Genelec delivers RAW power to B26 co-working space

“We needed to think about design and function as well as cutting edge technology,” explains JML-System’s Johnny Franzén. “As B26 is a very new concept, the client wanted assurances that we would not only provide the best of what is available todayin a style suited to the industrial feel of the building, but that it would also stand the test of time. We worked on the project for a long time before agreeing on the best way forward.”
 

“When itbecame clear that Genelec’sRAW finish was available, all the pieces fell into place,” he admits. “Visually, the RAW models with their ‘unfinished’ natural aluminium casings are a perfect fit for the old factory environment with its exposed bricks and ductwork. The fact that they are environmentally friendly was also a big plus point for B26, as part of their philosophy is to actively reduce their environmental impact.”
 

Genelec’s RAW models require no painting and less finishing material,for an even moreenvironmentally friendly solution. The speaker enclosures are already made from recycled aluminium, and the RAW option takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the material to give a uniquely nuanced finish for each loudspeaker. All RAW models feature Genelec’s Minimum  Diffraction  Enclosure  (MDE)  design,  whose  curved  form  delivers  incredibly  flat frequency response, precise imaging and unparalleled acoustical performance.
 

Aside from the aesthetics, the technical requirement was for a high quality audio system that would work at low levels during the day but could be turned up after hours to create a club-like, party atmosphere with no loss of quality.JML-System specified a multi-zone, distributed system based on 42 of the powerful 4040installation loudspeakers –the largest in the 4000 Series –and 20 of the compact 4020loudspeakers  for  the  smaller  areas.  There  is  also  a  pair  of 8050Bnearfield  studio loudspeakers that deliver cinema-quality audio for the drop-down projector screen in the main open plan meeting and social space,which incorporates a cleverly designed raked seating area.

“We opted for the 4040s in the larger areas as they are sufficiently powerful and develop enough low end that we didn’t need to supplement them with subwoofers,” says Franzén. “This saved on cost, space and also meant that we didn’t have to worry about uneven levelsor low-end hot spots. The 4040s have enough headroom to be used at pretty high levels to generate a real ‘club’ atmosphere after work, and still sound amazing. The smaller 4020s were perfect for the smaller spaces.”
 

In addition to audio quality, another major consideration for JML-System was the fact that the Genelec  4000  Series  loudspeakers  are  active.  “This  was  important  for  us  as  it  makes installation a lot simpler,” notes Franzén. “We don’t have to worry about extra cabling or finding room for amplifiers; everything you need is already in the box, and Genelec has a wide range of mounting accessories that are perfectly suited to most situations.”
 

In keeping with the modern industrial feel of the B26 premises, all of the loudspeaker cables are housed in shiny metal pipework which marries perfectly with the RAW recycled aluminium finish of the loudspeakers. Franzén is delighted with the results. “From an audio perspective, we know we can count on Genelec to deliver the highest quality, and it’s the case for B26. In partnership  with  our  subcontractor One4All  AB,  we’ve  delivered  a  flexible,  easy-to-use system  that  sounds  great  both  at  low  and  high  levels  with  no  hot  spots  or  dead  zones. However, I think the real plus for this installation was the RAW finish –it looks absolutely amazing,  and  it’s  an  even  more  environmentally  friendly  product  from  a  Scandinavian company that already ranks very high onthe sustainability scale. This was definitely what tipped the balance for B26,who are absolutely thrilled with the results at every level.”
 

About Genelec
Since the founding of Genelec in 1978, professional loudspeakers havebeen at the core of the business. An unrivalled commitment to research and development has resulted in a number of industry firsts and established Genelec  as  the  industry  leader  in  active loudspeakers. Over  forty  years  later  Genelec loudspeakerproducts remain true to the original philosophy, offering reliability, neutral sound reproduction regardless of size, as well as  the  ability  to  adapt  to  the  acoustic  conditions  of  the  listening  environment.  Genelec  customers  receive paramount  support  in  the  field,  from  acoustical  advice  and  calibration  services  to  technical  service  and  long product life span. Buying a Genelec product is a secure long-term investment in outstanding and reliable audioreproduction.