GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller

Product overview

The GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller is five audio tools in one: a professional monitor controller, calibration set, USB output interface, GLM remote and reference-grade headphone amplifier, at the heart of the GENELEC UNIO ecosystem.

The 9320A puts physical control of Smart Active Monitoring (SAM), GENELEC Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) and Aural ID at your fingertips and works with any recording software and audio interface. It manages SAM systems from stereo to immersive, calibrates them with GLM AutoCal using the included factory-calibrated Reference Microphone, drives any professional headphones from 16 to 600 Ω with up to 6 V RMS, and level-aligns loudspeakers and headphones so you can switch between them without readjusting. Stereo analogue and AES/EBU inputs and outputs, a USB-C audio output up to 192 kHz, continuous SPL metering and sound exposure logging complete a compact, USB-powered desktop unit.

Key features

• Quick control of SAM, GLM and Aural ID with clear haptic feedback and four GROUP keys for GLM presets
• Reference-grade headphone output: 16-600 Ω, 6 V RMS, 126 dB dynamic range
• Personal headphone calibration in GLM: user EQ slope, two parametric EQs, balance and level trim
• GLM AutoCal 2 calibration and GRADE Room Acoustic Reports with the included Reference Microphone
• Stereo analogue and AES/EBU inputs and outputs, fixed or adjustable output level
• USB-C output interface up to 192 kHz, powered over USB, with an auxiliary USB-C power input
• High-quality conversion: analogue to AES, AES to analogue, USB to any output; 138 dB AES dynamic range
• A, C and Z-weighted SPL display and daily sound exposure (noise dose) logging with alarms
• MONO, DIFF, INVERT, MUTE, DIM, PRESET and BASS M monitoring functions
• Independent mode without a computer after configuration in GLM

Every monitoring option at your fingertips

With GLM running in the background, the 9320A keys mirror GLM's Mute All, Dim All, first preset level and bass management bypass, and the GROUP 1-4 keys activate complete monitoring situations: calibration, inputs, outputs and level in one press. Any additional stereo monitors connected to the 9320A outputs can be level-aligned, so you can move between in-room systems and headphones and trust each one for reference listening.

Professional headphone monitoring

The headphone amplifier supplies up to 120 mA and 6 V RMS with THD+N below -108 dB and 126 dB dynamic range. GLM adds personal headphone calibration and a headphone sensitivity setting for SPL display and noise dose on headphones. Combined with factory-calibrated 8550A headphones as UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring, or with Aural ID binaural virtual monitoring, the 9320A takes headphone accuracy to a new level.

AES/EBU and analogue connectivity

Stereo and stereo-with-subwoofer systems connect to the balanced analogue (6.3 mm TRS) and AES/EBU XLR inputs and outputs. The analogue input maximum can be set to +12 dBu or +24 dBu, AES input accepts 32-192 kHz at up to 24 bits (S/PDIF through an impedance converter), and USB and AES digital audio reach the AES output with 138 dB dynamic range. Bandwidth extends to 46 kHz on all paths.

Safe listening

Continuous SPL, sampled with the Reference Microphone in the room or calculated from headphone sensitivity, is shown on the backlit display. The engineer's daily sound exposure is logged to a selectable standard and dose alarms can be set, supporting hearing preservation in long sessions.

In the box

• 9320A SAM Reference Controller
• USB type-C to type-C cable with type-A adapter (2 m)
• Factory-calibrated Reference Microphone for GLM and microphone holder
• Quick Setup Guide

GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller: frequently asked questions

Do I need a computer to use the 9320A?

The 9320A is configured in GLM on a computer. After that it can be used independently on a USB power supply, with headphone, line and AES/EBU audio, volume, MUTE, DIM, PRESET, MONO, DIFF, INVERT, SPL and sound exposure functions.

Can I use any headphones?

Yes. The headphone output supports professional headphones from 16 to 600 Ω. For the highest accuracy GENELEC pairs it with factory-calibrated 8550A headphones as UNIO PRM.

Does it replace the GLM Network Adapter?

Yes. The 9320A connects the GLM network to the computer and includes the same reference microphone and holder as the GLM kit, with many additional functions.

Which applications is it made for?

Stereo and immersive music studios, game audio, broadcasting, streaming and AV post-production, in fixed and mobile set-ups.

Where can I buy the GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller in India?

The GENELEC 9320A SAM Reference Controller is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Calibrated stereo SAM monitoring

Set up and control a stereo SAM system from the desk.

Connections

Setup

1. Install GLM and connect the 9320A over USB.
2. Daisy-chain the GLM network to the monitors.
3. Run AutoCal with the microphone at the listening position.
4. Save Group Presets and recall them with GROUP 1-4.

Tip: Set the outputs to 'GLM (fixed)' so the level is adjusted inside the SAM monitors.

Workflow 2: Switching between loudspeakers and headphones

Move between in-room monitoring and headphones without level jumps.

Connections

Setup

1. Enter the headphone sensitivity in GLM.
2. Trim the headphone, analogue and digital outputs to the same perceived level.
3. Switch outputs with the headphone, ANALOG and DIGITAL keys.

Tip: Use the user EQ and parametric filters to calibrate the headphone sound personally.

Workflow 3: Immersive SAM system management

Control a high-channel-count immersive system from one desktop unit.

Connections

Setup

1. Route audio from the interface directly to the monitors.
2. Calibrate the system with GLM.
3. Use the knob, MUTE, DIM and GROUP keys to control the whole system.

Tip: Add a 9301B or 9401A for AES/EBU or AoIP multichannel connectivity.

Workflow 4: Headphone mixing with Aural ID

Mix stereo and immersive content on headphones with a personal HRTF.

Connections

Setup

1. Install Aural ID and configure it for your headphones.
2. Create a GLM group that selects the headphone output with Aural ID.
3. Switch to it with a GROUP key.

Workflow 5: Converter and monitoring hub

Use the 9320A as a high-quality converter between analogue, AES/EBU and USB.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the input with INPUT and the output with the output keys.
2. Choose fixed or adjustable output level in GLM.
3. Set the analogue input to +12 dBu or +24 dBu to suit the source.

Workflow 6: Independent use with hearing protection

Monitor safely without a computer, with SPL and sound exposure in view.

Connections

Setup

1. Configure the 9320A in GLM and store the settings.
2. Power it from a USB supply.
3. Watch the SPL on the display and the logged sound exposure in the menu.

Tip: Set a dose alarm and a maximum level restriction in GLM.