Genelec 9320A SAM Reference Controller

The Genelec 9320A Genelec SAM Reference Controller is a Smart Monitoring Device designed to serve as a hub for integrating key monitoring technologies, namely loudspeaker-based monitoring and headphone-based monitoring. The 9320A is compact and lightweight with a desktop design for convenient placement on your workstation or mixing console.

TACTILE MONITOR CONTROL FROM STEREO TO MULTICHANNEL

Use the 9320A to manage Genelec Smart Active (SAM) Monitoring systems from stereo to immersive. 9320A enables key functionality in Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software* with quick-to-access physical user interface providing clear haptic feedback. 9320A enables control of all loudspeaker layouts using the GLM management network. Alternative monitoring systems in one room are easy to access and align. 9320A supports integration to any DAW and audio interface system for unlimited channel count as well as direct connection of monitors to the 9320A unit. The 9320A features intelligent one-button switching for seamless monitoring of headphone and in-room sources.

*Requires GLM version 5 or later.

AES/EBU CONNECTIVITY FOR THE PUREST STEREO SIGNAL PATH

9320A supports in-device stereo and stereo with subwoofer monitoring systems with analog and AES/EBU input/output connectivity as well as high resolution stereo audio interfacing over USB from a computer to monitors. 9320A outputs supports both fixed line level output in ‘SAM’ mode and adjusted line output. Both modes are available over the balanced analog outputs and the AES output. Finally, it is also possible to use 9320A as a high-quality converter from analog ins to AES out and from AES in to analog outs. This connectivity makes 9320A extremely effective hub for professional monitoring tasks. The maximum level of the analog balanced line input can be set to +12 dBu or +24 dBu.

REFERENCE-GRADE HEADPHONE OUT

Professional-grade headphone monitoring output supported by personal headphone sound character calibration is a natural part of the 9320A. The headphone output can handle headphone impedance range from 16 to 600 ohms with excellent linearity (THD+N less than –110 dB) and dynamic range (126 dB), offering maximum RMS output voltage of 6 volts. Enhanced support for using headphones for monitoring is enabled by Genelec Aural ID technology. This technology enables access to obtain and use personal HRTF data for rendering reliable stereo and immersive monitoring layouts with reliable virtual loudspeaker positioning and out-of-the-head externalized reproduction using high quality professional headphones. The Aural ID integrates perfectly to the headphone output in 9320A for the highest quality listening experience.

PEAKER CALIBRATION WITH GLM AND CALIBRATED LISTENING LEVEL

Automatic GLM AutoCal calibration for Genelec Smart Active (SAM) Monitoring Systems enables neutral, carefully aligned audio reproduction over loudspeakers with correctly calibrated and equalized subwoofer support, when used, as well as access to the detailed GRADE acoustic analysis report on SAM monitoring systems. A factory calibrated measurement microphone is delivered with 9320A. 9320A also offers aligning the reproduction levels across all the loudspeaker-based monitoring layouts as well as in the headphones, to support easy transitioning between loudspeakers and headphones in monitoring.

SAFE LISTENING – NOISE DOSE ESTIMATION

Hearing health support during the monitoring work includes continuous display of the monitoring SPL using A, C and Z weightings. The SPL is sampled with the measurement microphone for in-room audio and by calculation using the headphone sensitivity for the headphone audio. The audio engineer sound exposure dose is logged with support for hearing health exposure dose alarms.

HOW IS IT USED?

The 9320A offers management of immersive monitoring layouts and direct connectivity for monitoring of analog and digital AES/EBU stereo audio. The audio input source options are:

• Stereo USB audio
• Two analog balanced line inputs
• Stereo AES/EBU digital audio

These three alternative inputs to 9320A allow flexible connectivity for any situation, with the ability to smoothly switch between these audio inputs, offering direct connectivity to analog and digital stereo or stereo + subwoofer monitoring of audio signals. The outputs can be level-aligned for smooth switching across inputs and outputs.

9320A is intended to be set up and used with computer running GLM software and Aural ID software but can be also used in independent mode. Powered by USB and equipped with a Type C USB interface, the 9320A consumes a maximum of 2.5 W of power, making it compatible with any computer-based DAW. Additionally, when USB interfaces cannot offer power, a separate USB Type C power input is provided. The audio bandwidth for all inputs/outputs combinations extends up to 46 kHz and offers a dynamic range exceeding 120 dB, THD+N lower than -110 dB, and minimal input to output latency in the range 2 to 3.2 ms.