Styled in a finish dubbed "producer" 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. Can the monitors be fastened to the stands? If so, what is the fastening method, and is everything necessary included with the entire package?

A: You'll need the 8020-408 Stand plates to fasten the 8020s to stands. The stand plates must be attached to a stand with 3/8" threading. The stands in this bundle do not have male 3/8" threading when the mounting plate is removed, and would be unable to have the stand plate attach. I've included a link to the stand plate for you. https://www.genelec.com/accessories/8020-408-stand-plate

Q: 2. Will these do OK at a distance of 3 to 4 meters from the speakers? Want to use it in a medium size bedroom.

A: Thanks. That page doesn’t speak about the distance between speakers and listener — just between speakers and walls, and angles among all the three. For this price the info should be more accurate: at what distance from the speakers does the quality fall off? There are reviewers who say they attach these speakers to TVs in their living rooms. Are they in such tiny rooms that their TV is 2 meters away from them? I doubt it. This is the info I need: would 4 meters be too much for these speakers costing thousands? 5 meters? What’s the number?

Q: 3. Which do you recommend 8240APM or 8040BPM? ( I'm not mixing engineer. It's for my own project from composing to mastering by myself.?

A: the genelec 8040b i bought a pair and it was the best decision of my whole life the sound is flat but is the real sound obviously you need to start to fix your room with auralex and accoustic things

Q: 4. $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: 5. 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: 6. 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: 7. This item shows up when filtering for AES inputs. But that seems incorrect. Does it have AES?

A: This unit does not include AES inputs. AES inputs are available on the 8330 and larger.

Q: 8. 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: 9. How much heat does the amplifier generate? I'm asking so we can properly spec our aircon system

A: The manufacturer has not provided a specification for the amount of heat that the Genelec 7382AP SAM Series 3 x 15" 2500W Studio Subwoofer generates. Genelec does note that this subwoofer is designed for indoor use only and provides specifications for the environment that it can be used in. The permissible ambient temperature is 50 to 95°F and relative humidity 20 to 80% (noncondensing). The amplifier should never be covered or placed it in a closed cabinet. The space must be ventilated or sufficiently large enough to dissipate heat so that the ambient temperature around the 7382AP does not rise above 95°F. The reflex port opening on the enclosure should have a minimum clearance of at least 8 inches to ensure functioning of the reflex port. If the subwoofer is going to be flush mounted in a wall, you must allow for unrestricted airflow in the reflex port and amplifier cooling.

Q: 10. Which Genelec model is suitable for studios of size 50X23X13(Ft)?

A: That would really depend on your listening area. 8030's with a sub work work for one to two people in the listening area. 8050's would offer an 8'' woofer with better separation in the sonic field B&H # GE8050BPM. 1032c's would be great as well with a 10'' woofer and offer SAM technology BH #GE1032CPM.