Genelec adds in-ceiling and pendant models to its Smart IP family

Joining the existing 4410, 4420 and 4430 on-wall Smart IP speakers to provide a wider range of IP Solutions, Genelec has announced the release of the 4435A in-ceiling and 4436A pendant models. All speakers in the series can be freely combined on a network, and are compatible with both Dante and AES67 streams, deriving power via PoE or PoE+ formats.

As well as receiving both power and audio-over-IP, the 4435A and 4436A feature a rear-panel RJ45 connector which allows access to Genelec’s Smart IP Manager – a downloadable software tool that allows installers to configure an “almost unlimited” number of rooms, zones, loudspeakers and audio channels, and includes device discovery, a versatile room equalisation tool set, system organisation and status monitoring. A public API command set is said to allow easy integration with third-party automation systems or, for less complex Smart IP systems, Genelec’s Smart IP Controller mobile app can be used to provide the end user with basic control of key loudspeaker functions.

Both models share identical acoustic and electronic specifications, and feature proprietary internal power supply technology that stores power in order to produce 104dB of short-term SPL whenever needed. With support for uncompressed low-latency audio with loudspeaker synchronisation to sub-microsecond level for solid acoustic imaging, both models deliver a frequency response of 55Hz–39kHz via two independent internal 50W Class-D amplification stages – which drive a 5⅛-inch woofer and ¾-inch metal dome tweeter. According to the manufacturer, this active design provides both optimum audio performance and removes the need for bulky racks of external amplifiers and their associated cabling. Alongside the support for IP audio streams, analogue connectivity is also supported via a Euroblock connector, which can be used either as a failsafe backup or to enable IP control of an analogue source.

The 4436A is Genelec’s first pendant model, while the ultra-discreet 4435A supersedes the well-established AIC25 analogue-only in-ceiling model. Both models can be ordered in a variety of finishes: black or white for the 4436A, while the 4435A can be ordered with circular or square magnetic grilles, which come with a choice of black or white colour schemes.