Congratulations and a thank you for the purchase of a
Genelec Smart Active Monitor™ (SAM™) system. This manual
addresses the stand-alone setup and use of the S360A monitor.
SAM monitors can also be set up from a Mac or a PC using
the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM™ and the proprietary
Genelec monitor control network, offering much more versatile
acoustic settings and features. Please find more details in the
separate GLM Operating Manual.
Housed in a compact, low diffraction enclosure with premium
quality Finnish woodwork, the S360A features a further enhanced
10-inch high efficiency and minimal distortion woofer based on
Genelec’s Master Series, and an integrated extended Directivity
Control Waveguide DCWTM supporting its 1-inch compression
driver. A thirty-two mm (1 ¼ in) thick front baffle and critical
bracing minimise panel vibration for pristine sound quality.
integrated reflex ports LIPTM, also making it suitable for use in
conjunction with perforated screens. To focus low frequency
output while preventing vibration transfer and air turbulence,
S360A includes an innovative Iso-PlateTM, which effectively
decouples the monitor from its base when standing. Tailor-made
S360A mounting brackets for wall, ceiling, stand and truss
installation may be acquired separately.
Package content
The package contains
• one S360A monitor
• one mains cable, length 1.8 m (6 ft)
• one 5 m GLM network cable
• this operating manual
System setup using GLM Control Network
The S360A is a precision monitor with neutral and well-controlled
sound characteristics on its acoustical axis, uncoloured off-axis
response, and 95-degree (horizontal) to 75-degree (vertical)
dispersion for accurate directivity control across the entire
audio band. Like other new SAM monitors, it features constant
acoustic group delay above the lowest octaves, i.e. linear
phase response, without introducing latency incompatible with
production requirements.
The S360A’s fusion of high SPL and compact size makes it
perfect for demanding film, post and music production, including
play-live monitoring. In combination with a subwoofer, the
S360A satisfies the demands of premium home theatres, EDM
playback or Dolby film mixing even in rooms where the listening
distance exceeds 10 metres (33 feet). Due to well-controlled
dispersion, S360 may also be used in midfield or even nearfield
applications. If doing so, please be sure first to read the Safe
listening practice paragraph in this manual.
The S360A provides two pairs of enclosure mounting points,
and its integrated system electronics can be placed remotely
using the 2U high rack installation kit. Versatile mounting is
further supported by downward-firing flow optimised laminar
2
Although S360A can be used without the GLM software and
control network, it can only reach its full potential when set up
and calibrated using the GLM software. Genelec recommends
setting up SAM monitoring systems using the GLM application.
Please find a more detailed description of the setup and use in
the separate GLM System Operating Manual.
The GLM software can be downloaded at www.genelec.com
free of charge. The necessary hardware for creating the control
network - GLM Kit (order number 8300-601) - is sold separately
at your Genelec dealer. The main components of the kit are the
calibrated measuring microphone and the GLM Adapter, which
links the computer running the software, measuring microphone
and all monitors and subwoofers together.
Genelec Loudspeaker Manager GLM and the proprietary Genelec
monitor control network offer automated acoustic equalization,
alignment and level calibration for any reproduction system from
simple stereo to very complex 3D immersive audio setups including
also one or more subwoofers. GLM setup is fast and accurate.
Settings can be controlled with a Mac or PC or they can be
permanently stored in the monitors to make them available at all
times, even when a computer is not connected.
Figure 2. Connectors and local controls on the back panel
of a S360A.
The setup is fast and consists of the following steps:
1. Connect a CAT5 (RJ45) or higher category cable between
each monitor (and subwoofer) and finally to the control
network input of the GLM Adapter device (see Figure 1).
2. Connect the GLM Adapter device to computer USB
connector.
3. Using a microphone stand, place the Genelec measurement
microphone at the listening location with the microphone
pointing upwards and the microphone top at the height of
the engineer’s ear. The microphone is a part of the GLM
User Kit.
4. Connect the microphone cable to the microphone input in
the GLM Adapter device.
Figure 3. Connector panel detail.
5. Download the GLM software at the Genelec web site (www.
genelec.com).
6. Install the GLM software and follow the instructions in the
software to measure and set up your monitors.
7. If you plan to not use a computer for controlling the
monitors, use the GLM software to write the setting into the
monitors (use menu item “Group | Store Group Settings”).
GLM calculates the acoustic compensation for the room in a
cloud computer. This enables always up-to-date methods and
efficient calculation process. The Stored Settings function using
the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager software can be used to
store calibration settings into the monitors.
Once the GLM network is disconnected, the calibrated stored
settings using the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager software can
be selected in use by setting the STORED switch to the ON
position found on the rear of the monitor.
3
Genelec
consultation
Settings
Measurement data
Test signal
Unique microphone calibration
selected by microphone serial number
Figure 4. The GLM Cloud enables the room response compensation.
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 cornerNone-4 dB-4 dBNone
Treble
Tilt
NoneNoneNoneNone
None-2 dBNoneNone
None-4 dBNoneNone
None-2 dBNone-4 dB
Bass
Tilt
Bass
Roll-Off
Desktop
Calibration data
Genelec Cloud
GLM AutoCal
Table 1. Suggested Tone Control settings for some typical monitor placement positions.
Interfaces
All connectors on the S360A face down, making cables easy to
run into the monitor and enabling mounting close to a wall.
Connect the MAINS INPUT to the mains supply. Any mains
voltage globally can be accepted (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz) so
the monitor can be plugged in anywhere. When the mains power
is provided with a generator, inverter or certain lower-quality UPS
devices, we recommend filtering of the mains voltage to reduce
harmonics and taking care that the voltage supply is stable.
Type RJ-45 connectors for the CONTROL NETWORK are
used with Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) management
network. These connectors are not Ethernet LAN compatible.
Do not connect to Ethernet LAN.
The ANALOG IN connector accepts balanced analog audio
signals. The maximum analogue input level is +25 dBu. The
default input sensitivity is set so that for a -6 dBu input level the
S360A produces 100 dB SPL sound level at one meter in free
space. The analogue input impedance is 10 kOhm, so line level
audio sources can drive it.
Figure 5. Symmetrical layout and keeping the acoustic
axis clear from obstructions minimizes reflection surfaces
and maintains accurate localisation because reflections are
symmetrical.
The DIGITAL IN AES/EBU female XLR connector is for AES/
EBU formatted digital audio input signals. This input is selected
automatically when a digital audio signal is present, even when
the digital audio is silent. The analog input is reselected when
the AES/EBU signal input is disconnected. The AES/EBU input
supports two channels in a single cable. When the digital source
controls the level, it may be advantageous to lower the level setting
in the monitor’s controls, which will enable a higher digital level
and improved use of the digital resolution. The digital input level is
referenced to 0 dBFS (dB relative to the digital full scale, the largest
level that can be represented in the AES/EBU signal). The S360A
sensitivity is scaled to produce 100 dB SPL sound level at one
meter in free space for a digital input signal of –30 dBFS.
The DIGITAL OUT male XLR carries an unaltered copy of the
digital input signal. This enables daisy-chaining with digital signal
up to four monitors.
4
System monitoring
The S360A supports monitoring of the internal temperature,
input levels and levels to the transducers, input clip, and digital
audio full scale warning, and activation of the system overload
protection. These can be monitored using the GLM Loudspeaker
Manager software for all monitors in the monitor group.
Energy saving
Energy saving Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) can put the
monitor automatically into a deep sleep state where the product
consumes less than one watt of power. When the ISS is active
you can have your monitoring system ready for action at all
times. Upon sensing an input signal the monitor automatically
wakes up to full operation.
Safe listening practice
The S360A is a powerful monitor so please observe safe
listening habits, and be extra careful if using S360A at short
listening distances.
Temporary or permanent hearing damage is caused by sound
energy rather than sound power. In other words, a high sound
pressure level (SPL) in itself, within reasonable limits, may not
be harmful, while even a lower sound pressure, integrated with
time, can be. For instance, listening to peaks of around 100 dB
SPL generally do not cause damage, while listening at 90 dB
SPL integrated over two hours is considered potentially harmful.
Acoustic reflections from objects like desks, cabinets, computer
monitors etc. can cause unwanted coloration and blurring of
the sound image. Minimise these by placing the monitors away
from acoustically reflective surfaces. Putting the monitors on
stands behind and above a mixing console usually improves the
response over placing monitors on a meter bridge. Symmetrical
positioning of the sound reflecting objects maintains a balanced
soundstage (see Figure 5).
Setup without using the GLM and Stand-
Alone Control Functions
There are basic aocustic alignment control, input selection and
level calibration controls on S360A. When GLM is not available,
you can use the settings on the monitor for system setup. These
settings are limited but provide the basic acoustical calibrations
and input selection. To use this method, set the STORED switch
to “OFF”.
Although the S360A 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. Genelec recommends
setting up SAM monitoring systems using GLM.
Bass Roll-Off Control
The Bass Roll-Off control attenuates the monitor’s output near
the cut-off frequency. Attenuation levels of -2 dB, -4 dB or -6 dB
(both switches “ON”) can be selected.
A-weighted sound pressure integrated with time is called “sound
exposure” (SE), which is the best predictor of potentially harmful
sound. Recent studies have shown how SE previously thought
to be harmless actually is capable of generating long-term
hearing loss, which may even go unnoticed for years because it
does not show in standard clinical tests.
Summarising medical research, safe listening habits for adults
include keeping weekly SE below 80 dB(A) for 40 hours, which
is equivalent to 83 dB(A) for 20 hours, 86 dB(A) for 10 hours
etc., i.e. based on an equal energy principle. Per day, assuming
two days per week without significant sound exposure, the daily
baseline is 80 dB(A) for 8 hours.
Using GLM, listening level may be calibrated to ensure SPL
doesn’t creep up over the course of a day, to make sound
exposure more predictable, and to utilise S360A’s power for
headroom rather than elevated average listening levels. The
latter is especially important when S360A is used in midfield or
nearfield applications.
Acoustic considerations
Aim the monitor so that its acoustic axis points towards the
listening position (see Figure 5). Vertical orientation is preferable,
as this eliminates acoustical cancellation problems around
the crossover frequency. Place the monitors symmetrically at
equal distances from the listening position. If possible, place
the listening position on the left-right centerline of the room
(see Figure 5). When a monitor is placed far away (1 to 2.2 m,
3-7 ft) from the acoustically hard wall behind the monitor, an
acoustic reflection from the wall may cause cancellation of low
frequencies and reduce bass output.
Desktop 160 Hz
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.
Bass Tilt
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 (both switches
“ON”).
Treble Tilt
The Treble Tilt control allows adjusting the treble response above 2
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.
The -2 dB setting is selected by turning both switches to “ON.”
LED Disable
This switch shuts off the front panel LED light.
ISS
This switch activates or deactivates the ISS automatic power
saving function. The default time for ISS activation is 60 minutes.
The waiting time with no input signal before the monitor enters
the ISS power save can be configured using the GLM software.
Digital
The Digital switch selects the digital audio channels on the AES/
EBU. Turning both switches on reproduces the sum of the A and
B channels. A 6 dB attenuation is applied to avoid overloading
5
Figure 6. Mounting points on the S360A
Mounting
on the top/bottom and left/right side.
ColourIndication
Solid greed
Blinking green
Green blink every 10 sec.
Red blink
Solid red
Yellow
Yellow blinking
Normal state, normal operation
GLM is adjusting the monitor
Monitor is an ISS power saving sleep
state
Power amplifier overload protection is
active (audio is modified because of
protection)
Monitor is muted
Monitor is not in the active (playing)
group
Overheat protection is active (audio is
modified because of protection)
Table 2. Monitor front panel light indications summary
Figure 7. The S360-450B side-side
bracket shown with wire suspension, a truss mount clamp and
S360-465B ceiling mount plate.
the monitor. If the AES/EBU cable is operated in dual-wire mode,
the monitor detects this automatically and the channel selection
switches have no effect.
Level
The Level switches scale down the monitor output level in 10 dB
steps. The effects of these switches add up and combine with
the effect of the rotary level adjustment control. The combined
total setting range is -42 dB.
Stored
T
he Stored switch selects the use of the controls on the monitor’s
back panel or the settings stored inside the monitor memory using
the GLM system calibration software. Setting the Stored switch to
OFF position selects the settings defined by the monitor’s own rear
panel controls. Setting the Stored switch to ON position selects
the use of internally stored GLM settings. Using the Stored option
overrides all adjustments done with the monitor’s own controls.
Front Panel Light
Normally, the light on the front panel is green. Red and yellow
colours are used to indicate special situations. See Table 2 for
more details.
Figure 8. S360A Iso-Plate™ vibration decoupling platform
and the dual downward firing bass reflex ports.
45-75°
Mounting
point 2
24-45°
Mounting
point 3
point 4
0-24°
Figure 9. Ceiling mount 8000-436 used with S360-424B
bracket. Note the use of different mounting points on the
bracket for different tilt angles.
Operating Environment
These monitors are designed for indoor use only. The
permissible ambient temperature is 15-35 degrees Celsius
(50-95°F) and relative humidity 20% to 80% (non-condensing).
When the product has been stored or transported in a cool
environment and is taken into a warm room, to prevent
condensation of humidity wait 0.5-1 hours before opening
6
any packing or before connecting to mains power. Sufficient
cooling must be ensured. Behind, above and on both sides
of the S360A monitor the minimum clearance is 50 mm (2
in). This space must be ventilated sufficiently to dissipate the
heat.
Mounting and Placing Monitors
Mounting
The S360A has mounting points on the top and bottom and on
the left and right sides. S360-424B top-bottom and S360-450B
side-side mount brackets are available for the S360A. These are
used with standard Genelec mounting accessories, offering floor
stands, wall mounts, ceiling mounts and truss mounts. All mounting
points on the enclosure have M10 (10 mm diameter, metric thread)
threads. Correct bolts are included with the mounting brackets.
The brackets have several hole pairs to allow finding the correct
orientation and load balance. The S360A can be turned to point
in the correct direction before the bracket bolts are tightened.
The tightening torque for the attachment bolts is 10 - 20 Nm
(7.4 -14.8 lb ft).
The S360-424B top-bottom mount bracket is used with the
S360-444B wall mount and ceiling mount plate S360-465B.
The S360-450B side-side mount bracket is used with the S360415B floor stand and ceiling/truss mounts.
Figure 10. The S360A amplifier installed in the 9032A rack
mount kit.
The Iso-Plate™ is detached before the mounting brackets
are used. To do this, remove carefully the four rubber covers
on the botton of the Iso-Plate feet. This shows the mounting
screws. Use an M6 Allen key to remove the screws and lift
off the Iso-Plate. Remove the four vibration dampers bt
turning them anti-clockwise. Store the Iso-Plate and other
components for later use. Follow the mounting instructions for
the S360A mounting brackets to attach them to the enclosure.
Flush mounting
The unique Iso-Plate vibration decoupling platform enables inwall (flush) mounting. There are two main methods for in-wall
installation.
In method one, the amplifier remains on the enclosure when
the monitor is inserted into the recess. There must be sufficient
ventilation in the recess space behind of the enclosure to control
the temperature of the amplifier. The temperature of the adjacent
air must not exceed 35 degrees Celsius (
In method two, the amplifier is detached from the enclosure and
placed into the 9032A rack mount kit. Then standard Speakon
and RJ-45 cables connect the amplifier rack installation kit to
the enclosure. The rack mount accessory takes 2U vertical
space in the 19 in rack. Sufficient air flow must be ensured to
avoid premature limiting of the output level. ELECTRIC SHOCK
HAZARD! To ensure electric safety, the removal of the amplifier
from the enclosure and its installation to the rack mount chassis
may only be done by qualified Genelec service personnel.
95°F.)
Figure 11. The S360-424B top-bottom mount bracket for
S360A can be attached to the S360-444B wall mount at
different mounting points.
Use with Subwoofers
Genelec recommends using the 7300 series subwoofers,
particularly models 7380 and 7382 are a good match with
the S360A. The S360A contains a subwoofer crossover
highpass filter, which can be set between 50 and 100 Hz in 5
Hz increments. This selection is done in the GLM software and
Figure 12. Left: S360-450B side-side mount bracket used
with S360-415B floor stand. Note the removed Iso-Plate.
Right: The S360-408B stand plate used with the floor
stand, in which case the Iso-Plate remains attached.
7
enables easy integration with the 7300 series subwoofers and
dB SPL
20k
Frequency Hz
Genelec Oy S36029 Oct 18
80
85
90
BASS ROLL-OFF
TREBLE TILT
BASS TILT
80
85
90
DESKTOP
Genelec Oy S36026 Oct 18
0°
60°
15°
30°
45°
85
90
95
100
70
75
80
85
90
95
dB SPL
dB SWL
precise room acoustic compensations. For more detailed system
configuration and matching products, please consult the on-line
Genelec Product Selection Tool, Monitor Setup Guide booklet
and Immersive Solutions brochure at www.genelec.com.
Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts inside the monitor. Maintenance
or repair must only be done by a Genelec certified service.
Accessories
Up to date information about Genelec accessories can be found
in the Accessories Catalogue which is available on Genelec’s
website www.genelec.com.
Safety Considerations and warnings
The S360A has 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:
• Servicing and adjustment must only be performed by a
certified Genelec service. No part of the monitor enclosure
may be opened.
• Do not use this product with a mains outlet or mains power
cord 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 mains power 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.
way in excess of 85 dB SPL and to cause instant, permanent
hearing damage. Please do not stand close without hearing
protection when the unit is powered.
Guarantee
Genelec S360A is guaranteed for two years against
manufacturing faults or defects altering performance. Refer to
the reseller for full sales and guarantee terms.
Compliance to FCC Rules
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.
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.
These monitors are capable of producing sound pressure levels
90
85
80
20
100
50
200
500
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 S360A.
8
1k2k
Product Data and Measurements
5k
10k
20
Figure 13. Frequency responses at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60
degree horizontal angles and power response in full space.
Input level -20 dBu.
100
50
200
500
1k2k
5k
Frequency Hz
20k
10k
Figure 14. The curves above show the horizontal directivity
characteristics of the S360A.
Figure 15. The curves above show the vertical directivity
characteristics of the S360A.
Figure 16. The curve above shows the group delay of the
S360A as a function of frequency.
Figure 18. The maximum short-term SPL of the S360A as a
function of distance and the monitoring room reverberation
time RT60.
Figure 17. The curve above shows the phase response of
the S360A as a function of frequency.