The Genelec 8010A Active Monitor is the newest and smallest member of their 8000 Series of monitors widely used in high-end professional audio, mastering, post-production and broadcast studios around the world.
The Genelec 8010A starts with a balanced audio XLR input, a 3-inch bass driver, 3/4-inch tweeter both driven by two 25-watt Class-D power amplifiers, one for each driver. The electronic crossover frequency is set to 3kHz and there is a set of rear panel dip switches to select different amounts of bass tilt as well as the Desktop Switch for a -4dB roll off at 200Hz when using the monitors directly on your desktop as I used them.
The 8010As have a selectable Intelligent Signal Sensing circuitry that saves energy by automatically putting the monitor to sleep when no audio signal is present. I also liked the built-in IsoPod™ or Isolation Positioning/Decoupler that tilts the monitors up or down and decouples them from the desktop surface.
The pair of 8010As sent for review went to work right on the desktop of my project studio DAW desk on either side of my 22-inch flat panel DAW monitor. They plug straight into the AC mains without any pesky wall-warts and their low profile didn’t interfere with my main monitors on stands in front of my desk.
The 8010A is a cost-effective way to get the sound of Genelec in a monitor speaker ideal for small rooms.
The 8010A Active Monitor sells for $440.00 each.
http://genelecusa.com
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. http://barryrudolph.com
