GENELEC 8010A

Product overview

The GENELEC 8010A is an extremely compact two-way active studio monitor that squeezes true reference performance and extended frequency response into a 195 mm tall die-cast aluminium enclosure.

When studio space is limited or you record on the move, the 8010A is a reliable monitoring companion: uncoloured, accurate and powerful, every bit a GENELEC professional monitor. Its 3-inch woofer and 3/4-inch metal dome tweeter each have their own 25 W Class D amplifier behind an active crossover, and simple rear panel switches adapt the monitor to a bedroom studio, a hotel room or an outside broadcast van. Intelligent Signal Sensing saves energy, the Iso-Pod stand decouples and tilts the monitor, and a universal 100-240 V mains input makes it a natural companion for portable recording.

Key features

• Two-way active design with a 76 mm (3 in) bass cone and a 19 mm (3/4 in) metal dome tweeter
• 25 W + 25 W Class D amplifiers, one per driver, with active crossover at 3.0 kHz and protection circuitry
• 96 dB maximum short-term SPL at 1 m and 105 dB peak per pair
• 74 Hz - 20 kHz (±2.5 dB) free field response, -6 dB points at 67 Hz and 25 kHz
• Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) in die-cast aluminium and Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW)
• Room response controls: Bass Tilt 0 / -2 / -4 / -6 dB and Desktop -4 dB at 200 Hz
• Sensitivity -10 dB switch for comfortable level matching
• Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS): standby below 0.5 W, automatic wake-up
• Iso-Pod vibration-decoupling stand with ±15° tilt; threaded holes on the rear for brackets
• Balanced XLR input and universal 100-240 V mains input
• Made in Finland; offered in dark grey, white, black and RAW finishes

Small size, real monitor performance

Do not be fooled by its modest dimensions: a combination of enclosure, driver and electronic design gives the 8010A extremely neutral characteristics and more undistorted sound pressure than you might expect from a monitor of this size. It is ideal for small studios, OB vans and as a companion for portable recording devices and other mobile work.

Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and DCW waveguide

The 8010A is built around GENELEC's die-cast aluminium Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE): curved walls and rounded edges reduce the edge diffraction that colours ordinary box loudspeakers, while the Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) shapes the tweeter's wavefront for a flat response on and off axis. The result is a wide, consistent listening window, fewer early reflections from desks and walls, accurate stereo imaging and a monitoring system that depends less on the room.

Room response controls

Two rear panel controls adapt the 8010A to its surroundings. Bass Tilt offers -2, -4 and -6 dB of attenuation at 100 Hz for monitors placed near a wall, in a corner or in a cabinet, and the Desktop control removes 4 dB at 200 Hz to compensate for the boost when the monitor stands on a table. The operating manual gives suggested settings for typical rooms, starting from all switches OFF.

Intelligent Signal Sensing and the Iso-Pod stand

Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) puts the 8010A into standby below 0.5 W when no audio has been present for a while and wakes it automatically when a signal returns; it can be disabled on the rear panel. The supplied Iso-Pod (Isolation Positioner/Decoupler) stand isolates the monitor from the desk or console and tilts it so that the acoustic axis points at the listener, reducing colouration from vibration and surface reflections.

Versatile mounting

Besides the supplied Iso-Pod, the rear of the 8010A has three pairs of threaded holes for wall, ceiling and VESA-type brackets. GENELEC's own range covers table stands, the L-shape table stand, floor stands, wall and ceiling mounts, truss mounts, a VESA adapter and a soft carrying bag for two 8010 monitors.

In the box

• 1 x GENELEC 8010A studio monitor
• 1 x mains cable (1.8 m)
• 1 x operating manual
• 1 x Iso-Pod kit

GENELEC 8010A: frequently asked questions

Does the 8010A need a separate power amplifier?

No. It is an active monitor with two built-in 25 W Class D amplifiers. Connect a line-level source to its balanced XLR input; never connect it to the loudspeaker outputs of an amplifier or receiver.

Can I connect an unbalanced source?

Yes. GENELEC states that an unbalanced line-level source, such as an RCA output, can be connected with a suitable adapter cable.

Is the 8010A suitable for desktop use?

Yes. The Desktop switch removes 4 dB at 200 Hz to compensate for a table surface, and the Iso-Pod stand tilts the monitor towards your ears while decoupling it from the desk.

Can the bass be extended?

Yes. The operating manual states that the bass response of the 8010A can be extended with a GENELEC subwoofer.

Where can I buy the GENELEC 8010A in India?

The GENELEC 8010A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo nearfield pair on a desk

Set up a stereo pair for mixing and editing at a desk or workstation.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the monitors symmetrically, at equal distance from the listening position, with the acoustic axes aimed at ear height.
2. Connect the balanced XLR cables first and the mains cables last.
3. Set the room response switches for desk placement: Desktop ON and Bass Tilt -2 dB (near field on a reflective surface).
4. Leave Sensitivity at normal (100 dB SPL at 1 m from -6 dBu) or switch to -10 dB if your volume control needs more resolution.

Tip: Keep the monitors clear of the screen and other reflecting objects; tilt them with the Iso-Pod rather than raising the desk level.

Workflow 2: Monitors near a wall or in a small room

Correct the bass build-up that walls and corners cause in compact rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Start with all switches OFF (flat anechoic response).
2. For placement near a wall: Bass Tilt -4 dB; in a corner or cabinet -6 dB.
3. Listen to well-known reference recordings or measure at the listening position.
4. Change one setting at a time until the bass sounds even and natural.

Tip: Respect the minimum clearances behind, above and beside the monitor so the reflex port and cooling work properly.

Workflow 3: Surround and immersive monitoring

Build a 5-channel or larger system from identical monitors.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the monitors at equal distance from the listening position, following the angles in the Quick Setup Guide.
2. Aim every acoustic axis at the listening position.
3. Set the room response switches for each monitor according to its own placement.
4. Match the levels with the sensitivity control and an SPL meter.

Tip: Small, light and fitted with rear threads, the 8010A suits wall and ceiling positions in multichannel rooms.

Workflow 4: Broadcast, OB van and post production

Neutral monitoring in control rooms, outside broadcast vans and editing suites.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the monitors so that the acoustic axes point at the operator.
2. Choose the switch settings for the mounting position from the operating manual's table.
3. Use the sensitivity setting to match the console's output level.
4. Use ISS so the monitors go to standby when the room is not in use.

Tip: The 1.5 kg weight and universal mains input make the 8010A easy to carry between locations; GENELEC offers a soft bag for two.

Workflow 5: Adding a GENELEC subwoofer

Extend the bass response or raise the SPL of the system.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the source to the GENELEC subwoofer and its outputs to the monitors.
2. Place the subwoofer as described in its own manual.
3. Set the monitors' room response switches for their placement.
4. Balance the subwoofer level against the monitors at the listening position.

Tip: The 8010A operating manual states that its bass response can be extended with a GENELEC subwoofer.

Workflow 6: Energy-saving everyday use

Leave the system ready all day without wasting power.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave the power switch ON with ISS active.
2. The monitor drops to standby (below 0.5 W) after the signal has been absent for a while.
3. It wakes automatically when audio arrives; there is a slight delay.
4. If the delay is a problem, disable ISS and switch the monitor with the power switch.

Tip: Removing the mains cable is the only way to disconnect the amplifier completely from the mains.