Genelec has chosen the upcoming IBC exhibition in Amsterdam to unveil the 9320A Reference Controller as a bridge to its brand new UNIO Audio Monitoring Service Platform. UNIO brings together all the benefits of Genelec Smart Active Monitors, GLM 5.0 calibration software and Aural ID 2.0 technology to create seamless integration between professional in-room loudspeaker and headphone monitoring services. With flexible connectivity, a reference grade headphone output and tactile hardware control of Smart Active Monitors, GLM and Aural ID, the 9320A provides a compact and exceptional hub for both static and mobile professional audio monitoring applications.

At the heart of the UNIO platform is Genelec’s range of Smart Active Monitors, which utilise auto-calibration and cloud computing to enable the production of accurate, reliable mixes that translate consistently to other rooms and systems. For professional headphone users, Genelec’s Aural ID technology provides a completely personal and truthful headphone listening experience with the natural sense of space and imaging provided by good in-room monitoring. By combining a calibrated Smart Active Monitoring system and professional headphones with Aural ID, the user can enjoy mixes that translate reliably between monitors and headphones — for a smooth, uninterrupted workflow.

Now, with the introduction of UNIO and the 9320A, users can integrate these technologies and services via a single intuitive mobile desktop device, and view the entire system via the user’s own MyGenelec account. As a bridge to UNIO, the 9320A offers management of multiple Smart Active Monitoring systems from stereo to immersive and beyond, and comes complete with a factory-calibrated reference microphone to allow automated system calibration and control of key GLM software features.

The 9320A can control up to three separate monitoring systems plus headphones, and each system can operate at a calibrated listening level, according to EBU R128, ATSC A/85 or SMPTE RP200 standards. While the 9320A can support any active loudspeaker system — such as one or two ALT stereo sets — it crucially provides instant one-click access to a vast number of extra monitor control features built into Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring family.

The reference-grade headphone output of the 9320A features excellent linearity and dynamic range, and allows users to combine their choice of professional quality headphones with the latest Aural ID 2.0 headphone plug-in. Users can therefore experience accurate, reliable and completely personal headphone monitoring while simultaneously measuring sound exposure, to ensure safe listening.

Additionally, the 9320A allows integration with any DAW or audio interface, and with its analogue, AES/EBU and USB connectivity, the 9320A can connect directly to stereo monitoring systems (with and without subwoofer), providing monitor control and doubling as a high quality A/D and D/A converter for both monitors and headphones.

The introduction of UNIO and the 9320A also coincides with the latest GLM 5.0 loudspeaker manager software release — which provides support for both the 9320A and the flagship 8381A free-standing main monitor unveiled earlier this year. GLM 5.0 employs sophisticated cloud computing, enabling UNIO to effortlessly integrate a range of reference audio monitoring services, including intelligent room analysis, in-room system calibration, monitor control, and fully personal audio monitoring.

Heralding the launch, Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian comments: “Audio professionals in music, broadcast, post-production and game audio are increasingly wanting the flexibility to work wherever and whenever they want, even if that sometimes involves unpredictable and challenging acoustic environments. To be able to switch instantly between well calibrated in-room and headphone monitoring without any interruption in workflow is crucial to this way of working, and so we see UNIO and the 9320A as powerful tools in creating a truly next-generation reference quality monitoring system.”

As part of its 45th anniversary year, Genelec has unveiled the 8381A Smart Active Monitoring system, a flagship floor-standing Adaptive Point Source design that fuses exceptional precision and envelopment with unrivalled LF control, huge headroom, and high-resolution imaging. Designed for high-end music recording, mastering, and audiophile listening, the 8381A creates a free-standing full range monitoring solution that can intelligently adapt to any acoustic environment. For audio professionals, the 8381A produces accurate full-band mixes that translate consistently to other rooms and playback systems, while audiophiles will experience every detail and nuance of a musical performance, just as the creators intended it to be heard.

As a member of ‘The Main Ones’ range, the 8381A system is acoustically coaxial right down to bass frequencies, and draws on proven technology developed for Genelec’s patented and award-winning ‘The Ones’ family of point source monitors and the W371A Adaptive Woofer System, which themselves can combine to create a free-standing full-range monitoring system. However, the 8381A raises the performance bar even higher by offering controlled directivity and uncoloured response both on and off axis, with an ultra-wide frequency response spanning from 20 Hz to 35 kHz. Additionally, with almost 6 kW of amplifier power and a staggering maximum SPL of 126 dB — the highest figure ever achieved by a precision point source acoustic design — 8381A offers the most sophisticated features and specification of any audio monitor currently available.

At the heart of the 8381A is a proprietary high SPL Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) midrange/tweeter driver which — combined with a powerful Genelec DSP engine — delivers extraordinary clarity, imaging and adaptability. This MDC driver shares a common acoustical axis with the 8381A’s four complementary 5-inch dome drivers which are arranged as a midrange transduction system, and this unique array combines with a forward-facing 15-inch woofer to provide outstandingly stable directivity, control and coherence.

To further enhance and extend the 8381A’s low frequency reproduction, a pair of high performance 15-inch woofers employ the LF adaptive technology originally developed in the W371A, offering high resolution and supreme levels of low frequency control — despite the effects of room acoustics. This technology allows the 8381A to tailor performance carefully to the room, offering flatter, smoother in-room response at the listening location, with LF imaging coherent with the full audio range. This flat and neutral LF response minimises acoustic notching, and reduces detrimental reflections and resonances by the walls, ceiling or floor of the room.

As part of Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring family, the 8381A integrates tightly with Genelec’s GLM software, which can configure, calibrate and control entire Genelec smart monitoring systems. Based on experience from thousands of studios around the world, GLM minimises the listening room’s influence on the sound, enabling the user to produce mixes that translate perfectly to other systems, whether the format is stereo, surround, or high channel count immersive. GLM also includes the ground-breaking GRADE room report feature, which gives the user a complete analysis of their room and monitoring system performance, providing specific observations and advice on any acoustical issues, helping users and studio designers alike to fine tune the room’s acoustic treatment, adjust monitor and listener positions, and optimise bass management.

Designed and manufactured to the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility at Genelec’s headquarters in Iisalmi, Finland, the 8381A comes with a comprehensive SonicAdvisor system calibration and service package to jointly celebrate Genelec’s 45th anniversary, and the company’s total commitment to its customers and to sustainable development.

“The demand for high quality free-standing full-range monitoring systems has been clear from the exceptional response to The Ones and W371A combination,” comments Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “It was also evident that there was a desire from customers for a free-standing system that could deliver even more headroom and increased low frequency extension. And while we continue to offer a wide range of soffit-mounting main monitors, we’re confident that the flexibility and mobility of a floor-standing adaptive system like the 8381A will provide the perfect solution for any discerning user seeking a truly next-generation sonic reference.”

Winners in 21 technical and seven creative excellence categories were announced at the 37th Annual NAMM TEC AWARDS, Saturday, June 4, from the global NAMM Show in Anaheim. Presented annually by NAMM, the event recognises the exemplary achievements and innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and multi-media. Comedian, actor and musician Fred Armisen returned as host for the evening event.

For only the second time in TEC history, three companies won two awards each in Outstanding Technical Achievement. They were Genelec (Loudspeaker Manager – GLM V4.0 in Production Essentials and FM Design in Studio Design Project); PreSonus (Sphere in Audio Education Technology and ATOM SQ in DJ Production Technology); and Universal Audio (UAFX Golden Reverberator in Musical Instrument Amplification and Effects and LUNA Recording System v1.1.8 in Workstation Technology).

The Outstanding Creative Achievement category winners for 2021 projects reflected a year filled with a slew of top-ranking entertainment. Disney+ took home top honours in Film Sound Production and Television Sound production for its animated movie, “Soul” and the second season of “The Mandalorian,” respectively. In the category of Record Production – Single or Track, “Lost Cause” from Billie Eilish (Darkroom/Interscope) took the top spot, while “McCartney III” (Capitol) won for Record Production – Album. In Interactive Entertainment Sound Production, Ubisoft was honoured for its work on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

The evening recognised the timeless work and artistic innovation of Peter Asher, who was inducted and presented with the TEC Hall of Fame award. Throughout his decades-long career in the music industry, Asher has earned the reputation of being one of the industry’s most sought-after producers and performers. His career began in the ‘60s as the other half of the pop group Peter & Gordon. After the group disbanded, Asher was named Director of A&R at the Beatles’ Apple Records label, where he signed a then-unknown James Taylor. Asher would go on to work with the likes of Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Ringo Starr, and many others, earning him three GRAMMY Awards for his talents.

Upon receipt of the award, Asher shared, “The 21st of January, 1964 was a Tuesday, and the first time I ever went into a real recording studio. I went into EMI studios on Abbey Road… By the end of that day, a few important things had happened. I decided I wanted to be a record producer because I saw what a producer could do, in terms of shaping the sounds…So I have to thank for this award, not only the TEC Committee, but NAMM as a whole. And all the brilliant people who attend NAMM, and what they give us — all the great technology, the amazing instruments, the incredible inventions which sonically flourish in the hands of brilliant engineers.”

After accepting the award, Asher performed “A World Without Love,” a song from Asher’s days in the duo, Peter and Gordon. With the TEC Hall of Fame Award, Asher joins the likes of Dave Pensado and Herb Trawick (2020), Leslie Ann Jones (2019), The Section (2018), Jack Douglas (2017), and many others who have received the award since its founding in 1991.

Pioneer and bassist extraordinaire Carol Kaye was honoured with this year’s Les Paul Innovation Award, one of the night’s most anticipated honours from The Les Paul Foundation. The Foundation’s Executive Director Michael Braunstein introduced the award and noted Kaye’s impact on the musical landscape, “Carol, like Les [Paul], built a legacy that will continue to encourage all people to create incredible sounds.”

Several artists took to the stage in tribute to Kaye in a musical celebration worthy of her long and revered career. The Les Paul Innovation Award has been presented annually to remarkably-distinguished individuals from the music industry, such as Jackson Browne, Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Peter Frampton and 2020’s recipient, Joni Mitchell.

A notable moment in the evening came from Sequential, the winner of the category of Musical Instrument Hardware for its Prophet 5. At the acceptance speech, David Gibbons of Sequential/Oberheim shared, “Life is a series of wins and losses. And the world of MI spent a huge loss this week. Dave Smith, founder of Sequential, creator of the Prophet 5, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was more than just the founder, he was an innovator, a mentor, and friend. His passing broke our hearts. And in so many ways, his life’s work broke the mould for synthesizer design. The Prophet 5 is a recreation of a 40-year synth design. And many people say the appeal comes from how alive it sounds. Did you ever think that perhaps, inventors breed some of their own lifeforce into their best designs? If that’s the case, then Dave’s spirit lives on in his remarkable body of work.”

Congratulations to the 37th Annual TEC Award recipients:

Audio Apps & Hardware/Peripherals for Smartphones & Tablets
Shure – Wireless Workbench 6.14.1

Audio Education Technology
PreSonus Audio – Electronics Sphere

Computer Audio Hardware
Rupert Neve Designs MBC: Dual Path A-D Converter & Limiter

DJ Production Technology (Hardware/Software)
PreSonus Audio Electronics – ATOM SQ

Headphone/Earpiece Technology
Austrian Audio – Hi-X65 Professional Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones

Large Format Console Technology
Neve – 8424

Microphone Preamplifiers
Audient – iD4 MKII

Microphones – Recording
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik – TF11 FET

Microphones – Sound Reinforcement
sE Electronics – V7 VE

Musical Instrument Amplification & Effects
Universal Audio – UAFX Golden Reverberator

Musical Instrument Hardware
Sequential – Prophet-5/10

Musical Instrument Software
EastWest Sounds – Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition

Production Essentials
Genelec – Loudspeaker Manager – GLM V4.0

Signal Processing Hardware
Rupert Neve Designs – 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor

Signal Processing Software (Dynamics/EQ/Utilities)
iZotope – RX 8

Signal Processing Software (Effects)
FabFilter – Timeless 3

Small Format Console Technology
Solid State Logic – UF8 Advanced DAW Controller

Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers
Meyer Sound – ULTRA-X20 Compact Wide Coverage Loudspeaker

Studio Monitors
EVE Audio – SC4070

Wireless Technology
Sennheiser – Evolution Wireless Digital

Workstation Technology/Recording Devices
Universal Audio – LUNA Recording System v1.1.8

Film/Sound Production
Soul – Disney+

Interactive Entertainment Sound Production
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Ubisoft

Remote Production – Recording or Broadcast
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert – CBS

Record Production – Album
McCartney III, Paul McCartney – Capitol

Record Production – Single or Track
Lost Cause, Billie Eilish – Darkroom/Interscope

Television Sound Production
The Mandalorian, Season 2 – Disney+

Studio Design Project
Genelec Immersive Experience Center, Natick, MA FM Design

Genelec has expanded its range of RAW aluminium models to include the 8331 and 8341 three-way coaxial studio monitors from The Ones series, with a proportion of each sale of these new models being donated to the Audio Engineering Society (AES) throughout the whole of 2022.

Originally unveiled in 2020, the distinctive RAW finish is available on a selection of the most popular models in Genelec’s Studio, AV and Home Audio ranges, and has been warmly received by customers the world over for its combination of sustainability and ‘industrial’ design aesthetic. The RAW versions require no painting and less finishing material than standard painted models – creating an even more environmentally friendly loudspeaker that allows the natural beauty of the enclosure’s recycled aluminium to shine through, and gives each individual loudspeaker a unique look and feel.

All RAW models feature the timeless Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, developed by Genelec in close collaboration with leading industrial designer Harri Koskinen. By eliminating edge diffractions, the MDE delivers incredibly flat frequency response, precise imaging and acoustical performance. The slimline enclosure is beautifully cast and finished to produce an extremely rigid structure with large internal volume – thereby extending the frequency response while simultaneously reducing resonances and thus the quantity of internal damping material required.

Launched in 2017, the super-compact 8331 and 8341 three-way point source models offer extraordinary imaging, accurately controlled directivity in both planes, ultra-nearfield excellence, extended frequency response and fatigue-free listening. This allows professionals to work faster and make more informed, consistent decisions when recording and mixing.

As part of Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring family, all models in The Ones range integrate tightly with GLM software, which can calibrate and control entire Genelec smart monitoring systems. Based on data from thousands of studios around the world, GLM is able to minimise the room’s detrimental influence on the sound, enabling the user to produce mixes that translate perfectly to other systems, whether the format is stereo, surround or high channel count immersive.

The decision to donate a percentage of RAW 8331 and 8341 sales to the AES during 2022 stems from Genelec’s longstanding role as a Sustaining Member of the Society, and the valuable work that the AES brings to individuals for career advancement, and to the audio industry as a whole. The AES’s crucial Standards work, promotion of audio research, development of milestone events and education spanning the breadth of audio technology has led the industry forward for more than 70 years.

“Genelec has been an amazing partner to the Audio Engineering Society”, says AES President Josh Reiss. “We share a commitment to the advancement of the audio arts and sciences, which Genelec has proven by sharing resources and knowledge that advance our joint mission. With the launch of its RAW series of loudspeakers in 2020, Genelec further demonstrated that commitment by pledging a portion of the proceeds of the line to the Society. That pledge was realised in a sizeable donation that helped sustain the Society’s essential role in the audio industry during the dark days of the pandemic. Genelec is once again demonstrating its dedication to the Society with the announcement of a new pledge to contribute to AES a share of the proceeds of 2022 sales of the newly introduced RAW version of Genelec’s The Ones monitors. The depths of the Society’s gratitude for Genelec’s partnership cannot be overstated.”

“The RAW series is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, which we consider to be of equal importance as profitability and sound quality,” explains Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “It’s clear that the popularity of RAW is a direct response to customers who have a growing awareness of environmental issues, but also appreciate the opportunity to own a premium loudspeaker with a unique aesthetic appeal. As our flagship studio monitor range, we’ve had many requests to make The Ones models available in the RAW series, so we’re very happy that we’ve now perfected a way of producing the 8331 and 8341 to the same high standards as the other RAW models. We’re also delighted that the success of RAW will be helping to contribute to the outstanding work that the AES does for our industry.”