On Thursday 5th September at Metropolis Studios in London, Genelec launched two new models of ‘The Ones’ monitor speakers. Production Expert’s Alan Sallabank was given an exclusive sneak peek of these units before the press launch. The new units are -

New W371A

The W371A Adaptive Woofer System is a unique concept, designed specifically to seamlessly complement the 8341, 8351 and 8361 monitors, and in conjunction with these models creates a series of full-range monitoring solutions with unrivalled neutrality and supreme levels of control over directivity and the effects of room acoustics.

Studios can now experience all the benefits of a main monitor, but with the freedom to locate this free-standing system in optimal positions within the control room; even providing the option to switch between nearfield and main monitors without image-shifting.

This was without doubt the true star of the day - its unique dual woofer system and DSP makes it the perfect compliment to the ‘The Ones’ range.

It’s NOT A “Sub Woofer”

Genelec went to lengths to emphasise that the W371A is definitely NOT a “sub woofer”. For a start the frequency response goes up to 500Hz, but when used with Genelec’s GLM software and a “The Ones” series monitor, the W371A becomes a fiendishly clever room detection system in itself. This is facilitated by the revolutionary dual woofer design - one front-firing sealed unit and one rear-firing ported unit, each with individual DSP processing.

GLM uses the results from both drivers independently to work out the actual location of the W371 within the room, then tailors the response of both units to time align and create a virtually flat bass response, with excellent directivity and localisation, linking in to the DSP within the “The Ones" monitor above it, to create incredible imaging and frequency response, and to control bass nodes within the listening area. With this system, you can experience unparalleled localisation of bass signals.

The W371A Adaptive Woofer System costs €7,600 ex VAT each, shipping November

New 8361A

The 8361A features two newly-designed Acoustically Concealed Woofers - generating high SPL output with extremely low distortion - and brand new MDC coaxial midrange and tweeter drivers which provide smooth directivity, low distortion, high SPL and extended frequency response up to 40 kHz.

Like all models in The Ones range, the 8361A’s Minimum Diffraction Enclosure eliminates colouration and its entire front baffle acts as a Directivity Control Waveguide - producing a wide, uncoloured sweet spot. Proprietary Class D amplification is complemented by advanced DSP processing, including delay equalisation and twenty precision EQs for room compensation.

The 8361A Monitor costs €4,100 ex VAT each, shipping October.

Upgraded 8351B

The newly upgraded 8351B shares much of the technology of its other Ones siblings and benefits from the many recent advances in electronic, mechanical and acoustical design.

Drawing inspiration from the electronic design of the 8341A and the driver technology of the 8361A, the 8351B revision improves on the performance of its predecessor by offering increased SPL, additional room compensation EQs, equalised delay and enhanced HF response.

The Ones family of point source monitors promotes faster and more consistent decision making, but also allows you to work reliably on longer sessions - as unnatural imaging, a main contributor to listener fatigue, is minimised.

Dispersion is controlled over an unusually wide frequency range thanks to the large integrated waveguide (DCW™) with dual hidden woofers; and orientation may be either horizontal or vertical.

As part of the Genelec smart active monitoring range, the 8351B can be configured, calibrated and controlled using GLM software, enabling it to adapt to your acoustic space and compensate for any detrimental room influences.

The 8351B costs €3,450 ex VAT each, shipping Now.

Education As Well As Innovation

As well as witnessing the new monitors, we were treated to a thorough explanation of the deep science behind point source technology and newly discovered facts about how human hearing actually works.

Exclusive Review And Interview

Keep your eyes peeled for the forthcoming review of these amazing new monitor speaker systems, with an exclusive interview with R&D Chief Aki Makivirta, who takes us deep inside the principles behind the staggering new W371A Adaptive Woofer System.