Coinciding with the opening of IBC 2024, Genelec have revealed the UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring Solution, a new system which combines their 9320A SAM monitor controller and Reference Measurement Microphone with a brand new product, the 8550A Professional Reference Headphones.
The UNIO system — which was introduced at IBC in 2023 — brings together Genelec’s Smart Active Monitor range, GLM calibration software and Aural ID headphone technology, with their 9320A monitor controller providing tactile hardware control. The system has been designed to provide users with a seamless way to transition between headphone and monitoring systems, while enjoying mixes that translate reliably between the two.
8550A Professional Reference Headphones
The company say that the 8550A raises the bar significantly, boasting an innovative active design that allows the headphone output of the 9320A controller to adjust to individual 8550A headphone factory calibrations. The process is said to result in precise resolution while offering exceptional linearity, acoustic precision and a neutral sound character that and mirrors the performance of their Smart Active Monitor loudspeaker range.
The closed-back headphones promise to deliver exceptional sound isolation, with a durable, adjustable design that offers a comfortable fit for all sizes of heads and ears. They employ 40mm transducers and neodymium magnets, which deliver a 15Hz – 20kHz frequency response along with exceptional level matching, and are capable of reaching a short-term SPL of 119dB when used in conjunction with the 9320A controller. Both leather and velvet ear cushions are provided alongside straight and coiled cables, and the company are able to provide replacement parts to ensure a long and sustainable product life.
GLM 5 & Aural ID 2.0
In addition to the calibration file that’s stored directly in the headphones themselves, Genelec’s GLM 5 software offers an array of personal optimisation options including slope adjustment, parametric EQ, and L/R level balancing. The optional Aural ID V2.0 is then capable of modelling the user’s own head and upper torso features to calculate their unique personal HRTF — a process which the company say delivers produces a sense of space and direction that closely resembles in-room loudspeaker monitoring — as well as early reflection room modelling and integrated webcam head tracking support.
Running as a standalone application on Mac devices, Aural ID V2.0 also offers optimised HRTF binauralisation options for both stereo and immersive monitoring up to 9.1.6, plus a ‘raw HRTF’ option that allows full access to both the directional (DTF) and sound colour (CTF) components within the HRTF, for users that wish to separately equalise their headphone acoustic effects for an even more reliable and precise listening experience.
"UNIO now effectively offers audio professionals three levels of reference monitoring. Those simply seeking the finest in-room loudspeaker monitoring can enjoy the combination of Smart Active Monitors, GLM and the 9320A, while users that also seek accurate headphone monitoring will embrace the arrival of the 8550As. But, for those seeking the ultimate combination of in-room and personal headphone monitoring, the UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring Solution and Aural ID V2.0 represents the most accurate and portable monitoring system ever produced." - Siamäk Naghian, Managing Director, Genelec
Those attending the 2024 IBC show in Amsterdam (13 – 16 September 2024) can meet the Genelec team and audition the newly expanded UNIO ecosystem on Stand 8.A61 and in Immersive Listening Room 8.MS1/8.MS20.
More information is available on the Genelec website.
