Genelec audio equipment was recently installed in a unique audio-visual hub known as Kino Konepaja, in the vibrant Konepaja neighbourhood of Helsinki, in Finland. The intimate, 55-seat venue was conceived as a production space that could also serve as a cinema. From arthouse screenings to large-scale productions, the venue is now hosting a variety of international productions.
Genelec’s 7.1 surround system became the heart of Kino Konepaja’s setup, featuring three high SPL S360 studio loudspeakers in the LCR positions, six 8350 studio loudspeakers as surrounds, and a 7382 subwoofer. In the bar area, visitors can find a trio of compact 8020 studio loudspeakers paired with a 7050 subwoofer, which were installed a few years ago.
Kino Konepaja’s space required extensive acoustic treatment to meet the standards they set for the cinema. Acoustic designer Kalle Lehtonen of Promethor – a Finnish acoustic consultancy business – collaborated on the project, focusing on sound isolation within a restricted budget.
Jussi Myllyniemi of Whitepoint, a Finnish post-production company, led the project. He said: “Initially, we considered collaborating with existing cinemas, but when that didn’t work out, we decided to create our own. We’d had this facility in mind for a while, but we were met with some structural challenges. The space had beams that obstructed some viewpoints, but we were eventually able to remove these, enabling us to sign a long-term lease.”
Myllyniemi said he appreciated the way Genelec’s active loudspeakers simplified the installation. “Connection-wise, they’re incredibly easy to work with. You just need a line-level signal cable between the processor and the speakers. Genelec speakers are beautiful – they’re meant to be seen, not hidden away,” he said.
He continued: “As a ‘picture person’ I had to embrace a whole new perspective to understand the importance of sound. The learning curve involved embracing unfamiliar elements, like installing over 1000sqm of gyprock on the walls for sound insulation.”
