The 8020 RAW, developed by the distinguished loudspeaker manufacturer Genelec, is an active nearfield studio monitor that offers a top-quality and reliable reference sound for all audio applications. This model is the flagship of the Finnish company’s product range and combines high-calibre acoustic properties with an equally attractive design. The 8020’s uniquely even frequency response and excellent spatial representation are partly achieved thanks to its highly innovative die-cast aluminium cabinet with rounded edges and slightly curved front and side surfaces. The design was created in collaboration with Finland’s Harri Koskinen, one of Europe’s best-known product and furniture designers.
In contrast with passive monitors, the speakers of the 8020 are driven by built-in amplifiers, with no filtering components in between. The advantage of this design is that the drivers can be specifically tailored to the characteristics of the monitor chassis. The 8020’s large interior volume gives it an enhanced bass response, while the shape of the aluminium housing suppresses unwanted wall resonance and the special housing contours ensure the correct wave guidance for controlled sound diffusion. The surprisingly even frequency response is achieved here by maximising the surface area, and the flow-oriented bass reflex channel serves to increase the sound pressure reserves and extend the transmission range.
No matter what environment the 8020 finds itself in, the switchable filters on the rear panel of the speaker will optimise its audio performance to best suit the location. Both drivers are magnetically shielded, a characteristic shared by all Genelec monitors, and even when driven at high volumes they cause little to no distortion. The included rubber iso pad provides a secure anti-resonant support, thus making unwanted colouring of the sound by the transmission of vibrations a thing of the past. Furthermore, this base also allows exact positioning of the speaker. A wall bracket is additionally included, which can be used to mount the speaker at the desired height.
Genelec was founded in 1976 by Ilpo Martikainen. It grew from a family business into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional studio and broadcasting loudspeakers. To this day, Genelec’s loudspeakers are manufactured exclusively in Finland. Genelec offers performance-oriented, neutral-sounding loudspeakers and subwoofer systems for audio professionals and sound enthusiasts, and a combination of innovative technology and design ensure that the range of products is continuously improving. The company is committed to sustainable development and environmental awareness. In 2018, Genelec was awarded the Pro Sound "Company of the Year" award. Genelec speakers are favourites of such recording industry veterans as Obie O'Brien, Michael Carnes, and David Reitzas, as well as of producers like Hardwell, Keith Ross, and Vini Vici.
No matter what the setup – whether traditional stereo, surround sound, or even 3D audio – Genelec products will always feature among the best monitoring choices thanks to their precise dispersion, reliable sound, and versatile mounting options. An impressive surround sound configuration can be created by combining five 8020s with a suitable subwoofer like the Genelec 7040 APM. The two front speakers should be placed at 30° angles to the listener here, with the centre speaker placed directly in front of him/her, while the rear surround speakers should be rotated at a 110° angle and placed at roughly one metre from the listening position. For a classic “stereo triangle”, the two monitors should be placed at a 60° angle to the listener. For a 3D audio configuration, a second layer of monitors transmitting down from the ceiling is required. This type of setup requires a minimum of four speakers.