Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Point source design provides precisely controlled dispersion in both planes, resulting in impeccable imaging and phase cohesion
- The sound enveloped the control room's sweet spot in a way not previously experienced, with a three-dimensional and immersive quality
- The build is remarkable with an enclosure crafted out of two aluminum die-cast components, minimizing resonance and ensuring longevity
Product Considerations
- The size of the rear port can make placement tricky in some rooms, especially smaller ones
- To get the most out of them, the GLM kit should be considered, which makes these monitors pricier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Genelecs are flatter and the better choice compared to Focal Trio6
- The 8351B SAMs are far superior in terms of stereo imaging, accuracy, and versatility compared to Neumann KH 310
- The Genelecs are the obvious choice if you can afford them compared to PMC PMC 6
Takeaway: The 8351B SAMs are amazing monitors with insane audio quality that truly live in a world of their own and can work well in smaller spaces with the GLM kit. These are best suited for professional engineers looking to get the most out of their monitoring setup.
All
8351B
reviews
Manufacturer details
- SPL: 113 dB
- Frequency Response: 32 Hz - 43 kHz (-6dB)
- Dimensions: H 454 x W 287 x D 278 mm (with Iso-Pod™)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Genelec stands out for its cast-aluminum enclosures with rounded edges and integrated Directivity Control Waveguide, which embody a distinctive approach to design, aesthetics, and controlled dispersion.
- The brand's SAM (Smart Active Monitoring) system, coupled with GLM software, enables automated calibration for level, timing, and equalization of room-response anomalies, optimizing performance in diverse acoustic environments.
- Genelec offers a point-source design across "The Ones" series, where the tweeter is mounted in the center of the woofer, creating a single full-range device regardless of listening distance and expanding the listening sweet spot.
- The company is known for their comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to the design of each speaker, carefully considering everything from enclosure materials to the integration of amplifiers and DSP.
Select products
Genelec 8361A Stereo Pair
- Positioning: Positioned as a high-end studio monitor within "The Ones" series, offering advanced audio precision for professional environments.
- Description: Features Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) driver technology, ensuring a smooth frequency response and outstanding sound imaging. Compared to other models like the 8351B, offers a wider frequency range and higher sound pressure level, making it ideal for larger studio spaces where detailed sound reproduction is critical. Its Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) system allows for automatic calibration to the room, providing flexibility and precision in various acoustic environments.
Genelec 8351B W371A Stereo System
- Positioning: Combined with the W371A woofer system, represents a sophisticated stereo setup designed for full-range audio performance, suitable for both professional studios and high-end home listening.
- Description: Known for its compact size yet powerful performance, using Acoustically Concealed Woofers (ACW) technology to deliver controlled low-frequency directivity. When paired with the W371A, it extends the system's low-frequency response, outperforming standalone monitors like the 8361A in terms of bass depth and room adaptability.
Genelec 1236A Stereo Pair
- Positioning: Genelec's flagship main monitor, designed for large-scale professional studios requiring the highest level of audio fidelity and power.
- Description: Stands out with its massive sound pressure level and extended low-frequency response, thanks to its large enclosure and advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) technology. Unlike the 8361A and 8351B, built for expansive spaces where maximum output and precision are paramount, making it the go-to choice for top-tier recording studios. Its Smart Active Monitoring capabilities ensure it adapts seamlessly to any room, providing unmatched consistency and accuracy in sound reproduction.
Our take on the brand
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Genelec
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely clear sound, making them better for mixing and mastering than many other monitors
- Sound like main monitors, offering a large sound footprint not typically found in near-field or mid-field monitors
- Wide bandwidth accuracy and dependability at any volume level
- Midrange performance is particularly notable for realistic, unhyped accuracy, especially on naturally recorded human voices
- Bass performance combines extended bandwidth with great dynamic, pitch, and temporal accuracy
Product Considerations
- Require a significant break-in period
- To get the most out of them, an interface that can connect via AES is needed, as the conversion when using analog is not as transparent
- Correct placement is crucial; at least four and a half feet of distance is needed between the listener and the monitor to be able to get all of the sound that it's trying to give
- SoundAlign software, while useful for EQ adjustments, may introduce unwanted digital artifacts to the sound
- Expensive, these monitors are at the higher end of this sector and share that space with some well-respected designs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM25a: The reviewer finds an absence of 'not hearing the box' evident in the 6-2 compared to the ATCs
- Vs Neumann KH310s: The 6-2s outperform them in every respect, sounding much better, with other monitors sounding colored by comparison
- Vs ATC 150s: The reviewer prefers these PMC6-2s over the ATC 150s
Takeaway: The PMC6-2 is a high-performance studio monitor that delivers exceptional clarity and detail. For those seeking accurate and dependable sound at all volumes, these monitors are worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The PMC6 is packed with innovation and providing the same sonic signature as our renowned larger monitors, it's ideal for smaller control rooms or for use in larger immersive systems, where its astounding resolution allows critical mix decisions to be made with absolute confidence.
With 20mm of excursion, the bespoke 6-inch bass driver is designed specifically to integrate with our latest ATL™ bass-loading and Laminair™ airflow technologies. The combination outperforms most 8-inch monitors, offering unparalleled bass extension, headroom, dynamics, and low distortion at all levels.
The high end is courtesy of a one-inch precision-built fabric soft-dome tweeter, with a shallow waveguide that creates wide, tonally consistent dispersion and rock-solid imaging. Both the bass and treble drivers are precisely and individually controlled by a pair of 200W ultra-low-distortion, high-damping-factor Class-D amplifiers.
Whether in portrait or landscape placement, the PMC6's sophisticated DSP engine automatically adjusts the crossover, ensuring optimum tonal accuracy, phase and imaging. The monitor can be calibrated using the rear-panel controls or with PMC's intuitive browser-accessible SoundAlign™ software.
The PMC6 can be upgraded by adding a PMC8 SUB to create a full-range, free-standing PMC6 XBD system. Activating the 'XBD' DSP mode ensures the perfect marriage of the two units, creating a clean LF extension down to 25Hz.
"Active 2-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading Frequency response: 39Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis) Max. cont. SPL: 106dB @1m (half space value calculated as +3dB from full space measurement. Un-weighted input,20-20kHz Pink Noise (IEC) with 12dB CF for 2 hours AES2-1984 duration) State-of-the-art Class-D amplifiers: HF 200W, LF 200W Analogue/AES3 digital input (16/24-bit, 18 -192kHz sample rate) Digital 'through' output (AES3 24-bit 96kHz) SoundAlign™ network control interface for single or group EQ & settings Sophisticated DSP crossover, driver protection, EQ, and delay/polarity options Automatic portrait/landscape placement DSP correction PMC6 + PMC8 SUB creates PMC6 XBD, with LF down to 25Hz Ceiling-mount yoke allows suspension in multi-channel or immersive systems"
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Extended bass response due to PMC's Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology
- Exceptional stereo imaging allowing for precise mixing and monitoring
- Easy configuration through the SoundAlign web interface, offering versatile adjustments
- Attractive and versatile design suitable for both portrait and landscape orientations
Product Considerations
- Minor dip in the frequency response around 300Hz, potentially due to transmission line harmonics, though it doesn't affect the overall performance
- High mids may be revealing and fatiguing to some users
- Users need to ensure proper network connectivity for using the SoundAlign app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM20ASL Pro Mk2, the PMC6 has a stronger low-end, while the ATC offers unmatched clarity and articulation in smaller rooms
- Vs PSI Audio A21-M, the PMC6 is more powerful
- Vs Genelec 8341A, the Genelec has a wider frequency response
Takeaway: The PMC6 is an impressive nearfield monitor that provides trustworthy sound to work on your audio and mixes. It's a valuable studio tool because it allows users to make mix choices with confidence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The SCM25A Pro Mk2 is a compact 3-way high-performance active studio monitor loudspeaker, based around a 6.5”/164mm bass driver. The monitors combination of exceptional mid-range clarity, high output, extended bass response and modest size makes it ideal for nearfield monitoring in a wide range of critical applications. The latest Mk2 version is updated with ATC’s latest SH25-76S ‘Dual Suspension’ tweeter, extending the high-frequency response along with a reduction in distortion. These improvements ensure faster decision making and outstanding translation outside the studio.
Product Strengths
- Broad dynamic range with extended high frequencies and low distortion
- Precise and detailed high end that is clean and dimensional
- Highly dimensional, reach-out-and-touch-it midrange representation
- Full, firm, and punchy low end
- Tonal consistency is good no matter where you are in the room
Product Considerations
- Requires the purchase of a left and right model
- Low mids may be more forward than some users are accustomed to
- Needs a robust speaker stand due to its weight
- The sweet spot seemed a bit shallower in depth than other monitors produce
Takeaway: The SCM25A is a studio monitor with great clarity that can help make better mixing decisions and identify problem areas in tracks. It's built to provide accurate and trusted counsel, making the technical parts of tone-building quicker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers greater tightness and precision from the crossover point on down
- Delivers an extended high-frequency range, with greater detail and more openness without harshness
- Stereo imaging is amongst the best
- Has no sweet 'spot', which allows the engineer, producer, and client a fairly similar listening experience
- Has a smoothly extended bass response that reveals what is really going on in that elusive bottom octave
Product Considerations
- The BM-15As may be overkill for a smaller mixing environment and better suited for larger rooms
- High end is as clean and accurate as the BM-12s, but the mids were a little lacking
- While they have a slightly forward characteristic, it doesn't get in the way of accurate monitoring
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-15A has more bass extension and pure raw SPL power
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-12 MK3s have more detail in the mid-range
- Vs Dynaudio BM-12 MK3s—BM-15A are far louder and put out substantially larger amount of energy in the bass and subs
- Vs Genelec, Focal, Neumann, and Event—the Dynaudio BM series are in the same class as these monitors
Takeaway: The BM15A is a speaker that gives great stereo imaging with a wide frequency range, and produces an accurate sound which is nice to listen to for long periods. Full-range monitoring in a smaller studio is possible with these speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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