A Deeper Look at Genelec
History
Founded in 1976, Genelec’s first project was a commission to design active monitors for the Finnish Broadcasting Corporation’s new headquarters in Helsinki. Two years later, the S30 entered service, featuring innovations like an advanced amplifier topology, robust driver protection circuits, and a proprietary ribbon tweeter. By 1985, Genelec had 12 loudspeaker models in production and had expanded their business to include custom sound reinforcement installations. However, in 1989, Genelec leadership made the decision to focus solely on manufacturing monitors, and never looked back. Ever since, the company has continued to produce ever more innovative designs, quickly becoming known as one of the top names in active studio monitors worldwide.
Applications
Genelec makes loudspeakers for three main applications: studio, installation, and home listening. Their studio monitors are probably the most well-known, and for good reason—their transparent sound, versatility, and features like automatic calibration make them ideally suited to studio environments where uncompromising accuracy is essential. Genelec’s range of AV installation speakers focus on delivering high-quality sound in any environment, with flexible mounting options, network connectivity for remote control, and modern aesthetics that elevate any installation. Finally, Genelec’s home speaker offerings focus on pure listening pleasure, running the gamut from unobtrusive desktop speakers to floor-standing models fit for the most discerning audiophiles. Across all of these applications, Genelec’s commitment to sonic excellence and aesthetic beauty remain consistent.
Principles
Genelec’s mission is to help customers fulfill their dreams by offering them the most truthful sound reproduction possible. To accomplish that, they adhere to five core values: enthusiasm, belief, honesty, respect, and justice. Enthusiasm for great sound and design is what got the company off the ground in the first place, and belief is how Genelec stays true to their vision. Honesty, respect, and justice govern their interactions with customers, employees, partners, competitors, and the environment. These guiding principles inform everything the company does, from R&D and production to marketing, customer service, and everything in between.
Design
Forward-thinking design has been a focus for Genelec since the company’s inception. Throughout the years, they’ve introduced and patented numerous features, all in the name of delivering uncompromising sonic performance and refined aesthetics. Genelec’s uniquely shaped Minimum Diffraction Enclosures allow sound to propagate freely without causing acoustical interference, while their gently sloping Directivity Control Waveguides provide broad diffusion with flat response on- and off-axis, providing a generous “sweet spot.” Many Genelec monitors feature unorthodox but effective Minimum Diffraction Coaxial drivers and Acoustically Concealed Woofers, which act together to provide smooth, linear response across the frequency spectrum with pinpoint spatial accuracy. Under the hood; innovations like optimized amplifiers and protection circuits allow Genelec monitors to perform at the highest levels, day in and day out.
Software
In addition to their many loudspeaker offerings, Genelec produces software with the same goal—to help people achieve their dreams with truthful sound reproduction. Genelec’s GLM software integrates with their Smart Active Monitor (SAM) systems to streamline setup and management for any system, from stereo setups to complex multichannel arrays. Together, SAM and GLM offer automatic room calibration, subwoofer setup, bass management, monitor control, and more. Genelec’s Aural ID software allows users to create a personalized headphone experience for extremely accurate binaural monitoring and virtual loudspeaker setups. In the AV installation realm, Genelec’s Smart IP software streamlines setup, control, and management for networked audio systems.