200 Genelec speakers drive SCUT research project

SCUT’s system uses a total of 200 Genelec 8010A compact speakers in a custom spherical installation, consisting of nine layers built on a frame just 2.25 metres in radius. The speakers are positioned so that the horizontal spacing of each speaker on a layer is the same, and the distance from every speaker to the centre of the sphere is also identical. Each speaker is fed by a single discrete channel, and the whole system is located in a semi-anechoic acoustic environment.

In such a large audio installation, it can be difficult to ensure that the sound reproduction is accurate enough to meet the strict requirements of experimental research. “The frequency response, sound quality and consistency of Genelec loudspeakers allow us to use them with confidence," comments Professor Zhao from SCUT.

The monitor loudspeakers placed on the control cabinet are used for switching and checking the signals of different channels.

SCUT’s audio installation was designed and installed by Digital Media Technology (DMT). "Only when the individual differences between speakers are small enough can the accuracy of experimental research be guaranteed,” explains DMT technical engineer Deng Zhuowen. “During the system debugging process, we measured the frequency response of each Genelec 8010 speaker one by one, and the results were highly consistent."

The loudspeakers are numbered one by one, and the corresponding position of the frame is also numbered.

With a setup involving so many speakers, total reliability and a low system noise floor are also crucial. "In 2016, we participated in an experimental installation project using 100 Genelec loudspeakers, and the success of that project gave us enough confidence in Genelec,” revealed Deng Zhuowen. “A system of 200 speakers is obviously more challenging, but we chose the most reasonable transmission mode – coupled with the excellent performance of Genelec speakers – to ensure that the final results were in full compliance with experimental research standards.”

As part of the project, the system needs to operate in different acoustic environments, so DMT’s engineering team carefully designed the structure of the installation. Each 8010 speaker can be easily removed and re-installed, and the spherical frame can be quickly moved and rebuilt. Amazingly, the entire sphere can also be suspended – so the compact size, light weight and excellent sound performance made the 8010 a perfect choice for this project!