Genelec Announces 1237A / 1238A Three-way Smart Active Monitors
Genelec has announced the 1237A and 1238A three-way SAM monitors. Both models feature on-board intelligence that allows them to automatically adapt to their environment by tuning the frequency response to compensate for acoustical room influences, as well as achieve perfect alignment of levels and distance compensation at the listening position. They can be either freestanding or flush-mounted. The flush versions benefit from a powerful new RAM L rack-mount amplifier that can also be attached to the loudspeaker cabinet when the monitor is free-standing.
These models are based on the 1037A and 1038A. They share the same DCW (Directivity Control Waveguide) technology and cabinet design, with the addition of Genelec DSP to allow compatibility with all standard AES/EBU digital audio formats as well as traditional analog signals.
The 1237A and 1238A also feature Genelec’s ISS (Intelligent Signal-Sensing technology), which was developed to meet EU ErP Directives and the company’s own wider sustainability commitments. ISS minimizes energy waste and significantly reduces power consumption when items are left in standby mode by monitoring input connectors to detect if the monitor or loudspeaker is in use. If voltage swings are large enough to be considered above standard audio outputs, the product will continue to function. However, if the ISS circuit is not finding any audio on the input for a period of time, ISS automatically puts the loudspeaker amplifier to a low-power sleep state where the loudspeaker will consume less than 0.5 watts of power.
The 1237A contains a 12″ (300mm) bass driver, 5″ (130mm) Genelec midrange driver and a 1” (25mm) metal dome tweeter, where the mid- and the high-frequency drivers are mounted in Genelec’s proprietary Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW), which allows the system to reproduce flat frequency response both on and off its acoustical axis, thereby allowing for a wider sweet spot. Each one of the system’s drive units has its own power amplifier with a total rating of 500W, 250W for the bass driver and 200W respectively for the mid and high frequencies. Frequency response runs from 35Hz up to 22 kHz +/- 3dB. In real life studio conditions a pair of 1237As can produce peak levels of 126dB SPL at 1.7 m distance.
The 1238A features a 15″ (380mm) bass driver, 5″ (130mm) Genelec midrange driver and a 1″ (25mm) metal dome tweeter, where the mid- and the high-frequency drivers are mounted in Genelec’s proprietary Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW). The woofer amplifier is 500W, midrange amplifier is 250W and tweeter amplifier is 200W. Frequency response runs from 35Hz up to 21kHz +/- 2.5dB. In real life studio conditions a pair of 1238As can produce peak levels of 124dB at 2 m distance.
