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Genelec 8331 SAM Studio Monitor (Raw Finish)

BH #GE8331ARW • MFR #8331ARW
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Genelec 8331 SAM Studio Monitor (Raw Finish)
Key Features
  • Dual 5.1" Acoustically-Concealed Woofers
  • Minimum Diffraction Coaxial Driver
  • Accepts Analog or AES/EBU Signal
  • Outputs AES/EBU Signal for Linking
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.
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Genelec 8331A Overview

From Manufacturer

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.

Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) Compatible
GLM, a proprietary software available free from Genelec, allows you to coordinate, equalize, and otherwise manage your 8331 to its fullest potential.
Analog or AES/EBU
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.
Minimum-Diffraction Coaxial Driver (MDC)
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.
Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW)
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.
Smart Active Monitor (SAM)
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.

Genelec 8331A Specs

Key Specs
Monitor Type & Configuration
Active 3-Way
Total Power Output
144 W
Tweeter
1x 0.7" / 19 mm Metal Dome
Midrange
1x 3.5" / 9 cm Coaxial Cone
Woofer
2x 5.1" / 13 cm Oval Cone
Frequency Range
45 Hz to 37 kHz
Audio I/O
1x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Input (10 Kilohms)
Digital Audio I/O
XLR 3-Pin AES3 Input
XLR 3-Pin AES3 Output
Network I/O
2x RJ45 Ethernet
Wireless
No
Monitor Type & Configuration
Active 3-Way
Number of Included Monitors
Single Monitor
Enclosure
Bass-Reflex/Ported
Total Power Output
144 W
Drivers
Tweeter
1x 0.7" / 19 mm Metal Dome
Midrange
1x 3.5" / 9 cm Coaxial Cone
Woofer
2x 5.1" / 13 cm Oval Cone
Amplifiers
HF: 36 W Class-D
MF: 36 W Class-D
LF: 72 W Class-D
Performance
Frequency Range
45 Hz to 37 kHz
Frequency Response
58 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1.5 dB
Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
110 dB (Peak)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.05%
Maximum Input Level
+24 dBu
Analog Input Sensitivity/Gain
+36 dBu to -6 dBu (Continuously Variable)
Protections and Limiting
Driver Protection, Thermal Limiting
Signal Processing
EQ
2x HF Shelf
2x LF Shelf
1x HF Tilt: -4 to +2 dB at 5 kHz (4 dB Increments)
1x LF Tilt: -6 to -2 dB at 800 Hz (2 dB Increments)
Filters
16 x Parametric Notch Filter
Crossover Frequency
500 Hz / 3 kHz
Phase Adjustment
No
App-Based Signal Processing
GLM Software Adjustment
Connectivity
Audio I/O
1x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Input (10 Kilohms)
Digital Audio I/O
1x XLR 3-Pin AES3 Input
1x XLR 3-Pin AES3 Output
Network I/O
2x RJ45 Ethernet
USB
No
Wireless
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Power
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption
4 W (Idle)
60 W (Maximum)
Physical
Color
Raw Silver
Monitor Orientation
Vertical
Enclosure Material
Aluminum
Mounting Points
2x M6 (Rear Panel)
1x M10 (Bottom Panel)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
7.4 x 11.2 x 8.3" / 18.9 x 28.5 x 21.2 cm (Each)
Weight
15.0 lb / 6.8 kg (Each)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
19.035 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.8 x 11.5 x 11.3"

Genelec 8331A Reviews

These are the real deal

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-05

You know when people try a new audio system and they say the thing: "I suddenly heard things I've never heard before". Yeah I've heard that before but that was never true for me until I got these. It's like a whole new way to listen to music. Important caveat- I'm pairing these with the 7350A sub and the GLM kit. The GLM kit is a must have because while the speakers sound good uncalibrated, they're in a whole other league once calibrated.

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