Genelec 1038A

This is a three way active monitoring system. These are definitely intended for studio use, and should only be purchased by studio owners, as they are impossible to move around very much. The speakers are large enough that they can be installed into the wall of the studio that they are being used in, which is the only way I've seen them, though I hear that they can stand freely as well. Not only that, but they need to be fine-tuned to the acoustics of the room that you are using them in if you want the ideal sound out of them. This can be done with the controls that come with the monitors' Direct Control Waveguide Technology, and requires the attention of audio experts.
These are active monitors and don't really require an external amp.


SOUNDS

The sound of these speakers is breathtaking. The monitors are certainly capable of giving great stereo imaging, they really give a full and expansive sound. The dynamics of the project always come out full and clear, there is no unnatural compression with these monitors. This is good because it allows you to maintain more control over the sound. Every range of the freqency spectrum is well represented, assuming of course that the speakers are maintained and tuned appropriately. My newest manager doesn't seem to like these monitors very much; when I saw his pair, and heard them, I knew that they weren't tuned to the acoustics of the room at all. They were far clearer at the first studio I was in that had them. The bass range, when properly tuned, is superb; when left unattenuated, the bass frequencies are muddy, like most monitors. Another thing to know is that sometimes vocal tracks tend to be slightly quieter on these monitors overall, so it helps to have another pair to contrast them with.

OVERALL OPINION

I like these monitors because of their amazing sound. However, there is a very small niche market for them, and that is almost exclusively for studio owners/sound designers. Their size, as well as their price, make them difficult to manage, and less useful than smaller monitors. However, the sound of the monitors alone is worth it if you have the studio space and can afford the monitors.

The Genelec 1038As are a high end pair of active studio monitors. Since they are active, they are self-powered and do not need any external amplifier to use them. These are a huge set of studio monitors and are more for the stationary studio rather than someone who might be on the go a lot. They are simply too big to move around too much, and are bigger than the 1031As which are a bit easier to move in terms of size and weigh.

SOUNDS

The sound quality of the Genelec 1038As is top notch and is what I have come to expect from Genelec. These are a great set of monitors both for mixing and for monitoring. The sound comes in clear and does cover the entire frequency spectrum, with a great low end response and a silky high end. The stereo imaging is definitely satisfactory and the sound is overall precise and does represent a true picture of the audio you are playing. The dynamics are respected across the board and accurate. Overall, the sound projected from the 1038As is great and are a top notch set of professional studio monitors.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Genelec 1038As for about four years and they are definitely one of the best set of studio monitors that I have used. I like them for monitoring best, as I find these sometimes sound too good for mixing and that mixes sometimes don't translate to a more modest set of speakers. However, they do work good for mixing, you just have to know them, just like any other set of monitors when you are mixing. The price is pretty expensive, but they are priced right and are aimed at professional engineers and professional studio owners. They are a great set of studio montiors that need not be overlooked when trying out the top studio monitors out there. Genelec has a reputation for making the best monitors on the market, as the 1038As are a prime example of what Genelec is capable of.

Chosen for their linearity and versatile way to use mix, listening, sound conditions for establishing the most radical.
Amplifier.

SOUNDS

The frequency curve is particularly neutral and fair, nothing is sticking.
That may be the question of the dynamics that this place is the more surprising on a good sound, transients guitar, percussion pulse, the slightest bowing are reproduced with such speed that the instrument seems to face us.
The stereo imaging is highly accurate as long as their positioning in the listening room is optimal. The slightest movement of a sound source is perceived immediately.

OVERALL OPINION

I use these speakers in the studio for 10 years as the primary monitor.
These are my first "real" studio monitors and I'm thrilled!

+ Very neutral
35Hz to 20kHz + for real!
+ Versatile
+ Amp and integrated protection, we can not burn out.
+ No ear fatigue
+ Indestructible (10 years and have not moved)

- Kind of expensive, kind of expensive, kind of expensive. Use only pro
- Too neutral? "Genelec, the sound coming from the cold"
- No ear fatigue, you have to watch out for too long sessions.
- Require a Mix-B (a pair of NS10 will do nicely)