Styled in a black finish, 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 tweeter—as well as two 6.6” woofers—in 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.

Dual 6.6" Acoustically Concealed Woofers    Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Driver    Accepts Analog or AES/EBU Signals    Outputs AES/EBU Daisy-Chaining    Directivity Control Waveguide    SAM Technology for Automatic Tuning    Networkable via GLM Software    Minimum Diffraction Enclosure    Reflex Port Design    Iso-Pod Stand Included

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this stand work with a Genelec G One Bookshelf Speaker (G1BM)?

A: Yes, the Genelec L-Shape Table Stand for 8010 Studio Monitor is also compatible for use with the Genelec G One 2-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker.

Q: 2. $2250.00, is that the price of the pair or a single?

A: That is the price of one single 8331 SAM studio monitor. Please discuss pricing with your B&H sales person. Thank you.

Q: 3. Are these monitors shielded?

A: No, the Genelec 8030C 5" 2-Way 100W Active Studio Monitors are not shielded. The Genelec models that have an "M" at the end of the manufacturer's item code (MFR#) are magnetically shielded.

Q: 4. Do I get a pair if i make this purchase?

A: You have to order 2 to get a pair.

Q: 5. Is this a pair or just 1 stand?

A: Just one stand.

Q: 6. Do I need to purchase SAM tech separately or it will be provided with speakers if I buy pair?

A: Tom from 2018 is correct that the software is free, but that doesn't answer the actual question. Yes, you need to purchase the GLM kit. No, it's not provided with the speakers. Without the hardware in the GLM kit, you can't do anything with the free software or use any of the SAM features.

Q: 7. What is the differnce between the 8030C and the G Three?

A: Internally, the Genelec 8030C 5" 2-Way 100W Active Studio Monitor (Single, Raw) and the Genelec G Three are identical. The two models differ in their input connector types and rear controls: - 8030C only has an XLR input, while the G Three has RCA and XLR inputs - 8030C uses a trim pot to adjust volume, while the G Three only uses dip switches - Bass and treble EQ controls vary slightly between the two - G Three has a dip switch to turn off the LED light on the front, while the 8030C does not

Q: 8. DOES IT HAS ACCURATE SOUNDING

A: Yes. The 8331A SAM studio monitor is designed for professional monitoring applications that require precision and accuracy. Using Genelec's SAM technology, Smart Active Monitors have several parametric notch and shelving filters that can be tuned automatically using the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software to exactly compensate for colorations generated by room acoustics. This enables SAM monitors to sound neutral and achieve accurate stereo imaging in all acoustical environments.

Q: 9. Are they paired

A: These studio monitors are sold as single units. If you purchase two, you can feel very confident that they will sound identical.

Q: 10. What is the best way to attach this to my MBP? I'm doing video editing and I don't have any Mixers / USB audio interface stuff. I just have the 1/8 inch headphone jack....

A: You can use a cable to connect from the headphone jack in your Mac Book Pro to the back of this monitor. However your audio will sound nicer if you intergrade a audio interface to the setup. The cable you will need to connect two of the Genelecs to the computer is in the link bellow. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1102499-REG/hosa_technology_hmx_010y_1_8_stereo_mini_to.html