Genelec AIW25 User manual

Genelec AIW25
Active In-Wall Loudspeaker
Operating Manual
AIW25

Genelec AIW25 Active In-Wall Loudspeaker
EC Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that the Genelec AIW25 Active In-Wall
Loudspeaker conforms to the following standards:
Safety:
EN / IEC 60065
EMC:
EN 55020
EN 55013
EN 61000-3-2
EN 61000-3-3
The product herewith complies with the requirements of
The Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, EMC Directive
89/336/EEC and 93/68/EEC
Signed:
Ilpo Martikainen
Position: Chairman of the Board
Date: 7-November-2006
The Genelec AIW25 Active In-Wall loud-
speaker system consists of a two-way loud-
speaker enclosure and a matched remote
amplifier module, RAM2.It has been designed
to the same rigorous standards as Genelec’s
high-performance HT series active Home
Theater loudspeakers. No other in-wall loud-
speaker in this size class can match the low
distortion, neutrality and high sound pressure
capability of Genelec AIW25. The AIW25 can
be used in the most demanding applications,
like the main L-C-R array of a Home Theater
system, critical Stereo listening or rear/side
channels of a medium sized, state-of-the-art
Home Theater.
Unpacking
A Genelec AIW25 set includes the following
items. Check that nothing is missing or dam-
aged in transit. If there is a problem with the
product, contact your local Genelec dealer.
• AIW25 loudspeaker enclosure.
• Grill insert
• AIW25 cardboard cut-out template
• Loudspeaker painting mask
• RAM2 amplifier unit
• Mains power cable
• Two M4 Phillips 2 screws
• This Operating Manual
Installation
Genelec recommends that you use the serv-
ices of an authorized installation specialist or
other competent and experienced installation
company for the installation of the AIW25
system. Ask your local Genelec dealer for
recommended installation companies in your
region.
Matching loudspeakers and
amplifiers
Each AIW25 loudspeaker has been factory
calibrated for optimum performance with
the RAM2 amplifier it is shipped with. Never
mix these matched amplifier-loudspeaker
systems in the installation process. The
matching units are marked with the same ID
number.
Loudspeaker placement
Genelec AIW25 loudspeakers are equipped
with Genelec’s proprietary Directivity Con-
trol Waveguide™ (DCW™). One of the main
characteristics of the DCW™ technology is
that the loudspeakers give a very even and
consistent frequency response over a large
listening area. A secondary function of the
DCW™ is to reduce the off-axis radiated
sound energy, thereby minimizing the reflec-
tions from the side walls, floor and ceiling.
This results in a precise and stable sound
image.
If the AIW25 loudspeakers are used in an
application where their capability for precise
sound imaging is needed, such as the front
channels of a Surround Sound system or
a Stereo system, we recommend that the
loudspeakers are placed as far away from
corners or other walls and reflective sur-
faces as possible. The loudspeakers should
be placed symmetrically in relation to the
listening position and there should be no
obstructions between the loudspeaker and
the listener. This guarantees clear dialogue
in films and a good sound stage image with
music. Figure 2 shows a Left-Center-Right
arrangement that works well both as Sur-
round Sound front channels and a Stereo
pair.
If you prefer a diffuse sound field, which is
less critical to the listening position and gives
only a vague sense of direction, for instance
in a rear/side channel setup in a Home
Theater system, you may actually benefit
from the acoustical reflections from nearby
boundaries. In this case, place the loud-
speakers close to the ceiling or another wall,
or have them face away from the listening
position, so that the proportion of reflected
sound increases.

Figure 2. Front loudspeaker placement
Figure 3. Connecting the loudspeaker cable
Cable gauge Max. length
2,0 mm2(14 AWG) 30 m (100 ft)
3,3 mm2(12 AWG) 40 m (130 ft)
5,3 mm2(10 AWG) 60 m (200 ft)
Table 1. Recommended cable thicknesses for
different lengths of cable
Figure 4. Screws for tightening the
mounting tabs are located at each corner
of the front baffle
Figure 1. RAM2 amplifier back panel view
Cabling
The RAM2 amplifier unit has separate power
amplifiers for the tweeter and woofer. Accord-
ingly, a 4-conductor cable needs to be run
between the amplifier and the loudspeaker
enclosure. Two cable connectors are supplied
with the loudspeaker system, a six-pole con-
nector to fit the connector on the amplifier and
a four-pole connector to fit the respective input
on the top of the loudspeaker enclosure.
Attach the cables to the green connectors
provided with the kit. Be sure to maintain cor-
rect polarity when connecting the cables and
be extra careful not to mix the tweeter and
woofer cables. The correct pin sequences
are marked on the amplifier and loudspeaker
enclosure. Starting from the top, the first two
poles on the amplifier connector are for the 12
V remote control voltage, pole 3 for tweeter -,
pole 4 for tweeter +, pole 5 for woofer - and
pole 6 for woofer +. Respectively, the pole
sequence on the loudspeaker connector is
1 tweeter -, 2 tweeter +, 3 woofer - and 4
woofer +. Secure the cable to the strain relief
tie next to the loudspeaker connector.
Use a good quality 4-conductor cable and
make the cable runs as short as possible.
See Table 1 for recommended cable gauges.
The connectors accept a cable up to 6 mm2
(9 gauge) thick.
If you are installing the AIW25 enclosure to
an existing wall, examine the walls thoroughly
for the shortest and least obstructed cable
route. Be careful to avoid cutting or drilling
into electrical wires, ventilation or water pipes.
These are often visible in the attic, basement
or crawl space below the floor. All of this is
of course much easier when the installation
takes place in an unfinished wall where the
wall structure is still open. In both cases it is
a good idea to route the loudspeaker cables
away from electric, video or phone cables,
which might induce hum into the loudspeaker
system.
Painting the loudspeakers
The loudspeaker enclosure flange and the
metal mesh grill can be spray painted to match
the wall colour. Do not paint the loudspeaker
front baffle and drivers, or try to paint the grill
while it is attached to the loudspeaker. Paint
the enclosure and the grill separately with a
thin spray. Do not use brushes or rollers. Be
careful to avoid clogging the grill with paint.
Attach the cardboard painting mask on the
loudspeaker front baffle before spraying the
loudspeaker to protect the drivers and front
baffle from smearing.
Installing the AIW25
loudspeaker enclosure
For new construction installs, we recommend
planning the loudspeaker placement at an
early stage and using the optional Genelec
New Construction Brackets (order code 272-
0030) for marking the desired locations. The
brackets can be nailed or screwed to the
studs to show the drywall installers the places
where holes for the loudspeakers are to be
located.
When installing the enclosure in an existing
wall, use the cardboard wall cut-out template
to find the best location. The template also
shows the position of the loudspeaker drivers
and acoustic axis, so you can easily find the
placement that brings them to the optimum
position as outlined in chapter “Loudspeaker
placement”.
Examine the wall structure carefully to find
a clearly unobstructed location for the loud-
speaker. The loudspeaker enclosure requires
a minimum of 98 millimeters (3 27/32”) of free
depth measured from the outer surface of the

Figure 6. Installing the RAM2 amplifier
module to the optional RM2 rack mount
adapter.
Figure 5. Installing the metal support to
the RAM2 amplifier module for placement
on a solid aurface.
sheetrock. Also note that the enclosure flange
is wider and taller than the hole and requires
about 20 millimeters (3/4”) of smooth wall sur-
face around all sides of the hole.
When you have found a good location,
check that the template is level and trace the
hole onto the wall with a pencil along the out-
line of the template. If you are not sure that the
chosen part of wall is free from obstructions,
you can start by making a smaller hole at the
center of the marked area through which you
can probe the inside of the wall. Use a dry-
wall saw and make the first cut at a 45° angle
toward the center of the hole so you can put
the cut piece back in if the location is unsuita-
ble. If you find no obstructions, you can make
the final cut along the marked lines.
If you have already connected the RAM2
amplifier units to the decoder or other signal
source, select the loudspeaker enclosure that
has the same ID number as the amplifier it will
be driven by. Connect the loudspeaker cables
as described above in chapter “Cabling”.
Lift the AIW25 enclosure into the hole and
turn the Phillips 2 screws in each corner of
the front baffle clockwise so that the mount-
ing tabs rotate outwards. Continue tighten-
ing the screws until the sheetrock is firmly
clamped between the mounting tabs and the
enclosure flange. If necessary, a secondary
support line can be attached to the tab on the
top side of the enclosure.
Connecting the RAM2
amplifier
The RAM2 amplifier is designed to be con-
nected to a line level output of a preamplifier,
Surround Sound processor or other low level
source. NOTE! Never connect the RAM2 to a
loudspeaker level output of a power amplifier!
Check that the amplifier’s serial number
matches that of the AIW25 loudspeaker
enclosure which it will power. If the loud-
speaker enclosures are not yet installed,
make a note of which amplifier is connected
to each channel so you can find the correct
AIW25 loudspeaker cabinet for every ampli-
fier. Connect the 12 V remote control cables
and loudspeaker cables as described above
in chapter “Cabling”.
The RAM2 has two parallel 10 kOhm input
connectors: a balanced female XLR and an
unbalanced RCA. There is also a male XLR
connector that can be used for daisy-chain-
ing several systems together. For long cable
connection lengths (>10 m or >30 ft) a bal-
anced line connection is recommended as
it offers better immunity to external interfer-
ence. However, the RCA connection method
is more commonly available and usually
works as well for shorter connection lengths
in less electrically noisy environments. Do
not use both inputs at the same time. Consult
your Genelec dealer for the choice of signal
cables.
Space requirement for the
RAM2 amplifier
The dual 40 W power amplifiers of a RAM2
unit generate a considerable amount of heat
when used at full power. To avoid overheat-
ing, ensure that there is good airflow around
the amplifier and no external heat sources
close to it. We recommend installing the
RAM2 into a well ventilated equipment rack
using its dedicated RM2 rack mount kit which
allows airflow through the ventilation holes
on the bottom and top of the amplifier box.
The amplifier must always be installed in an
upright position, never flat on its side.
Sufficient cooling for the amplifier must be
arranged at all times. As a general rule, the
ambient temperature around the amplifier
must not exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).
The ventilation openings on the amplifier
box must not be blocked and a free space of
1 U (=1.75" or 45 mm) must be left above the
amplifier when installed. This space must be
sufficiently ventilated to maintain the temper-
ature below the aforementioned maximum
level.
If the RAM2 amplifier is placed on a
shelf or other solid surface, the metal sup-
port provided with the amplifier must be
attached to the lower part of the amplifier
front panel with an M4 screw. This improves
the stability of the amplifier and provides
sufficient clearance for air circulation below
the amplifier.
Mounting the RAM2 amplifier
to an equipment rack
We recommend that you use the Genelec
RM2 rack mount adapter when installing the
RAM2 amplifier in an equipment rack. Make
sure that the space above and below the
RAM2 is uncluttered and there is a space
of 100 mm (4”) or more behind the ampli-
fier. The space behind the amplifier must be
well ventilated. If the temperature inside the
rack is likely to rise close to RAM2’s maxi-
mum ambient temperature of 35° C (95° F),
we recommend installing ventilation fans to
ensure that the thermal protection is not acti-
vated prematurely.
Attach the RAM2 to the RM2 rack mount
with two M4 screws provided with the rack
mount kit. The screws go through the holes
on the front panel of the amplifier. Each RM2
can take eight RAM2 amplifiers. Blanking
plates are provided to cover empty spaces in
the rack if fewer RAM2’s are installed.
Setting the input sensitivity
The input sensitivity of each loudspeaker
can be made to match that of the decoder
or other source by use of the input sensitiv-
ity control on the amplifier’s front panel. A
small screwdriver is needed for the adjust-
ment. The manufacturer default setting for
this control is -6 dBu (fully clockwise) which
gives SPL of 100 dB @1m with -6 dBu input
level. Note that to get the full output level of
100 dB SPL per unit, an input level of +4
dBu (1.22 V) is needed in this setting. Most
pre-amplifiers are capable of this output
level.

Bass Tilt Treble Tilt
Half space factory default setting 0 dB (All OFF) 0 dB (All OFF)
Well damped (dead sounding) room 0 dB (All OFF) 0 dB (All OFF)
Normal room 0 dB (All OFF) ON
Highly reflective (live sounding) room -2 dB ON ON
Double corner (wall/wall or wall/ceiling) placement -2 dB ON 0 dB (All OFF)
Triple corner (wall/wall/ceiling) -4 dB ON 0 dB (All OFF)
Table 2. Suggested Tone Control settings for some typical situations
Setting the room response
controls
The acoustic response of the system may
have to be adjusted to match the acoustic
environment and personal taste. See Table
2 for suggested room response control set-
tings in differing acoustic environments. If the
sound is found subjectively too bright, set
‘TREBLE TILT’ to “ON” (-2 dB), if too bass
heavy, you can choose between three attenu-
ation levels (-2, -4 or -6 dB) by switching on
the corresponding ‘BASS TILT’ switch.
The "BASS ROLL-OFF" switch activates
an 85 Hz high-pass filter, which can be used
for matching the loudspeaker response
to a correspondingly low-pass filtered
subwoofer.
The manufacturer default settings for all
controls are ‘All Off’ to give a flat response
in half space, i.e. when the loudspeaker has
been installed in a wall. Always start adjust-
ment by setting all switches to the ‘OFF’
position. The "BASS TILT" switches are not
cumulative. If more than one switch is set to
‘ON’ the attenuation value is not accurate.
Using Autostart and Remote
Control functions
In daily use, the RAM2 amplifier can be
switched to Standby mode to save energy by
activating the signal sensing Autostart func-
tion or by using a 12 V trigger voltage from
the decoder. If the system is left unused for
several days, we recommend that you power
it down using the RAM2’s main power switch
or a central power switch if one has been
installed.
The Autostart function is activated by turn-
ing switch 2 (AUTOSTART) on the amplifier
front panel to “ON”. Autostart turns the ampli-
fier to “STANDBY” mode if there is no signal
present for about 30 minutes.When the signal
returns the amplifier switches on immediately
and the loudspeaker functions normally.
If you are using a 12 V trigger type
remote control to switch the RAM2 between
“STANDBY” or “ON” modes (see chapter
“Connecting the RAM2 amplifier”), turn switch
1 (REMOTE CONTROL), on the amplifier
panel to “ON”. This activates the remote
control function. In this setting the remote
control will override the Autostart function. If
you want to use Autostart, turn the “REMOTE
CONTROL” switch to “OFF”.
Status indicator LED
The status indicator LED on the RAM2
changes colour to indicate amplifier status.
If the LED is yellow, it indicates that the
amplifier is in “STANDBY” mode. When the
amplifier is switched to “ON” mode, the LED
changes to green colour.
Automatic protection circuits
The AIW25 system has protection circuits
against loudspeaker driver thermal overload
and amplifier overheating. The protection
system resets automatically so the user only
has to turn the input level down to ensure that
it does not reactivate.
Driver thermal overload protection pro-
tects the drivers from damage caused by
prolonged overdriving with excessively high
or distorted signal. If this occurs, the circuit
automatically reduces playback volume. To
avoid this, lower the listening volume if the
sound becomes harsh and distorted at high
sound pressure levels.
When activated, the amplifier thermal
protection mutes the amplifier for very short
periods of time, making the sound harsh
and distorted. Let the amplifier cool down
and check that there is sufficient clearance
around the amplifier for cooling (see chap-
ters “Space requirement for the RAM2 ampli-
fier” and “Mounting the RAM2 amplifier to an
equipment rack” above). If the problem per-
sists, consult your Genelec dealer or Home
Theater Installation company for an improved
cooling solution for your equipment cabinet
or rack.
Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts within
the loudspeaker or the amplifier. Any mainte-
nance or repair should only be undertaken by
qualified service personnel.
Safety considerations
• Do not expose the loudspeaker or ampli-
fier to water or moisture. Do not place any
objects filled with liquid, such as vases on or
near them.
• Do not place naked flame sources like
lighted candles on or near the loudspeaker
or amplifier.
• Servicing and adjustment must only be
performed by qualified service personnel.
• Opening the amplifier is strictly prohibited
except by qualified service personnel.
• Always use a mains power connection
and cable with protective earth. Failing to do
this may lead to personal injury.
• Note that the amplifier is not completely
disconnected from the AC mains service
unless the mains power cord is removed
from the amplifier or the mains outlet.
• Switch off the mains power from the ampli-
fier if the system is not used for long periods
of time.
WARNING!
This equipment is capable of delivering Sound
Pressure Levels in excess of 85 dB, which
may cause permanent hearing damage.
Guarantee
This product is supplied with a two year guar-
antee against manufacturing faults or defects
that might alter the performance of the unit.
Refer to supplier for full sales and guarantee
terms.

AIW25 Operating Manual
Genelec Document D0064R001. Copyright Genelec Oy 11.2006. All data subject to change without prior notice www.genelec.com
International enquiries:
Genelec, Olvitie 5
FIN-74100, Iisalmi, Finland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
In the U.S. please contact:
Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle
Natick, MA 01760, USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
In Sweden please contact
Genelec Sverige
Ellipsvägen 10B
P.O. Box 5521, S-141 05 Huddinge
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
In China please contact:
Beijing Genelec Audio Co. Ltd.
Jianwai SOHO, Tower 12, Room 2306
39 East 3rd Ring Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100022, China
Phone [phone], Fax [phone]
AmplIfIeR SectIoN
SyStem SpecIfIcAtIoNS
AIW25
Lower cut-off frequency, –3 dB ≤68 Hz
Upper cut-off frequency, –3 dB > 20 kHz
Free field frequency response 70 Hz – 18 kHz (± 2.5 dB)
Maximum short term sine wave acoustic
output on axis in half space, averaged from
100 Hz to 3 kHz
@ 1 m > 100 dB SPL
Maximum peak acoustic output per pair with
music material
@ 1 m > 110 dB SPL
Self generated noise level in half space at 1 m
on axis (A-weighted)
≤10 dB
Harmonic distortion at 85 dB SPL
at 1 m on axis
Freq: 70…200 Hz
> 200 Hz
< 3%
< 0.5 %
Drivers
Bass
Treble
130 mm (5") cone
19 mm (3/4") metal dome
Weight
Loudspeaker cabinet
Amplifier
3.7 kg (8.1 lb)
2.2 kg (4.8 lb)
Dimensions
Loudspeaker cabinet max. height
Loudspeaker cabinet max. width
Loudspeaker cabinet max. depth
Cutout height
Cutout width
Minimum free depth measured from the
surface of the wall
Amplifier height
Amplifier width
Amplifier depth*
*Note that the cable connectors require at
least 100 mm (4”) of space behind the
amplifier
360 mm (143/16”)
267 mm (101/2”)
104 mm (43/32”)
334 mm (135/32”)
240 mm (97/16”)
98 mm (327/32”)
177 mm (631/32”) (4U)
54 mm (21/8”)
260 mm (101/4”)
AIW25
Bass amplifier short term output power
Treble amplifier short term output power
(Long term output power is limited by driver
unit protection circuitry)
40 W at 8 Ohm load
40 W at 8 Ohm load
Amplifier system THD at nominal output ≤0.08 %
Mains voltage 100, 120 or 230 V
Power consumption (average)
Idle
Full output
10 VA
80 VA
Recommended loudspeaker cable gauge 0.8 to 5.0 mm2
(18 to 10 AWG)
Standby/On switching by signal sensing Autostart function or +12 V DC
remote control
cRoSSoVeR SectIoN
AIW25
Connectors:
XLR female input, balanced 10 kOhm
RCA female input, unbalanced 10 kOhm
“LINK OUT” XLR male output, balanced
10 kOhm
pin 1 gnd, pin 2 +, pin 3 -
pin +, ring gnd
pin 1 gnd, pin 2 +, pin 3 -
Input level for 100 dB SPL output at 1 m -6 dBu
Input Sensitivity adjustment range +6 dBu to -6 dBu
Crossover frequency, Bass/Treble 3.0 kHz
Treble Tilt control operating range 0 to –2 dB @ 15 kHz
Bass Tilt control operating range in –2 dB
steps
From 0 to -6 dB @ 100 Hz
Bass Roll-Off control -6 dB @ 85 Hz
The ‘CAL’ position is with all tone controls set to ‘off’ and the input sensitivity
control to maximum (fully clockwise).
Figure 7. The main dimensions of the AIW25 loudspeaker cabinet Figure 8. The main dimensions of the RAM2 amplifier