For the first time, UNIO enables Genelec to deliver headphone monitoring with the same level of consistency as its studio monitors.
Genelec has introduced its UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring Solution, designed to enhance the transition between in-room loudspeaker and personal headphone monitoring at IBC 2024. The system features the 9320A SAM Reference Controller, Reference Measurement Microphone and the new 8550A Professional Reference Headphones. Integrated with Genelec’s GLM software and optional Aural ID V2.0 technology, UNIO offers users an accurate and personalised headphone monitoring experience.
First introduced at IBC 2023, the UNIO ecosystem combines Genelec’s Smart Active Monitors, GLM calibration software, and Aural ID personal headphone technology, all managed via the 9320A controller and the user’s MyGenelec account. This seamless integration allows users to switch between monitors and headphones without compromising sound quality, ensuring reliable mixes in any environment.
The 8550A Professional Reference Headphones, with their active design, further elevate the system. By calibrating the headphone output through the 9320A controller, the 8550A ensures sound precision and neutrality, mirroring the tailored performance of Genelec’s Smart Active Monitors. The closed, circumaural headphones offer outstanding isolation, comfort, and durability, featuring replaceable components and advanced acoustic design with a 15 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response.
Personal optimisation of the 8550A is enhanced through GLM 5 software, which offers slope adjustment, parametric EQ, and L/R level balancing. For ultimate personalisation, the optional Aural ID V2.0 models the user’s unique head and torso features to create a custom HRTF, simulating in-room loudspeaker sound for a natural listening experience. Aural ID V2.0 also includes early reflection room modelling, webcam head tracking, and support for immersive audio monitoring up to 9.1.6, along with compatibility for Open Sound Control (OSC) hardware head trackers.
The closed, circumaural 8550A provides exceptional sound isolation and comfort for all sizes of head and ears with a durable, adjustable design and replaceable component parts – for a sustainable, extended product lifetime. The 8550A’s dynamic design features 40 mm transducers and neodymium magnets to deliver a 15 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, exceptional level matching, and an impressive 119 dB of short-term SPL via the 9320A controller. Shipping with both leather and velvet ear cushions, and straight and coiled cables, the 8550A offers every user a distinctly premium experience – whatever their personal preference.
Commenting on this latest expansion of the UNIO ecosystem, Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian said: “UNIO now effectively offers audio professionals three levels of reference monitoring. Those simply seeking the finest in-room loudspeaker monitoring can enjoy the combination of Smart Active Monitors, GLM and the 9320A, while users that also seek accurate headphone monitoring will embrace the arrival of the 8550As. But, for those seeking the ultimate combination of in-room and personal headphone monitoring, the UNIO Personal Reference Monitoring Solution and Aural ID V2.0 represents the most accurate and portable monitoring system ever produced.”
Visitors to the IBC show in Amsterdam can meet the Genelec team and audition the newly expanded UNIO ecosystem on Stand 8.A61 and in Immersive Listening Room 8.MS1/8.MS20.
