Genelec 8341A SAM Studio Monitor (Raw Finish)

Styled in a finish dubbed " raw" by this item s manufacturers, the Genelec 8341A is a point-source monitor meant for near-field applications in the realm of pro audio. It features a coaxial design which nestles driver and tweeteras well as two 6.6 woofersin one location, thus aligning their acoustical axes, and securing an accurate point of sonic radiation. It™ s also worth noting the 8341A™ s Intelligent Signal Sensing technology, as well as the connections this technology affords you: ISS automatically detects whether analog or digital sources are being run into the monitor and allows the speaker to produce sound accordingly. To put it another way, one XLR input accepts analog signals, the other XLR takes AES/EBU, and the monitor itself automatically selects the input source.

Unless you don™ t want it to, in which case you can make use of Genelec™ s GLM software, which can override the automated selecting of signal. It can also help you tune the monitor to your room and facilitate and coordinate daisy-chaining monitors. To make use of the GLM software, you™ ll need, at minimum, Cat5 cables for routing to/from the monitor to a GLM adapter (available separately). You™ ll note that RJ45 ports are provided for this very purpose. An XLR output jack is also on hand for sending identical copies of incoming AES/EBU signals to other monitors.

For standalone usage, DIP switches and a rotary control for level are offered on the rear of the monitor. Here, you™ ll also find a reflex port to better direct low-end energy. An Iso-Pod stand is included to facilitate isolation from aurally deleterious surfaces. Other assets, such as the 8341A™ s acoustically concealed woofers, minimum diffraction coaxial construction, and proprietary waveguide, are further expounded upon in the features section.

Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) Compatible

GLM, a proprietary software available free from Genelec, allows you to coordinate, equalize, and otherwise manage your 8341A to its fullest potential.

Analog or AES/EBU

The 8341A s audio inputs are designed to integrate easily into all professional environments, supporting balanced, line-level analog and AES/EBU-format digital signal. Analog input is selected when the AES/EBU input is not connected. The AES/EBU format digital audio input is selected automatically when a valid digital audio signal is present. Automatic audio signal input selection can be overridden, however, when the 8341A is controlled by a GLM network, enabling flexible selection of either input. On the output side, an XLR connecter outputs an unaltered copy of the incoming AES/EBU signal, enabling daisy-chaining of up to four monitors. The proper digital channel can be selected using DIP switches or via GLM.

Minimum-Diffraction Coaxial Driver (MDC)

The minimum-diffraction coaxial driver is comprised of a midrange element combined with a tweeter that extends to ultrasonic frequencies. This arrangement minimizes or eliminates acoustic diffraction sources typically found in coaxial drivers, engendering a flat frequency response both on the acoustical axis and at all off-axis points of listening. The 8341A may be oriented either horizontally or vertically, and is intended for near-field listening where the influences of the room can be minimized as much as possible. Typical distances can vary from approximately three to ten feet, depending on room size and SPL requirements.

Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW)

The 8341A has an uncharacteristically large directivity-control waveguide extending over the whole front face of the enclosure. The midrange driver cone also forms a part of the directivity-control waveguide for the tweeter. From behind the waveguide, two woofers radiate audio through two openings in the enclosure front. This design enables directivity control of all audio frequencies down to the low bass.

Smart Active Monitor (SAM)

SAM technology can improve the reliability and accuracy of these monitors, providing several parametric notch and shelving filters that can be tuned automatically in concert with GLM software, thus compensating for coloration generated by room acoustics. This enables SAM monitors to sound neutral and achieve accurate imaging in most acoustical environments.