Published 26/5/09
Finnish monitor manufacturers ride the three-way freeway
The latest development in loudspeaker design from Finish loudspeaker manufacturers Genelec is what they call Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) technology. This centres around a new transducer that houses both high- and mid-frequency drivers. The first outing for this MDC driver is in the company’s latest 8260A active mid-field monitor, which features a large woofer speaker alongside the coaxial module.
On-board DSP — the same as is found in the existing 8200-series models — can be controlled by the included Genelec Loudspeaker Management (GLM) software, enabling the user to tweak settings of the monitors, and also automatically calibrate the monitors to the room in which they’re situated. The 8260A is expected to start shipping before the end of the year.
Also new from Genelec is another three-way model: the 1038CF (pictured), a ‘big’ monitor with an active design. It’s based on the popular 1038B, but has a much shallower cabinet (it’s just 235mm deep) that has been designed with the smaller production room in mind. Another difference between the ‘CF’ and the ‘B’ is the use of two eight-inch low-frequency drivers in the former, as opposed to the latter’s single 15-inch woofer. The result of this, coupled with the reduction in volume of the enclosure, is a bass response that extends only to 57Hz (similar low-frequency performance is often achieved in smaller, cheaper nearfield monitors).
But, Genelec say, because the type of environment that the new 1038CF will be used for will typically employ a dedicated subwoofer, this “limited bass response” will not cause a problem. Furthermore, they add that the reason the 1038B is so well-respected is because of its accuracy in the middle and high ranges (thanks to the use of its Directivity Controlled Waveguides), making its low-end deficiencies even less of an issue. The 1038CF should be shipping soon, although the price, at the time of writing, was to be confirmed.
Also new from Genelec, at the other end of their range of active monitors, is the 8020B. The main difference between it and its predecessor, the 8020A, is the inclusion of a rear-panel power switch. The ‘A’ model had the power switch integrated into the front-panel volume control; to swtich it off, you turned the volume knob fully anti-clockwise until the knob clicked. But of course, this means changing the level of the monitors every time they’re switched on. So the ‘B’ revision enables the volume to be set on the front panel, and the monitors to be switched on an off using a completely separate switch. The 8020B will replace the 'A' revision, and will cost £309 including VAT each.
For further details, head to the Genelec web site.
Source Distribution +44 (0)208 962 5080
www.sourcedistribution.co.uk
www.genelec.com
The latest development in loudspeaker design from Finish loudspeaker manufacturers Genelec is what they call Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) technology. This centres around a new transducer that houses both high- and mid-frequency drivers. The first outing for this MDC driver is in the company’s latest 8260A active mid-field monitor, which features a large woofer speaker alongside the coaxial module. On-board DSP — the same as is found in the existing 8200-series models — can be controlled by the included Genelec Loudspeaker Management (GLM) software, enabling the user to tweak settings of the monitors, and also automatically calibrate the monitors to the room in which they’re situated. The 8260A is expected to start shipping before the end of the year.
Also new from Genelec is another three-way model: the 1038CF (pictured), a ‘big’ monitor with an active design. It’s based on the popular 1038B, but has a much shallower cabinet (it’s just 235mm deep) that has been designed with the smaller production room in mind. Another difference between the ‘CF’ and the ‘B’ is the use of two eight-inch low-frequency drivers in the former, as opposed to the latter’s single 15-inch woofer. The result of this, coupled with the reduction in volume of the enclosure, is a bass response that extends only to 57Hz (similar low-frequency performance is often achieved in smaller, cheaper nearfield monitors).
But, Genelec say, because the type of environment that the new 1038CF will be used for will typically employ a dedicated subwoofer, this “limited bass response” will not cause a problem. Furthermore, they add that the reason the 1038B is so well-respected is because of its accuracy in the middle and high ranges (thanks to the use of its Directivity Controlled Waveguides), making its low-end deficiencies even less of an issue. The 1038CF should be shipping soon, although the price, at the time of writing, was to be confirmed.
Also new from Genelec, at the other end of their range of active monitors, is the 8020B. The main difference between it and its predecessor, the 8020A, is the inclusion of a rear-panel power switch. The ‘A’ model had the power switch integrated into the front-panel volume control; to swtich it off, you turned the volume knob fully anti-clockwise until the knob clicked. But of course, this means changing the level of the monitors every time they’re switched on. So the ‘B’ revision enables the volume to be set on the front panel, and the monitors to be switched on an off using a completely separate switch. The 8020B will replace the 'A' revision, and will cost £309 including VAT each.
For further details, head to the Genelec web site.
Source Distribution +44 (0)208 962 5080
www.sourcedistribution.co.uk
www.genelec.com
