Genelec delivers high-performance audio for the University of Derby’s new business school

University of Derby recently opened a new home for its International Business School, investing £75 million in the purpose-built, seven-storey Cavendish Building. Housing lecture theatres, meeting spaces, classrooms, as well as specialist environments such as a trading floor, the new facility features an extensive Genelec loudspeaker network to replicate the real-world industry conditions, offering students the opportunity to engage in realistic business scenarios.

This move towards immersive learning environments is part of a larger trend within the education sector as methods of teaching continue to evolve. Institutions are investing more in AV technology to support flexible learning and creativity. The Cavendish Building is no different, with the university’s long-term integration partner, GVAV, tasked with installing audio, visual, and control infrastructure throughout the new facility.

When it came to audio, GVAV was asked to deliver a high-performance sound solution that could support a mix of spoken word lectures and media playback, requiring vocal intelligibility and consistency across the building. Additionally, the university wanted a standardised AV approach throughout the venue to ensure students and staff could confidently use the systems with minimal training.

When deciding which loudspeakers were best suited to the space, the university’s previous experience proved highly influential. “The university is already using Genelec loudspeakers across its estate,” says Maarten De Vogel, Technical Project Manager at GVAV. “They love them and want to continue using them in the new facility. This made the audio decision really straightforward.”

Supplied by Audiologic – Genelec’s UK distributor for Installed Sound – seventy 4030 Active Installation loudspeakers were deployed across more than twenty rooms in the Cavendish Building. “The compact 4030s deliver excellent full-range sound with controlled directivity of up to 104 dB SPL,” explains De Vogel. “They are the perfect solution for both smaller classrooms and larger lecture theatres where intelligibility is key to the overall learning experience.”

While the university originally requested additional larger loudspeaker models, GVAV reassured them that the smaller 4030s would be more than suitable. “In a classroom environment, you don’t need excessive levels of output,” states De Vogel. “Going smaller avoids sound spill into neighbouring spaces.”

The building’s reinforced concrete ceilings presented a potential challenge, limiting installation options in some areas. “We had to adapt part of our original plans of how and where equipment would be installed,” continues De Vogel. “We ultimately used sound baffles and ceiling treatments to help mitigate the concrete’s reflective properties, which allowed us to proceed without major compromises to the audio design.”

In addition to loudspeakers, Audiologic supplied the wider AV system, including Shure Microflex Wireless handheld and lavalier microphones, Shure MXA901 ceiling-mounted array microphones, Sennheiser MobileConnect Stations for assistive listening and talkback, and a recessed digiLED wall for presentations and video content.

“All AV elements are integrated within the wider Crestron-based controlled environment,” explains De Vogel. “The trading floor also benefits from a Crestron interface that ensures user-friendly, intuitive control so that students and staff can operate the system with confidence.”

“The 4030s are performing exceptionally, delivering precise coverage and consistent vocal intelligibility throughout the building.” While Genelec’s Installed Sound loudspeaker range has met the project’s desired sonic experience, De Vogel has since reflected on the potential benefits of integrating Genelec’s Smart IP series.

“From an installation perspective, IP loudspeakers significantly simplify deployment, supporting PoE, Dante, and AES67 to provide greater future flexibility,” he says. “We’ve just installed our first Smart IP loudspeaker in another classroom on campus, and it is performing flawlessly. Going forward, we expect to adopt Smart IP across future installations.”

The Cavendish Building opened in September 2025, welcoming students and faculty to a new era of technology-led learning at University of Derby. With Genelec as the audio backbone of the AV system, the Cavendish Building represents the changing educational landscape, where immersive spaces provide students with the support they need to tackle real-word business environments. “As the facility evolves, the university is looking to install more Genelec loudspeakers,” says De Vogel. “Their continued investment is a clear vote of confidence in the system’s reliability and sonic performance.”

The Details

Client
University of Derby

Integrator
GVAV

Genelec Distributor
Audiologic

Loudspeakers
70 x 4030C

Audio-Visual
Shure Microflex Wireless System
Shure MXA901 Ceiling Array Microphone
Sennheiser MobileConnect Stations
digiLED displays

Network & Control
Crestron