Genelec 8030C Studio Monitor Review

[Miguelón]

View attachment 340500
Then I put them closer to the edge of the desk.
Not sure if this is any better.
When I said 'dreadful' I mean this:
closed in/small soundstage, more like listening to headphones. in this set up once I move away from my chair they just almost sound like a mono speaker chucked somewhere in the corner of the room. In fact, when I play the JBL Xtreme and while I am not sitting at the desk it won't sound much different to the 8030s. In other words, they won't fill the room with sound. I once had them on stands, 6 feet apart and they were totally different, good soundstage etc.
I mean, if these are meant to be heard near, they don't sound particularly good in this 'desinged for' situation.

You may try their desktop stands, very good comments at Thomann. Isopods are not enough to decouple the monitors from the surface

 

[bodhi]

+1 for Genelec stands. They might seem expensive but they are rock solid a look nice.

 

[Leonm771]

I tuned mines by ear (only 8020d without sub): also have -4 dB as best result. But think it depends a lot on the setup, the bigger 8030 I tried needed -6 dB to be reasonably clear, but still had resonances around 50-55 Hz. I tried -4 dB bass roll off but sounded so dry to my taste

my final setting is
8020D -4 bass tilt , and everything off
7040a -6 bass tilt , and everything off

I found this sound very similar to hd560s .
Remind , if you have a stand for speakers , desk control should be off.

 

[King3567]

I agree with the post above mine. I've gone through some different options over the years, trying to optimize quality and cost based on the reviews and owner feedback that was available at those times.

This is my primary listening spot - meaning, I sit in front of these things for 9 hours each day while I perform my day job - and I am very glad that I finally have a true reference for my future plans, like someday setting up a bigger system in my living room. I know now what sort of sound I should be aiming for.

Right now I have them sitting on some books on my desktop. I am waiting for the vendor to get me the L-Shaped stands (they didn't stock them normally).

My setup is simple - USB -> Atom DAC -> Atom Amp -> Genelec 8030C. I would really like to add a sub or two at some point, but once you add up the costs there, meaning a new device (MiniDSP) and two subs, it starts to get pretty out there on costs. Oh well! It will be more fun when I finally can pull the trigger (and add DIRAC).

Might be worth it to spring for the MiniDSP now, so that I can get DIRAC, but I'm not sure. I am in a basement with pretty plush carpet and some big bookshelves at the first reflection spot. We will see.

Thanks again very much to everyone for posting your impressions and thoughts on these speakers over the years.

I was also considering a competing product from another very large and well respected brand on this site. I don't want to say specifically, but I think I would have been equally thrilled with products from either company. I think somehow the Genelec marketing worked on me a bit - they really try to give you the sense that you are buying something special, hand-crafted, and from a company that is socially responsible, all that stuff.

I would like to add a follow up - I received the Genelec L-Shaped speaker stands a few days ago after a month of having my speakers on some hardcover books.

They are: (EDIT: "They" meaning "the L-Shaped stands")

• not cheap
• not small
• I believe impossible to be knocked over by my cats - funny, but I do have two cats that walk around a lot on my desk, and I don't want them knocking over these speakers (obviously). Not happening with these, I am almost certain.
• Really nice. For me, I already made the decision to spend this much money on speakers that I expect to use indefinitely (10++++ years). Why try to save money on the stands?
• Aesthetically, they are bigger and more substantial in person than they seem in pictures. They are minimalist in their design (structure), but I wouldn't say they necessarily seem that way in person. I like how they look on my desk, and especially how they feel (and also how they perform). However, they do occupy visual space a lot, if that makes sense.

Overall, after having the 8030c for a while, I can only say good things. I would recommend to anyone that is seriously interested in music and audio equipment to skip the mid-level headphones and speakers, and invest in a pair of these or similar. It is a totally different experience than I've had previously with even well regarded gear from KEF & Sennheiser. I believe that these speakers are well past the point of diminishing returns - I'm sure with desktop speakers, you can spend <$500 and get something close enough to these - but for me, I feel I am at a point where I am serious about the hobby, and I paid for true quality and got a lot of value from it.

I have these set with desktop mode, meaning an adjustment at 160Hz. I think it sounds good, but I actually may prefer just leaving them as is in standard mode. Doing some A/B testing now. Anyone else with these on a desktop at 2-3 ft listening distance have an opinion on settings?

 

[Miguelón]

I would like to add a follow up - I received the Genelec L-Shaped speaker stands a few days ago after a month of having my speakers on some hardcover books.

They are: (EDIT: "They" meaning "the L-Shaped stands")

• not cheap
• not small
• I believe impossible to be knocked over by my cats - funny, but I do have two cats that walk around a lot on my desk, and I don't want them knocking over these speakers (obviously). Not happening with these, I am almost certain.
• Really nice. For me, I already made the decision to spend this much money on speakers that I expect to use indefinitely (10++++ years). Why try to save money on the stands?
• Aesthetically, they are bigger and more substantial in person than they seem in pictures. They are minimalist in their design (structure), but I wouldn't say they necessarily seem that way in person. I like how they look on my desk, and especially how they feel (and also how they perform). However, they do occupy visual space a lot, if that makes sense.

Overall, after having the 8030c for a while, I can only say good things. I would recommend to anyone that is seriously interested in music and audio equipment to skip the mid-level headphones and speakers, and invest in a pair of these or similar. It is a totally different experience than I've had previously with even well regarded gear from KEF & Sennheiser. I believe that these speakers are well past the point of diminishing returns - I'm sure with desktop speakers, you can spend <$500 and get something close enough to these - but for me, I feel I am at a point where I am serious about the hobby, and I paid for true quality and got a lot of value from it.

I have these set with desktop mode, meaning an adjustment at 160Hz. I think it sounds good, but I actually may prefer just leaving them as is in standard mode. Doing some A/B testing now. Anyone else with these on a desktop at 2-3 ft listening distance have an opinion on settings?

I tried -4dB desktop mode too, it is barely impossible to calculate the conditions of the table (distance between speakers and you, screens and table materials). Genelec calculate around 160 Hz, I remember Neumann KH 120 ii had desktop setting at 250 Hz and surely other brands corrects at different frequencies.

My advice is try also bass tilt before (desktop mode off), -2 dB is mandatory unless treated rooms but on my desk sounded better at -4 dB bass tilt because have glass over the table, possibly.

Wall distance should be take into account also: if the desk is against a wall or close to it and speakers on the rear, first correct for the wall and after for the desktop.

I finally find my best with floor stands and -4 dB bass tilt, close to the wall but is not always possible depending on space behind the table.

 

[Pearljam5000]

 

[Miguelón]

Is not a little bit unfair to compare a 3 inch monitor with a 5 one?

Should better put genelec 8010 instead

 

[scooby don't]

Does anyone find the variable sensitivity control on the 8030c useful? Maybe in a studio setting? It seems like most users set it to +6dBu and never touch it again.

Interestingly, the G3b doesn't have the variable sensitivity control. It just has a dip switch labeled "Level -10 dB." The manual states that "the playback level of the loudspeakers has two basic settings, normal and +10 dB. The normal setting is factory default and the +10 dB setting can be selected by turning the “LEVEL +10 dB” switch on the back panel to “1”. This makes the loudspeakers play louder, which is useful if the signal level is low."

 

[YSC]

Does anyone find the variable sensitivity control on the 8030c useful? Maybe in a studio setting? It seems like most users set it to +6dBu and never touch it again.

Interestingly, the G3b doesn't have the variable sensitivity control. It just has a dip switch labeled "Level -10 dB." The manual states that "the playback level of the loudspeakers has two basic settings, normal and +10 dB. The normal setting is factory default and the +10 dB setting can be selected by turning the “LEVEL +10 dB” switch on the back panel to “1”. This makes the loudspeakers play louder, which is useful if the signal level is low."

Personally I found it basically useless and as you said set to +6dBu and just use external volume control, it is way too sensitive for 4v XLR input imo

 

[Miguelón]

Does anyone find the variable sensitivity control on the 8030c useful? Maybe in a studio setting? It seems like most users set it to +6dBu and never touch it again.

Interestingly, the G3b doesn't have the variable sensitivity control. It just has a dip switch labeled "Level -10 dB." The manual states that "the playback level of the loudspeakers has two basic settings, normal and +10 dB. The normal setting is factory default and the +10 dB setting can be selected by turning the “LEVEL +10 dB” switch on the back panel to “1”. This makes the loudspeakers play louder, which is useful if the signal level is low."

Yes, I personally down sensibility 4 dB or so, depending on the strength of the signal it reduces harmonic distortion and hiss.

I tried various combinations by ear, around 0 to -2 dB gain and 90% volume of my audio interface is where I find my best. More or less is what Genelec advise “keep the interface at 90% and rise the gain from +6 dB until you listen distortion or have the desired level”

I want the DAC section around 50% volume (source) to have headroom but avoid clipping, and some marge to increase volume on low recordings, so I did that and over -3 dB at 90% preamp level and 70% volume source I found distortion.

Logically this depends on your system, also use gain to match differences between you two monitors, which can be around 1 dB because building variations and also more important different reflected energy if the room or placing is not symmetrical

 

[EasyC]

I would like to add a follow up - I received the Genelec L-Shaped speaker stands a few days ago after a month of having my speakers on some hardcover books.

They are: (EDIT: "They" meaning "the L-Shaped stands")

• not cheap
• not small
• I believe impossible to be knocked over by my cats - funny, but I do have two cats that walk around a lot on my desk, and I don't want them knocking over these speakers (obviously). Not happening with these, I am almost certain.
• Really nice. For me, I already made the decision to spend this much money on speakers that I expect to use indefinitely (10++++ years). Why try to save money on the stands?
• Aesthetically, they are bigger and more substantial in person than they seem in pictures. They are minimalist in their design (structure), but I wouldn't say they necessarily seem that way in person. I like how they look on my desk, and especially how they feel (and also how they perform). However, they do occupy visual space a lot, if that makes sense.

Overall, after having the 8030c for a while, I can only say good things. I would recommend to anyone that is seriously interested in music and audio equipment to skip the mid-level headphones and speakers, and invest in a pair of these or similar. It is a totally different experience than I've had previously with even well regarded gear from KEF & Sennheiser. I believe that these speakers are well past the point of diminishing returns - I'm sure with desktop speakers, you can spend <$500 and get something close enough to these - but for me, I feel I am at a point where I am serious about the hobby, and I paid for true quality and got a lot of value from it.

I have these set with desktop mode, meaning an adjustment at 160Hz. I think it sounds good, but I actually may prefer just leaving them as is in standard mode. Doing some A/B testing now. Anyone else with these on a desktop at 2-3 ft listening distance have an opinion on settings?

I've tried the dip-switches, and they work, but I've opted for EQ'ing them with software, easy because the source is always my Mac>MotuM4. They're on a desk shelf.
Sonarworks worked fine for me, EQ up to 750Hz because it's a small room with lots of room/desk/ceiling modes.
On top of that I eq'd the slight bump at 2655Hz (+2dB, Q2) as advised from the spin data (link). I'm making music and mixing so I want them to be as linear as possible.
7050C Sub under the desk. With a foot switch for the sub I can limit the bass when my wife's downstairs, and the sound remains very good.

I'm still, after a year with this setup, really really happy with these speakers. Tested other monitors, but the size of these (small), the fantastic build quality, perfect standby/wake-up and the seemingly effortless reproduction of anything I play on them makes me love them every time I start doing stuff at my desk.

 

[ejr]

It's hard to make any generalizations about EQ and room treatment because it is so specific to the space and I'm certainly not an expert in this area. I have never relied much on the DIP switches, but I'm glad they're there for people who need them. I've found that Genelecs do well pretty much any way you set them up. I just don't place them too close to walls (in back or on the sides of speakers).

The main thing is to get them as physically equal as possible. For example, for one of my sound systems, the left speaker sits on top of a relatively narrow hardwood bookshelf and the right on top of a deeper audio cabinet made of the same material. I was concerned that some of the right signal might bounce off the deeper shelf. But, if I slid the right speaker forward to minimize this, it would be closer to my ears than the left and that might create an imbalance. I sent a photo of this setup to Genelec tech support and they confirmed that it was better to keep the speakers at an unequal distance from my ears. (Also, if I rolled off the bass on one speaker, I would have to do the other. But, since I am not using a subwoofer on this system, both sounded fine without the roll off.)

The Genelec manuals give guidelines for using the DIP switches, but they also reccomend that you listen to your set up with all of them off first. In practice, I have found this to be good advice. Your ears are always your best guide. And I love that you can call or write to Genelec's tech support department if you have questions. They are always willing to help and seem to know what they are doing.

LOOKS LIKE SOME OF MY ORIGINAL TEXT GOT CUT OFF AND GARBLED. (CORRECTED NOW).

 

[Miguelón]

It's hard to make any generalizations about EQ and room treatment because it is so specific to the space and I'm certainly not an expert in this area. I have never relied much on the DIP switches, but I'm glad they're there for people who need them. I've found that Genelecs do well pretty much any you set them up. I just don't place them too close to walls (in back or on the sides of speakers).

The main thing is to get them as physically equal as possible. For example, for one of my sound systems, the left speaker sits on top of a relatively narrow hardwood bookshelf and the right on top of a deeper audio cabinet made of the same material. I was concerned that some of the right signal might bounce off the deeper shelf. But, if I slid the right speaker forward to minimize this, it would be closer to my ears than the left and that might create a greater imbalance. I sent a photo of this setup to Genelec tech support and they confirmed that it was better to keep the speakers at an equal distance from my ears. If I rolled off the bass on one speake, I would have to do the other. But, since I am not using a subwoofer on this system, I sound fine without the roll off.

The Genelec manuals give guidelines for using the DIP switches, but they also reccomend that you listen to your set up with all of them off first. In practice, I have found this to be good advice. Your ears are always your best guide. And I love that you can call or write to Genelec's tech support department if you have questions. They are always willing to help and seem to know what they are doing.

In general they overcorrect for bass in my opinion, but the filters they have are pretty standard.

I use -2 dB low shelving instead of -4 dB to “close to a wall” (recommended by Genelec), which preserves the bass response of the 8030: -4 dB sound quite dry, but the wall is not the only mater: depending on room size the transition frequencies will be higher or lower. Also the material of the walls.

To me the advantage of dip switch is they are easy and immediate to use and probably better than EQ in phase shifting but I’m not sure about this.

 

[Miguelón]

I've tried the dip-switches, and they work, but I've opted for EQ'ing them with software, easy because the source is always my Mac>MotuM4. They're on a desk shelf.
Sonarworks worked fine for me, EQ up to 750Hz because it's a small room with lots of room/desk/ceiling modes.
On top of that I eq'd the slight bump at 2655Hz (+2dB, Q2) as advised from the spin data (link). I'm making music and mixing so I want them to be as linear as possible.
7050C Sub under the desk. With a foot switch for the sub I can limit the bass when my wife's downstairs, and the sound remains very good.

I'm still, after a year with this setup, really really happy with these speakers. Tested other monitors, but the size of these (small), the fantastic build quality, perfect standby/wake-up and the seemingly effortless reproduction of anything I play on them makes me love them every time I start doing stuff at my desk.

Very useful, thanks! The full EQ looks fantastic, going to try and recorrect for my room

 

[Pancreas]

I have the Genelec new stands and these are on a desk, up against a wall, what setting would be recommended?

So basically I need to turn off the desk switch because the speakers are elevated?

 

[Pancreas]

I have Motu ultralite mk5

UltraLite-mk5 | MOTU.com

The all-new UltraLite-mk5 is a ground-up redesign of MOTU's award-winning 18 x 22 half-rack USB audio interface for macOS, Windows and iOS.

motu.com

What sensitivity setting should I use to make sure the Motu pushes the speakers to its limits as per genelec page?

https://support.genelec.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013428399-How-does-the-input-sensitivity-work-on-Genelec-speakers

They "explain" it and I didn't understand shit

I'm assuming this Motu mk5 is way more powerful than these speakers?

 

[Pancreas]

@Miguelón

can you aware me?

Why desk switch should off just because the speakers are elevated a few inches from the desk?

I think for my setup, up against a wall and corner, using the stand

maybe everything off and bass tilt -2

sensitivity control -6

just looked at it and desktop was already off lol

I have it at -4db bass tilt and -6 sensitivity

I think I set it like this before due to being in the corner and against a wall

 

[Miguelón]

I have the Genelec new stands and these are on a desk, up against a wall, what setting would be recommended?

So basically I need to turn off the desk switch because the speakers are elevated?

Not necessary, it depends on the material and the width of the table, the distance to the front bord…. Usual try and error by ear must be enough with the dips.

 

[Miguelón]

@Miguelón

can you aware me?

Why desk switch should off just because the speakers are elevated a few inches from the desk?

I think for my setup, up against a wall and corner, using the stand

maybe everything off and bass tilt -2

sensitivity control -6

just looked at it and desktop was already off lol

I have it at -4db bass tilt and -6 sensitivity

I think I set it like this before due to being in the corner and against a wall

I tried different combinations, Genelec and other brands suppose some average conditions but these cannot necessarily replicate yours.

If you have a XLR balanced 4 volts line out plugged to the 8030 I would suggest +4 dB or even the minimum +6 dB input gain: the monitors are too sensitive for it.

In my first desk setup I didn’t find useful the desktop mode, actually I have them on floor stands far from the desktop.

 

[Pancreas]

I tried different combinations, Genelec and other brands suppose some average conditions but these cannot necessarily replicate yours.

If you have a XLR balanced 4 volts line out plugged to the 8030 I would suggest +4 dB or even the minimum +6 dB input gain: the monitors are too sensitive for it.

In my first desk setup I didn’t find useful the desktop mode, actually I have them on floor stands far from the desktop.

problem is it lowers the total volume and i dont like that