Genelec HT312A and HT315AHT312A and HT315A
Active Home Theater Systems
EC Declaration of Conformity
This is t o cert ify that the Genelec HT312A and H T315A
Active Home Theater Systems confor m to the followi ng
standards:
Safety :
EN / IEC 60065: 1998 6th Editio n
EMC:
EN 55 020 : 2002 + A1 : 2003
EN 55 013: (2001)
EN 61 000-3 -2 (2000)
EN 61 000-3 -3 (1995)
The product herewith complies with the requirements of The
Low Voltag e Dir ective 73/23 /EEC, EMC Direc tive 8 9/336 /
EEC a nd 93/68/EEC
Signed:
Ilpo Mar tikai nen
Position: Managing Director
Date: 3-October-2005
Genelec HT312A and HT315A Active Home Theater Systems
System
The Genelec HT312A and HT315A ar e
three-way active home theater loudspeaker
systems including drivers, multiple power
amplifiers and active crossovers. The systems are designed for room volumes up
to 175 m3 / 6200 ft3 (HT312A) or 250 m3 /
8800 ft3 (HT315A) with maximum listening
distances up to 6.1 - 7.6 meters (20-25 ft).
They are designed to perform well both as
free-standing or flush mounted into the wall
structure.
The unique Directivity Control Waveguide™
(DCW™) Technology developed by Genelec
provides stable and extremely accurate imaging and frequency balance even in difficult
acoustic environments. The fast, low distortion amplifiers are capable of driving a stereo
system to peak output levels in excess of 124
dB SPL at 2 m (HT315A) or 123 dB SPL at
2 m (HT312A) with music material. Versatile
crossover controls allow for precise matching
of the loudspeaker system to different acoustic conditions.
Drivers and cabinet
construction
On the HT315A the low frequencies are
reproduced by an 385 mm (15”) bass driver
loa ded with a 110 liter vented box. T he
-3dB point is 33 Hz and the low frequency
response extends down to 29 Hz (-6 dB). The
HT312A features a 305 mm (12”) bass driver
in a 65 liter vented box with the -3 dB point at
35 Hz and -6 dB at 32 Hz.
Both models share the same midrange
and high frequency driver layout with a proprietary 130 mm (5”) direct radiating cone
for the MF and a 25 mm (1”) metal dome for
the HF loaded by proprietary Directivity Control Waveguide. All drivers are magnetically
shielded.
Crossover filters
The active crossover network consists of
three parallel bandpass filters. The crossover frequencies are 410 Hz and 3.0 kHz on
the HT315A and 420 Hz and 3.2 kHz on the
HT312A. Bass, midrange and treble level
controls with 1 dB steps are included in the
crossover to obtain uniform frequency balance in different acoustic conditions. The low
frequency Tilt and Roll-Off controls both have
four 2 dB steps to allow refined low frequency
response tailoring. The crossover network is
driven by an active balanced input stage, fed
by a 3 pin XLR connector. Variable input sensitivity allows for accurate level matching to
the signal source output.
Amplifiers
The bass, midrange and treble amplifiers
on the HT315A produce 400 W, 120 W and
120 W of short term power. The HT312A has
a 180 W amplifier for the low frequency driver
and 120 W amplifiers each for midrange and
treble drivers. The amplifiers are designed to
operate at very low THD and IM distortion
values and incorporate special circuitry for
driver overload protection and amplifier thermal protection.
Installation
Each loudspeaker is supplied with an integrated amplifier unit, a mains cable and an
operating manual. Once unpacked place the
loudspeaker in its required listening position,
taking note of the line of the acoustical axis
(see Figure 1).
Sufficient cooling for the amplifier must
be ensured. The minimum clearance for the
amplifier is 10 centimeters (4”) to any object.
The space adjacent to the amplifier must
either be ventilated or sufficiently large to
dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature does not rise above 35 degrees Celsius
(95°F). If the loudspeaker is flush mounted
into the wall structure, the amplifier can be
placed separately into an equipment rack
using an optional rack mount kit (see sections ‘Flush mounting’ and ‘Accessories’).
Before connecting up, ensure that the
mains switch is off (see Figure 2). Check that
the mains voltage selector is correctly set to
your local voltage. Audio input is made via a
Figure 1. Location of the ac oustic axis Figure 2. Ampli fier panel layout o f the HT312A.
10kOhm balanced XLR connector, but unbalanced leads may be used as long as pin 3 is
grounded to pin 1 of the XLR. Once connection has been made, the loudspeakers are
ready to be powered-up.
Setting the input sensitivity
Adjustment of the input sensitivity of each
loudspeaker can be made to match the output
of the mixing console or other source, by use
of the input sensitivity control on the rear
panel (see Figure 2). A small screwdriver is
needed for the adjustment. The manufacturer
default setting for this control is -6 dBu (fully
clockwise) which gives an SPL of 100 dB
@1m with -6 dBu input level. To get the full
output level of 120 dB SPL from the HT315A
an input level of +14 dBu is needed at this
setting. Respectively, the full output level of
the HT312A is reached at an input level of
+10 dBu.
Autostart and remote control
The HT312A and HT315A are equipped with
an “Autostart” function, which automatically
turns the amplifier to “standby” mode if an
input signal has not been detected for approximately thirty minutes, and back to “on” mode
when the signal returns. The function can be
deactivated by turning the “AUTOSTART” dip
switch to “OFF”. A two-colour LED on the
amplifier panel indicates the amplifier status:
green for “on” and yellow for “standby”.
the attenuation value is no longer accurate.
The amplifier mode can also be switched
by a remote control unit connected to the
respective inputs on the amplifier. Two pairs
of connectors are provided, 1 and 2 for a 12
V DC type remote control, and 3 and 4 for
an external switch or relay type control. Do
not connect two remote controls to the loudspeakerat the same time. Activate the function by turning the "REMOTE CONTROL" dip
switch on the amplifier panel to "ON". Note
that the remote control function overrides the
“autostart” dip switch function.
Vertical / horizontal mounting
The loudspeakers are delivered either for
vertical or horizontal mounting. In the horizontal mounting position the bass drivers
should point inwards to obtain better low
frequency coupling. If the loudspeaker positioning needs to be changed, the DCW plate
can be rotated so that the midrange driver
remains always located at the bottom of the
DCW. Remove the four corner screws of the
DCW and pull the plate carefully out without
stressing the wires and the gasket. Rotate
Setting the tone controls
The acoustic response of the system may
the plate 90 degrees in the appropriate direc-
tion and remount the screws.
also have to be adjusted to match the acoustic
environment. The adjustment is done by setting the five tone control switch groups ‘bass
tilt’, ‘bass roll-off’, ‘bass level’, ‘mid level’ and
‘treble level’ on the rear panel of the amplifier.
The manufacturer’s default settings for these
controls are ‘All Off ’ to give a flat anechoic
response. See Table 1 for suggested tone
control settings in differing acoustic environments. Figures 7 and 8 show the effect of the
controls on the anechoic response. Always
star t adjustment by setting all switches to
the ‘OFF’ position. Then set only one switch
per group to the ‘ON’ position to select the
response curve required. If more than one
switch is set to ‘ON’ (within one switch group)
The HT312A and HT315A can be used flush
mounted into the wall structure, which offers
some acoustical benefits. No cabinet edge
diffraction will occur, resulting in an improved
response, especially at midrange frequen-
cies. Low frequency reflections from the wall
behind the loudspeaker can be avoided,
which improves the low frequency response
and efficiency and allows the loudspeaker
to work in half space conditions. In terms of
installation and orientation, the loudspeaker’s
acoustical axis (See Figure 1.) should also
point directly to the the reference listening
position. The loudspeakers should be verti-
Flush mounting
Figure 3: Flush mou nting the loudspeaker in
HEAVY WOODEN WALL
ABSORBING
MATERIAL
VIBRATION
ISOLATORS
f ~ 2-8 Hz
AMPLIFIER
REMOVED
FROM ENCLOSURE
CONCRETE WALL
SAND
BAGS
VIBRATION
ISOLATORS
f ~ 2-8 Hz
AMPLIFIER
REMOVED
FROM ENCLOSURE
CONCRETE
STRUCTURE
MULTI-LAYERED WALL
(WOOD, CONCRETE,
BRICKS)
VIBRATION
ISOLATORS
f ~ 2-8 Hz
AMPLIFIER
REMOVED
FROM
ENCLOSURE
FACING PANEL
FIXED TO THE WALL
(50-100 mm / 2-4")
RUBBER GASKET
(5-10 mm / ¼-½")
SPEAKER
WALL
a wall constr ucted of wood
Figure 4: Flush mounting the loudspeaker in
a wall constr ucted of concrete
Figure 5: Flush mou nting the loudspeaker
in a wall constructed of a combination of
materials.
cally aimed so that the acoustical axis of the
loudspeakers meet around ear height at the
reference listening position. In the horizontal
plane the loudspeaker should be positioned
according to the standard stereophonic (60
degrees between left-right channels) or multichannel (ITU-R BS.775-1) placement recommendation.
The ceiling, side walls and especially the
rear wall should be acoustically absorbent at
low frequencies. The wall in which the loudspeakers are mounted should have a high
acoustical mass to properly implement a low
frequency radiation condition into half space
and be angled so that the loudspeakers are
correctly aimed. However, the loudspeakers should not be mounted too high as this
increases the required vertical tilt of the loudspeaker (maximum tilt angle < 20 degrees)
and reduces the optimum listening area. Great
care should be taken over how the loudspeaker
is mounted into the wall. Note the following:
A space 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4”) wide can
be left around the loudspeaker. Cover the
space around the loudspeaker with a facing
panel that should be fixed to the wall. Leave
a gap of about 5 to 10 mm (¼ to ½”) between
the loudspeaker and the panel. Fill this gap
with a soft rubber gasket to allow for possible
cabinet movement (see Figure 6).
Ensure that the loudspeaker cables can
reach the rear of the loudspeaker cabinets.
Regardless of the type of front wall construction the loudspeaker cabinet should be
mounted on vibration isolators, with a resonant
frequency between 2 to 8 Hz, to prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the wall and
impairing the low frequency performance.
If a heavy wooden front wall construction
is used, the space around the cabinet should
be filled with absorbent mineral wool or foam
plastic. The wooden wall structure must be
heavily braced to achieve sufficiently high
mass and rigidity (see Figure 3).
In a solid wall (e.g. concrete) structure, the
space around the cabinet should be filled
with either absorbent mineral wool or sand
bags (see Figure 4).
The wall can also be constructed of a combination of materials to achieve high acoustical structural mass that will disable low frequency sound propagation and provide high
LF sound isolation (see Figure 5). Acoustic
consultants will be able to provide details and
design these structures.
Ensure that the cabinet is flush with the
surface of the wall. Discontinuities in the loudspeaker mounting wall will cause diffraction,
which leads to inferior frequency response
and imaging. So, if a decorative cloth frame
is used to cover the wall, make sure that the
edges adjacent to the loudspeaker are less
than 20 mm (3/4”) deep. The cloth must be very
thin Tricot or an acoustically transparent material otherwise the high frequency response of
the system will be adversely affected. Genelec
approved cloth grilles are available.
Mode indicator LED
The loudspeaker is provided with a threecolour indicator LED on the DCW™ panel.
When the LED is green, it indicates that the
loudspeaker is ready for use. Standby mode
is indicated by yellow colour. Amplifier clipping is indicated by a blinking red light and
thermal protection mode by a constant red
light. If clipping is indicated reduce the signal
level so that the LED stops blinking. If the
Figure 6: Covering the gap between the
wall and the loudspeaker cabinet.
red LED stays on constantly, switch off the
loudspeaker and the audio source and let the
amplifier cool down. Check that the ventilation around the amplifier is not blocked. There
should be a clearance of more than 100 mm
(4”) between the amplifier face panel and any
solid surface at the back. If the red light does
not come off, contact authorised Genelec
service.
The LED can be deactivated if you find it
disturbing in a darkened room by turning both
the "POWER LED" and "STANDBY LED"
switches on the amplifier panel to "OFF".
Maintenance
No user ser viceable parts are to be found
within the amplifier unit. Any maintenance or
repair should only be undertaken by qualified service personnel. Ensure that if fuse
replacement is required, only fuses of the
same voltage and current rating are used.
Remember to disconnect the power supply
by removal of the mains cable, before fuse
replacement.
Figure 7: The curves above show the effect of the ‘bass’, ‘mid’ and
‘treble’ level con trols, and the ‘bass tilt’ and ‘bass roll-off ’ cont rols
on the free field response of the HT312A, m easured at 2 m.
Figure 8: The curves above show the effect of the ‘bass’, ‘mid’ and
‘treble’ level con trols, and the ‘bass tilt’ and ‘bass roll-off ’ cont rols
on the free field response of the HT315A, m easured at 2 m.
Figure 9: The upper curve group shows the horizontal directivity
character istics o f the HT312A in its vertical configuration
measured at 2 m. The lower cur ve is a 1 /6 octave power
response meas urement, derived from 144 individual directivity
measurements.
Safety considerations
Although the HT312A and HT315A loudspeakers have been designed in accordance
with international safety standards, to ensure
safe operation and to maintain the instrument
under safe operating conditions, the following
warnings and cautions must be observed:
1. Servicing and adjustment must only
be performed by qualified service
personnel. The amplifier must not be
opened.
2. Do not use the loudspeakers with an
unearthed mains cable or unearthed
mains connection as this may lead to
personal injury.
3. These loudspeakers are capable of
producing sound pressure levels in
Figure 10: The upper cur ve group shows the horizontal directivity
character istics o f the HT315A in its vertical configuration
measured at 2 m. The lower cur ve is a 1 /6 octave power
response meas urement, derived from 144 individual directivity
measurements.
excess of 85 dB, which may cause
permanent hearing damage.
4. Free flow of air around the amplifier is
necessary to maintain sufficient cooling.
Do not obstruct airflow around the
amplifier
5. 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 or near the
loudspeaker or the amplifier.
6. Note that the amplifier is not completely
disconnected from the AC mains
service unless the mains cable
is removed from the amplifier or the
mains outlet.
Guarantee
This product is supplied with one year guarantee against manufacturing faults or defects
that might alter its performance. Refer to supplier for full sales and guarantee terms.
HT312A Accessories
Order code
Handles 1001-406*
Protective grille 1037-409
Rack adapter 1037-412
* Factory installed option only
HT315A Accessories
Order code
Handles 1001-406*
Protective grille 1038-409
Rack adapter HT315-400
* Factory installed option only
HT312A and HT315A Operating Manual
system spec ific ations
Ht312aHt315a
Lower cut-off frequ ency, -3 dB
Upper cut-off fr equency, -3 dB
Free field frequency re sponse
of system
Maximum shor t term sine wave
acoustic output on axis in half spac e,
averaged from 100 Hz to 3 kHz
Maximum long ter m RMS acoustic
output in same c onditions with IECweighted noise (l imited by driver unit
protection circu it)
Maximum peak acou stic output per
pair above console with music materia
Self generated no ise level in free field
@ 2 m on axis
Harmonic dist ortion at 95 d B SPL at
1m on axis:
Drivers
Bass
Midrange
Treble
All drivers are m agnetically shielded
<35 Hz
>22 kHz
37 Hz - 21 kHz ( ±2.5 dB)
<33 Hz
>20 kHz
35 Hz - 20 kHz ( ±2.5 dB)
@ 1 m >116 dB SP L@1 m >120 dB SP L
@ 1 m >107 dB SP L@ 1 m >116 dB S PL
@ 2 m >123 dB@ 2 m >124 dB
<15 dB (A weighte d)
freq. <100 Hz <1%
freq. >100 Hz <0.5%
305 mm (12") con e
130 mm (5") cone
25 mm (1") metal dome
freq. 50...100 Hz <1%
freq. >100 Hz <0.5%
385 mm (15") con e
130 mm (5") cone
25 mm (1") metal dome
Weight37 kg (82 lb)60 kg (130 lb)
Dimensions
Height
Width
Depth
680 mm (26 3/4")
400 mm (15 3/4")
380 mm (14 15/16 ")
810 mm (31 7/8")
480 mm (18 7/8")
420 mm (16 9/16" )