Genelec SE7261A Owner's Manual

SE7261A DSP Subwoofer Operating Manual

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Introduction

Congratulations and a thank-you for the purchase of this Genelec
SE7261A DSP Subwoofer. This manual addresses setting up
and using the Genelec SE7261A DSP Subwoofer with Genelec
8130A digital input loudspeakers in stand-alone mode without the
GLM.SE™ software and the proprietary Genelec loudspeaker
control network. Use with the GLM.SE™ network is described in
the GLM.SE™ System Operating Manual.

EC Declaration Of Conformity

This is to certify that Genelec SE7261A DSP Subwoofer conforms
to the following standards:

Safety: EN 60065: 2002 / IEC 60065:2001 7th Edition

EMC: EN 55013:2001 + A1:2003

EN 55020 :2002 + A1:2003

EN 61000 -3-2:2000 + A2:2005

EN 61000-3-3:1995 + A1:2001

The products herewith comply with the requirements of The Low

Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

Signed:
Ilpo Martikainen
Position: Chairman of the Board
Date: 20-September-2007

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. 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.

System

Genelec SE7261A DSP Subwoofer is designed for precise
monitoring of 24 bit/192 kHz AES/EBU digital audio signal. It is
fully compatible with Genelec GLM.SE™ Loudspeaker Manager
Software and the proprietary Genelec loudspeaker control
network and Genelec 8130A digital input loudspeakers.

The SE7261A can perform bass management. The DSP
bass management system splits the signal from each input into
low and high frequency components. Signal content below the
crossover frequency is reproduced by the subwoofer and signal
content above the crossover frequency is reproduced by the
loudspeakers connected to the outputs of the subwoofer.

Using the SE7261A in
Stand-Alone Mode

When the subwoofer is not connected to the Genelec loudspeaker
control network, it operates in stand-alone mode and only the
functions actuated by the controls on the connector panel can be
used. However, the settings made with the GLM.SE™ software
can be saved into the subwoofer and applied even when the

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network is disconnected by setting
CONTROL” on the subwoofer’s connector panel to position
“STORED.”

This manual concentrates on using the subwoofer without
the control network. All issues concerning the control network
are explained in detail in the System Operating Manual provided
with the GLM.SE™ Genelec Loudspeaker Manager kit.

switch “STORED/MANUAL

Installation

The SE7261A is supplied with a mains cable
control network cable and
place the subwoofer in a suitable location (for more details see
the "Positioning" section).

Before connecting the audio signal cables, ensure that both
the subwoofer and the main loudspeakers are switched off.
Connections are easier to make if you roll the subwoofer on its
side with the connector panel facing up. Use this position only for
making the connections and roll the subwoofer back to its normal
upright position before use.

this operating manual. Once unpacked,

, one 5 m GLM

Connections

Audio connections

Audio connections to the subwoofer are made by XLR
connectors. All audio cabling from the source must always go
first to the input connectors of the subwoofer and then on to the
main loudspeakers from the subwoofer’s output connectors.

Connect the digital audio signal cables from your signal
source to the four female XLR “AES/EBU INPUT” connectors.
The inputs accept Single-Wire AES/EBU signal or S/P-DIF
or AES3id signals with suitable impedance converters. The
SE7261A cannot be used with analog audio input signal. If the
chosen audio format includes an LFE (.1) channel, it must be
connected to INPUT 4 and the “LFE IN USE” switch must be
turned to “YES” position in order to utilize the versatile LFE
channel controls integrated in the subwoofer. If there is no LFE
channel to reproduce, INPUT 4 can be used for a normal full­bandwidth signal. In this case the “LFE IN USE” switch must be
turned to “NO”

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Connect the signal cables for the main loudspeakers to the
male “AES/EBU OUTPUT” connectors on the subwoofer. Each
of these connectors carries a high-pass filtered version of the
signal(s) received by the input connector marked with the same
number. The default filtering frequency is 85 Hz. The filtering
frequency cannot be changed with the controls available in
the stand-alone mode. This feature is only available when the
subwoofer is controlled by the GLM.SE™ software.

Network, mains, bypass and remote connectors

Two “CONTROL NETWORK” RJ-45 sockets are provided to
connect the subwoofer to the proprietary Genelec loudspeaker
control network. See the System Operating Manual for more
information. The mains cable may only be connected to an
earthed mains power supply. The “BYPASS” 1/4” Jack provides
connection to the optional Genelec 1092-400 switch to operate
the Bypass function. See “SE7261A Subwoofer Features” for
description of this function.

The “REMOTE” RJ 11 connector can be used to connect the
optional Remote Power/OVL LED (Genelec 7000-415) or 7000-416
Remote control switch for "Bypass" and "+10 dB LFE" functions.

wall and floor are also avoided. Front wall cancellation for the
85 Hz high pass filtered main loudspeakers can be eliminated
by placing them at least 110 cm / 43" away from the front wall.
In a multichannel system the main loudspeakers should ideally
be positioned symmetrically and at an equal distance from the
listening position.

If the frequency balance is not right, try moving the
subwoofer slightly to the left or right so that different room modes
are excited at different levels. Positioning the subwoofer close
to a corner will boost the bass level at lower frequencies and
may cause asymmetrical spatial imaging. If you are using two
subwoofers, try placing them asymmetrically relative to the side
walls. Sometimes moving the subwoofers apart into the front
corners helps with problematic rear wall reflections and the loss
of mutual coupling is compensated by the bass boost caused by
corner positioning.

Although the SE7261A subwoofer is magnetically shielded, it
may cause some picture distortion if placed near to very sensitive
video monitors or computer displays. Move the subwoofer further
away or try turning the driver side of the subwoofer away from
the screen.

Positioning the subwoofer in the room

The placement of the subwoofer in the room affects the overall
frequency response and sound level of the system dramatically,
as at low frequencies the effects of the room are strong. Even
a slight change in the subwoofer's location can make a marked
difference in the frequency balance and often patient and
methodical experimentation and testing is needed to find the
optimum placement.

The placement will affect the phase difference between the
main loudspeakers and the subwoofer, and also the bass roll-off
rate. These effects can be compensated by the use of the Tone
and Phase controls on the subwoofer; but we recommend that
at first you leave the controls untouched and concentrate on
finding the position where the subwoofer gives the smoothest
response, and only then use them to fine-tune the balance
and phase alignment between the subwoofer and the main
loudspeakers.

To begin, place the subwoofer at the front wall slightly offset
from the center. The recommended distance to the wall is less
than 60 cm / 24" measured from the subwoofer's driver. This
position gives increased acoustic loading (and SPL) due to the
proximity of the front wall and floor. Cancellations from the front

Minimum clearances to
walls or other objects

The power amplifiers are attached to the lower part of the
aluminium grille functioning as a heatsink. Do not cover the grille
or place the subwoofer so that there is less than 10 centimeters
(4") of free space in front of the grille.
the subwoofer must either be ventilated or sufficiently large to
dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature does not rise
above 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).

Make sure that the space underneath the subwoofer is
clear from obstructions. Thick carpets may block the ventilation
clearance needed for cooling the electronics box. The reflex port
side (opposite of the connector panel side) should always have a
clearance of at least 7,5 centimeters (3") to any objects to ensure
proper functioning of the reflex port.

The space adjacent to

Flush mounting the subwoofer

If the subwoofer is flush mounted into a wall or a cabinet, it is
important to ensure unrestricted airflow from the reflex port and
amplifier cooling. This can be done by making the recess 7,5
centimeters (3") wider than the subwoofer. Place the subwoofer

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into the right end of the recess with the driver side facing the
room. This leaves sufficient 7,5 centimeters (3") of free space on
the reflex port side. The height and depth of the recess should
not be any bigger than those needed to fit the subwoofer flush
with the wall surface.

SE7261A Subwoofer Features

Various controls and switches are accessible on the connector
panel. Let us define and explain here their use and function (from
left to right):

LFE Input 4 Controls

LFE in Use

When producing audio content in multichannel audio formats,
the use of the LFE channel is directly linked to the media release
format and the type of production. If in use, the LFE or (.1)

channel must be connected to AES/EBU INPUT 4 and the ‘LFE
IN USE’ switch must be set to YES position. If no LFE signal is
used, the ‘LFE IN USE’ switch should be set to NO position. The
LFE input (AES/EBU INPUT 4) then operates in the same way
as the other inputs.

AES/EBU Channel

An AES/EBU Single Wire signal normally carries two audio
channels in what are called subframes A and B. The “AES/EBU
CHANNEL” switch selects if the LFE signal is designated to
subframe A or B.

LFE Bandwidth

The LFE input can be set to two frequency ranges: 19 to 85 Hz
or 19 to 120 Hz using the “LFE BANDWIDTH” switch. Signal
content in the LFE signal above the frequency value selected
on the “LFE BANDWIDTH” switch is either not reproduced or is
redirected (see below). See also “Typical applications of different
LFE bandwidth settings” below.

Redirect

Using redirection allows the LFE channel to be monitored as a
full-bandwidth audio channel. If the LFE signal includes content
higher than 120 Hz, it can be monitored using the “Redirect”
function. This function allows rerouting of LFE signal above 85
Hz to the front center loudspeaker. This rerouted LFE content is
known as the redirected LFE signal.

Setting the “REDIRECT” switch to the “ON” position activates
the redirect function and it can only be activated if the “LFE
BANDWIDTH” switch is set to “85”.

The redirected LFE signal is added to the audio signal
contained in the other subframe of the AES/EBU audio cable
connected to INPUT 4. Typically the LFE channel is paired with
the Front Center channel, so one of the subframes of OUTPUT
4 carries the sum of the redirected LFE signal and the center
channel signal. OUTPUT 4 should then be connected to the
Front Center loudspeaker.

LFE +10 dB

In Dolby Digital and DTS encoding formats the LFE channel is
monitored with +10 dB gain relative to the main channels. The
object is to increase the headroom in the recorded signals.
Surround sound decoders may automatically add +10 dB of LFE
gain to restore the level balance.

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Subwoofer input 4 Subwoofer output 4

Subframe A Subframe B Subframe A Subframe B

Center signal LFE signal Center + redirected

LFE signal

LFE signal Center signal Center + redirected

LFE signal

The “LFE +10 dB” function of the subwoofer is designed to
add the +10 dB of gain to the LFE channel in the production stage
if it is not already done by the source connected to the monitoring
system, Switching the “LFE +10 dB” switch to the “ON” position
or using the optional remote control activates the function. A
yellow light next to the “LFE +10 dB” switch illuminates when the
“LFE +10 dB” function is activated and +10 dB of gain is added to
the LFE signal. If the audio source outputs the LFE signal at the
same level as the other (non-LFE) signals and the LFE should
be reproduced at a 10 dB higher level, set this control to “ON”.
If the LFE output is at a 10 dB higher level than other (non-LFE)
channels, this switch should be set to “OFF”.

The “LFE +10 dB” function should not be used in the following
cases:

• If the +10 dB LFE gain is already implemented by another
device, for example, a DVD player, surround sound processor
or the output matrix of a mixing console

• When producing an audio format that does not require the
use of +10 dB gain on the LFE channel, such as DVD-Audio
(MLP) and SACD (DSD).

Bypass

The “BYPASS” section allows the use of an optional Genelec
1092-400 remote bypass switch. This allows for remote control

of the subwoofer’s bass management bypass
function. The red “BYPASS” light is illuminated
when the bypass mode is active.

With the bypass mode on, the high pass
filters for the loudspeakers are disabled and
the system behaves as if the subwoofer was
not connected. The bypass function has no
effect on the LFE signal. If there is no LFE
signal, the subwoofer will not reproduce any signal when the
bypass is active.

Controls selection

The subwoofer works in stand-alone mode when
the GLM.SE™ Control Network is not connected.
The “CONTROLS SELECTION” switch allows
selection between two basic methods to control a
subwoofer in stand-alone mode.

“MANUAL CTRLS” refers to controlling the
subwoofer using the controls on the subwoofer’s
connector panel.

“STORED CTRLS” refers to using the settings stored inside
the memory of the subwoofer. These settings can be set using
the GLM.SE™ Loudspeaker Manager Software and the GLM.
SE™ control network. The stored settings provide additional

Selection Switch setting

STORED

MANUAL
CTRL

LFE In
Use

Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Active Active Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled

Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active

LFE
AES/EBU
Channel

LFE
Bandwidth

Redirect LFE

+10 dB

Bypass Mode Tone

Controls

Subwoofer
Level

System
Level

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functionality compared to the basic controls on the panel.

When the GLM.SE™ Control Network is connected, or
when the “CONTROLS SELECTION” switch is in the “STORED
CTRLS” position, some of the controls on the subwoofer’s
electronics panel may be disabled. They are disabled because
the subwoofer is being controlled through the GLM.SE™ Control
Network, or by the settings stored inside the memory of the
subwoofer. If a disabled control on the panel is adjusted, all the
lights on the connector panel flash rapidly to inform that the
control is disabled and that the change has no effect.

Roll-Off

The frequency response of the subwoofer may have to be
adjusted to match the acoustic environment. The Bass Roll­Off adjustment reduces the level of the very low subwoofer
frequencies. You can combine the -2 dB, -4 dB and -8 dB
switches, providing an attenuation range from 0 to -14 dB – see
table below for examples of combinations and the corresponding
attenuation.

Roll-Off Sw 1 (-8 dB) Sw 2 (-4 dB) Sw 3 (-2 dB)

-0 dB

-2 dB

-4 dB

-6 dB

-8 dB

-10 dB

-12 dB

-14 dB

OFF OFF OFF

OFF OFF ON

OFF ON OFF

OFF ON ON

ON OFF OFF

ON OFF ON

ON ON OFF

ON ON ON

Test Tone:

The SE7261A subwoofer contains a tone generator for phase
alignment. The “TEST TONE” switch activates the tone generator
at the crossover frequency. The test tone signal is sent to
OUTPUT 1 on AES/EBU subframe A. To perform an adjustment
one main loudspeaker has to be connected to this channel and
set to reproduce this signal with the subwoofer.

or -270 degrees of adjustment is provided at 85 Hz – see table
below for switch combinations and the corresponding phase
change. Incorrect phase alignment between the loudspeakers
and the subwoofer causes a drop in the frequency response
around the crossover frequency.

Acoustic measuring equipment such as Genelec AutoCal
accurately align the phase. Alternatively, the following quick
phase alignment process can be done:

• Disconnect all loudspeakers from the subwoofer outputs.

• Select the loudspeaker to be used as the reference for the
phase alignment. Typically, this is the Front Center
loudspeaker in a 5.1 multi-channel system.

Connect this loudspeaker to subwoofer’s AES/EBU OUTPUT 1

•

connector.

• Select subframe A for reproduction on the reference
loudspeaker.

• The test tone is played simultaneously from the subwoofer
and loudspeaker.

• Listen to the tone and adjust both “PHASE” control switches
to find the setting that gives the minimum tone level at the
listening position.

• After having found this minimum level setting, set the
“-180 DEG” switch to the opposite setting to complete the
setup. This puts the subwoofer in phase with the reference
loudspeaker and completes the phase calibration.

• Finally, reconnect all loudspeakers to the subwoofer
outputs.

Phase Sw 6 (-180 deg) Sw 7 (-90 deg)

0°

-90°

-180°

-270°

OFF OFF

OFF ON

ON OFF

ON ON

Phase:

The phase relationship between a main loudspeaker and the
subwoofer must be adjusted at the crossover point. A 0, -90, -180

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Subwoofer level

The level of the subwoofer relative to the loudspeakers can be
adjusted with the “SUBWOOFER LEVEL” rotary control. This
control allows matching the subwoofer level to the levels of the
other loudspeakers.

System level

All digital audio inputs and outputs are referenced to 0 dBFS (digital
Full Scale, the largest possible signal that can be represented by
an AES/EBU signal). Genelec SE7261A subwoofer produces a
sound pressure level of 100 dB (at one meter distance in free
space) for a digital input signal of –15 dBFS.

If the digital source can control the digital level, it may be
advantageous to lower the sensitivity either with the GLM.SE™
or the ”SYSTEM LEVEL” control of the subwoofer. This will enable
the use of the upper end of the digital level controller.

The “SYSTEM LEVEL” switch group allows scaling the
maximum sound level of the whole loudspeaker system. This
control changes the subwoofer level as well as the levels of all
loudspeakers connected to the subwoofer outputs.

It may be necessary to use the “SYSTEM LEVEL” attenuation
switches to ensure that high-level digital audio signals do not
overload the loudspeaker system. The suitable setting also
depends on the listening distance. The correct setting for this
control depends on the program source and the maximum sound
level needed.

Connector panel warning light

Normally the light on the connector panel of the subwoofer is
green, indicating that the subwoofer is in normal operational
mode.

The clip warning light (yellow) is activated by:

• level limiter circuit (soft clip) being activated

Typical applications of different LFE
bandwidth settings

Using the 85 Hz LFE bandwidth setting with "Redirect" function
is the most universal configuration for LFE monitoring. However,
there are situations when the band-limited LFE settings serve a
definite purpose.

Limiting the LFE bandwidth to 85 Hz without using the
"Redirect" function can be used to simulate the effect of some
consumer decoders that do not replay information above 80
Hz on the LFE channel when the bass management is used.
Checking the multichannel mix with this setting on lets you know
how it translates in systems with this limitation.

The 120 Hz LFE bandwidth setting complies with the
replay systems of movie theaters and cinemas. 35 mm movie
soundtracks use the LFE channel to reproduce a bandwidth of
20 - 120 Hz through dedicated subwoofers. In this case the LFE
and main channel bandwidths overlap between 85 and 120 Hz,
which may create unwanted acoustical summing if the same
signal is present in both channels. To avoid this, the LFE content
should be kept completely different (de-correlated) from the low
frequency content of the main channels when mixing music and
sound effects for film release.

Maintenance

No user serviceable parts are to be found within the subwoofer
enclosure. Any maintenance or repair of the loudspeaker should
be undertaken by qualified service personnel only.

Safety considerations

Although the SE7261A has been designed in accordance with
international safety standards, to ensure safe operation and to
maintain the subwoofer under safe operating conditions, the
following warnings and cautions must be observed:

The overload light (red) is activated by:

• thermal overload of the power amplifier or loudspeaker
drivers (thermal protection has activated)

If a red warning light appears, turn the source level down. If the
levels are already modest, ensure that there are no bit errors in
the AES/EBU digital audio data.

1. Servicing and adjustment may only be performed by
qualified service personnel. The subwoofer enclosure must
not be opened.

2. Do not use this product with an unear thed mains cable or
a mains connection without the protective earth contact as
this may lead to personal injury.

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3.

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 subwoofer or near it.

4. Note that the amplifier is not completely disconnected from
the AC mains service unless the mains power cord is
removed from the subwoofer or the mains outlet.

5. Free flow of air around the subwoofer is necessary to
maintain sufficient cooling.
Do not obstruct airflow around the subwoofer.

WARNING!

Genelec SE7261A subwoofer is capable of producing sound
pressure levels in excess of 85 dB, which may cause permanent
hearing damage.

Guarantee

Genelec SE7261A subwoofer is supplied with a two year
guarantee against manufacturing faults or defects that might
alter the performance of the subwoofer. Refer to supplier for full
sales and guarantee terms.

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The free field frequency response of
the SE72 61A subwoofer at different
Bass Rol l-Off settings

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

SE7261A

Free field frequency response
(± 3.0 dB)

Maximum short term sine
wave SPL output averaged
from 30 to 85 Hz, measured in
half space at 1 meter

Maximum peak SPL output
with random pink noise,
measured in half space @
1 meter

Self generated noise level in
free field @ 1 m
(A-weighted)

Harmonic distortion @ 1 m in
half space @ 90 dB SPL 30
to 85 Hz

2nd
3rd

Driver, magnetically shielded: 250 mm (10”)

Weight: 27 kg (58 lbs)

Dimensions:

Height
Width
Depth

19 Hz - 100 Hz

≥ 108 dB SPL

≥ 113 dB SPL

≤ 15 dB

≤ 3 %
≤ 2 %

527 mm (20 3/4”)
462 mm (18 3/16”)
363 mm (14 5/16”)

CROSSOVER SECTION

SE7261A

Subsonic filter (18 dB/octave)
below

Crossover frequency, (sub/
main channels)

LFE cutoff Hz 85 Hz/120 Hz selectable

Bass Roll-Off control operating
range in 2 dB steps @
20 Hz

Phase matching control in
90° steps

Subwoofer Level control 0 to -18 dB

System Level control 0 to -35 dB in 5 dB steps

19 Hz

85 Hz default in stand-alone use

From 0 to –14 dB

From 0 to -270°

DSP SECTION

SE7261A

Digital audio input connectors 4 XLR female

Digital audio input impedance 110 Ohm

Digital audio output
connectors

Digital audio output
impedance

Digital audio format AES/EBU (AES3-2003)

Digital audio word length 16 bits, maximum 24 bits. Fixed point,

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

4 XLR male

110 Ohm

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

AES/EBU format

Single-Wire AES signals.

AMPLIFIER SECTI ON

SE7261A

Short term amplifier output
power (Long term output
power is limited by driver unit
protection circuitry)

Amplifier system distortion at
nominal output

THD

Mains voltage 100, 120, 220 or 230 V according to region

Voltage operating range ±10 %

Power consumption

Idle
Full output

120 W

≤ 0.05 %

15 VA
150 VA

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Designed to Adapt

Genelec Document D0082R002. Copyright Genelec Oy 12.2007. All data subject to change

750-SE7261A