Genelec has released the 8341 and 8331 Ultimate Point Source loudspeaker monitors, which join the 8351 three-way Smart Active Monitor in a range it is calling The Ones. Comprising the world’s smallest three-way coaxial monitor range, The Ones reckons to ‘redefine close-field monitoring’.
Unveiled to a VIP audience at London’s Metropolis Studios, the 8341 and 8331 are no larger than the two-way company’s 8040 and 8030 models. Genelec’s development of coaxial driver design provides extremely accurate imaging and improved sound quality, overcoming the off-axis coloration associated with traditional loudspeaker designs. Aesthetically striking is the absence of visible woofers, which are concealed beneath the design’s Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW). In addition, the DCW is combined with the precision of The Ones’ concealed dual woofer design, resulting in less coloured reflections.
Like the 8351, the 8341 and 8331 can be orientated horizontally or vertically using an adjustable IsoPod base for isolation, without compromise in performance. But while the 8341 and 8331 echo the 8351 in form and function, the new models have been entirely reengineered to meet the challenges presented by their dimensions (13.78in. x 9.33in x 9.57in [350mm x 237mm x 243mm] for the 8341, and 11.77in. x 7.44in x 8.70in [299mm x 189mm x 212mm] for the 8331).
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, optimising midrange linearity – as does the DCW, which covers the entire front face of the enclosure. Each unit incorporates three stages of proprietary class-D amplification and includes eco-friendly Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) energy-saving technology.
The short-term maximum output capacities for each of the models is 110dB SPL for the 8341 (at 1m), and 104dB SPL for the 8331 (at 1m), with accuracy better than ±1.5dB, and respective frequency responses starting at 45Hz and 38Hz (-6dB) and extending beyond 40kHz both for the analogue and digital inputs. The coaxial design allows for ultra-close-field listening, giving an 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 20 inches, the maximum SPL is raised by more than 5dB.
The Ones, Ultimate Point Source also uses Smart Active Monitoring, based on Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) 2.0 software for PC and Mac, incorporating AutoCal. With this feature The Ones join the 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 set-ups even in challenging environments, automatically compensating for detrimental room influences by calibrating levels, distance delays, phase and room equalisation to create a consistent, optimised 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,’ says Genelec MD, Siamäk Naghian. ‘For professionals worldwide, the 8351 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 8341 and 8331, the size of your studio is no longer a barrier to the size of your ambition.’
More: www.genelec.com
