In Amsterdam, the well-known Finnish brand distributed in Italy by Prase Media Technologies presented new Smart IP speakers: a single Ethernet cable for Genelec quality audio
All connectivity needs on a single CAT cable: the new Genelec Smart IP 4420A and 4430A loudspeakers are the main novelties of the famous brand, on which interest in ISE 2020 has focused. Further step towards an ever more complete integration between IT and AV, these speakers use Ethernet as the only connectivity system. The 4420A model is the most compact, while the 4430A is the slightly larger version. The 4420 is 226 mm high and offers a frequency response of 55Hz-39kHz (-6 dB) thanks to a 4” woofer and a metal dome tweeter, with a maximum SPL of 100dB and Class D 50W amplifiers for each driver. The 4430, on the other hand, measures 285 mm and offers the same power with slightly higher acoustic performance.
Both models, however, are united by the use of Ethernet as a single connectivity technology. Power (PoE), audio signals, monitoring signals and management pass through a LAN cable. All this, according to Howard Jones, Genelec Marketing Director, “without compromising the quality of audio, which has always characterized our brand, nor the SPL. One of the main advantages of Smart IP speakers is that they can be easily integrated with digital control platforms. In short, in Smart Home and Smart Building environments, our new speakers are perfect.”
Moreover, Genelec also has Smart IP Manager, a control platform for installers and integrators, which allows the configuration of a very large number of environments and areas.
But at this point, a question arises: an audio protocol like Dante is still necessary, in the presence of Smart IP speakers? Howard Jones replies: “This is a somewhat technical question, but the answer is yes, first of all because we have designed these speakers with complete compatibility with both Dante and open IP standards, including AES67 and ST2110-30, and they are powered by PoE and PoE + formats. Dante remains the reference protocol for the world of audio signal distribution, a sort of ‘main manager’ to whom to entrust the keys to the system. During the design phase, it remains not only useful, but indispensable, for control and distribution. In addition, Smart IP technology supports uncompressed low latency audio streaming. The data flows can be managed both by the DanteController software and by the Dante Domain Manager software. This connection flexibility allows both the IP control of an analog source, and the use of analog audio as a backup.”
Genelec 4420A and 4430A have a recycled aluminum chassis, and are available, in addition to the classic black and white colors, also in 120 different RAL colors. The mounting accessories allow you to mount both models on the floor, ceiling or wall.
