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Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW?

markylarky, modified 10 Years ago.

Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW?

Youngling Posts: 4 Join Date: 4/15/13 Recent Posts
http://www.genelec.com/products/1032a/
http://www.genelec.com/products/1037c/
http://www.genelec.com/products/1038cf/

If I place the monitors mentioned above horizontally and not rotate the DCW, will it hurt the sound quality or make the output sound weird?

I might buy these monitors and use them horizontally but I don't wish to tweak its cabinet as I don't want to damage it. But if not rotating the DCW really screws up the sound, then is rotating the DCW a simple task?
1038, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Jedi Master Posts: 340 Join Date: 4/6/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

No 2 way speakers should be placed on their sides, the sound wont be screwed up (you will see many instances of studios using 2 ways on their sides on the net) you will simply end up with a steep cancellation at the crossover frequency as that specific frequency is now arriving at you ears at different times due to the unequal distance to your ears from the 2 drivers. Listen at home/work to your current 2 ways and see if you can hear the difference... It is a problem with all 2 way speakers, the crossover is typically around 2Kz and at these frequencies it is likely that the time difference from the 2 drivers will cause a cancellation.
ilkka-rissanen, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

1037C and 1038CF can be placed on their sides if the DCWs are rotated. Rotating them doesn't damage the speaker if done carefully. The procedure involves unscrewing a few hex bolts, pulling the DCW out and rotating it to new orientation, and screwing back the bolts. It would be beneficial to have a friend who has done it earlier to assist you for the first time.
markylarky, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Youngling Posts: 4 Join Date: 4/15/13 Recent Posts
1038, then why would studios place their 2-ways on their sides if this cancellation occurs?

Ilkka, sounds simple but I still wouldn't dare. But what about 2-ways like the 8000 series and 1032a placed on their sides? Is it OK? I think for the 8000 series, Genelec even advertise the Iso-Pod as being able to support the 8000 series monitors on their sides.
1038, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Jedi Master Posts: 340 Join Date: 4/6/09 Recent Posts
Many studios do this out of the need for space and simply habit sometimes. It is simple physics and widely understood.. The reason Genelec allow the Iso Pod to accept horizontal installations is that some people want to install their speakers horizontally.

IF you can rotate your speaker when horizontal to have the same distance from each driver to your ears there wont be a problem IF you don't move, however in the real world engineers/producers/musicians move left and right. As you move off axis the problem appears. With the speaker placed vertically, you can move around in your workspace without these problems.

If you don't believe it, find out the cross over of your current speakers set up a tone generator to play that frequency and have a listen :)

see attached image

markylarky, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Youngling Posts: 4 Join Date: 4/15/13 Recent Posts
Well I just realized the 3-way monitors are too big for my setup.

So it's the 2-way 8000 series and 1032a.

So let me get this straight. Placing these 2-ways on their sides won't screw up the sound? Unless you're serious about monitoring, the cancellation issue won't matter?

The only reason I want to buy these monitors is to pair them with my Bluetooth DAC. I'm not going to do monitoring. They're just for some serious listening to music. And Genelec has some cool-looking subs too.

One more thing. Would you rotate the DCW for the 1032a if it were just for listening to music?
ilkka-rissanen, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

There is no benefit to rotate the DCW in 1032A because it is symmetrical in both directions.
markylarky, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Youngling Posts: 4 Join Date: 4/15/13 Recent Posts
Alright thanks. I can decide on my own now.
1038, modified 10 Years ago.

Re: Will the output sound be weird if I don't rotate the DCW

Jedi Master Posts: 340 Join Date: 4/6/09 Recent Posts
So let me get this straight. Placing these 2-ways on their sides won't screw up the sound? Unless you're serious about monitoring, the cancellation issue won't matter?

One more thing. Would you rotate the DCW for the 1032a if it were just for listening to music?


just to make it absolutely clear, it is not just Genelec 2 ways... It is any 2 way, active or passive...

The cancellation issue is frequency specific with a very narrow notch, how noticeable it is will be content dependant, this is why I recommended you listen to your current speakers in different orientations. It is also only evident as you move off axis, if you don't move much side to side there wont be a problem.

The only benefit from rotating the DCW on the 2 way, is the orientation of the Genelec badge...