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.

 

[AyeYoYoYO]

Hmm, well for that price you could buy almost any flagship headphone out there and use your own EQ on it as needed. I already have a monitor controller and headphone amps / calibration etc. so I wouldn't be super interested in buying that twice. The headphones also don't really look all that 'premium' to me. Not a huge deal but I noticed it. I guess for someone fully invested in the Genelec ecosystem this might make more sense; too bad it's a 'walled garden'.

Yes, it’s an excellent first step in an interesting direction, I’m sure their next gen offerings will be a little more attractive. Would love to have a sexier form factor, white or pale grey set, to match more with their gorgeous, white 8351B’s

As for this first offering by Genelec, in the greater scheme of things … Been somewhat dissapointed in the slow progress this last half decade (understandable but dissapointing nonetheless), on various fronts related to Dolby Atmos, Ambeo, etc and their pending full incorporation into Logic, Avid PT/MC, and even newcomers like UA LUNA. Fingers crossed.

 

[AyeYoYoYO]

So what?
Almost everyone (except total beginner level -rookies and/or homeless mobile hobos) have already some of those.
Because many people already have some stuff, bringing new improved stuff to market wouldn´t be worthwhile?

Target group of this is traveling pros needing top quality PORTABLE studio. And generally anyone in need of top notch headphone monitoring solution, with maximal confidence and minimal quessing/googling/trying back and forth around.

Great unconsistency factor is removed by using individually factory calibrated Genelec -headphones. Pros can now finally throw their third party headphone gear, internet copied generic EQ-settings and third party charlatan -"calibrations" out of window and work with reliable Genelec -manner.

No more EQ-guestimations i.e. "best EQ-soup recipe" -selections between typical sources between oratory/AutoEQ/other Authorized Internet Equalizers. And do those suit exactly my headhphone individual i.e. not.

Also very handy to put up temporary studio for some hotel room etc. very compromised acoustical space. When on the road, for example.
Now pros can take their DAW + UNIO -kit along when they leave studio.

Or bring work home, and get consistent results. Without the need to build 1000000 € soundproofed branch-studio -room first.


No other manufacturer offers individually factory calibrated headphones and personal HRTF -capable (AuralID) interface as a package. Which also doubles monitor (speaker) controller.

Finding a similarly conceptualized solution, where they could partner with existing big time manufacturers (Beyer, Senn, etc), to apply the same methodology to certain flagship studio-stalwart models (DT-1990, HD800series, etc), when plugged into the 1/4” out on the back on the control unit, would be a very welcome addition to this system, which while, currently in its infancy, shows some nice potential to become as ubiquitous as Genelec’s nearly unrivaled monitors. I absolutely love my white 8351B’s & SAM/GLM.

Maybe even additional partnerships with someone like Universal Audio, or Apogee, to incorporate this sort of “Genelec branded” control setup, into their deservedly popular interfaces, both mobile and rackmount, could create an even greater amalgamation, pushing forward strongly without the delays/drawbacks/limitstions, both in market and usage, of proprietary hardware.

Maybe the starting point could be a premium price point tier of their existing interface lines, with “collab branding” I.e.:

APOGEE
X
GENELEC

OR

—U.A.—
X
GENELEC

on the front panels of said devices.

 

[Multicore]

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

Or to simulate the set-up in your usual studio thereby allowing you to work in some remotr location with confidence and not distracted by the remote location's idiosyncracies.

 

[Machismo]

Does anyone know, what is the processing delay in milliseconds for the incoming sound, since it has DSP processing with EQ etc?

 

[lewdish]

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.

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Where did you get to try them out? I was thinking of Visiting one of their experience centers in their Boston HQ in the upcoming weeks, hopefully they have them there to try.

 

[Kuulokenurkka]

Where did you get to try them out? I was thinking of Visiting one of their experience centers in their Boston HQ in the upcoming weeks, hopefully they have them there to try.

I live in Finland, so I tried them at local Audio Forum (name of the store).