GENELEC 8381A

Product overview

The GENELEC 8381A Adaptive Point Source Main Monitor empowers engineers and creators to perceive every sonic detail, offering true-to-life sound level and dynamics with the full flexibility of free-standing placement and advanced room adaption.

An adaptive five-way design for medium to large control rooms, it keeps sound colour and imaging precise at every listening distance. Its response reaches 20 Hz to 35 kHz, fully time aligned, and its high SPL capacity makes even very low-level details audible. It is designed and built in Iisalmi, Finland.

Key features

• Point Source Continued Directivity (PCD): point source behaviour down to 200 Hz
• MDC coaxial driver with high-SPL compression tweeter, plus the Quad Midrange System
• Double Low-Woofer system: three 15-inch woofers with room-adaptive crossovers
• 126 dB short-term SPL; 132 dB peak per pair at 2 m
• Constant delay and phase: Extended Phase Linearity down to 200 Hz
• Two RAM-81 amplifiers (19-inch, 3U), each calibrated to its enclosure
• Incliner wedges included for high main monitor positions; black or white

Imaging you can trust

The point source principle removes the vertical colour change typical of larger monitors, and the Directivity Control Waveguide keeps off-axis sound clean, so decisions stay reliable in any room.

Tailored precisely to your room

With GLM AutoCal and WooferCal, the 8381A adapts its low-frequency crossovers to the room and listening position for flat, powerful bass that integrates with the complete sound image.

Free-standing freedom

On the floor its acoustic axis sits at 1.2 m, the natural seated height. Included 4° and 8° wedges aim the top enclosure when the monitor is raised; a 300 mm height extension block is available.

In the box

• Top and bottom enclosures (both needed for one complete unit), on a plywood-covered pallet
• 2 x RAM-81 amplifier units, individually calibrated
• Accessory kit: 2 mains cables, 5 m amplifier cable assembly with sleeve, amplifier link cables, enclosure link cables, 2 covering plates with screws, 4° and 8° incliner wedges
• Quick Setup Guide
• 9320A SAM Reference Controller and GLM software access
• SonicAdvisor service: one on-site calibration with certificate and one online consultation in the first year

The pallet weighs about 200 kg and needs a door opening of more than 1 m. GENELEC provides a GLM kit with each pair.

GENELEC 8381A: frequently asked questions

Does the 8381A need a subwoofer?

Its response extends to 20 Hz (-6 dB) through three 15-inch woofers in its adaptive woofer system.

How close can I sit?

Because it is a point source down to 200 Hz, listening distances down to about 1 m are possible.

Where do the amplifiers go?

The two RAM-81 units are 19-inch, 3U rack-mount amplifiers connected to the bottom enclosure; GENELEC recommends an air-conditioned equipment rack for critical work.

Where can I buy the GENELEC 8381A in India?

The GENELEC 8381A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Free-standing stereo main monitors

Place a pair of 8381A in a medium to large control room.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the bottom enclosures and lift the top enclosures on, with two people for each lift.
2. Connect the enclosure link cables and fit the covering plates.
3. Connect amplifier 1 to input 1 and amplifier 2 to input 2, matching serial numbers.
4. Link the amplifiers (audio thru and RAM-81 LINK) and connect mains.

Tip: With the monitor on the floor the acoustic axis is at 1.2 m, right for a seated engineer.

Workflow 2: Room-adaptive calibration with GLM

Let GLM set the adaptive woofer crossovers for the room.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the GLM network and the measurement microphone.
2. Choose single-point or multi-point calibration.
3. Run AutoCal and WooferCal.
4. Store the settings in the amplifiers.

Tip: An optional GRADE report gives an in-depth room and system analysis.

Workflow 3: High main monitor position

Raise the 8381A on a pedestal and aim it down at the listener.

Connections

Setup

1. Place a robust pedestal or the 300 mm height extension block 8381A-480.
2. Fit the 4° or 8° wedge on the bottom enclosure with four M4x10 Torx bolts.
3. Lift the top enclosure on and connect the link cables.
4. Recalibrate with GLM.

Tip: Never use both wedges together or tilt the top enclosure upwards.

Workflow 4: Mixing and mastering for standing and seated work

Serve engineers who often work standing up.

Connections

Setup

1. Aim the axis midway between standing and seated ear height, about 1.5 m.
2. Place the microphone positions to cover the working area.
3. Calibrate with GLM.
4. Check the green front light.

Tip: Point source design keeps the sound colour consistent when you move, stand or sit.

Workflow 5: Remote amplifier rack

Keep the RAM-81 amplifiers out of the listening room.

Connections

Setup

1. Install both amplifiers with 100 mm free behind and the perforated side open.
2. Use the supplied 5 m cable assembly or custom pin-to-pin cables of the right gauge.
3. Connect the LED cable to amplifier 1.
4. Power up and check that the power buttons glow steadily.

Tip: Custom loudspeaker cables must be built by a trained electrical technician.

Workflow 6: Immersive main system

Combine 8381A mains with other SAM monitors and subwoofers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the 8381A at the front positions and other SAM monitors around the room.
2. Connect everything on the GLM network.
3. Calibrate the full system with GLM.
4. Store the settings.

Tip: GLM can calibrate systems of tens of monitors and subwoofers in one room.