Genelec 8030A

The Genelec 8030As are a great set of studio monitors. They are compact and each packs a truly huge sound. Because of their small size and weight, they are easy to move and place within a room. They are extremely well built and are very sturdy - it would be hard to break these. It also has the Genelec seal, so you know you are getting a pair of studio monitors from a top, well respected, brand. These are near field monitors and are self powered, so you don't need an external amplifier. They are great mixing and general listening.

SOUNDS

The sound from these monitors is full of life and produces a neutral signal that is an accurate portrayal of what you are playing, although sometimes I think they sound too good! The stereo image is wide and is definitley satisfactory. The overall sound of these monitors is crisp and clean, while maintaining a fullness not found on your typical studio monitors.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Genelec 8030A studio monitors for about three years. I've used them both for tracking and listening and for mixing. They work great in all listening applications because they provide not only an accurate portrayal of the sound you are playing but because they cover the whole spectrum of frequencies. Genelec has a reputation for being one of, if not the, best makers of studio monitors. While these aren't the best Genelec monitors I've heard, as some of their higher end models are just ridiculous sounding, for the price these are a great set of monitors. The price isn't the cheapest, but if you are putting together a nice home studio, these are a great option because they aren't as expensive as some other monitors, like the Genelec 8040s, but are still top quality. Overall, these are a great set of monitors ideal for the serious home recording owner.

(Originally written by Jp4u/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

Specs: See previous reviews.
I bought them after I heard and compared them with others.
I like to mix with them and use them as hi-fi speakers.
One small detail reveals how thoroughly well-thought they are: just push on the rubber base at the bottom to access a hole that allows you to attach them to a mic stand (perfect when you're on the move and you need a base with the right height).

SOUNDS

The frequency range is good in spite of the slight lack of bass frequency already mentioned.
Excellent stereo imaging. It makes them easier to position than competitor speakers.
Their transparent sound puts in evidence every single nuance, especially with vocals.
As part of a hi-fi system (Philips DVP 5500S player with high-quality cables) they sound awesome with CDs (Stephan Oliva: Miroirs, Randi Weston: Zep Tepi) and exceptional with stereo SACD (Stile Antico: Heavenly harmonies).

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using a pair for over 2 years. The value for money is good.
I plan to buy more, as well as a good subwoofer, to build a high-quality multimedia system. So yes, I would buy them again
JP4U

Need further analysis on a particular frequency range (to supplement other system).

Need a listening compact, strong, close and precise.

SOUNDS

The frequency curve is not neutral. They highlight a very specific frequency range (low + medium + low medium, usually difficult to analyze) to facilitate processing.

Despite this, and this is an important point for the rest of the frequency range that is supposed to represent is totally present (which is rare on this type of enclosure nearby) although much less detailed.
However, no sub bass. It is a choice and pro logic given the size of these speakers. In this way the monitor is not unnecessarily loaded and refers specifically its frequency range).

OVERALL OPINION

I use them for 1 year.

I also use Genelec 1030A, 8040A + sub, Dynaudio BM6A, BM15A, Air 15, Yamaha NS10M and occasionally other small speakers Yamaha HS50M MSP5 etc ...

And in spite of that, I find the 8030A ... surprising! A priori I did not Génélec. Not quite true in acoustic sounds to me.

However, an asset Genelec great for those who spend their sound barrier a little hard ... They have voluntarily chosen to accentuate the frequencies less easy to analyze those that blur the mix (bass, medium low, medium). Result, it quickly emerges that gene and frees up space and mix!

for the rest medium treble, treble, shrill it's pretty good too! but some competitors have chosen to put ahead these frequency ranges and offer made finer.

In short, if you want a speaker to do everything, these give you Genelec 8030A already a lot (because despite their non-neutrality in the bottom ... they are right!) But it is clearly not their function.

But if you take them for what they do, well then, surprise ... you will have a tool Qualitative Ultra, Ultra Efficient! most at this price!!

- Active bi amplified (2x 40W)
- HP severe 13cm
- 19mm dome mtal
- Bandwidth: 55 Hz - 22 kHz
- Max @ 1m, 100 dB
aluminum enclosure, with enough Legre trs little waves due to the choice of matrial
anti vibration foot trs effective

SOUNDS

Trs enjoyable, powerful for size, trs cohrente with a work area large enough for small speakers.
my taste, sound a little fuzzy around 360 Hz,
trs good dynamic, perfectly silent!

OVERALL OPINION

Modl serious, well located in the small speakers, or the choice of the weight and bulk is important, the 8030A is trs Legré, powerful, reliable and enjoyable.
the only complaint is the lack of dtail in the dynamics of load mix, the sound is clean, but can still comparable Modl most impressive as the Dynaudio BM15A or A2T example!
it lacks a bit of air, but given the size of HP is a bit Bond!
excellent forum for making and mix, mix well as it would be wise to validate on costs a bit more demanding.