GENELEC 1238A

Product overview

The GENELEC 1238A is the largest GENELEC three-way midfield design, building on the legacy of the 1038 with Smart Active Monitoring on board, for larger rooms that demand reference precision at high SPL.

A 385 mm woofer in a 110 litre bass reflex enclosure works with a 130 mm midrange and a 25 mm metal dome tweeter in the Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW). The RAM-L amplifier module (500 W, 250 W, 200 W) sits in the back of the enclosure and can be rack-mounted away from it, so the 1238A can form a flush-mounted main monitoring system. GLM calibrates the system for your room, from mono to immersive.

Key features

• Three-way design: 385 mm woofer, 130 mm midrange and 25 mm metal dome tweeter
• Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) for excellent imaging and neutral response
• 121 dB short-term SPL at 1 m; peak above 124 dB per pair at 2 m
• 35 Hz - 20 kHz (±2.5 dB) free-field response
• RAM-L amplifier: 500 W + 250 W + 200 W, integrated or rack-mounted
• Analogue and AES/EBU inputs (up to 192 kHz) with AES/EBU thru
• GLM calibration with AutoCal, room compensation and level and delay alignment
• Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) power saving

Power and precision

The 1238A offers the revered acoustic character of the GENELEC 1038 with Smart Active Monitoring, and 121 dB of short-term SPL combined with neutrality.

Truly optimised listening

GLM configures and calibrates the 1238A for your listening environment, from mono to immersive, for mixes that translate to other studios and systems.

Integrated or rack-mounted amplifier

The RAM-L can stay in the back of the enclosure or move to a 19-inch rack with the included front plate and ears.

In the box

• GENELEC 1238A main monitor with integrated RAM-L amplifier
• Mains cable (1.8 m)
• RJ45 cable (5 m)
• Rack mount front plate
• 2 rack mount ears
• Operating manual

GLM calibration uses the free GLM software with the GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller or the GLM Calibration Kit (each available separately).

GENELEC 1238A: frequently asked questions

How large a room is the 1238A for?

GENELEC describes it as its largest three-way midfield design, for professionals in larger rooms; it works free-standing or flush-mounted.

Which inputs does it have?

A balanced analogue XLR input and an AES/EBU digital input (up to 192 kHz) with AES/EBU thru, plus two RJ45 sockets for the GLM network.

What do I need for GLM calibration?

GLM software and a GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller or GLM Calibration Kit (each available separately).

Where can I buy the GENELEC 1238A in India?

The GENELEC 1238A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo main monitoring with GLM calibration

Set up a pair of 1238A monitors as the calibrated reference of a control room.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the monitors symmetrically with their acoustic axes aimed at the listening position.
2. Leave the RAM-L in the enclosure, or move it to a rack with the included front plate and ears.
3. Daisy-chain the CONTROL NETWORK sockets and end at the GLM adapter; place the measurement microphone at ear height.
4. Run GLM AutoCal, then store the settings in the monitors.

Tip: Keep the AES/EBU source level near 0 dBFS and lower the GLM level instead, to keep full digital resolution.

Workflow 2: Flush mounting in the front wall

Build the monitors into the wall to avoid edge diffraction and wall reflections.

Connections

Setup

1. Make the wall stiff and heavy and angle it so the monitors aim at the listener (tilt under 15 degrees).
2. Fill the cavity with mineral wool, foam or sand bags.
3. Fit the facing panel flush with the enclosure and fill the gap with a soft rubber gasket.
4. Keep any cloth frame under 20 mm deep and acoustically transparent.

Tip: Arrange ventilation for the amplifier when the monitor is built into the wall.

Workflow 3: Rack-mounting the RAM-L

Move the integrated amplifier to a rack when the monitor is flush-mounted.

Connections

Setup

1. Disconnect all cables and remove the two screws of the vibration isolating mounts on the left.
2. Pull out the left side, detach the flat cable, undo the right mounts and remove the amplifier.
3. Swap the front mounting ears for the included angled rack ears and front plate.
4. Connect two Speakon cables and the RJ45 LED cable between amplifier and cabinet.

Tip: Never mix amplifier and enclosure pairs: each amplifier is calibrated for its own enclosure.

Workflow 4: Surround and immersive systems

Use the monitors as the main channels of a 5.1 or immersive system.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the monitors according to ITU-R BS.775-1 for 5-channel work.
2. Assign each monitor's AES/EBU subframe (A or B) in GLM.
3. Measure all monitors and subwoofers together with GLM.
4. Store the settings or keep the computer connected for control.

Tip: One AES/EBU line can feed up to four SAM units through the DIGITAL THRU connectors.

Workflow 5: Broadcast and post production without a computer

Run calibrated monitors in a facility where no computer stays connected.

Connections

Setup

1. Calibrate the system with GLM.
2. Use Store the Settings to write the setup into the monitors.
3. Disconnect the computer; the monitors keep their calibration.
4. Switch on ISS in GLM if the monitors should go to standby when idle.

Tip: Watch the front light: red means overload or an AES/EBU data error; turn the source down.

Workflow 6: Mastering and critical listening

Make final decisions on a neutral, low-distortion reference.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the monitors symmetrically at equal distance from the listening position.
2. Calibrate with GLM and check the level alignment.
3. Set the input sensitivity in GLM for a comfortable working level.
4. Keep symmetrical reflective surfaces around the listening position.

Tip: These monitors can exceed 85 dB SPL: protect your hearing in long sessions.