What is the total power output of the Genelec 8050B?

The Genelec 8050B features a total output power of 270W, distributed through its bi-amplified system.

What material is the enclosure made from?

The monitor uses an all-aluminium enclosure, specifically the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, to ensure structural rigidity and reduced resonance.

Is the Genelec 8050B sold as a pair or a single unit?

The Genelec 8050B is typically sold as a single unit, allowing users to purchase the exact number needed for stereo or surround configurations.

What size is the woofer on the 8050B?

The 8050B is equipped with an 8-inch low-frequency driver, making it suitable for full-range monitoring.

Does the 8050B include room correction features?

Yes, it includes rear-facing Tone controls. These are designed to optimise the monitor's frequency response based on the specific acoustic environment of the studio.

What types of inputs does the monitor support?

The Genelec 8050B features a range of analog and digital inputs to provide optimal connectivity for various studio setups.

What are the primary applications for this monitor?

It is designed as a reference-quality monitor for professional mixing and mastering applications by sound engineers and digital musicians.

How does the 8050B compare to the Neumann KH 310 A?

The 8050B is a high-power 2-way system with an 8-inch woofer, whereas the Neumann KH 310 A is a 3-way nearfield monitor, providing a different internal architecture for frequency separation.

Is the 8050B suitable for small home studios?

While it can be used in any space, its 8-inch woofer and 270W power are generally better suited for medium to large professional control rooms.

What is the typical price for a single Genelec 8050B?

The typical price range for a single unit is approximately EUR 1424, reflecting its status as a professional-grade tool.

What color is the standard 8050B model?

The specific model described features a Dark Grey finish, which is the standard aesthetic for the Genelec 8000 series.

What makes the 8050B different from the Genelec 8341A?

The 8050B is a classic 2-way monitor with manual tone controls, while the 8341A is a coaxial 3-way monitor that supports the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) digital calibration system.

Gear article

Genelec 8050B Bi-Amped Studio Monitor

The Genelec 8050B is a professional-grade 8-inch active two-way studio monitor housed in a signature all-aluminium enclosure. Delivering 270W of total output power, it is designed for high-fidelity mixing and mastering applications in professional recording environments.

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Overview and Design

The Genelec 8050B represents a flagship entry in the manufacturer's classic 8000 series, specifically designed for high-end professional audio engineering and digital music production. The unit is distinguished by its all-aluminium Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE), which is engineered to reduce cabinet resonance and provide a rigid housing for the internal electronics and drivers.

This bi-amplified system separates power for the high and low frequencies, ensuring efficient performance and high sound pressure levels without distortion. The 8050B is sold as a single unit, allowing users to configure stereo or multi-channel surround setups as required by their specific studio layout.

Technical Features and Connectivity

The monitor features a total power output of 270W, providing significant headroom for dynamic audio material. Connectivity is versatile, offering a range of both analog and digital inputs to interface with modern and legacy studio hardware.

One of the defining technical aspects of the 8050B is its integration of rear-facing Tone controls. These controls allow the sound engineer to calibrate the frequency response of the monitor to suit the specific acoustic properties of the room. This optimisation is critical for maintaining accuracy when a monitor is placed near walls or in corners, which can otherwise artificially inflate low-end frequencies.

Sound Character and Performance

Described as a reference-quality monitor, the Genelec 8050B aims for maximum audio fidelity. Its sound character is defined by a neutral response, intended to reveal the true state of a recording or mix without adding coloration. The 8-inch woofer provides a substantial low-frequency extension suitable for electronic music production and full-scale orchestral mixing, while the sophisticated waveguide technology ensures a wide, consistent listening sweet spot.

Applications and Target Audience

The 8050B is primarily aimed at professional sound engineers and digital musicians who require a reliable tool for mixing and mastering. Due to its size and power, it is well-suited for medium to large control rooms. It is a popular choice for facilities where precision is paramount, serving as the primary nearfield or midfield monitoring solution for demanding audio projects.

Comparative Analysis

Within the professional market, the 8050B competes with several other high-end designs:

Neumann KH 310 A: While the 8050B is a two-way system, the Neumann is a three-way monitor, offering a different approach to midrange clarity.
Focal Shape 65: A smaller alternative that utilizes different driver materials, though it lacks the all-aluminium construction of the Genelec.
Genelec 8341A (The Ones): For users requiring advanced room correction, the 8341A offers point-source monitoring and GLM software integration, whereas the 8050B remains a classic analog-focused choice.
Yamaha HS5 / M-Audio Forty Eighty: These occupy a different price tier and are generally aimed at home studios or project environments rather than high-end professional mastering suites.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total power output of the Genelec 8050B?: The Genelec 8050B features a total output power of 270W, distributed through its bi-amplified system.
What material is the enclosure made from?: The monitor uses an all-aluminium enclosure, specifically the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, to ensure structural rigidity and reduced resonance.
Is the Genelec 8050B sold as a pair or a single unit?: The Genelec 8050B is typically sold as a single unit, allowing users to purchase the exact number needed for stereo or surround configurations.
What size is the woofer on the 8050B?: The 8050B is equipped with an 8-inch low-frequency driver, making it suitable for full-range monitoring.
Does the 8050B include room correction features?: Yes, it includes rear-facing Tone controls. These are designed to optimise the monitor's frequency response based on the specific acoustic environment of the studio.
What types of inputs does the monitor support?: The Genelec 8050B features a range of analog and digital inputs to provide optimal connectivity for various studio setups.
What are the primary applications for this monitor?: It is designed as a reference-quality monitor for professional mixing and mastering applications by sound engineers and digital musicians.
How does the 8050B compare to the Neumann KH 310 A?: The 8050B is a high-power 2-way system with an 8-inch woofer, whereas the Neumann KH 310 A is a 3-way nearfield monitor, providing a different internal architecture for frequency separation.
Is the 8050B suitable for small home studios?: While it can be used in any space, its 8-inch woofer and 270W power are generally better suited for medium to large professional control rooms.
What is the typical price for a single Genelec 8050B?: The typical price range for a single unit is approximately EUR 1424, reflecting its status as a professional-grade tool.
What color is the standard 8050B model?: The specific model described features a Dark Grey finish, which is the standard aesthetic for the Genelec 8000 series.
What makes the 8050B different from the Genelec 8341A?: The 8050B is a classic 2-way monitor with manual tone controls, while the 8341A is a coaxial 3-way monitor that supports the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) digital calibration system.