The Genelec 8030C is a premium nearfield studio monitor designed for professional recording studios, project studios, and multimedia workstations. Known for its precise imaging, exceptional clarity, and robust build, it stands out in the market by combining high performance with a compact design. Positioned between smaller models and larger reference monitors, the 8030C strikes the perfect balance for versatile monitoring needs.
I’ve used these speakers (in the sound industry they’re called “studio monitors”) for around 7 years now, and I’ve loved using them. I’ve never found them lacking in any way. They can fill the whole studio with sound if required, but are primarily used for perfect and precise nearfield sound reproduction. If you need to know exactly what is in your sound source, these speakers will faithfully show you what’s in the recording. I’ve mixed five-figure budget voice overs for TV commercials on them. I’ve mixed music for professional release. I’ve done sound forensic work and sound restoration work on them. The Genelec 8030’s can cope with it all.
Compact Yet Powerful Design
The Genelec 8030C offers a powerful performance in a small package, delivering clear, detailed sound for nearfield applications.
Key Features:
- 5″ low-distortion woofer and 0.75″ metal dome tweeter
- Bi-amped design: 50W LF and 50W HF amplifiers
- Frequency response: 47Hz – 25kHz (with an incredibly flat, accurate frequency response curve)
- Max SPL: 104 dB
Advanced Audio Technologies
This monitor incorporates cutting-edge audio technology to ensure consistent performance and accurate sound reproduction.
Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™):
- Ensures a flat frequency response both on- and off-axis
- Enhances stereo imaging for the best soundstage reproduction
Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE™):
- Reduces coloration for true-to-source sound
- Provides a heavy, hard wearing, robust, round-edged cabinet design
Iso-Pod™ Stand:
- Minimizes vibrations for improved sound definition
- Adjustable for optimal tilt when positioning in front of the listener
Intelligent Power Management
Genelec’s Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) technology helps reduce power consumption by switching the monitor to standby mode when no signal is detected.
Energy-Saving Features:
- Auto power-off after inactivity
- Eco-friendly operation without compromising performance
Room Response Compensation
The Genelec 8030 rear-panel DIP switches allow you to fine-tune the monitor’s output based on room acoustics, ensuring consistent performance in any environment.
Room Adjustment Options:
- Low-frequency tilt
- Bass roll-off (Multiple options of bass roll off are available!)
- Treble tilt
Technical Specifications
- Power Configuration: Bi-amped, 100W total
- LF Driver: 5″ woofer
- HF Driver: 0.75″ metal dome tweeter
- Frequency Range: 47Hz – 25kHz (-6 dB)
- Max SPL: 104 dB at 1 meter
- Input: 1 x XLR balanced
- Enclosure: Rear-ported design
- Dimensions: 11.8″ (H) x 7.4″ (W) x 7.06″ (D)
- Weight: 11 lbs
Specific Use Cases
Professional Recording Studios:
- Precise nearfield monitoring for mixing and mastering
- Accurate sound reproduction ensures mixes translate well across other systems
Project Studios:
- Ideal for small to medium-sized spaces
- Room compensation features optimize sound for untreated rooms
Multimedia Workstations:
- Excellent for content creators who need reliable reference audio
- Compact size fits well on desk setups
Less Suitable For
- Large Control Rooms: May lack sufficient low-end extension and power for far-field monitoring.
- Bass-Heavy Productions: Additional subwoofers may be required for genres like EDM.
- Mobile Setups: Not designed for portable or on-the-go use.
Overall Strengths
- Exceptional clarity and detailed sound
- Compact and durable design
- Advanced DSP and room compensation features
- Energy-efficient operation
Overall Limitations
- Lacks ultra low sub bass (47Hz and below) for some applications without a subwoofer
- Limited SPL for very large rooms over 10m x 10m
- Single XLR input may require adaptors for some setups
Summary
The Genelec 8030C is a top-tier nearfield monitor that excels in accuracy, consistency, and build quality. Its advanced technologies, such as DCW™ and MDE™, make it ideal for professional and project studios alike. While it may require a subwoofer for bass-heavy genres, its overall performance and value make it a compelling choice in its class.
Important Note – When buying these kinds of high end speakers, it is common for them to be sold as single units so that you can outfit a studio in any configuration required. This also allows replacements and upgrades to your monitoring system to be bought as single units!
With unparalleled accuracy and advanced room compensation, the Genelec 8030C ensures your mixes translate perfectly across all platforms.