosure size. They are suitable for a
wide variety of tasks, such as near field monitoring, mobile
vans, broadcast and TV control rooms, multichannel sound
systems and home studios. The Minimum Diffraction Enclo­sure™ (MDE™), advanced Directivity Control Waveguide™
(DCW™) and Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC™) tech­nologies provide excellent frequency balance even in difficult
acoustic environments.

Amplifiers

The amplifier unit is mounted in the rear of the monitor enclo­sure. The unit incorporates special circuitry for driver thermal
overload protection. Variable input sensitivity allows accurate
level matching to console output section.

Setting Up the GLM™ Control Network

Figure 1. GLM control network cabling

•  Place the Genelec measurement microphone at the listening
location of the engineer, on a stand, with the microphone
pointing upwards and the microphone top at the height of the
engineers ear in normal working position. The microphone is a
part of the GLM User Kit.

•  Run the microphone cable to the microphone input in the
GLM Adapter device.

•  Download GLM software at the Genelec web site (www.
genelec.com). Install the GLM software.

•  Follow the GLM software instructions to measure and set up
your monitors.

•  If you plan to not use a computer for controlling the
monitors, use the GLM software to write the setting into the
monitors (“Store the Settings”).

Using the Monitors in Stand-Alone Mode

When the monitors are not connected to a Genelec moni­tor control network, they operate in the stand-alone mode.
However, settings made with the Genelec Loudspeaker Man­ager software can be saved into each monitor and applied
even when the network is disconnected by setting switch 1
“STORED/MANUAL CONTROL” on switch group 2 of each
monitor to position “STORED.”

Although the 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and 8260A can be used with­out the GLM™ software and control network, they only reach
their full potential when set up and calibrated using the GLM™
software. The setup is fast and consists of the following steps:

•  Run a CAT5 (RJ45) cable from the monitor control network
to the next monitor (see Figure 1).

•  Run the final cable to control network input of the GLM
Adapter device.

•  Connect the GLM Adapter device to your computer USB
connector. The cable

is a part of the GLM User Kit

.

2

All issues concerning use with the network are explained
in detail in the System Operating Manual provided with the
GLM™ Loudspeaker Manager software kit.

Connections

Each monitor is supplied with a mains cable, one 5 m GLM
network cable and an operating manual. Before connecting
up, ensure that the mains switch is off.

“MAINS INPUT” Connector

Connect the mains supply to this connector.

Mains power

switch

Analog input connector

GLM Control

Network

connectors

Mains input

connector

12V Remote

connector

(8260A only)

SWITCH

1

ROLL-OFF

-2dB -4dB

MAINS INPUT 230 V~
50/60Hz 330W

BASS

BASS
TILT

-4dB

-2dB -4dB

+2dB -4dB

160Hz

-6dB -6dB -2dB

REMOTE

SERIALNUMBER

1

2

TREBLE

STOREDDESKTOP

TILT

AB

ON
OFF

MANUAL

ON+ON
OFF+OFF

CTRL

12 V

DIGITALIN

AES/EBU

8260A DSP TRI-AMPLIFIED
MONITORING SYSTEM

MAGNETICALLYSHIELDED

MADE IN FINLAND

ON
OFF

ON
OFF

DIGITAL THRU

DRIVERMUTE

WF COAX

SUMAANDB

AES/EBU

www.genelec.com

-8

-6

-10

-4

-2

-12
0

dB

SYSTEMLVL.AES/EBUCH.

SWITCH

-10-20

2

-30
dB

ANALOG

IN

292-8260T-6

Stand-alone user
interface level control

Stand-alone user
interface switch
groups 1 and 2

Digital Thru connector

Digital input connector

Figure 2. Connectors and controls on the back panel of a 8260A. 8240A, 8250A and 8351A share the same layout but
without the 12 V trigger voltage connector.

“DIGITAL IN AES/EBU” Connector

Use this female XLR connector for AES/EBU formatted digital
audio input signals. This input is selected automatically when
a valid digital audio signal is present, and overrides the analog
input.

Depending on the digital hardware, transmission of a 192 kHz
sample rate is achieved using a double speed, single chan­nel/cable interface. This is called dual-wire mode. In this case
one cable per channel is used and no channel selection is
required. Dual-wire mode is automatically detected by the in­put stage.

If the digital source device has a volume fader that controls
the digital level, it may be advantageous to lower the level
control either on the computer interface or on the monitor’s
back panel controls, which in turn will force the use of more of
the digital [bit] resolution in the volume control.

If the digital inputs are used, all audio outputs are referenced
to 0 dBFS (digital Full Scale, the largest level that may be rep­resented in the AES/EBU signal). These monitors produce 100
dB SPL at 1 meter in free space for a digital input signal of
–30 dB FS.

“DIGITAL THRU AES/EBU” Connector

This male XLR carries an unaltered copy of the digital signal
fed into the “DIGITAL IN AES/EBU” connector. It can be used
for daisy-chaining up to four monitors together.

+22.0 dBu RMS on models 8351A and 8260A. When A/D con­verter input clip occurs the front panel light turns momentarily
red, indicating the overload condition.

“CONTROL NETWORK” Connectors

Use these RJ-45 sockets to connect the monitor to the propri­etary Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™ (GLM™) network only.
This connector is not Ethernet LAN compatible. Do not con­nect to Ethernet LAN.

“12 V REMOTE” Connector (8260A only)

You can set up remote controlled powering up and down of
the 8260A with 12 V voltage connected to this connector. The
minimum current needed to actuate this function is 70 mA.

Front Panel Warning Light

Device LED action Meaning and resolution

Steady green

Slowly blinking green

From yellow to green

Steady yellow

Flashing red

Flashing red

Flashing red

Flashing yellow

Normal state

Normal ISS power save state

Normal operation during device start

Monitor or subwoofer is not part of the group

Signal clip (analog)

Bit errors in incoming digital AES/EBU audio

Digital signal potential clip (digital audio is very
close to 0 dB FS)

Protection

“ANALOG IN” Connector

Use this connector for analog audio signals. The maximum
input level is +7.0 dBu RMS on models 8240A and 8250A and

Table 1. Monitor and subwoofer front panel light indications
summary

3

ACOUSTIC

> 0,7 m

8260A: h=448 mm (17 5/8 )

in

h

AXIS

8240A: h=240 mm (9 7/16 )
8250A: h=290 mm (11 1/2 )
8351A: h=235 mm (9 1/4 in)

Figure 3. The location of the acoustic axis is on the cen­terline of the monitor at the given height “h”. The acoustic
axis of the 8351A and 8260A is located at the center of
the coaxial driver.

in
in

Max

60 cm

Min 5 cm

Avoid

> 60 cm

Figure 4. Symmetrical layout and keeping the acoustic
axis clear from obstructions minimizes reflection surfaces
and maintains accurate localisation because reflections
are symmetrical.

Figure 5. Recommended distances from a single wall to
the front baffle of free-standing monitors. Correct (green)
and not recommended (red).

If a red warning light appears, turn the analog source down!
If the levels are already modest and a digital signal is being
used, ensure that there are no bit errors in the AES/EBU digital
audio data.

4

Figure 6. Recommended monitor positioning for 5.1 multi­channel audio reproduction

Mounting Considerations

Align the Monitors Correctly

Place the monitors so that their acoustic axes are aimed to­wards the listening position (see Figure 3). Vertical placement
is preferable, as it minimises acoustical cancellation problems
around the crossover frequency.

Maintain Symmetry

Check that the monitors are placed symmetrically and at an
equal distance from the listening position. If possible, place
the system so that the listening position is on the centerline
of the room and the monitors are placed at an equal distance
from the centerline (See Figure 4).

Minimise Reflections

Acoustic reflections from objects close to the monitors like
desks, cabinets, computer monitors etc. can cause unwanted
colouration and blurring of the sound image. These can be mi­nimised by placing the monitor clear of reflective surfaces. For
instance, putting the monitors on stands behind and above the
mixing console usually gives a better result than placing them
on the meter bridge. Symmetrical positioning of the reflec­tive objects is also important in order to maintain a balanced
soundstage (See Figure 4).

Low Frequency Cancellations

In general, when a monitor’s front baffle is more than 0.3 me­ters (1 foot) away from the wall behind the monitor, a reflection
from this wall can cause a cancellation of low frequencies and
hence reduction of bass output. Distances between 1 and 2.2
meters (3-7 ft.) should be avoided (See Figure 5).

As a rule of thumb, the lower the low frequency cut-off the
further away the monitor must be placed from the wall in order
to avoid this phenomenon.

Distances to the ceiling and other walls may be shorter than the
distance to the wall behind a monitor. Reflections from these
surfaces may be important and should also be considered

Operating Environment

These monitors are designed for indoor use only. The permissa­ble ambient temperature is 15-35 degrees Celsius (50-95°F) and
permissable relative humidity between 20% and 80%. Humidity
condensation on the product is not allowed during use. 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 completely before connecting to mains power.

Sufficient cooling for the amplifier and functioning of the reflex
port must be ensured if the monitor is installed in a restricted
space such as a cabinet, or integrated into a wall structure.
The surroundings of the monitor must always be open to the
listening room with a minimum clearance of 5 centimeters (2”)
behind, above and on both sides of the monitor. The space
adjacent to the monitor must either be ventilated or suffi­ciently large to dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature
does not rise above 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).

Mounting Options

The vibration insulating Isolation Positioner/Decoupler™ (Iso­Pod™) table stand allows tilting of the monitor for correct

Figure 7. System Level rotary control

Figure 8. Switch Group 1

alignment of the acoustic axis. The stand can be attached to
three mounting points allowing vertical and symmetrical hori­zontal positioning.

Genelec 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and 8260A can be fitted to König
& Meyer monitor mounts on two sets of M6x10 mm threaded
holes on the back of the enclosure. On the base of the 8240A
and 8250A enclosure is an M10x10 mm threaded hole which
can be used for securing the monitor to its base. Do not use
this thread for mounting the monitor on a microphone stand
which has a 3/8” UNC thread. A wide variety of ceiling and wall
mounts are available through your Genelec dealer.

Setting the Input Sensitivity

The monitor level sensitivity functions for both analog and digi­tal input. The sensitivity can be matched by adjusting the rotary
Level control together with the System Level switches located
in the switch group 2. (switches 6 and 7). The switches provide
attenuation levels of -10 dB (sw. 6 ON), -20 dB (sw. 7 ON) and

-30 dB (both switches ON) The combined attenuation ranges
from 0 to -42 dB.

Functions On Switch Group 1
(Tone Controls)

Switch group 1 (the upper switch group) comprises the tone
controls that can adjust the frequency response of the sys­tem in stand-alone mode to match the acoustic environment.

Please note that the GLM software allows a much more ver­satile and precise set of controls to be used and supports the
fully automatic system alignment feature, the Genelec Auto­Cal. Use the tone control switches on the monitor only if GLM
is not available for the system calibration.

The controls are labelled “TREBLE TILT”, “BASS TILT”, “BASS
ROLL-OFF” and “DESKTOP”. The factory settings for these

5

Monitor
Mounting Position

Flat anechoic
response

Free standing in
a damped room

Free standing in
a reverberant room

Near field on
a reflective surface

In a corner None -4 dB -4 dB None

Treble

Tilt

None None None None

None -2 dB None None

None -4 dB None None

None -2 dB None -4 dB

Bass

Tilt

Bass

Roll-Off

Desktop

Figure 9. Switch Group 2

Functions On Switch Group 2

Table 2. Suggested Tone Control settings for some typical
monitor placement positions.

controls are all “OFF” to give a flat anechoic response. Note
that these controls have no effect when switch 1 “STORED/
MANUAL CONTROL” on switch group 2 is set to “STORED” or
when the monitor is connected to the Genelec monitor control
network.

The use of an acoustic measurement system is recommend­ed to analyze the effects of the adjustments, however, careful
listening with suitable test recordings can also lead to good
results if a test system is not available. Start adjustment by
setting all switches to “OFF” position. Measure or listen sys­tematically through the different combinations of settings to
find the best frequency balance. See Table 2 for some typical
settings.

Bass Roll-Off Control

Bass Roll-Off control (switches 1 and 2) attenuates its output
near the cut-off frequency. Attenuation levels of -2 dB (sw.
1 ON), -4 dB (sw. 2 ON) or -6 dB (both switches ON) can be
selected.

Bass Tilt Control

The Bass Tilt control switches (swiches 3 and 4) offer three
attenuation levels for the bass response below 800 Hz, usually
necessary when the monitors are placed near room boundar­ies. The attenuation levels are -2 dB, -4 dB and -6 dB.

Desktop Low Frequency Control

The desktop low frequency control (switch 5) attenuates the
bass frequencies around 160 Hz by 4 dB. This feature is de­signed to compensate for the boost often occurring at this
frequency range when the monitor is placed upon a meter
bridge, table or similar reflective surface.

Treble Tilt Control

Treble Tilt control (switches 6 and 7) allows adjusting the tre­ble response above 5 kHz by +2 dB, -2 dB or -4 dB, which can
be used for correcting an excessively bright or dull sounding
system or to compensate for high frequency level loss if the
monitor is placed behind a screen.

Stored / Manual Ctrl

“MANUAL CTRL” refers to controlling the monitor using the
controls on the monitor’s back panel. The “STORED” refers to
using settings stored inside the memory of the monitor. These
settings are made using the GLM and the GLM Control Net­work. There is additional functionality compared to that offered
by the room response correction switches on the back panel.

AES/EBU CH

This selects the audio channel(s) available on the AES/EBU
cable to be reproduced by the monitor. Turning both switches
on reproduces the sum of the two channels on the AES/EBU
cable. Turning both switches off mutes the monitor. When two
channels are selected, 6 dB of attenuation is automatically
applied to avoid overloading the monitor.

If the AES/EBU cable is operated in dual-wire mode, the
monitor detects this situation automatically and the channel
selection switches have no effect.

Driver Mute

These two switches allow you to mute the treble driver (mark­ing “TW”) and bass driver (marking “WF”) independently. This
may be useful to diagnose if a transducer is faulty. On the
8351A and 8260A the marking “TW” is replaced with “COAX”
and this switch mutes both the treble and midrange of the
coaxial driver unit.

System Lvl

These switches allow scaling down of the monitor output. The
signal sent to the “Thru” output connector is not affected. The
switches are additive, for example, “–30 dB” attenuation is
achieved by turning on the “–10 dB” and “–20 dB” switches.
The effect of these switches is combined with the effect of the
rotary level adjustment control. This results in total possible
attenuation of 42 dB, 30 dB by the system level switches and
another 12 dB by the rotary control.

Using the 7000 Series Analog Subwoofers
with SAM Monitors

Please follow the steps below to integrate an analog subwoof­er into a system of SAM monitors:

6

•  Connect cables carrying analog audio to the 7000 Series
analogue subwoofer first.

•  Connect the subwoofer outputs to the analog inputs of the
SAM monitors.

•  Connect the GLM Control Network to the monitors.

•  Make a System Setup in GLM. It will consist of only

monitors as this is all the network can see, so suitable
Rapid Cabling Presets are “Stereo Pair (Analog)” and “5.0
Surround System (Analog)”.

•  Run AutoCal and review the results to check for large dips
at or above 85 Hz. Move the monitors and repeat AutoCal if
there is a problem.

•  Press “Finish”, then in the Main Page select “Menu | Store
Acoustic Settings to All Online Monitors” and close GLM.

•  For each SAM monitor, turn it off, select “Stored” on the
back of each monitor to activate the internal Acoustic
Settings, and then turn it on again.

•  To set the phase control on the subwoofer, connect the
Center channel output of the subwoofer to the monitor to be
used to align phase.

•  Follow the instructions in the subwoofer user manual for
setting phase and level.

Maintenance

No user serviceable parts are to be found within the monitor
enclosure. Any maintenance or repair of the monitor should
only be undertaken by a certified Genelec service.

lation. 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 off 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 different
from that to which the receiver is connected.

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

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment un­der FCC rules.

Safety Considerations

Although the 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and 8260A have been de­signed in accordance with international safety standards, to
ensure safe operation and to maintain the monitor under safe
operating conditions, the following warnings and precautions
must be observed:

Guarantee

Genelec 8240A, 8250A, 8351A and 8260A are supplied with a
two year guarantee against manufacturing faults or defects
that might alter the performance of the monitors. Refer to sup­plier for full sales and guarantee terms.

Accessories

A wide selection of accessories is available for Genelec moni­tors. Consult the Accessories Catalogue on www.genelec.
com or your local distributor/dealer for up-to-date informa­tion.

Compliance to FCC Rules

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two 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 instal-

•  Servicing and adjustment must only be performed by a
certified Genelec service. The monitor enclosure must not
be opened.

•  Do not use this product with an unearthed mains cable or
a mains connection without the protective earth contact as
this may lead to personal injury.

•  To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to
water or moisture.

•  Do not place any objects filled with liquid, such as vases
on the monitor or near it.

•  Note that the amplifier is not completely disconnected
from the AC mains service unless the mains power cord is
removed from the amplifier or the mains outlet.

•  Free flow of air behind the monitor is necessary to maintain
sufficient cooling.

•  Do not obstruct airflow around the monitors.

WARNING!

These monitors are capable of producing sound pressure lev­els in excess of 85 dB, which may cause permanent hearing
damage.

7

Hz

Genelec Oy 8250A (dBr) vs freq (Hz) 17 Jan 06

80

85

90

d
B

r

A

BASS ROLL-OFF

TREBLE TILT

80

85

90

80

85

90

DESKTOP LF

BASS TILT

Hz

Genelec Oy 8250A (dBr) vs freq (Hz) 17 Jan 06

0°

60°

15°

30°

45°

50

100

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

d
B

r

A

Hz

Genelec Oy 8351A dBr) vs freq (Hz) 20 Nov 2014

80

85

90

d

B

r

A

BASS ROLL-OFF

TREBLE TILT

80

85

90

80

85

90

DESKTOP LF

BASS TILT

20k

Hz

Genelec Oy 8351A (dBr) vs freq (Hz) 20 Nov 2014

0°

60°

15°

30°

45°

50

100

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

d
B

r

A

Hz

Genelec Oy 8240A (dBr) vs freq (Hz) 17 Jan 06

80

85

90

d

B

r

A

DESKTOP LF

BASS TILT

BASS ROLL-OFF

TREBLE TILT

80

85

90

80

85

90

100

Hz

Genelec Oy 8240A horizontal off axis response level (dBr) vs freq (Hz) 17 Jan 06

0°

60°

15°

30°

45°

50

100

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

d
B

r

A

200

20

100

200

20

50

500

1k 2k

5k

20k

10k

50

500

1k 2k

5k

20k

10k

Figure 10. The curves above show the effect of the “Bass
Tilt”, “Treble Tilt”, “Desktop Low Frequency” and “Bass
Roll-Off” controls on the free field response of the 8240A.

100

200

20

50

500

1k 2k

5k

20k

10k

Figure 12. The curves above show the effect of the “Bass
Tilt”, “Treble Tilt”, “Desktop Low Frequency” and “Bass
Roll-Off” controls on the free field response of the 8250A.

Figure 11. The upper curve group shows the horizontal
directivity characteristics of the 8240A measured at 1 m.
The lower curve shows the system’s power response.

100

200

20

50

500

1k 2k

5k

20k

10k

Figure 13. The upper curve group shows the horizontal
directivity characteristics of the 8250A measured at 1 m.
The lower curve shows the system’s power response.

20

50

Figure 14. The curves above show the effect of the “Bass
Tilt”, “Treble Tilt”, “Desktop Low Frequency” and “Bass
Roll-Off” controls on the free field response of the 8351A.

8

100

200

500

1k 2k

5k

20k

10k

20

100

200

50

500

1k 2k

5k

10k

Figure 15. The upper curve group shows the horizontal
directivity characteristics of the 8351A measured at 1 m.
The lower curve shows the system’s power response.