How does the input sensitivity work on GENELEC loudspeakers?

The loudspeakers can be divided into different groups for the answer to this question. Just select the section below that applies to your loudspeaker. In all cases the input sensitivity can normally be left at the factory default setting of "-6dBu" (CAL position). Reasons for altering the input sensitivity are:

• The volume control is too "aggressive"
• You need to calibrate the volume control to a specific acoustic level in the room

The input sensitivities of the GENELEC range of loudspeakers should be sufficient for all applications especially when balanced line cables are used. If there is insufficient acoustic output level then the output of the preceding device should be checked and optimized. This output should generally be driven as high as possible prior to the onset of signal distortion so that any low level audible noise created in the cabling and source output is minimized. In all installations check that the cables are correctly wired and, where possible, use balanced lines to minimize induced noise and signal distortion. Even greater losses (and even tonal change) are possible if the negative connection has been left floating.

Select the loudspeaker type that you have:

Active 2-Way Loudspeakers

The loudspeakers in this group are:
6020A, HT206B, HT208B, HT210B, AIW25, AIW26, AIC25, 6040A

For maximum input sensitivity on these models the trimmer should be set to the CAL position, -6dBu. This will give an output of 100dB SPL at 1m when a -6dBu signal is presented to the balanced input. The minimum sensitivity available is +6dBu to give 100dB SPL at 1m.

The loudspeaker requiring the highest input voltage in the range is the HT210B as it is the loudest one:

Note that the 6020A does not have an input trimmer but has a front panel volume control instead. When this is set to maximum the input sensitivity is -6dBu = 100dB at 1m.

Active 3-Way Loudspeakers

The loudspeakers in this group are:
HT312B, HT315B, HT320BC and AOW312B, The input sensitivity is the same as for the 2-Way loudspeakers, as detailed above.

The loudspeaker requiring the highest input voltage in this range are the HT315B / HT320BC as they are the loudest ones:

Large Systems

The loudspeakers in this group are:
HT324A, HT324AC, HT330A, 1035B, and 1036A

The input sensitivity of the HT324A, HT324AC and HT330A is the same as for the 3-Way loudspeakers, as detailed above.

The 1035B and 1036A models have a higher input sensitivity than other models in the range so that the maximum SPL output can be achieved even with source equipment with low output levels. There is also an input attenuation switch that is factory set to 0dB (‘on’ position) therefore, if required, an additional 10dB of input sensitivity is available. The maximum input sensitivity is obtained when the input level trimmer is turned fully clockwise AND the input attenuation switch is set to 'on' position. With the input sensitivity controls set this way the acoustic output of each loudspeaker is 107dB SPL for an input level of -20dBu. Note that this makes the 1035B and 1036A, 21 dB more sensitive than the other loudspeakers in the GENELEC range when the sensitivities are set to the CAL position. However, the input sensitivity can also be set so that it matches the other loudspeakers in the GENELEC range by setting the input attenuation switch off and turning the trimmer anti-clockwise to read +5dBu.

Subwoofers

5050A, HTS3B, HTS4B and HTS6

The 5050A, HTS3B, HTS4B and HTS6 all have the same input sensitivity: -6dBu =100dB SPL@1m. This allows them to be easily matched to the other loudspeakers in the GENELEC range.