Genelec’s loudspeaker has been selected to be part of the new audio-visual hub known as Kino Konepaja that has emerged in the Konepaja neighbourhood of Helsinki. The space is an intersection of film, production, and pristine sound design coupled with a New York soul that’s led by Jussi Myllyniemi of Whitepoint, a Finnish post-production company. The objective of Genelec’s technology is to transform a once-traditional space into a cutting-edge venue that blends sound with on-screen hits, as the company has claimed in a statement.

The 55-seat venue was conceived as a production space that could also serve as a cinema. “Initially, we considered collaborating with existing cinemas, but when that didn’t work out, we decided to create our own”, explains Myllyniemi. “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”.

Kino Konepaja’s identity as both a cinema and a post-production studio demanded a different audio-visual quality. “We work extensively with visuals, so we knew exactly what we needed there”, Myllyniemi states. “But for sound, we weren’t willing to compromise – we needed a system to match the picture quality, so of course we chose Genelec. We have been using Genelec’s loudspeakers for years – we are extremely confident in their sound accuracy and reliability”.

Genelec’s 7.1 surround system featured three high SPL S360 studio loudspeakers in the LCR positions, six 8350 studio loudspeakers as surrounds, and a 7382 subwoofer. Myllyniemi appreciated the way Genelec’s technology 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”, he says, also adding that the aesthetic of Genelec’s loudspeakers aligns with Kino Konepaja’s design. “Genelec speakers are beautiful – they’re meant to be seen, not hidden away”, he notes.

Additionally, in the bar area, visitors can find a trio of compact 8020 studio loudspeakers paired with a 7050 subwoofer – models that Myllyniemi bought nearly two decades ago. “Everything else has changed over the years, but these Genelec models remain fully functional and still fit right in”, he reflects. “This long-term durability reinforces our mission of creating an enduring space where audio fidelity is paramount”.

The 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. For Myllyniemi, this was an eye-opening process. “As a ‘picture person’ I had to embrace a whole new perspective to understand the importance of sound”, he admits. “The learning curve involved embracing unfamiliar elements, like installing over 1000 square meters of gyprock on the walls for sound insulation”.

As the project progressed, Mylliyniemi says that Genelec’s sound quality continued to reassure him and his team. “Even at high SPL levels, the detail and clarity in Genelec’s sound is astonishing. It’s rewarding to offer an experience where the audience hears sound exactly as the creators intended”..

From arthouse screenings to large-scale productions, the venue now provides a new audio-visual experience in Helsinki. “Our audience respects quality, and compromises simply weren’t an option”, Myllyniemi asserts. In fact, Kino Konepaja hosts a variety of international productions, with filmmakers from around the world visiting to witness the progress of their projects. “We’re a micro-sized company, but we made a substantial investment to ensure we offer the highest quality”, he adds.

Finally, in Myllyniemi’s view, Genelec’s reputation as a “workhorse” with durability makes them the ideal choice. “The longevity of these speakers speaks for itself. Offering a space where people can hear sound as it was meant to be heard is incredibly satisfying”, he concludes. “The Genelec system doesn’t just enhance our theatre experience – it defines it”.