In the cosmos of active loudspeakers, Genelec perhaps has the best-sounding name. For more than 40 years, the Finns have been doing basic research and using this knowledge to build active monitors as tools for sound engineers. This is how they became the world market leader in the recording studio sector. But if you know so much, you don’t have to limit yourself: Today’s portfolio ranges from studio monitors to stereo loudspeakers with suitable subwoofers to AV sound reinforcement via network technology. And now the Finns also want to conquer desks. Probably the smartest offensive goes by the name of Genelec G One. Behind it is a brick-sized active speaker that naturally cannot provide much deep bass. Low BeatsAuthor Michael Jansen therefore added the original F One subwoofer to the test. And suddenly not only the desk wobbled…
The design comes from Harri Koskinen, one of the most famous product and furniture designers in Europe. In collaboration with Genelec’s acousticians, he created aesthetically small loudspeakers that impress with their rounded edges and the concavely shaped front around the tweeter for a largely constant degree of bundling without noticeable edge bending. Genelec calls this small but important design detail “Directivity Control Waveguide” (DCW). Because it ensures, among other things, that the ratio of direct to reflected sound is greater and the room acoustics can therefore be less up to mischief. At the same time, the resilience of the tweeter increases in its lower transmission range. The housings are made of die-cast aluminum, which guarantees both stability and low resonance.
Genelec G One + F One: the concept
Perhaps the most puristic type of sound transmission is with two active speakers. The sound converters from the recording studio sector are superior to passive hi-fi loudspeakers of the same size. And because of their active technology. In other words, the monitors have their amplifiers for bass and tweeters with a corresponding electronic or digital crossover. An advantage: Thanks to active equalization, more low bass can be teased out with the same housing size and it can be easily adjusted to the installation location and thus to the room acoustics. In addition, the direct coupling of the amplifier and chassis without passive crossover components ensures loss-free and better control of the individual chassis. What’s good for the recording studio engineer shouldn’t hurt the music lover at home either.
The connection panel only has a cinch input, a mains socket, and also a mouse piano via whose dip switch acoustic adjustment to the installation site is possible. The input sensitivity and an automatic switch-on that can be switched off can also be selected here. The obligatory threaded bushings for wall or ceiling mounting are also available. The scope of delivery includes so-called ISO PODS. These are feet made of silicone, which on the one hand decouple the speaker from the ground and on the other hand enable vertical alignment. Both features are conducive to good sound.
Of course, the F One satellites can also be operated without a subwoofer if required. They each have two 25-watt power amplifiers for bass and treble on board. A 19-millimeter small metal dome is used as the tweeter. Below 3000 hertz, a 76-millimeter cone membrane with bass reflex tuning takes over. And without a subwoofer, the F One’s built-in high-pass filtering at 85 Hertz is of course also omitted. We tried it: Even without a subwoofer, the small Genelec G One can impress.
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But it’s even nicer with F One. There are two digital inputs for access to the subwoofer, optical and via cinch socket with a sampling rate of up to 96 kilohertz, an analog, and an LFE input. Even a mini-jack input was thought of. The volume control is used to adapt to the satellite level – the overall volume and the input selection are each conveniently managed via the supplied remote control. Furthermore, there are two so-called “mouse pianos” on the underside for selecting the location adjustment, the phase, and the sensitivity of the automatic switch-on. If the infrared connection from the remote control to the subwoofer does not work reliably due to the placement of the bass, you can connect the supplied extension cable and thus move the IR receiver to a better position.
Although the G One feels comfortable on the desk to the left and right of the computer monitor, with it and an F One subwoofer as a 5.1 setup it can also be used in a small home cinema. The 2.1 expansion stage in our test with two G Ones and one F One costs around 1550 euros. At first glance, that doesn’t seem cheap, but when you consider that you save on an integrated amplifier or a pre-amplifier and power amplifier, the calculation looks better. Because with the G One /F One combination, it’s almost “all in”.
Genelec G One plus F One in practice
A glance at the Quick Setup Guide reveals where the Finns come from even the smallest 2.1 system has all the attributes of professional monitors. The most important feature here is the “location adjustment”.
In other words, depending on the choice of location, a suitable equalization in the basic tone and bass can be set using a so-called “mouse piano”, i.e. small dip switches. If the G One is on the desk, for example, a rather narrow-band reduction via “Tabletop” around 150-250 Hertz ensures that the reflection from the table surface and the resulting increased level in this area are compensated. Other dip switch combinations take into account the increase in level due to proximity to a wall or a corner installation. The F One can also be adapted to the set-up situation.
And it works – who is surprised at the world market leader in studio monitors? – fine.
After placing the G One on the desk or the sideboard next to the TV and the F One under the desk or next to the sideboard, the player such as a computer or TV needs to be connected. After setting the phase strictly according to the exemplary operating instructions, peppered with installation tips, there is still the possibility of fine adjustment via the subwoofer level. Incidentally, the appropriate test signal for the correct phase setting can be conveniently downloaded from the homepage. Now nothing stands in the way of enjoying music.
The hearing test
The test of the small Genelecs once again made me aware of how excellently music can also be heard on the computer – i.e. in the near field: the room with its acoustics is largely hidden. You hear the actual recording more than the room with its imponderables. In other words, what the sound engineer created during the mix (possibly with Genelec monitors). And the G One once again showed the merits of a good near-field monitor – at least when the tweeters of the G One are aimed at the listener’s ears. Then, in particular, the transition area of the midrange and tweeter is transmitted in a perfectly linear manner. The adjustable ISO PODs make it possible.
Also read: B&W DB1 active subwoofer
Computer work is really fun with the Genelec trio. Especially when you get the whole music spectrum down to the lower registers. Sarah K’s “Water Falls” has pressure from below while the voice is projected clearly in front of the monitor. The Genelecs even mastered such difficult recordings as the Fairfield Four’s “These Bones” with bravura. The speech singing with the extremely sonorous, immediately captured voices sound as if they were made of one piece. The small satellites do not show any weaknesses here, although the voices reach well below 150 Hertz – hard work for the small woofers/midrange speakers. The transition to the F One is also seamless. From the kick bass to the church organ, the F One can pull out all the stops. The bass on “Wish You Were Here” from Seguridad Social has juice and kick – as it should be and as we had already come to know and appreciate from the larger models 8331A, 1238A, or 8361A.
Conclusion Genelec G One plus F One
As if they had been waiting for it: Genelec has always relied on the best concept, namely active loudspeakers. What has always been standard in the professional business, the recording studio, is also increasingly arriving in the consumer business – thanks to the increased demands on desk sound reinforcement and above all the streaming era.
The small sub/satellite combination of Genelec G One + F One is something like the optimum for modern urban people who – because living space is expensive everywhere and therefore scarce – have to live and work in a small space. The small Genelecs are so outstanding because they sound almost perfect even in these situations and – thanks to the subwoofer F One – bring a degree of musical authenticity that is rare.
So if you are looking for a small but very fine speaker combination that is equally convincing on the television, and on the computer, but also free-standing in the room, you should shortlist Genelec’s “desk” set. The secret tip for me.
FAQs for Active desk monitor + subwoofer
1. What are active desk monitors?
Active desk monitors are studio speakers that have built-in amplifiers, allowing them to produce sound without the need for an external amplifier. They are designed for accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for music production, mixing, and monitoring.
2. What advantages do active desk monitors offer over passive monitors?
Active monitors provide several advantages, including built-in amplification that matches the speaker’s specifications, reducing the need for additional equipment. They often come with integrated EQ settings, which help tailor the sound to the room’s acoustics for better performance.
3. What is the purpose of adding a subwoofer to an active desk monitor setup?
A subwoofer is designed to handle low-frequency sounds (bass) that active desk monitors may not reproduce effectively. Adding a subwoofer enhances the overall sound experience by providing deep, impactful bass, which is especially beneficial for genres like electronic, hip-hop, and orchestral music.
4. How do I set up an active desk monitor and subwoofer?
To set up an active desk monitor and subwoofer, connect the monitors to your audio interface or mixer using balanced cables (XLR or TRS). Then, connect the subwoofer using either an LFE or stereo input. Adjust the crossover frequency on the subwoofer to ensure seamless integration with the monitors for optimal sound quality.
5. What is the ideal placement for active desk monitors and subwoofers?
Active desk monitors should be placed at ear level and positioned to form an equilateral triangle with the listener for optimal stereo imaging. The subwoofer can be placed on the floor, ideally near a wall or corner to enhance low-frequency output. Experimenting with placement may be necessary to avoid phase cancellation and standing waves.
6. Can active desk monitors and subwoofers be used for gaming or general media consumption?
Yes, active desk monitors and subwoofers can significantly enhance the gaming and media consumption experience by providing clear dialogue, detailed sound effects, and powerful bass. They are suitable for immersive audio in gaming, movies, and music listening.
7. What should I consider when choosing an active desk monitor and subwoofer?
When choosing active desk monitors and subwoofers, consider factors such as frequency response, power output, room size, and connectivity options. It’s essential to select models that complement each other and fit your specific audio needs and space constraints.
8. How important is room acoustics in an active monitor and subwoofer setup?
Room acoustics play a crucial role in sound quality. Reflective surfaces can cause uneven bass response and muddiness. Treating the room with acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers can significantly improve the performance of both monitors and subwoofers, ensuring a more accurate listening environment.
9. Are there any recommended settings for optimizing the performance of my setup?
To optimize performance, start by setting the monitors and subwoofer to a flat EQ response, then adjust the crossover frequency on the subwoofer to blend smoothly with the monitors. Regularly calibrate the levels to avoid distortion and ensure balanced sound across all frequencies.
10. What are some popular brands of active desk monitors and subwoofers?
Some popular brands for active desk monitors include Genelec, KRK, Yamaha, JBL, and Adam Audio. For subwoofers, brands like SVS, REL, and Klipsch are well-regarded. When choosing, consider compatibility and user reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Specification
- Driver Size:
- 5-inch to 8-inch woofers for a good bass response.
- 1-inch tweeters for clear highs.
- Power Output:
- 50W to 100W per speaker (RMS) for adequate volume levels without distortion.
- Frequency Response:
- 40 Hz to 20 kHz for a balanced audio range.
- Connectivity:
- XLR, TRS, or RCA inputs for versatile connections.
- Bluetooth support for wireless audio.
- Room Acoustic Controls:
- Adjustable EQ settings (e.g., bass, treble) for room optimization.
- Build Quality:
- MDF or plywood enclosures for durability and reduced resonance.
- Port Type:
- Rear-firing or front-firing ports depending on your setup.
Subwoofer
- Driver Size:
- 8-inch to 12-inch driver for a deeper bass response.
- Power Output:
- 100W to 300W RMS to ensure powerful low-end support.
- Frequency Response:
- 20 Hz to 120 Hz for effective low-frequency reproduction.
- Connectivity:
- LFE and high-level inputs for compatibility with various systems.
- Adjustable crossover frequency control for integration with monitors.
- Phase Control:
- Option to adjust phase alignment for better integration with monitors.
- Build Quality:
- Sturdy enclosure (MDF or similar) to minimize distortion.
Additional Considerations
Aesthetics: Choose a design that fits your workspace style.
Room Size: Ensure the power and size of the monitors and subwoofer are suitable for your workspace dimensions.
Budget: Determine a budget range as options can vary significantly.
Brand Preferences: Consider reputable brands known for quality studio monitors and subwoofers (e.g., KRK, Yamaha, JBL, Mackie).
