Полочная акустика — Genelec 8330A

The 8330A is a Genelec two-way monitor from the Smart Active Monitoring range, launched in 2014 as the SAM counterpart of the analogue 8030 model. It shares the cabinet size of that model but replaces the analogue switch panel with network control through Genelec's GLM software and adds a digital input. It is used as a nearfield monitor in studios, broadcast rooms and home systems.

Key specs that matter

The 8330A pairs a 130 mm (5-inch) cone woofer with a 19 mm metal dome tweeter, with 50 W of Class D power for each driver and a crossover at 2.9 kHz. Response extends from 45 Hz to 23 kHz at -6 dB and is held within ±1.5 dB from 58 Hz to 20 kHz. Short-term output is over 104 dB, long-term output over 96 dB, and peaks reach at least 110 dB. Inputs are an analogue XLR and an AES/EBU digital XLR with a thru connection, accepting 16 to 24 bit at 32 to 192 kHz, plus two RJ45 ports for the GLM network. Power draw is below 0.5 W in ISS standby, 3 W idle and 50 W at full output. Height is 285 mm, or 299 mm on its Iso-Pod, with a width of 189 mm and a depth of 178 mm.

Engineering and use context

Setup is done in GLM, where level, delay and response filters for each monitor are configured on a computer and then stored inside the speaker. The AES/EBU input and thru allow a chain of monitors to receive a digital signal without an extra converter. Rounded edges on the cast aluminium enclosure limit diffraction, while a waveguide of Genelec's Directivity Control type shapes tweeter dispersion to keep the response consistent to the sides. Bass is reinforced by a long rear-mounted reflex tube that widens at its exit, and both drivers are magnetically shielded. The rubber Iso-Pod isolates the monitor from whatever it stands on and allows a tilt of up to 15 degrees. Driver protection is handled by the DSP, and ISS switches the monitor to standby in the absence of signal. It comes in black, white or dark grey, and in a RAW version with the aluminium left unpainted.

Pairing

The 8330A connects to audio interfaces and mixers over analogue XLR, or to digital consoles and converters with AES/EBU outputs. The 7350A SAM subwoofer, designed for stereo pairs of 8330A, extends its bass on the same GLM network for music and post-production work.

Alternatives

The Genelec 8340A is the larger SAM two-way model, with a 165 mm woofer, 150 W Class D amplifiers per driver and a 38 Hz lower limit.