Genelec 8550A headphones

[iGude]

Working out the exact size versus proportions must need something to provide absolute size.

Part of the video measurement procedure is to take photos of your ear with a ruler on them for size reference.

I wonder how accurate the final result is given the fact that you can tune it in azimuth and elevation manually since that shouldn’t be required with an accurate HRTF.

But what really puzzles me is the fact that they don’t simulate room acoustics, only the direct wave. In my experience this results in very limited externalization in the range of a few centimeters only.

 

[Mort]

I still don't understand exactly what these or the UNIO system does?

 

[iGude]

In a nutshell: estimate the individual head-related transfer function (HRTF) based on videos taken of your head and ears in order to create a 3D model (photogrammetry), then use this HRTF to adapt the sound of their headphones accordingly, depending on the sound direction of incidence.

 

[Zaireeka]

Genelec used to give this personnalized HRTF service for free (limited in time), I tried making my owns but couldn't get the app working in the end. Their server didn't accept my video files...

 

[TheKoC]

I wonder how accurate the final result is given the fact that you can tune it in azimuth and elevation manually since that shouldn’t be required with an accurate HRTF.

Aren't azimuth and elevation only necessary to simulate the position of your speakers? So that you can "position" your virutal speakers where you want them.

But is Aural ID actually available to anyone yet? Here it just says "coming soon"

Aural ID - Genelec.com

The ultimate in tailor-made headphone monitoring. Create your profile, download the plug-in, and enjoy a headphone listening experience you can finally trust.

www.genelec.com

 

[iGude]

Aren't azimuth and elevation only necessary to simulate the position of your speakers? So that you can "position" your virutal speakers where you want them.

But is Aural ID actually available to anyone yet? Here it just says "coming soon"

Exactly, you can use it to move the virtual speaker to the intended direction. But the
direction of the virtual speaker should be identical to a real one if the HRTF is reproduced accurately. Hence, it shouldn’t be required to move the virtual speaker manually in the first place.

The HRTF service named Aural ID is available since some years already. But they seem to have changed something and re-launch it again soon as version 2.

 

[TheKoC]

Exactly, you can use it to move the virtual speaker to the intended direction. But the
direction of the virtual speaker should be identical to a real one if the HRTF is reproduced accurately. Hence, it shouldn’t be required to move the virtual speaker manually in the first place.

ok, then I guess the main use will be to simulate speakers you don't physically own

 

[iGude]

ok, then I guess the main use will be to simulate speakers you don't physically own

Yes. In principle, the purpose is to simulate speakers and room acoustics. But as mentioned, the specific solution discussed here skips the latter. As a result, the virtual speaker will sound like a real speaker in an anechoic chamber, something you don’t really want actually.

 

[TheKoC]

Yes. In principle, the purpose is to simulate speakers and room acoustics. But as mentioned, the specific solution discussed here skips the latter. As a result, the virtual speaker will sound like a real speaker in an anechoic chamber, something you don’t really want actually.

Interesting, although Genelec has this Info which could help in that regard:
"If you’re a user of Genelec Smart Active Monitors, you can import calibration files directly into Aural ID from our GLM loudspeaker manager software. This further helps you to closely replicate the performance of your in-room monitoring system, and achieve more consistency when switching between in-room monitors and headphones."

In any case, would love to see some reviews once the new Aural ID software is available and in wider use.

 

[soundwave76]

So… any good reviews / measurements of these out there?

 

[TheKoC]

No yet afaik, probably too new / too niche for most reviewers

 

[Kuulokenurkka]

Tried these very briefly today with my Qudelix 5K. The store had not yet received the education on how to use the system properly, so I just wanted to test how they sound as a passive headphone without DSP.

And...

...They clearly weren't meant to be used this way, as I expected. In 10 minutes I could EQ them to sound quite neutral, so I am sure Genelec knows how to do the same. However, the passive tuning wasn't great, so I will skip measuring the FR, as it would only give some people false information.

I hope to try the headphones again later as a full setup.