NAB 2018

NAB 2018: Genelec Celebrates 40 Years With New Products

Genelec is celebrating 40 years of designing and manufacturing active loudspeakers for true and accurate sound reproduction. Since its inception in 1978, Genelec has concentrated its efforts and resources into creating active monitors with unparalleled sonic integrity. At NAB 2018, Genelec has debuted its latest innovations.

“The Ones” Series of Compact Coaxial Active Monitors
Genelec is proud to offer Ultimate Point Source monitoring with “The Ones”: in this series, the 8351A three-way Smart Active Monitor is joined by the new 8341A and 8331A, the world’s smallest three-way coaxial monitors, to create a complete compact coaxial range that redefines near-field monitoring. The 8341A and 8331A immediately defy expectations; housed in enclosures no larger than a traditional two-way Genelec 8040 or 8030, they wipe away the previous constraints of coaxial point source setups.

Long considered the standard for critical listening, point source overcomes the off-axis coloration associated with traditional loudspeaker designs, giving the user more freedom of movement rather than confining them to a narrow sweet spot. This breakthrough in coaxial driver design provides accurate imaging and improved sound quality, with crystal clear accuracy, both on and off-axis, vertically as well as horizontally. Aesthetically striking is the absence of any visible woofers, which are concealed beneath the Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW).

The Ones deliver absolutely neutral reproduction, meaning users can make mix decisions with confidence while also listening for longer sessions – the dramatic reduction in unnatural imaging means listener fatigue is a fraction of that experienced with other systems. In addition, Genelec’s famous Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) is combined with the unmatched precision of The Ones’ concealed dual woofer design, resulting in less colored reflections.

Like the 8351A, both the 8341A and 8331A can be oriented horizontally or vertically using an adjustable IsoPod base for isolation, with absolutely no compromise in performance, offering maximum flexibility to fit even the tightest of working environments. But while the 8341A and 8331A both echo the 8351A in form and function, the new models have been entirely reengineered to meet the challenges of their ultra-compact dimensions (just 13.78 in. x 9.33 in. x 9.57 in. [350mm x 237mm x 243mm] for the 8341A, and 11.77 in. x 7.44 in. x 8.70 in. [299mm x 189mm x 212mm] for the 8331A).

Innovations include a motor assembly that sees both the midrange and the tweeter share the same compact magnet system, reducing size and weight with no reduction in response. The midrange coaxial driver cone is now composed of concentric sections, optimizing midrange linearity – as does the DCW, which covers the entire front face of the enclosure. Despite the size of the 8341A and 8331A, each unit incorporates three stages of dedicated Class D amplification, developed in-house by Genelec and including eco-friendly Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) energy-saving technology.

Small but mighty, The Ones are also powerful. The short-term maximum output capacities for each of the models is 110 dB SPL for the 8341A (at 1m), and 104 dB SPL for the 8331A (at 1m), with accuracy better than ±1.5 dB, and respective frequency responses starting at 45 Hz and 38 Hz (-6 dB) and extending beyond 40 kHz both for the analog and digital inputs.

The coaxial design allows for ultra-near-field listening, creating a dramatic improvement in the direct sound-to-reverberant sound ratio and further reducing the room’s influence while monitoring. The listening distance may be as short as 16 inches, with no loss of precision. At a listening distance of just 20 inches, the maximum SPL capability (headroom) is raised by more than 5 dB.

Finally, with The Ones, Ultimate Point Source meets ultimate flexibility with Smart Active Monitoring, the ground-breaking Genelec technology based on Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) 3.0 software for PC and Mac, incorporating AutoCal.

With Smart Active Monitoring, The Ones take their place in a larger family of smart monitors from across the Genelec range, all of which can be used to create smart networks of up to 40 monitors and subwoofers per network, covering instantly recallable configurations from traditional stereo to immersive audio. GLM makes it simple to create optimal monitoring setups even in challenging environments, automatically compensating for detrimental room influences by calibrating levels, distance delays, phase and room equalization to create a consistent, optimized listening environment.

“The number of big ideas contained within these small monitors is truly remarkable, but no list of features can ever match up to the experience of simply listening to them,” said Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “For professionals worldwide, the 8351A has already become the trusted standard for its neutrality and its smooth frequency response both on- and off-axis. Now that same precision and three-way performance is available to everyone. With the 8341A and 8331A, the size of your studio is no longer a barrier to the size of your ambition.”

Genelec 1032C Studio Monitor: Classic Design Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
At NAB 2018, Genelec is displaying the 1032C, now upgraded with the features and flexibility of Smart Active Monitoring. Offering the wide dynamic range, pristine imaging and on/off axis response for which the Genelec 1000 Series is known, the 1032C adds the world’s most advanced monitor auto-calibration and networking software, plus significant across-the-board improvements including a digital input, higher SPL and increased low frequency extension.

Launched in 1992, the 1032A nearfield was hailed as a milestone entry in the Genelec 1000 Series lineup, offering more audio horsepower, a larger 10-inch woofer and greater directivity than its smaller sibling, the iconic 1031. Now the 1032C fuses a suite of contemporary technologies with the celebrated qualities of the original – including the same drivers, acoustic design and soffit-mountable classic styling. The result is a upgraded monitor built for the most demanding modern music, post-production and broadcast studios, that nevertheless retains the heritage and appeal of both its “A” and “B” version predecessors – a huge sound from a small footprint.

Leading the new additions is the incorporation of Smart Active Monitoring, the ground-breaking Genelec technology and a foundation for the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software application for PC and Mac. Just as the first 1032 included rear-panel DIP switches to allow users to calibrate their system for their working environment, now the 1032C adds to those switches with the most precise and easy-to-achieve auto-calibration system available today. With the inclusion of this technology, the 1032C takes its place as part of a family of Smart Active Monitors from across the Genelec range, all of which can be used together to create recallable networks – from stereo to huge immersive setups.

Using the GLM app, 1032C owners can quickly and easily optimize the performance of their setup for even the most difficult acoustic environments, compensating for factors such as placement and time of flight anomalies to facilitate the best possible listening experience within their room. As a latest-generation Smart Active Monitoring device, the 1032C also includes Video Delay Compensation, level calibration and input sensing for automatic power saving and wake up, known as Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™).

Further refinements have been made to the previous model’s already impressive performance. Custom-designed Class D amplification means a 2.4kg reduction in weight (now 17kg), and a switch mode power supply (with universal voltage), developed in-house by Genelec, brings greater efficiency and savings in power consumption. Compared to the 1032B, the new 1032C has an improved maximum SPL of 114 dB with a frequency response of 40 Hz – 20 kHz. In terms of power, compared to the previous model’s 120W and 180W, the 1032C tweeter and woofer power amplifiers are now respectively rated at 150W and 250W.

“The original 1032 was a much-loved classic both for the high SPL it offered and the finesse that it delivered. Now, by incorporating the latest technologies, the 1032C brings those same advantages into the modern studio environment,” commented Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “For those looking for the classic 1000 series Genelec sound and styling, but who want to benefit from the most sophisticated monitoring technologies in the world, the 1032C is the perfect choice.”

Genelec Displays Flagship 7380A Smart Active Subwoofer
Also at NAB 2018, Genelec, is displaying the 7380A Smart Active Subwoofer, which delivers both high SPL and an extended low-distortion LF response in an impressively compact enclosure.

The new flagship of the Smart Active Monitoring subwoofer range, the 7380A can be simply and seamlessly integrated into any monitoring system – from stereo to multi-channel, as well as part of a large-scale 3D Immersive setup – yielding a level of performance normally associated with much larger enclosures. Equipped with a newly designed Class-D amplifier section plus all the benefits of Smart Active Monitoring technology, the 7380A has been created to exceed the demands of discerning professionals in music, post, film and broadcast. Furthermore, the 7380A partners perfectly with Genelec’s “The Ones” series of coaxial three-way monitors, particularly in the creation of Immersive systems for those working with Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X formats.

Standing 26.97″ (685mm) in height with a width of 28.27″ (718mm) and depth of 19.37″ (492mm), the 7380A features an 800W Class-D amplifier driving a custom 15-inch long-throw woofer that, combined with Genelec’s acclaimed LSE™ spiral enclosure, produces a remarkable maximum SPL of 119 dB (123 dB peak) plus precise low-frequency response down to 16 Hz.

The incorporation of Genelec’s acclaimed Smart Active Monitoring technology puts the 7380A at the heart of a larger family of smart monitors and subwoofers from across the Genelec range. With GLM™ software for PC or Mac, up to 40 Smart Active Monitors and subwoofers can be networked with instantly recallable system configurations and advanced auto-calibration features including level, time-of-flight and phase adjustments. GLM users benefit from extensive room compensation features including an adjustable crossover frequency and 20 parametric notch filters, ensuring that the 7380A can be optimized to achieve the best possible performance even in challenging acoustic environments. Crucially, GLM also supports both centralized and distributed bass management modes, depending on the type of monitors being used.

However, the 7380A is just as effective in a non-Smart Active Monitoring environment. A full complement of DIP switches can be easily accessed on the front panel, facilitating a full-featured standalone mode, including advanced calibration for hybrid systems in which traditional main monitors are used. In standalone mode, the crossover frequency is fixed at 85Hz. Finally, for those working with multi-channel audio, the 7380A offers 7.1 channel XLR analog inputs and outputs, while an AES/EBU digital connection can be used either for stereo operation or for full 7.1 digital with the addition of Genelec’s optional 9301 Digital Interface.

“We have spent more than 10 years refining our Smart Active Monitoring range to represent not just the world’s most advanced monitoring technology, but also a uniquely powerful family of products that is trusted and relied upon by professionals the world over. The 7380A continues that tradition of extraordinary innovation,” says Naghian. “Simply put, the 7380A will go louder and lower than anyone would expect with an enclosure of this size. It is the ideal choice for anyone who demands powerful, dependable LF reproduction in a truly compact form factor.”

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