Genelec aiw26b Operating Instructions Manual

AIW26B

Operating Manual

Genelec AIW26B Operating Manual

The Genelec AIW26B Active In-wall

loudspeaker system consists of a bass

reflex type two-way loudspeaker and

a matched remote amplifier module,

RAM1. It has been designed to the same

rigorous standards as Genelec’s high-

performance HT series active Home

Theater loudspeakers. The AIW26B

can be used in the most demanding

applications, like the main L-C-R array of

a Home Theater system, critical Stereo

listening or rear/side channels of a large,

state-of-the-art Home Theater.

Unpacking

A Genelec AIW26B set includes the items

listed below. Check that nothing is missing

or damaged during transport and delivery.

If there is a problem with the product,

contact your local Genelec dealer.

• AIW26B loudspeaker unit with two

mounting brackets attached.

• Mounting ange and grille

•

AIW26B cardboard cut-out

template

• RAM1 amplier unit

• Mains power cable

• Six M6x60 Torx 30 screws

• Plexiglass cover for the control

switches

• This Operating Manual

Installation

Genelec recommends that you use the

services of an authorized installation

specialist or other competent and

experienced installation company for the

installation of the AIW26B system. Ask your

local Genelec dealer for recommended

installation companies in your region.

Matching loudspeakers

and amplifiers

Each AIW26B loudspeaker unit has been

factory calibrated for optimum performance

with the RAM1 amplifier it is shipped

with. Never mix these matched amplifier-

loudspeaker systems in the installation

process. The matching units are marked with

the same ID number on the reex port of the

AIW26B and the top panel of the RAM1

.

Loudspeaker placement

Genelec AIW26B loudspeakers are

equipped with Genelec’s proprietary

Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW). One

of the main characteristics of the DCW

technology is that the loudspeakers give

a very even and consistent frequency

response over a larger listening area than

conventional loudspeakers. A secondary

function of the DCW is to reduce the o-axis

radiated sound energy, thereby minimizing

the reections from the side walls, oor and

Figure 1. The grille, mounting ange

and loudspeaker unit of the AIW26B

Figure 2. Symmetrical L-C-R

loudspeaker placement

Figure 3. Attach the cut-out template under

the hole for protection against scratches.

Figure 4. Place the mounting ange on the loudspeaker. Note that the large opening goes

on top of the tweeter. Check the ID number on the loudspeaker and ensure that the RAM1

amplier with the same ID number will be connected to this loudspeaker.

Figure 5. Attach the six Torx screws by

screwing them in a few turns.

ceiling. This results in a precise and stable

sound image

If the AIW26B loudspeakers are used

in an application where their capability for

precise sound imaging is needed, such as

the front channels of a Surround Sound

system or a Stereo system, we recommend

that the loudspeakers are placed as far

as possible from wall cornersand other

reective surfaces. The loudspeakers should

Figure 6. Take a grip on the mounting ange just below the middle screws and lift the

loudspeaker enclosure up. Do not put pressure on the cloth, as it stretches easily.

be placed symmetrically in relation to the

listening position and there should be no

obstructions between the loudspeaker

and the listener. This guarantees clear

dialogue in lms and a good stereo image

with music. Figure 2 shows a Left-Center-

Right arrangement that works well both as

Surround Sound front channels and a Stereo

pair.

If you prefer a diuse sound eld, which

is less critical to the listening position, for

instance in a rear/side channel setup in a

Home Theater system, you may actually

benet from the acoustical reections from

nearby boundaries. In this case, place the

loudspeakers close to the ceiling or another

wall, or have them face away from the

listening position, so that the proportion of

reected sound increases.

Figure 7. Lift the loudspeaker into the hole

so that the mounting brackets go inside the

wall cavity.

Figure 8. Lower the loudspeaker carefully

until its weight rests on the screws.

Figure 9. Now you can connect the cables.

Painting the loudspeakers

The metal mesh grille can be spray painted

to match the wall colour. Do not paint

the loudspeaker enclosure itself, or try

to paint the grille while it is attached to

the loudspeaker. Remove the thin cloth

attached to the grille to avoid clogging

the grille with paint. Paint the grille with a

thin spray. Do not use brushes or rollers.

Be very careful not to clog the holes on the

mesh with paint.

Installing the AIW26B

loudspeaker enclosure

Use the cardboard wall cut-out template

to find the location for the AIW26B. The

template also shows the position of the

loudspeaker drivers, so you can easily

nd the placement that brings them to the

optimum position as outlined in chapter

“Loudspeaker placement”.

Examine the wall structure carefully to

nd a clearly unobstructed location for the

loudspeaker. The loudspeaker enclosure

requires a minimum of 88 millimeters (31/2

in) of free depth behind the sheetrock. Keep

in mind that the mounting brackets of the

AIW26B need a clearance inside the wall

of at least 125 millimeters (5 in) above the

top edge of the hole and 65 mm (29/16 in)

below the lower edge. Also note that the

grille is slightly wider and taller than the hole

and requires about 20 millimeters (3/4 in) of

smooth wall surface around all sides of the

hole.

When you have found a good location,

check that the template is level and trace

the hole onto the wall with a pencil along

the outline of the template. If you are not

sure that the chosen part of wall is free from

obstructions, you can start by making a

smaller hole at the center of the marked area

through which you can probe the inside of

the wall. Use a drywall saw and make the

rst cut at a 45° angle toward the center of

the hole so you can put the cut piece back

in if the location is unsuitable. If you find

no obstructions, you can make the nal cut

along the marked lines.

After cutting the hole, protect the wall

surface against scratching by attaching the

template below the lower edge of the hole as

shown in Figure 3.

If you have already connected the RAM1

amplifier units to the system, select the

loudspeaker that has the same ID number

as the amplier it will be driven by.

Attach the mounting flange to the

loudspeaker with the six Torx screws

provided. Tighten the screws a few turns so

you can lift the loudspeaker by gripping the

ange (Figures 4-6).

Lift the loudspeaker into the hole lower

end rst (Figures 7-9). Now you can connect

the loudspeaker cables (Figure 10). Be

careful to ensure correct polarity!

Take the loudspeaker out of the hole and

lift it back in top end (cable binding posts)

first (see Figures 11-12). Push the lower

end of the loudspeaker onto the edge of the

sheetrock. Push both mounting brackets fully

up and hold them there as you push the lower

end of the loudspeaker into the wall (see

Figure 13). When the loudspeaker is in the

correct position, pull the mounting brackets

down. Remove the cardboard template.

Take a hold of the middle screws and

lift the loudspeaker a little (Figure 15)

while simultaneously pushing the flange

against the wall. Lower the loudspeaker

down carefully while keeping pressure on

the flange. Now the weight of the whole

combination should rest on the step on the

inside of the ange (Figure 16).

Start tightening the screws from the

middle pair. Hold the ange and loudspeaker

in place with a firm grip on the opposite

screw (Figure 17). Tighten to 2 Nm (1.5

ft-lbf). Next tighten the top screws and last

the lower screws. Check that the edge of the

ange sits evenly against the wall surface

on all sides. If not, loosen the screws and

Figure 10. Check the polarity of the

loudspeaker cables and attach the cables

to the binding posts of the loudspeaker.

Figure 11. When the cables are connected,

lift the loudspeaker out.

Figure 12. Lift the loudspeaker into the hole

top end rst.

Figure 13. Lift the mounting brackets up

and push the lower end of the loudspeaker

into the hole.

Figure 14. Check that the mounting

brackets have moved back to the lower

position. Remove the cardboard template.

Figure 15. Lift the loudspeaker by the

screws and push it into the hole so that it

rests on the step on the inner side of the

mounting ange (see Figure 16).

MOUNTING
FLANGE

LOUD-

SPEAKER

WALL

Figure 16. Correct positioning of the

mounting ange. Note that the ange,

not the loudspeaker enclosure is in

contact with the wall.

Figure 17. Tighten the middle screws rst using a Torx 30 bit. Hold the enclosure and

mounting ange in place by gripping the other middle screw as shown above. Tighten to

2 Nm (1.5 ft-lbf). Next tighten the top screws and last the lower screws.

Figure 18. Tightening the second screw. Figure 19. Check that the ange sits

tightly against the wall. If there is a bigger

gap somewhere, loosen the screws and

reposition the ange correctly.

Figure 20. The grille is held in place by

magnets. Position it carefully and check that

it sits evenly against the wall surface.

Figure 21. Front panel of the RAM1 amplier. Units sold in the EU

have no Autostart and Remote Control functions.

Figure 22. Rear panel of the RAM1 amplier. Units sold in the EU

have no Autostart and Remote Control functions.

Cable gauge Max. length

2,0 mm2 (14 AWG) 30 m (100 ft)

3,3 mm2 (12 AWG) 40 m (130 ft)

5,3 mm2 (10 AWG) 60 m (200 ft)

Table 1. Recommended cable thicknesses

for dierent lengths of signal cable

reposition the ange and loudspeaker to the

correct position shown in Figure 16.

Next place the grille on the mounting

ange. The grille is held in place by magnets.

Choosing and installing
the loudspeaker cables

The RAM1 amplifier unit has separate

power ampliers for the tweeter and woofer.

Accordingly, there are two pairs of binding

posts, white (-) and red (+) for the tweeter

and black (-) and grey (+) for the woofer.

Be sure to maintain correct polarity when

connecting the loudspeaker cables and

be extra careful not to mix the tweeter and

woofer cables

Use a good quality 4-conductor cable and

make the cable runs as short as possible.

See Table 1 for recommended cable gauges.

The binding posts accept a cable up to 6

mm2 (9 gauge).

If you are installing the AIW26B system

to an existing wall, examine the walls

thoroughly for the shortest and least

obstructed cable route. Be careful to avoid

cutting or drilling into electrical wires,

ventilation or water pipes. These are often

visible in the attic, basement or crawl space

below the oor. It is a good idea to route the

loudspeaker cables away from electric or

video cables, which might induce hum into

the loudspeaker system.

Connecting the RAM1

amplifier

The RAM1 amplifier is designed to be

connected to a line level output of a

preamplifier, Surround Sound processor

or other low level source. NOTE! Never

connect the RAM1 to a loudspeaker level

output of a power amplier! Before making

the connections, check that the voltage

selector on the amplier’s back panel is set

to the correct voltage and the power on all

components is turned o.

Start by connecting the loudspeaker

cables to the amplifier’s binding posts

(see Fig. 22). Check that the amplifier’s

serial number matches that of the AIW26B

loudspeaker enclosure which it will power.

The number can be found on a sticker on

the loudspeaker’s reflex port and on the

amplifier’s top cover. If the loudspeakers

are not yet installed, make a note of

which amplifier is connected to each

channel. Check the cable polarity and use

the provided cable binding post tool to

tighten the binding posts. Be careful not to

overtighten the binding posts as they may

be damaged.

The RAM1 has two parallel 10 kOhm

input connectors: a balanced XLR and

an unbalanced RCA. For longer cable

connection lengths (>10m or >30ft) a

balanced line connection is recommended

as it offers better immunity to external

interference. The RCA connection

method usually works as well for shorter

connection lengths in less electrically noisy

environments. Do not use both inputs at the

same time. Consult your Genelec dealer for

the choice of signal cables.

The RAM1 has a provision for remote

controlled switching between “ON” and

“STANDBY” modes (not available in units

sold in the EU). The “REMOTE CONTROL”

connector block has two connector pairs:

1-2 for a 12 V DC trigger remote control

and 3-4 for an external switch or relay type

(contact closure) remote control (see Table

2). Do not connect two remote controls to

the amplier at the same time.

Space requirement for the

RAM1 amplifier

The dual 120 W power ampliers of a RAM1

unit generate a large amount of heat when

used at full power. To avoid overheating,

ensure that there is good airow around

the amplier and no external heat sources

close to it. We recommend installing the

RAM1 into a well ventilated equipment rack

using its dedicated RM1 rack mount kit.

If the RAM1 amplifier is placed in a

cabinet, on a shelf or into an equipment

rack without its dedicated RM1 rack mount

kit, there must be at least 100 mm (4 in)

of free space behind, 150 mm (6 in) above

and 50 mm (2 in) on both sides of the

amplier to ensure adequate cooling (see

gure 23).

Mounting the RAM1 amplifier

to an equipment rack

We recommend that you use the Genelec

RM1 rack mount kit when installing the

RAM1 amplier in an equipment rack. Make

Remote

control type

Pole or

contact

Connect to

remote control

input pin no.

12 V DC

trigger

voltage

External

switch or

relay

Connect only one remote control unit at a time

+ 1

- 2

Contact 1 3

Contact 2 4

Table 2. Remote control connectors on the

RAM1.

Bass Roll-O Bass Tilt Treble Tilt

Half space factory default setting ALL OFF ALL OFF ALL OFF

Well damped (dead sounding) room 0 dB 0 dB 0 dB

Normal room 0 dB 0 dB -2 dB

Highly reective (live sounding) room 0 dB -2 dB -4 dB

Additional settings to compensate the loudspeaker positioning within the room

In a double corner (wall/wall or wall/ceiling) -2 dB -2 dB 0 dB

In a triple corner (wall/wall/ceiling) -4 dB -4 dB 0 dB

If the loudspeaker is positioned behind a perforated screen, add +2 dB to the Treble Tilt setting to

compensate

Table 3. Suggested room response control settings for diering acoustical environments

150
(5 7/8 in)

50

(2 in)

INPUTSENSITIVITY
REQUIREDFOR
100dBSPL@1m.

+2

+4

+6

0

-2

-4

-6

dBu

ROOMRESPONSECONTROLS

BASS

REMOTECTRL
AUTOSTART

ROLL-OFF

-2dB

-4

ON

OFF

GREEN=
NORMAL

ON

OPERATION

YELLOW=
STAND-BY

BASS
TILT

MUTE

-6dB

-4

-2

ON

OFF

RAM1AMPLIFIERMODULE

TREBLE
TILT

MUTE

-4dB

-2

+2

ON

OFF

(2 in)

100
(4 in)

50

Figure 23. Minimum space requirement

of the RAM1 amplier when not

installed with Genelec RM1 rack mount.

Figure 24. The optional Genelec RM1

rack mount holds up to three RAM1

ampliers.

sure that the space above and below the

RAM1 is uncluttered and there is a space of

100 mm (4 in) or more behind the amplier.

The space behind the amplifier must be

well ventilated. If the temperature inside

the rack is likely to rise close to the RAM1’s

maximum ambient temperature of 35° C

(95° F), we recommend installing ventilation

fans to ensure that the thermal protection is

not activated prematurely.

Setting the input sensitivity

The input sensitivity of each loudspeaker

can be made to match that of the decoder or

other source by use of the input sensitivity

control on the amplier’s front panel (see

gure 21). A small screwdriver is needed for

the adjustment. The manufacturer default

setting for this control is -6 dBu (0.389V,

fully clockwise) which gives SPL of 100

dB @1m with -6 dBu input level. Note that

to get the full output level of 110 dB SPL,

an input level of +4 dBu (1.22V) is needed

in this setting. Most pre-amplifiers are

capable of this output level.

Setting the room

response controls

The acoustic response of the system may

have to be adjusted to match the acoustic

environment and personal taste. See Table

3 for suggested room response control

settings. If the sound is found subjectively

too bright, set ‘treble tilt’ to -2 dB, if too

bass heavy, set ‘bass tilt’ to -2 dB. The

adjustment is done by setting the three

groups of room response control switches

‘treble tilt’, ‘bass tilt’ and ‘bass roll-o’ on the

front panel of the amplier. The manufacturer

default settings for all controls are ‘All O’

to give a flat response in half space, i.e.

when the loudspeaker has been installed in

a wall. Always start adjustment by setting

all switches to the ‘OFF’ position. Then set

only one

switch within each group to the

‘ON’ position to select the desired response

curve. The switches are not cumulative. If

more than one switch is set to ‘ON’ (within

one switch group) the attenuation value is

not accurate.

Using Autostart and Remote

Control functions

Autostart and Remote Control functions are

not available in units sold in the EU.

The RAM1 amplier can be switched to

“STANDBY” mode by activating the signal

sensing Autostart function or by a remote

control unit (not included in the AIW26B

system). If the system is left unused for

several days, power it down using the

RAM1’s main power switch or a central

power switch if one has been installed.

The Autostart function is activated by

turning switch 4 (AUTOSTART) on the rst

switch group to “ON”. Autostart turns the

amplier to “STANDBY” mode if there is no

signal present for about 30 minutes. When

the signal returns the amplier switches on

immediately and the loudspeaker functions

normally.

If you are using a remote control to

switch the RAM1 between “STANDBY” or

“ON” modes (see chapter “Connecting the

RAM1 amplier”), turn switch 3 (REMOTE

CONTROL), on the first switch group to

“ON”. This activates the remote control

function. In this setting the remote control

will override the Autostart function. If you

want to use Autostart, turn the “REMOTE

CONTROL” switch to “OFF”.

Protecting the settings

The control group of the RAM1 can be

covered with a piece of plexiglass to protect

the settings. Attach the plexiglass over the

switch groups with two Phillips screws when

you have completed the adjustments. Do not

overtighten the screws.

Status indicator LED

The status indicator LED on the RAM1

changes colour to indicate amplier status.

If the LED is yellow, it indicates that the

amplier is in “STANDBY” mode. When the

amplier is switched to “ON” mode, the LED

changes to green colour.

Automatic protection circuits

The AIW26B system has protection circuits

against loudspeaker driver thermal overload

and amplifier overheating. The protection

system resets automatically so the user only

has to turn the input level down to ensure

that it does not reactivate.

Driver thermal overload protection

protects the drivers from damage caused by

prolonged overdriving with excessively high

or distorted signal. The circuit automatically

reduces the volume of the channel that is

being overloaded. To avoid this, lower the

listening volume if the sound becomes harsh

and distorted at high sound pressure levels.

Amplifier thermal protection turns the

amplier to “STANDBY” mode if the amplier

overheats. Let the amplier cool down and

check that there is sufficient clearance

around the amplier for cooling (see chapters

“Space requirement for the RAM1 amplier”

and “Mounting the RAM1 amplifier to an

equipment rack” above). If the problem

persists, consult your Genelec dealer or

Home Theater Installation company for an

improved cooling solution for your equipment

cabinet or rack.

• It is forbidden to use this product with

an unearthed power cable, which may

lead to personal injury.

• To prevent re or electric shock, do not

expose any part of the system to water

or moisture. Do not place any objects

lled with liquid, such as vases, on the

RAM1 amplier or near it.

• Switch o the mains power from the

amplier if the system is not used for

long periods of time.

• Note that the RAM1 amplier is not

completely disconnected from the AC

mains service unless the mains power

cable is removed from the amplier or

the mains outlet.

WARNING!

This equipment is capable of delivering Sound

Pressure Levels in excess of 85 dB, which

may cause permanent hearing damage.

Guarantee

This product is supplied with a two year

guarantee against manufacturing faults or

defects that might alter the performance of

the unit. Refer to supplier for full sales and

guarantee terms.

Maintenance

There are no user serviceable parts within

the loudspeaker or the amplifier. Any

maintenance or repair should only be

undertaken by qualified Genelec service

personnel.

Safety considerations

• Servicing and adjustment must only be

performed by qualied Genelec service

personnel. Do not undo any screws on

the amplier unit.

AIW26B LOUDSPEAKER UNIT

Lower cut-o frequency, -6 dB: < 39 Hz

Upper cut-o frequency, -6 dB: > 25 kHz

Accuracy of frequency response, (±2.5 dB): 45 Hz...21 kHz

Maximum short time sine wave acoustic
output at 1 m on axis in half space,

averaged from 100 Hz to 3 kHz:

Maximum peak acoustic output for a pair
with music material:

Drivers

Bass:
Treble:

Harmonic distortion at 90 dB SPL @ 1 m

on axis:

Weight including grille assembly: 11.1 kg (24.4 lbs)

Required cut-out dimensions

Height:
Width:
Depth:

*Note: The mounting brackets of the AIW26 need a clearance inside the
wall of at least 125 millimeters (5 in) above the top edge of the cut-out and
65 mm (29/16 in) below the lower edge.

**Note: Depth = Free space requirement inside the wall cavity.

>110 dB SPL

>120 dB SPL

165 mm (6.5 in)
19 mm (3/4 in) metal dome

< 3% (50...200 Hz)
< 0,5% (>200 Hz)

545 mm (211/2 in)*

334 mm (131/8 in)
88 mm (31/2 in)**

RAM1 AMPLIFIER UNIT

Bass amplier output power: Short term 120 W

Treble amplier output power: Short term 120 W

Input impedance: 10 kOhm

Crossover frequency: 3.5 kHz

Treble tilt control in 2 dB steps from
+2 to -4 dB & MUTE:

Bass roll-o control in 2 dB steps from
0 to -6 dB:

Bass tilt control in 2 dB steps from

0 to -6 dB & MUTE:

Mains voltage: 100/200V or 115/230V

Power consumption

(Standby / Idle / Full output):

Maximum ambient temperature 35°C (95°F)

Weight: 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)

Dimensions

Height:
Width:
Depth:

@15 kHz

@50 Hz

@100 Hz

23/23/200 W

130 mm (51/8 in)

145 mm (53/4 in)

309 mm (123/16 in)

327 (12 7/8 in)

(5

4 (3/16 in)

350 (13 3/4 in)

in)

365 (14 3/8 in)

589
(23 3/16 in)

89 (3 1/2 in)

120

(4 3/4 in)

(25 3/4 in)

654

30 (1 3/16 in)

534
(21 in)

574
(22 5/8

20x20

(6/8x6/8 in)

Figure 25. AIW26 front view

Figure 28. AIW26 top view

145

3/4 in)

Figure 29. RAM1 top view

130

1/8 in)

(3 3/4 in)

137
(5 3/8 in)

117
(4 5/8 in)

Figure 26. AIW26 side view

286 (11 1/4 in)

95

281 (11 1/16 in)

309 (12 3/16 in)

60
(2 3/8 in)

Figure 27. AIW26 mounting ange side and front views

Figure 30. AIW26 grille side and front views

Figure 31. RAM1 side view

AIW26B Operating Manual

Genelec Document D0132R001. Copyright Genelec Oy 1.2016. All data subject to change without prior notice

International enquiries:

Genelec Oy, 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]

www.genelec.com

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]