Genelec 8130A Active Studio Monitor
Best accurate monitoring for professional audio production.
This compact, active studio monitor delivers precise audio reproduction for demanding environments. It offers excellent dispersion and accurate stereo imaging, ideal for near-field monitoring, digital audio workstations, and broadcast applications. The integrated design combines amplifiers and drivers for consistent quality and performance, making it a reliable choice for professional and home studios. It features a built-in digital audio interface for seamless connectivity.
$1126.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
4464
/ 10751
#4464 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-23%
Below average
Power Output
40
/ W per channel
Who it's for
- Audio professionals and serious enthusiasts needing precise sound.
- Users seeking a plug-and-play solution without external amps.
- Professionals and studios requiring long-term, dependable equipment.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious individuals or hobbyists with limited funds.
- Producers of bass-heavy music or those needing full-range monitoring.
- Tech-forward users desiring the latest calibration and connectivity options.
Performance breakdown
Digital Signal Integrity
Direct AES/EBU input ensures a pristine, noise-free signal path.
Stereo Imaging
DCW technology creates a remarkably wide and accurate soundstage.
Near-field Accuracy
Perfectly balanced for critical listening in compact studio environments.
Build Robustness
Solid wood construction provides a rigid, resonance-free acoustic foundation.
Placement Versatility
Compact footprint and Iso-Pod stand allow for easy desktop integration.
Frequency Precision
Highly consistent response across the critical mid-to-high frequency range.
Key Specs
Power Output
40 W per channel
Frequency Response
58 Hz - 20 kHz (± 2 dB)
Input word length
16 - 24 bits
Input format
AES/EBU
Digital input
XLR female
Input sampling rate
29 - 200 kHz
Peak SPL per pair with music material
108 dB SPL @ 1m
Bass driver
5 inch magnetically shielded
Know before you buy
The integrated 192 kHz/24-bit interface allows you to connect directly to digital sources via an AES/EBU XLR cable. This bypasses the need for an external digital-to-analog converter, ensuring a clean, high-resolution signal path directly to the monitor.
Yes, their compact footprint makes them ideal for tight spaces where desk real estate is limited. Despite their size, they provide professional-grade accuracy and stereo imaging, which is essential for critical listening in smaller rooms.
The DCW technology shapes the sound dispersion pattern of the drivers. It ensures that the audio remains consistent across a wider listening area, which helps minimize room reflections and provides a more accurate stereo image at your mix position.
No, you do not. The drivers are magnetically shielded, which prevents them from causing visual distortion or interference with sensitive equipment placed nearby.
The 8130A offers a free field frequency response of 58 Hz to 20 kHz. While this covers most standard monitoring needs, those working on bass-heavy genres may eventually want to pair them with a dedicated subwoofer for deeper low-end extension.
The 8130A is specifically designed for digital input via AES/EBU. If you need to connect analog equipment, you would require an external analog-to-digital converter to feed the digital signal into the speakers.
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