New Genelec 8380A main monitor delivers power, performance and precision
Genelec – the global leader in professional audio monitoring solutions – has introduced the 8380A three-way midfield SAM™ Main Monitor, taking its place in ‘The Main Ones’ family alongside its larger 8381A sibling. Designed for precise imaging and neutral sound reproduction, the 8380A is the natural choice for high SPL applications in medium-sized control rooms, including professional recording, mixing and mastering studios – as well as premium home audio environments.
Featuring a highly linear 380 mm (15 inch) woofer and Genelec’s globally patented MDC (Minimum Diffraction Coaxial) midrange-tweeter technology, the 8380A offers exceptional dynamics, huge headroom, high SPL capability and extremely low self-noise. Providing accurate time-aligned playback and unparalleled directivity control, the 8380A’s power is matched by its precision. Stable imaging and phase coherence produce fatigue-free listening – no matter how long the session is – and even at close listening distances, 8380A users can still experience consistent, uncoloured clarity, giving them the confidence to trust every detail at any playback level.
The 8380A enclosure deploys two highly linear forward-facing reflex ports, producing exceptionally clean LF playback even at the highest levels, and enabling traditional soffit-mounting installation. Genelec’s trademark DCW (Directivity Control Waveguide) houses the MDC coaxial midrange-tweeter driver, which contributes to extremely uncoloured audio, both on- and off-axis. The 8380A’s time domain performance is also superb, providing low system latency and excellent phase matching with other 8300 Series, The Ones and The Main Ones monitors – and allowing the user to combine SAM models freely within the same system.
Innovation also extends to the 8380A’s integrated RAM-L2 power amplifier module, whose fan-less zero noise design features 500 W and 250 W Class D amplifiers for the woofer and midrange driver respectively, with a 200 W Class AB stage powering the tweeter. As part of Genelec’s commitment to sustainable design, the 8380A offers minimal idle power consumption, and intelligent power management through Genelec’s ISS energy saving technology. Specifications are impressive too, with a frequency response of 29 Hz to 43 kHz, a maximum short term SPL of 122 dB, and a staggeringly low self-generated noise level of 0 dB SPL. Conveniently, the 8380A shares the same physical dimensions as the 1038 and 1238 three-way monitors, making it the perfect upgrade for owners of those much-loved midfield models.
As part of the SAM monitoring family, the 8380A’s internal DSP integrates tightly with Genelec’s GLM software, which can configure, calibrate and control entire Genelec SAM systems. Based on the experience of thousands of studios around the world, GLM analyses and minimises the listening room’s influence on the sound, enabling the user to produce mixes that translate perfectly to other systems, whether the format is stereo, surround or high channel count immersive. GLM also includes the ground-breaking GRADE room report feature, which gives the user a complete analysis of their room and monitoring system performance, providing specific observations and advice on any acoustical issues. This helps users and studio designers alike to fine tune the room’s acoustic treatment, adjust monitor and listener positions, and optimise bass management.
“For many years, our legacy 1038 and newer 1238 monitors have been warmly embraced by mid-sized music, film and post rooms looking for accurate, truthful high SPL reproduction,” comments Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “With the recent introduction of the free-standing 8381A five-way main monitor, we could see the clear potential for a more compact three-way design that distils our latest coaxial technology into a traditional flush-mounting format. The 8380A fills that gap perfectly, and brings next-generation midfield performance to discerning studio professionals and home audio enthusiasts everywhere.”
After its online launch, the 8380A will feature at an extensive series of global events – starting with Beatcon and Tonmeistertagung in Germany, with many more to follow throughout 2025 and beyond.