Styled in a finish dubbed "raw" by the manufacturers, the Genelec 8331 is a point-source, near-field monitor for pro-audio applications. It features a coaxial design, which houses its midrange driver, treble tweeter, and dual 5.1” woofers in one location, thereby aligning their acoustical axes and ensuring an accurate point of sonic radiation. The monitor can accept both analog and digital AES/EBU signals from separate XLR jacks, using Intelligent Signal Sensing technology (ISS) to detect automatically what kind of audio is being fed into the monitor.

To coordinate multiple 8331s, you can make use of Genelec’s GLM software to tune your monitor to your room, facilitate and coordinate the daisy-chaining of monitors, override the ISS function, and more. Routing is accomplished by means of a few Cat5 cables and a GLM adapter, which is available separately. You’ll note that two RJ45s are provided for GLM connectivity. An XLR output jack is also on hand for sending identical copies of incoming AES/EBU signals to other monitors.

DIP switches and a rotary control for level are offered on the rear of the monitor for offline use. 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 8331’s acoustically concealed woofers, minimum diffraction coaxial construction, and a proprietary waveguide, are further expounded upon in the features section.

Dual 5.1" Acoustically-Concealed Woofers    Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Driver    Accepts Analog or AES/EBU Signal    Outputs AES/EBU Signal for Linking    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 8331 to its fullest potential.

The 8331's audio inputs are designed to integrate easily into all professional environments, supporting balanced, line-level analog and AES/EBU-format digital signals. Analog input is selected when the AES/EBU signal 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 8331 is controlled by a GLM network, enabling flexible selection of either input. On the output side, an XLR connector passes through 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 powerful midrange element combined with a tweeter that extends to ultrasonic frequencies. This arrangement minimizes or downright eliminates acoustic the 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 8331 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 8331 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 frequencies.

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 colorations 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. Do I need to buy anything extra to attach my AlienBee B400 to this stand?

A: No, the AlienBee 400 will attach directly to the c-stand with no needed extra accessories.

Q: 2. Will this work for Genelec 8030.LSE monitors and a 7040 6.5 subwoofer?

A: No, the GLM 2.0 Kit is designed for use with Genelec's SAM series Smart Active Monitors and Subwoofers. The 8030.LSE monitors and 7040 6.5 subwoofer are not part of the SAM series.

Q: 3. Will this work for 8030.LSE monitors and a 7040A Sub ?

A: No. This is compatible with the SAM series, not the LSE series of monitors.

Q: 4. Is it camera specific ? Im shooting with an Olympus OM-D M1 MkII ?

A: It is not camera specific. It is universal to all camers.

Q: 5. How long is this plate?

A: The ARRI Stabilizer Adapter Mount SAM-8 for ALEXA 35 is approximately 12" long.

Q: 6. What color are the feet rubbers?

A: Strange question, but they are black.

Q: 7. What stand adapter do you use on it? I want to mount an Elinchrom flash but the 5/8 won't do.. Thank you!

A: The Kupo Baby 5/8 Receiver to Stud Adapter for Elinchrom Heads B&H # KUKG013212 can work for your needs.

Q: 8. Can I attach a 50 inch Sony flat screen TV to the mount supplied? How tall is the stand when extended?

A: The Impact Studio LCD Monitor Support Kit comes with a VESA mount. If the TV has that mount, it will attach to that. Note: The stand supports no more than 22 lb, and if your TV is say 20 lb or more, it is not recommended. The stand can go up to 10.75 feet.

Q: 9. Can the large nut be loosened and the clamp rotated 90 degrees to allow for a vertical mount on a horizontal truss bar?

A: The wingnut on the Genelec Short Truss Mount with Clamp for 8000/4000 Series Studio Monitor can be loosened; however, the clamp cannot be rotated 90 degrees for a vertical mount on a horizontal truss bar.

Q: 10. How long is the main part of the stand when fully collapsed and detached from the base?

A: 56 inches.