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