4020C - Monitor GENELEC - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Active Studio Monitor
Model	4020C
Brand	Genelec
Driver Configuration	Two-way: 4" woofer, 0.75" tweeter
Frequency Response	56 Hz - 24 kHz (-6 dB)
Amplifier Power	50 W per channel (woofer and tweeter)
Maximum SPL	100 dB SPL @ 1m (peak)
Input Connectors	1x XLR balanced, 1x RCA unbalanced
Input Impedance	10 kOhm (balanced), 10 kOhm (unbalanced)
Controls	Volume, bass tilt, treble tilt, desktop reflex
Dimensions (H x W x D)	245 x 151 x 134 mm (9.6 x 5.9 x 5.3 in)
Weight	3.2 kg (7.1 lb) per speaker
Power Consumption	Idle: 10 W, Max: 80 W
Power Supply	Internal, 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Enclosure Type	MDF with protective metal grille
Cabinet Color	Black or white (optional)
Mounting Options	Rubber feet, threaded mounting point (M6)
Room Compensation	Onboard dip switches for bass and treble
Protection	Overload, thermal, short-circuit
Recommended Placement	Near-field, on stands or desk (with isolation pads)
Accessories Included	Power cable, user manual, rubber feet
Standards Compliance	CE, FCC, RoHS

Frequently Asked Questions - 4020C GENELEC

What is the recommended distance between the 4020C monitors and the listener?

For optimal near-field monitoring, position the speakers 0.5 to 1.5 meters from your listening position. The acoustic axis should be at ear level.

How do I connect the Genelec 4020C to an audio interface?

Use a balanced XLR cable from your interface's output to the monitor's XLR input. Alternatively, an RCA cable can be used for unbalanced connections, but XLR is preferred for noise rejection.

Can I wall-mount the 4020C?

Yes, the monitor has a threaded M6 mounting point on the bottom. Use a compatible wall mount bracket and ensure the mount supports at least 4 kg per speaker.

What do the 'Bass Tilt' and 'Treble Tilt' switches do?

These switches adjust the speaker's frequency response to compensate for room acoustics. The Bass Tilt attenuates or boosts lows, while Treble Tilt adjusts highs. Refer to the manual for recommended settings based on placement.

How to clean the Genelec 4020C?

Unplug the monitor before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid water, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. The grille can be vacuumed gently with a brush attachment.

Is the 4020C suitable for mixing and mastering?

Yes, it offers accurate sound reproduction with a flat frequency response, making it ideal for critical listening in home studios. However, for mastering, you may need additional subwoofer for extended low-end.

What is the warranty period for the 4020C?

Genelec typically offers a 5-year warranty for active monitors. Check your local dealer or the official Genelec website for specific terms and conditions.

Can I use the 4020C as a center channel in a surround setup?

Yes, but note that it is a horizontal design. Place it vertically for optimal stereo imaging. For horizontal placement, the tweeter should be aligned with ear height.

How to reduce hiss or background noise from the monitors?

Ensure proper grounding and use balanced cables. Check gain staging: keep input levels reasonable. If hiss persists, the monitor may have a ground loop; try a ground lift adapter or different power outlet.

What size subwoofer pairs well with the 4020C?

Genelec recommends the 7040A subwoofer for the 4020C. It has a 6.5-inch driver and crossing over at 85 Hz, seamlessly extending the low-frequency response down to 30 Hz.

USER MANUAL 4020C GENELEC

Close-up of a textured surface with hexagonal patterns and a smooth curved edge (no text or symbols)

General

The bi-amplified Genelec 4020C is an extremely compact two way active loudspeaker designed for fixed installations. As an active loudspeaker, it contains drivers, power amplifiers, active crossover filters and protection circuitry. The 4020C is designed for indoor use only, in temperatures between 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 20 % and 90 %.

The MDE ^TM (Minimum Diffraction Enclosure ^TM ) loudspeaker enclosure is made of die-cast aluminium and shaped to reduce edge diffraction. Combined with the advanced Directivity Control Waveguide ^TM (DCW ^TM ), this design provides excellent frequency balance in difficult acoustic environments.

Positioning the loudspeaker

Each 4020C is supplied with an integrated amplifier unit, mains cable, a 3-pin balanced Euroblock connector for audio signal, a keyhole type wall-mount and an operating manual. After unpacking, place the loudspeaker in its required listening position, taking note of the line of the acoustic axis. The axis should be pointed towards the center of the listening area.

Connections

Before connecting up, ensure that the loudspeakers and the signal source have been switched off. The power switch of the 4020C is located on the back panel (see Figure 3). Connect the loudspeaker to an earthed mains connection with the supplied mains cable. Never connect the loudspeaker to an unearthed mains supply or using an unearthed mains cable. Audio input is via a 10 kOhm balanced connector. The pin sequence of the connector is shown in Figure 2.

4020C

Active Loudspeaker

Connect the signal cable to the 3-pole plug provided with the loudspeaker and secure the connections by tightening the screws on each pole. Push the plug into the connector on the loudspeaker.

If you want to daisy-chain multiple loudspeakers, simply connect a second signal cable to the plug and use it to route the signal to the next loudspeaker (see Figure 4).

Never connect the 4020C to the loudspeaker outputs of a power amplifier or an integrated amplifier or receiver.

Once the connections have been made, the loudspeakers are ready to be switched on.

ISS™ Autostart

The automatic power saving function ISS (Intelligent Signal Sensing) can be activated by setting the “ISS” switch on the back panel to “ON.” Automatic powering down to standby mode happens after a certain time when playback has ended. The power consumption in standby mode is typically less than 0.5 watts. Playback will automatically resume once an input signal is detected from the source.

There is a slight delay in the automatic powering up. If this is undesirable, the ISS ^TM function can be disabled by setting the “ISS” switch on the back panel to “OFF.” In this mode, the loudspeaker is powered on and off using the power switch on the back panel.

Figure 1: Location of the acoustic axis

Level control

The input sensitivity of the loudspeaker can be matched to the output of the signal source by adjusting the level control on the rear panel.

Setting the tone controls

The frequency response of the Genelec 4020C can be adjusted to match the acoustic environment by setting the tone control switches on the rear panel. The controls are “Treble Tilt”, “Bass Tilt” and “Bass Roll-Off”. An acoustic measuring system such as WinMLS or comparable is recommended for analyzing the effects of the adjustments, however, careful listening with suitable test recordings can also lead to good results if a test system is not available. Table 1 shows some examples of typical settings in various situations.

Figure 5 shows the effect of the controls on the anechoic response.

Treble Tilt

The Treble Tilt control (switch 2) boosts the treble response of the loudspeaker at frequencies above 4 kHz by +2 dB, which can be used for compensating for the high frequency loss occurring at long listening distance, off-axis listening or when the loudspeaker is placed behind a screen or decorative cloth.

Bass Tilt

The Bass Tilt control offers three attenuation levels for the bass response of the loudspeaker below 2 kHz, usually necessary when the loudspeakers are placed near a wall or other room boundaries.

Loudspeaker Mounting Position Treble Tilt Bass Tilt Bass Roll-Off
Flat anechoic response OFF OFF OFF
Free standing in a damped room OFF OFF OFF
Free standing in a reverberant room OFF -2 dB OFF
Near field or desktop OFF -4 dB OFF
Near to a wall	OFF -6 dB	OFF

Table 1: Suggested tone control settings for differing acoustical environments

The attenuation levels are -2 dB (switch 4 "ON"), -4 dB (switch 5 "ON") and -6 dB (both switches "ON").

Bass Roll-Off

Bass Roll-Off (switch 3) activates a -4 dB filter to the lowest bass frequencies (65 Hz). This can be used for compensating excessively heavy bass reproduction typically caused by loudspeaker placement near room boundaries.

The factory setting for all tone controls is “OFF” to give a flat anechoic response. Always start adjustment by setting all switches to “OFF” position. Measure or listen systematically through the different combinations of settings to find the best frequency balance.

Mounting considerations

Align the loudspeakers correctly

Always place the loudspeakers so that their acoustic axes (see figure 1) are aimed towards the center of the listening area. Only vertical placement is preferred, as it minimises acoustical cancellation problems around the crossover frequency.

Minimise reflections

Acoustic reflections from objects close to the loudspeakers like walls, cabinets etc. can cause unwanted colouration or blurring of the sound image. These can be minimised by placing the loudspeaker clear of reflective surfaces.

Minimum clearances

Sufficient clearance for cooling of the amplifier and functioning of the reflex port must be ensured if the loudspeaker is installed in a restricted space such as a cabinet or integrated into a wall structure. The surroundings of the loudspeaker must always be open to the listening room with a minimum clearance of 3 centimeters ( 1^3/_16 ) behind, above and on both sides of the loudspeaker. The space adjacent to the amplifier must either be ventilated or sufficiently large to dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature does not rise above 35 degrees Celsius (95°F)

Mounting options

The Genelec 4020C offers several mounting options: On the base of the loudspeaker is a 3/8" UNC threaded hole compatible with a standard microphone stand. On the rear there are two M6x10 mm threaded holes for Omnimount ^® size

20.5 brackets or the keyhole wall mount adapter provided with the loudspeaker. See Genelec Accessories Catalogue on www.genelec.com for a complete list of mounting hardware options.

Maintenance

No user serviceable parts are to be found within the amplifier unit. Any maintenance or repair of the 4020C unit should only be undertaken by qualified service personnel.

Safety considerations

Although the 4020C has been designed in accordance with international safety standards, the following warnings and cautions should be observed to ensure safe operation and to maintain the loudspeaker under safe operating conditions:

• Servicing and adjustment must only be performed by qualified service personnel. The loudspeaker must not be opened.
• Do not use this product with an unearthed mains cable or an unearthed mains connection as this may compromise electrical safety.
• Do not expose the loudspeaker to water or moisture. Do not place any objects filled with liquid, such as vases on the loudspeaker or near it.
• This loudspeaker is capable of producing sound pressure levels in excess of 85 dB, which may cause permanent hearing damage.
• Free flow of air behind the loudspeaker is necessary to maintain sufficient cooling. Do not obstruct airflow around the loudspeaker.

- 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.

Guarantee

This product is guaranteed for a period of two years against faults in materials or workmanship.

Refer to supplier for full sales and guarantee terms.

Compliance to FCC rules

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

Figure 5. The curves show the effect of the "Bass Tilt", "Treble Tilt" and "Bass Roll-Off" controls on the free field response of the 4020C.

Figure 6. Frequency responses at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degree angles and power response in full space. Input level -20 dBu.

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Lower cut-off frequency, -6 dB: ≤ 56 Hz

Upper cut-off frequency, -6 dB: ≥ 25 kHz

Accuracy of frequency response:

$$ 6 2 \mathrm{Hz} - 2 0 \mathrm{kHz} (\pm 2. 5 \mathrm{dB}) $$

Maximum short term sine wave acoustic output on axis in half space, averaged from 100 Hz to 3 kHz:

$$ @ 1 \mathrm{m} \geq 1 0 0 \mathrm{dB} \text { SPL } $$

Maximum long term RMS acoustic output in same conditions with IEC weighted noise (limited by driver unit protection circuit): @ 1 m ≥ 93 dB SPL

Maximum peak acoustic output per pair @ 1 m distance with music material: ≥ 107 dB

Self generated noise level in free field @ 1 m on axis: < 5 dB (A-weighted)

Harmonic distortion at 85 dB SPL @ 1 m on axis:

Freq: 50...200 Hz < 3 %

200 Hz < 0.5 %

Drivers: Bass 105 mm (4 in) cone Treble 19 mm ( ^3/_4 in) metal dome Both drivers are magnetically shielded

Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lb)

Dimensions:

Height	226 mm (8	78 in)
Width	151 mm (6 in)
Depth	142 mm (5	58 in)

CROSSOVER SECTION

Input connector:

Balanced Euroblock 10 kOhm

Input level for 100 dB SPL output at 1 m: -6 dBu at volume control max

Level control range relative to max output: -40 dB (constantly variable)

Crossover frequency, Bass/Treble: 3.0 kHz

Treble Tilt control operating range: 0 to +2 dB @ 15 kHz

Bass Roll-Off control: -4 dB step @ 65 Hz

Bass Tilt control operating range in -2 dB steps: 0 to -6 dB @ 100 Hz

The 'CAL' position is with all tone controls set to 'off' and the input sensitivity control to maximum (fully clockwise).

AMPLIFIER SECTION

Bass amplifier output power: 50 W Treble amplifier output power: 50 W Long term output power is limited by driver unit protection circuitry.

Amplifier system distortion at nominal output: THD < 0.05 %

Mains voltage: 100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz

Voltage operating range: ±10 %

Power consumption: Idle 3 W Standby in ISS mode <0.5 W Full output 60 W

GENELEC®

International enquiries

Genelec, Olvitie 5

FI 74100, lisalmi, Finland

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email [e-mail]

In Sweden

Genelec Sverige

Ellipsvägen 10B

P.O. Box 2036,

S-127 02 Skärholmen

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email [e-mail]

In the USA

Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle

Natick, MA 01760, USA

Beijing Genelec Audio Co.Ltd

B33-101

Universal Business Park

No. 10 Jiuxianquiao Road

Chaoyang District

Beijing 100015, China

Phone [phone],

400 700 4978

Email [e-mail]

www.genelec.com

Genelec Document D0090R001d. Copyright Genelec Oy 3.2017. All data subject to change without prior notice