Genelec has announced that its 8331 and 8341 three-way coaxial monitors are now also available as aluminum models in the company’s RAW Series.
Introduced in 2020, the distinctive RAW finish — an “industrial” design aesthetic — is available for a selection of monitor models. They require no painting and less finishing material than standard painted models in presenting a unique look and feel. The company states that a portion of each sale of these new models is being donated to the Audio Engineering Society (AES) throughout 2022.
RAW models have a Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, developed by Genelec in collaboration with industrial designer Harri Koskinen. By eliminating edge diffractions, the MDE is stated to deliver a flat frequency response, more precise imaging and enhanced acoustical performance. The slimline enclosure is cast and finished to produce an extremely rigid structure with large internal volume that’s designed to extend frequency response and reduce resonances and thus the quantity of internal damping material required.
Launched in 2017 as members of The Ones Series, the compact 8331 and 8341 three-way point source models are designed to provide accurately controlled directivity in both planes and extended frequency response. As part of Genelec’s Smart Active Monitoring family, all models in The Ones range integrate tightly with GLM software, which can calibrate and control monitoring systems.
The decision to donate a percentage of RAW 8331 and 8341 sales to the AES during 2022 stems from Genelec’s longstanding role as a Sustaining Member of the Society, and the work that the AES brings to individuals for career advancement, and to the audio industry as a whole.
“Genelec has been an amazing partner to the Audio Engineering Society,” says AES president Josh Reiss. “We share a commitment to the advancement of the audio arts and sciences, which Genelec has proven by sharing resources and knowledge that advance our joint mission. With the launch of its RAW Series of loudspeakers in 2020, Genelec further demonstrated that commitment by pledging a portion of the proceeds of the line to the society. That pledge was realized in a sizable donation that helped sustain the society’s essential role in the audio industry during the dark days of the pandemic.
“Genelec is once again demonstrating its dedication to the society with the announcement of a new pledge to contribute to AES a share of the proceeds of 2022 sales of the newly introduced RAW version of Genelec’s The Ones monitors. The depths of the society’s gratitude for Genelec’s partnership cannot be overstated.”
Genelec managing director Siamäk Naghian adds, “The RAW series is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, which we consider to be of equal importance as profitability and sound quality. It’s clear that the popularity of RAW is a direct response to customers who have a growing awareness of environmental issues, but also appreciate the opportunity to own a premium loudspeaker with a unique aesthetic appeal. As our flagship studio monitor range, we’ve had many requests to make The Ones models available in the RAW series, so we’re very happy that we’ve now perfected a way of producing the 8331 and 8341 to the same high standards as the other RAW models. We’re also delighted that the success of RAW will be helping to contribute to the outstanding work that the AES does for our industry.”
