Genelec 9301A Operating Manual

Genelec 9301A
Multichannel AES/EBU Interface

Operating Manual

9301A

Genelec 9301A Multichannel AES/EBU Interface

Introduction

Congratulations and thank you for
purchasing the Genelec 9301A multichannel
AES/EBU interface intended for 7300 series
subwoofers. This manual addresses the
setting up and use of the Genelec 9301A.

The low frequencies in multichannel digital
audio AES/EBU signals can be monitored
by using the 9301A connected to one or
more 7300 series smart active monitoring
(SAM) subwoofers, for example products
7360A and 7370A. These products have
one built-in AES/EBU input and one output,
enabling direct monitoring of two digital
audio channels. The 9301A multichannel
AES/EBU interface expands the digital audio
connectivity to 8 audio channels or to 7.1
channels when the low frequency effects
(LFE) channel is also used.

The 9301A unit connects to a subwoofer
with a simple one-cable link. This cable is an
AES/EBU cable and carries the sum of all the
main channel inputs and the LFE channel (if
used) as the two AES/EBU subframes.

The AES/EBU output on the 7300-series
subwoofer connector panel allows easy daisy­chaining using a single cable onwards to
multiple subwoofers to enhance and increase
the subwoofer acoustic output capacity.

The GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager)
software manages the 9301A and sets the
correct settings to enable communication
between the 9301A and a 7300 series
subwoofer.

Each 9301A is supplied with a mains
cable, one 5 m GLM network cable and an
operating manual. Before connecting up,

ensure that the mains power is switched o.

The energy saving Intelligent Signal
Sensing (ISS) function can be turned on in
the 9301A to put it automatically into a power
save state when no AES/EBU input signal is
present. In the power save state the 9301A
consumes less than one watt of power.
Upon sensing an AES/EBU input signal the

Figure 1. Front and rear panel layouts of the 9301A

AESIN 1 AESOUT 1 AESIN2 AES OUT2

SERIALNUMBER

MAINSINPUT
50/60Hz
12W 100-240 V~

AESIN 3 AESOUT 3 AESIN4

(LFE)

AESOUT 4 SUBWOOFER

LINK

GLMNETWORK

THISDEVICE
COMPLIESWITH FCC
PART15 AND
CANADIANICES-003
RADIOFREQUENCY
CLASSB EMISSION
REQUIREMENTS.
REFERTO
OPERATINGMANUAL
FORFULL
INFORMATION.

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www.genelec.com

WARNING

ELECTRICSHOCK HAZARD.DONOT OPEN.DONOT SUBJECT
TOWATER ORMOISTURE.NO USERSERVICEABLEPARTS
INSIDE.REFER SERVICINGTOQUALIFIED PERSONNEL.USE
EARTHEDMAINS CONNECTIONONLY.

MADEIN FINLAND

9301A

MULTICHANNELAES/EBU INTERFACE

AES/EBU INPUT

CONNECTORS

AES/EBU OUTPUT

CONNECTORS

SUBWOOFER LINK

CONNECTOR

GLM NETWORK CONNECTORS

MAINS INPUT CONNECTOR

IN1IN2 IN3IN4

INPUT SIGNAL

INDICATOR LIGHTS

POWER SWITCH WITH INDICATOR LIGHT

Figure 2. Audio and GLM

network cabling for an 8.0

channel system. In this

conguration the 9301A routes

the sum of all eight channel

inputs to the subwoofer.

GLM NETWORK

GLM ADAPTER

AES IN 1

DIGITAL

OUT

DIGITAL

IN

DIGITAL

IN

AES IN 2 AES IN 3 AES IN 4 (LFE)

8.0 CHANNEL AUDIO SOURCE

AES OUT 1 AES OUT 2 AES OUT 3 AES OUT 4

SUBWOOFER

LINK

= AES/EBU DIGITA L CABLING

=GLM NETWORK CABLING

POSSIBLE
DAISY-CHAINED
ADDITIONAL
SUBWOOFERS

GLM NETWORK

GLM ADAPTER

AES IN 1

DIGITAL

OUT

DIGITAL

IN

DIGITAL

IN

AES IN 2 AES IN 3 AES IN 4 (LFE)

7.1 CHANNEL AUDIO SOURCE

AES OUT 1 AES OUT 2 AES OUT 3 AES OUT 4

SUBWOOFER

LINK

= AES/EBU DIGITA L CABLING

=GLM NETWORK CABLING

POSSIBLE
DAISY-CHAINED
ADDITIONAL
SUBWOOFERS

AES IN1 AES IN2 AES IN3 AES IN4(LFE)

7.1.4 CHANNEL AUDIO SOURCE

GLM ADAPTER

AES IN1 AES IN2 AES IN3 AES IN4(LFE)

AES/EBU DIGITAL

CABLING

GLM NETWORK CABLING

7.1

4

Figure 3. Audio and GLM

network cabling for a 7.1

channel system. In this

conguration the 9301A

routes the sum of all eight

channel inputs and the

LFE channel content to the

subwoofer.

Figure 4. Audio and GLM network cabling for a 7.1.4 channel system. Even larger systems can be congured by using multiple

9301As.

9301A automatically wakes up to its normal
operation mode. The wait until entering the
ISS power save can be configured using
the GLM software. When ISS is active you
can have your monitoring system ready for
action at all times.

Installation

Connections

Two GLM Network connectors are available
for computer management using the Genelec
Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software. This
software can support analog and digital
audio systems with up to 45 monitors and
subwoofers.

Four AES/EBU input/output pairs from
AES IN 1 to AES IN 4 are available for digital
audio signals. Outputs 1 to 4 are a bit-to­bit copy of the input digital audio data and
will typically be connected to the satellite
monitors. This retains the original signal

quality without any modication.

Always ensure that any LFE source is
fed into input AES IN 4 of the 9301A. The
subframe carrying the LFE channel content
can be assigned using the GLM software.
Please note that this content is also
available at the AES OUT 4 as all the AES
OUT connectors carry a bit-to-bit copy of
the input audio. This means that the LFE
content along with other digital audio data
is available for devices connected to the
output.

The mains input supports a wide mains
voltage range (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz) and
enables the 9301A to be plugged in anywhere
globally. If the mains power is provided with
a generator, inverter or certain lower-quality

UPS devices, we recommend ltering of the

mains power voltage harmonics and taking
care that the voltage supply is stable.

Controls And Adjustments

On the outside of the unit there are a power
switch and four lights, one for each AES/
EBU input. The power switch indicates that

the power is on. When the light is ashing

continuously, the 9301A settings are being
edited with the GLM software. When the
input channel lights are lit a valid AES/EBU

input has been detected. If the light is o,

there is a problem with the AES/EBU data or
there is no valid AES/EBU input. See Table 1
for a list of light functions.

In the GLM management software, the

Figure 5. During the Setup Layout we suggest that the 9301As are placed under or above the

subwoofers they are connected for easy identication. The "AES/EBU Digital Channels on

SUBWOOFER LINK" section allows choosing the input channels to be bass managed. The

default selection includes all inputs.

Figure 6. During the Group Dene stage of GLM Setup, any subwoofer that is connected

via Subwoofer Link to 9301A is automatically identied as "Multichannel". Respectively, if a

9301A is not used, the setting is automatically "Stereo".

9301A controls are embedded into the
subwoofer controls.

Use With GLM™

Management Network

The 9301A is fully compatible with Genelec
Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ software
and the proprietary Genelec monitor
management network and Genelec SAM
monitors. More information about the use
with the GLM™ network is available in the
SAM System Operating Manual.

System setup

The setup is easy and consists of the
following steps:

• Connect the digital audio to the input
connectors. If you are using the LFE signal,
connect the cable carrying the LFE to AES/
EBU 4 connector. Continue with cables
from the respective outputs to the monitors.
Use cables intended for carrying AES/EBU
digital audio. Genelec discourages the use
of standard analogue microphone cables as
this may reduce system performance.

• Connect the SUBWOOFER LINK output
to a subwoofer’s DIGITAL IN connector. This
creates a link for the subwoofer to input a
sum of all input signals.

• Connect CAT5 (RJ45) cables between the
9301A and every monitor and subwoofer.
Finally connect to the management network
input of a GLM Adapter device (see Figure 2
and 3). Notice that the order of connecting

devices is not signicant.

• Connect the GLM Adapter device to

computer USB connector.

You will nd all your devices initially in the

product stack of the GLM software. When
you find the 9301A in the product stack,
drag and drop it to an area on the Layout
grid adjacent to where the subwoofer will be
placed (see Figure 5).

In case you have multiple 9301A units,
observe that when you click with the mouse
on a 9301A icon, the front panel light on this

9301A starts ashing, indicating the 9301A

that is selected in the GLM software. This

can help in identication.

When "Input Signal Type" of the Group

is changed to AES/EBU Digital, all 9301As
are automatically activated to be part of

the group. At the same time the "AES/

EBU Digital Input Mode" of all 7300 series

subwoofers are turned to Multichannel

Indicator, colour Colour, indication Indication

Power switch

Solid green

Power on, normal state and
operation

Blinking green GLM is adjusting the 9301A

Green blink every 10 seconds

The 9301A is in ISS power
saving state

No light Power o

Input signal indicator light

Solid green

Valid AES/EBU signal
detected, receiving

No light No input detected

Table 1. Front panel indicator light functions

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight 2 kg (4.4 lbs)

Dimensions:

Height
Width
Depth

44 mm (1 11/16 in)
466 mm (18 3/8 in)
211 mm (8 5/16 in)

Mains voltage 100...240 VAC (50...60 Hz)

Mains tolerance +/- 10 %

Power consumption

ISS power saving mode
Idle
Full operation

1 W
1 W
2 W

Digital audio input connectors 4 XLR female

Digital audio input impedance 110 Ohm

Digital audio output connectors 5 XLR male

Digital audio format AES/EBU (AES3-2003)

Can also be used with S/P-DIF and AES3id
signals when impedance converters are
used

Digital audio word length Minimum 16 bits, maximum 24 bits.

Fixed point, AES/EBU format

Digital audio sample rate Minimum 32 kHz, maximum 192 kHz.

Supports single-wire AES/EBU audio,
does not support dual wire AES/EBU audio

mode to ensure that multichannel signal is
reproduced correctly by subwoofers. If all

9301A devices are set as Group O then the

"AES/EBU Digital Input Mode" of all 7300

series subwoofers is automatically switched
to Stereo mode to play normal AES/EBU
digital stereo content.

When the LFE channel is used, select
the subframe A or B carrying the LFE audio
channel. Also, select the “+10 dB” setting for
the LFE input when you want the subwoofer
to increase the level of the LFE audio channel
by 10 dB relative to the main channels.

As a default, all AES/EBU input channels

are selected in the 9301 Group Dene panel.

If you do not want all inputs to be bass
managed, turn off the inputs you want to
exclude. This can be done by removing the

respective tick marks under "AES/EBU Digital

Channels on the SUBWOOFER LINK" section

of the GLM (see gure 5). Note that one AES/

EBU cable carries two digital audio channels.

To acoustically calibrate your setup, place
the Genelec measurement microphone on
a microphone stand. Put the microphone
at the listening location pointing upwards
and its top at ear height. Then follow the
instructions in the GLM software to measure

and compensate your monitors and
subwoofers.

If you want, you can save the acoustic
calibration settings into the monitors,
subwoofers, and 9301A units. This enables
the use of the calibration data with the
GLM network disconnected. Removing the
GLM network cable and powering down
and up the 9301A and other products on
the network enables the use of the stored
settings. The settings can be stored into
the 9301A using the Genelec Loudspeaker
Manager software menu item “Store | Store
the Current Group Settings…”.

To operate the system without having the
computer connected on the GLM network,
remove the USB cable connecting to the
GLM adapter, power down and then up the
9301A and other devices on your system.
This enables the stored settings. Please
note that the monitors and subwoofers have
a switch for selecting the use of the stored
settings, and this switch must be set ON.

Returning to factory settings

The room specic settings stored in a 9301A

can be erased by keeping the power switch
depressed for more than 10 seconds. This
returns the 9301A to the factory settings.

Operating Environment

The 9301A is designed for indoor
use only. The permissible ambient
temperature is 15-35 degrees Celsius
(50-95°F) and relative humidity 20% to
80% (noncondensing). When the product
has been stored or transported in cool
environment and is taken into a warm
room, wait 0.5-1 hours before opening
any packing to prevent condensation
of humidity before connecting to mains

power. Sucient cooling must be ensured.

No minimum clearance is needed.

Maintenance

There are no user serviceable parts inside
the 9301A. Maintenance or repair must

only be done by Genelec certied service

personnel.

Guarantee

Genelec guarantees the 9301A for two years
against manufacturing faults or defects
altering performance. Refer to the reseller
for full sales and guarantee terms.

Safety Considerations

The 9301A has been designed in accordance
with international safety standards. To ensure
safe operation, the following warnings and
precautions must be observed:

• Servicing and adjustment must only

be performed by Genelec certied service

personnel.

• The enclosure must not be opened.

• Do not use this product with a mains

cable or mains outlet having no protective
earth (potential equalizing) connection as
doing so may result in personal injury.

• To prevent re or electric shock, do not

expose the unit to water or moisture.

• Do not place objects filled with liquid,
such as vases, on the 9301A or near it.

• The 9301A is not completely
disconnected from the mains power unless
the mains cable is removed from the device
or the mains outlet.

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 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. 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 and 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.

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

Genelec 9301A Multichannel AES/EBU Interface

Genelec Document D0116R003. Copyright Genelec Oy 12.2016. All data subject to change without prior notice

www.genelec.com

International enquiries:

Genelec, Olvitie 5

FIN-74100, Iisalmi, Finland

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email [e-mail]

In the U.S. please contact:

Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle

Natick, MA 01760, USA

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email [e-mail]

In China please contact:

Beijing Genelec Audio Co, Ltd

Room 101, 1st Floor Building 71 B33

Universal Business Park

No.10 Jiuxianqiao Road,Chaoyang District,

Beijing 100015, China

Phone [phone], Post code 100015

Email [e-mail]

In Sweden please contact

Genelec Sverige

Ellipsvägen 10B

P.O. Box 5521, S-141 05 Huddinge

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email [e-mail]