For this special, we’re focusing on the massive range of studio monitors – the heart and soul of any studio set-up – glancing our eyes over everything from entry level creative reference monitors through to high-end solutions for mixing and mastering professionals.
Genelec 8331A
Key Features: Studio monitor titans Genelec are renowned for producing consistent, accurate and reliable monitors that translate beautifully. Their newer line dubbed “The Ones” are of course no exception, with the smallest of the bunch, the 8331A quickly becoming “the one” choice for many producers and mix engineers looking to get the most out of a less than ideal mixing environment.
Delivering classic Genelec performance and packed full of all the trademarked features, the 8331A is three-way compact monitor with a look that oozes Scandinavian class and elegance. The coaxial driver design and aesthetic, whilst potentially catching some off guard initially, has some remarkable technology under the hood, matching their futuristic look with power and precision.
The drivers are split between two 5 1/8” wide bass drivers with the midrange driver and tweeter being located in the centre on the enclosure. The wealth of unique Genelec technology including MDC™ (Minimum Diffraction Coaxial) Drive technology, ACW™ (Acoustically Concealed Woofers) and DCW™ (Directivity Controlled Waveguide) all combine for a monitor with laser point accuracy, detail, dimension and clarity like no other.
The coaxial design goes further, removing the qualms of finding the sweet spot of a monitor but instead delivering a larger, truthful sound stage, whether mounted vertically or horizontally, exceptional imaging, whilst significantly reducing ear fatigue on longer session. Frequency response is very respectable 58Hz – 20kHz (± 1.5 dB) and a short term SPL of 104dB or long term max SPL of 99dB, heaps for a monitor of this size.
A generous variety of dip switches on the rear panel allows for manual EQ adjustment with variable bass roll off, bass and treble tilt and 160Hz desktop attenuation. Active crossovers are at 500Hz (bass/mid) and 3kHz (mid/high) and a wealth of connectivity on the back, from analogue to digital and RJ45 connectors for use with GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) covers all the bases.
The 8331A of course have integrated SAM™ (Smart Active Monitor) technology for calibration and tuning to less than ideal mixing environments, making these a truly professional, compact package for anything from mono, to stereo or full blown immersive mix setups.
Mixdown Says: It’s absolutely no surprise to see more and more of “The Ones” family of monitors popping up in studios and smaller mix spaces across the globe, providing the quality, flexibility and sheer accuracy Genelec monitors are known for. The 8331A provide a wonderful solution for those needing all of these features but in a smaller footprint for setups in more cramped spaces or for those on the go. With inbuilt SAM™ technology for use with GLM (sold separately), the 8331A is truly one of the most advanced speakers in its class.
The changes of where and how content is being created now, has caused a massive shift in the demands users have of their studio monitors and it’s clear Genelec have been paying close attention. The 8331A is a monitor bursting at the seams with all the right features; a point source monitor that only offers the pinnacle of translatability.
Overall: The 8331A is a gorgeously designed monitor sporting a plethora of useful features, rich with Genelec’s finest technology providing a monitoring solution that is precise, non fatiguing and incredibly trustworthy. Arguably something of industry standard for the maturing home studio market. Solid as a rock.
Visit Studio Connections to find out more about Genelec monitors today.
