The latest addition to founder/owner Maxe Axelsson’s facilities at PAMA Records in southeast Sweden is an upgrade to the mastering studio utilizing Genelec 8351B coaxial three-way monitors and a W371A adaptive woofer system.
“We ‘d never had this type of combined system in the studio before, and at first we were a bit unsure about the idea,” says Axelsson. “But once it was installed, we were completely blown away. The concept of combining the W371 woofer system with ‘The Ones’ coaxial design of the 8351 allowed a free-standing full-range system for us and we’re planning to install that type of hybrid more in the future – it completely fixes every last detail in the room and is therefore at the heart of our mastering process.”
The combined Genelec system created directivity as well as help in eliminating negative room influences. “We originally had the Genelec 1038ACs as mains in the mastering room, and this was a great monitor to use for this,” he explains. “We loved the sound of these three-way center speakers in a stereo setup, and we were really happy with them, but then we had a problem with the bass that we couldn’t really fix. So, we decided to get in the W371s, not really thinking it would be the ultimate solution, but after the second calibration was set up and combined with the back wall reflections, it managed to take care of exactly what we needed it to – we had never seen that type of installation work before. We are not disappointed, we love the system.”
Axelsson also chose to deploy Genelec GLM loudspeaker manager software for both the studio’s final configuration as well as for its day-to-day operation. “I always use the GLM setup,” he notes. “It’s more than a good speaker calibration system, it’s great for comparing levels while we’re mastering as well as finalizing little details. We also use it as a monitor controller, especially with the new GLM 4 version, and we always have the reference mic and GLM connected which creates a nice flow.”
In addition to the mastering suite, Genelec monitoring is also seen elsewhere throughout the building. In Studio 1, which is primarily used for EdTech’s e-learning projects, 8341 and 1037 three-way studio monitors combine with a 7071 subwoofer. While in Studio 3, PAMA’s music studios, Axelsson has opted for 8010, 8351 and 1234 monitoring solutions.
“Genelec is the standard that we are happy to work around,” says Axelsson. “It is our reference wherever we go. The technology surpasses all of our expectations every time, and we are working with an amazing set up at the moment which is by far the perfect solution for us.”
