Genelec adds to The Main One range with 8381A point source main monitor
The Genelec 8381A Smart Active Monitoring system
As part of its 45th anniversary year, Genelec has unveiled the 8381A Smart Active Monitoring system, a floor-standing Adaptive Point Source design that fuses precision and envelopment with LF control, huge headroom and high-resolution imaging.
Designed for high end music recording, mastering and audiophile listening, the 8381A creates a free-standing full range monitoring solution that can intelligently adapt to any acoustic environment. For audio professionals, the 8381A produces accurate full-band mixes that translate consistently to other rooms and playback systems, while audiophiles will experience every detail and nuance of a musical performance, just as the creators intended it to be heard.
As a member of The Main Ones range, the 8381A system is acoustically coaxial right down to bass frequencies, and draws on proven technology developed for Genelec’s The Ones family of point source monitors and the W371A adaptive woofer system, which themselves can combine to create a free-standing full-range monitoring system. However, the 8381A raises the performance bar even higher by offering controlled directivity and uncoloured response both on and off axis, with an ultra-wide frequency response spanning from 20Hz to 35kHz. Additionally, with almost 6kW of amplifier power and a maximum SPL of 126dB – the highest figure ever achieved by a precision point source acoustic design, according to the manufacturer – the 8381A offers the most sophisticated features and specification of any audio monitor currently available.
At the heart of the 8381A is a proprietary high SPL Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) midrange/tweeter driver which – combined with a Genelec DSP engine – delivers clarity, imaging and adaptability. This MDC driver shares a common acoustical axis with the 8381A’s four complementary 5in dome drivers which are arranged as a midrange transduction system, and this unique array combines with a forward-facing 15in woofer to provide stable directivity, control and coherence.
To further enhance and extend the 8381A’s low frequency reproduction, a pair of high performance 15in woofers employ the LF adaptive technology originally developed in the W371A, offering high resolution and supreme levels of low frequency control – despite the effects of room acoustics. This technology allows the 8381A to tailor performance carefully to the room, offering flatter, smoother in-room response at the listening location, with LF imaging coherent with the full audio range. This flat and neutral LF response minimises acoustic notching, and reduces detrimental reflections and resonances by the walls, ceiling or floor of the room.
As part of Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring family, the 8381A integrates tightly with GLM software, which can configure, calibrate and control all Genelec smart monitoring systems. Based on experience from thousands of studios around the world, GLM minimises the listening room’s influence on the sound, enabling the user to produce mixes that translate perfectly to other systems, whether the format is stereo, surround or high channel count immersive. GLM also includes the Grade room report feature, which gives the user a complete analysis of their room and monitoring system performance, providing specific observations and advice on any acoustical issues, helping users and studio designers alike to fine tune the room’s acoustic treatment, adjust monitor and listener positions, and optimise bass management.
Designed and manufactured to the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility at Genelec’s headquarters in Iisalmi, Finland, the 8381A comes with a comprehensive SonicAdvisor system calibration and service package to jointly celebrate Genelec’s 45th anniversary, and the company’s total commitment to its customers and to sustainable development.
“The demand for high-quality free-standing full-range monitoring systems has been clear from the exceptional response to The Ones and W371A combination,” commented Genelec managing director Siamäk Naghian. “It was also evident that there was a desire from customers for a free-standing system that could deliver even more headroom and increased low frequency extension. And while we continue to offer a wide range of soffit-mounting main monitors, we’re confident that the flexibility and mobility of a floor-standing adaptive system like the 8381A will provide the perfect solution for any discerning user seeking a truly next-generation sonic reference.”