9320A SAM™ Reference Controller
UNIO Audio Monitoring
UNIO empowers professionals to confidently work anywhere. As a key UNIO element, the 9320A integrates in-room and headphone monitoring for a single, reliable workflow – completely personalised for total accuracy.
With its flexible connectivity, reference grade headphone output and physical control of our adaptive technologies, the 9320A is the ideal hub for professional audio work – from stereo to immersive – in any space.
9320A SAM™ Reference Controller
UNIO Audio Monitoring
UNIO empowers professionals to confidently work anywhere. As a key UNIO element, the 9320A integrates in-room and headphone monitoring for a single, reliable workflow – completely personalised for total accuracy.
With its flexible connectivity, reference grade headphone output and physical control of our adaptive technologies, the 9320A is the ideal hub for professional audio work – from stereo to immersive – in any space.
Whether working in acoustically treated studio environments, at home, in temporary spaces or on the road, UNIO and the 9320A ensure a seamless listening experience when switching between professional in-room and headphone monitoring.
With UNIO, the power of our adaptive technologies is now easier to access than ever before, so you can confidently work beyond the studio.
UNIO – Bridging in-room and personal headphone monitoring
“Audio professionals in music, broadcast, post-production and game audio are increasingly wanting the flexibility to work wherever and whenever they want, even if that sometimes involves unpredictable and challenging acoustic environments.
To be able to switch instantly between well calibrated in-room and headphone monitoring without any interruption in workflow is crucial to this way of working, and so we see UNIO and the 9320A as powerful tools in creating a truly next-generation reference quality monitoring system.”
Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian
As a bridge to UNIO, the compact 9320A enables you to create, optimise and manage a single, liberating workflow – for professional loudspeaker and headphone monitoring options, from stereo to immersive and beyond, which are easy to access, trust and cross-reference, wherever your work takes you.
Unique qualities and user benefits
1. Tactile monitor control from stereo to immersive
Management of scalable Genelec Smart Active (SAM) Monitoring systems
With tactile control of key functionality in Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM™) software, the 9320A provides an intuitive, quick-to-access physical user interface with clear haptic feedback – allowing you to speed up your workflow and hide the graphical user interface of GLM, so you can retain focus on your DAW.
Easy management of alternative monitoring systems in one room
Having GLM control at your fingertips enables fast switching and management of in-room SAM Monitoring layouts, while the 9320A also provides level alignment and standard control of directly connected stereo monitoring systems. This simplifies movement between monitoring options and allows you to fully trust what you hear. Working with any DAW and audio interface system, the 9320A – with GLM – can handle an unlimited channel count for SAM Monitoring systems. And alternative stereo loudspeaker monitoring is easily connected using in-device AES/EBU and analogue inputs.
Intelligent one-button switching for seamless in-room and headphone monitoring
The 9320A also provides level alignment for headphone monitoring, meaning it's able to switch from any of your monitoring systems to another without a level change. This gives you smooth and easy switching between all loudspeaker and headphone-based monitoring, without the need to readjust the monitoring level each time.
2. AES/EBU connectivity for the purest signal path
Versatile in-device monitoring options
Stereo and stereo-with-subwoofer monitoring systems can be directly connected to the 9320A using its analogue and AES/EBU input/output connectivity, while the 9320A can also be used as a USB output interface for high resolution stereo audio input from a computer. The 9320A outputs support both fixed line level output in ‘SAM’ mode and adjusted line output. Both modes are available over its balanced analogue outputs and AES output. This makes the 9320A compatible with any professional loudspeaker monitor or headphone sets.
High-quality DAC conversion of signal
It's also possible to use the 9320A as a high-quality converter from analogue inputs to AES out and from AES to analogue outputs – as well as converting USB audio input to any output. This makes it hugely versatile – and an extremely effective hub for professional monitoring tasks. The maximum level of the analogue balanced line input can be set to +12 dBu or +24 dBu. The USB audio and AES digital audio inputs to AES digital output offer an A-weighted dynamic range of 138 dB.
3. Reference grade headphone output
Professional headphone monitoring
Personal headphone sound character calibration is a natural part of the 9320A as a device for reference level listening. The headphone output can handle headphone impedances ranging from 16 to 600 ohms, with excellent linearity (THD+N less than -110 dB) and dynamic range (126 dB), offering a maximum RMS output of 6 volts – for access to the best possible performance from any high-quality professional headphones.
Enhanced headphone monitoring using Aural ID™ Technology
Genelec Aural ID Technology enables access to obtain and use your unique personal HRTF data to render reliable stereo, multichannel and immersive monitoring layouts with accurate virtual loudspeaker positioning and out-of-the-head externalised reproduction – using any high-quality professional headphones. Aural ID integrates perfectly with the headphone output of the 9320A, for the highest possible standard of headphone monitoring.
4. Monitor calibration with GLM and calibrated listening level
Automatic GLM AutoCal™ calibration
GLM software works with Genelec Smart Active (SAM) Monitoring systems to enable neutral, carefully aligned audio reproduction over loudspeaker monitors – with correctly calibrated and equalised subwoofer support as needed – and access to detailed GRADE™ Room Acoustic Reports. For this, a factory-calibrated reference microphone is included with the 9320A.
Alignment of all monitoring options
The 9320A offers reproduction level alignment across all loudspeaker-based monitoring layouts and headphones, for the smoothest possible transitioning between loudspeaker and headphone-based monitoring.
5. Safe listening – Noise dose estimation
Hearing health support during monitoring
Continuous A, C and Z weighted SPL monitoring, shown on the backlit display of the 9320A, allows quick assessment of listening safety. SPL is sampled using the included reference microphone for in-room audio and calculated using headphone sensitivity data for the headphone audio. The audio engineer sound exposure dose is logged, and hearing health exposure dose alarms can be easily set. Combined with the ability to create highly linear monitoring systems – which naturally support minimal hearing fatigue – these features make the 9320A a key ally for hearing protection.
How is it used?
The 9320A is designed for professional audio engineering on fixed and mobile setups.
Ideal for stereo and immersive music studios, game audio studios, broadcasting, streaming and AV post-production, the 9320A offers smooth management of SAM Monitoring systems – from stereo to immersive – and direct connectivity for monitoring of analogue and digital AES/EBU stereo audio over loudspeakers and headphones.
The in-device audio input options are:
• Stereo USB audio
• Two analogue balanced line inputs
• Stereo AES/EBU digital audio
These three alternative inputs provide extremely flexible connectivity, with the ability to smoothly switch between each input and to easily channel the signal to directly connected analogue and digital stereo or stereo-with-subwoofer loudspeaker monitoring or professional headphones. Each output can be level-aligned for smooth switching across all inputs and outputs.
The 9320A is intended to be set up and used with a computer running GLM software and Aural ID software but can be also used in independent mode.
Powered by USB and equipped with a Type C USB interface, the 9320A consumes a maximum of 2.5 W of power, making it compatible with any computer-based DAW. Additionally, when USB interfaces cannot offer power, a separate USB Type C power input is provided. The audio bandwidth for all input/output combinations extends up to 46 kHz and offers a dynamic range exceeding 120 dB, THD+N lower than -110 dB, and minimal input to output latency in the range 2 to 3.2 ms.
Ways to use the 9320A
9320A ‘Out of the Box’ – Dual Stereo Basic
- No access to Group Presets.
- No binaural.
- With or without Mac or PC.
- Groups 1-4 inactive.
- Audio can be fed from the computer USB port, or using an analogue/digital input. The Input button is used to select the input.
- Audio can be routed to any desired output: Headphone, Analogue or Digital.
- Volume can be controlled with the dial.
- Mono, Diff, Invert, Mute, Dim, Preset buttons work.
- GLM software required for advanced use e.g. to match output levels, control and calibrate SAM system.
9320A with GLM – Dual Stereo GLM
- GLM calibration and presets.
- No binaural.
- Groups 1-4 available.
- Digital out associated with GLM.
- Click 'Digi' to use same preset.
- Click Groups 1-4 to change group.
- Audio can be fed from the computer USB port, or using an analogue/digital input. The GLM group preset is used to select an input and later the Input buttons can be used to change the input.
- Audio can be routed to any desired output: Headphone, Analogue, Digital or none. The GLM group preset is used to define output when a group is activated.
- SAM Monitors can be calibrated with the 9320A and GLM software.
- Volume can be controlled with the dial.
- Mono, Diff, Invert, Mute, Dim, Preset and group buttons work.
9320A with GLM – Dual Stereo / Headphone Immersive
- GLM calibration and presets.
- Aural ID stereo.
- Aural ID immersive.
- Groups 1-4 available.
- Digital out associated with GLM.
- Click 'Digi' to use same preset.
- Click Groups 1-4 to change group.
- USB stereo or binaural, based on 9320A output selection.
- Aural ID plugin goes into L/R bypass, controlled via USB, when binaural audio not used.
- When using GLM and Aural ID processing, GLM will bypass processing if in-room monitoring is activated.
9320A Dual Stereo In-Room Immersive / Headphone Immersive Plug-in
- GLM calibration and presets.
- Aural ID stereo (plug-in).
- Aural ID immersive (plug-in).
- In-room immersive.
- Group 1-4 selects large in-room system.
- Digital out not associated with GLM.
- USB stereo or binaural, based on 9320A output selection.
9320A Stand-Alone Aural ID + Immersive SAM Monitors
- GLM calibration and presets.
- Aural ID stereo.
- Aural ID immersive.
- Groups 1-4 available.
- Digital out associated with GLM.
- Click 'Digi' to use same preset.
- Click Group 1-4 to change Group.
- Aural ID plug-in/App pass L/R, controlled via USB, when binaural audio is not used.
9320A Dual Stereo In-Room Immersive / Headphone Immersive App
- GLM calibration and presets.
- Aural ID stereo (App).
- Aural ID immersive (App).
- Group 1-4 selects large in-room system.
- Digital out not associated with GLM.
- USB stereo or binaural, based on 9320A output selection.
Downloads
Signal flow and menu access
Technical specifications
Dimensions
Height: 60 mm (2.4 inches)
Width: 190 mm (7.5 inches)
Length: 139 mm (5.5 inches)
Weight: 0.9 kg (2.0 lb)
Filters
UNIO – Stage One
The combined power of SAM, GLM and Aural ID Technology
Genelec SAM systems are today’s most advanced and flexible professional audio monitoring solutions – offering comprehensive, solution-oriented, intelligently networked monitoring for analogue and digital signals in virtually any working environment. An indispensable tool for audio professionals, SAM systems use GLM software to automatically adapt to the acoustic environment and correct for level, delay and room anomalies. The system can then be controlled via GLM, enabling you to build a highly flexible and precise monitoring solution.
Calibration and control in GLM – which manages SAM studio monitors and subwoofers over a simple-to-connect physical network – is highly intuitive and powerful. The software offers easy adjustment of levels, distance delays and flexible room response compensation equalisation using our state-of-the-art and robust AutoCal™ 2 automated calibration system. Parameters and settings are then stored in the software. As an alternative, the result can be saved in each individual monitor or subwoofer, allowing the GLM network to be disconnected. Alongside automated calibration, SAM Systems allow all acoustical features to be optimised for different working styles or personal user preferences.
Aural ID is perhaps the simplest and most accurate way to acquire your personal HRTF profile and use it for reliable, professional virtual monitoring over headphones – whether you're working in stereo, multichannel or immersive. The Aural ID plug-in provides a suite of tools to adjust virtual monitoring experiences to your requirements and is closely integrated with GLM to further help you emulate your in-room SAM Monitoring setup.
Even if production projects move between rooms or go on the road with you, UNIO helps you fully utilise the adaptable nature of SAM, GLM and Aural ID Technology to offer you a listening experience you can trust and rely on. This is the highest possible consistency between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, with neutral sound stage imaging and low distortion as a basis.
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9320A
SAM™ Reference Controller
Technical Specifications
9320A
SAM™ Reference Controller
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
• Genelec measurement microphone connector.
• Headphones output (6.3 mm stereo jack).
• Stereo analogue balanced line outputs (6.3 mm tip-ring-sleeve connectors).
• Stereo analogue balanced line inputs (6.3 mm tip-ring-sleeve connectors).
• XLR digital audio output, supports AES/EBU (AES3) format.
• XLR digital audio input, supports AES/EBU (AES3) format and SPDIF format when used with a separate 75 to 110 ohm impedance converter.
• GLM management network connection (bottom connector) and GLM network terminator connector needed for long networks (top connector).
• USB type C auxiliary power input for use when the computer USB output cannot supply sufficient power for 9320A.
• Kensington compatible anti-theft lock opening (top).
• USB type C computer interface, used for management, audio input, and power supply for 9320A.
Performance Summary
| Headphone output load condition | Headphone impedance (Ω) | Max output power (mW) |
|---|---|---|
| Max output power into two simultaneous output channels, both channels loaded | 16 | 120 |
| 32 | 140 | |
| 150 | 200 | |
| 300 | 115 | |
| 600 | 57 |
Noise dose calculation standards available in 9320A
| Name | US OSHA/MSHA | US NIOSH/ACGIH | US DOD 3dB | US DOD 4dB | Europe EU-OSHA | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lcrit | 90 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | Noise dose safety limit (dB) |
| Tcrit | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | Duration of accumulation (h) |
| rate | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | Exchange rate (dB) |
9320A
SAM™ Reference Controller
Technical Specifications
9320A
SAM™ Reference Controller
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
• Genelec measurement microphone connector.
• Headphones output (6.3 mm stereo jack).
• Stereo analogue balanced line outputs (6.3 mm tip-ring-sleeve connectors).
• Stereo analogue balanced line inputs (6.3 mm tip-ring-sleeve connectors).
• XLR digital audio output, supports AES/EBU (AES3) format.
• XLR digital audio input, supports AES/EBU (AES3) format and SPDIF format when used with a separate 75 to 110 ohm impedance converter.
• GLM management network connection (bottom connector) and GLM network terminator connector needed for long networks (top connector).
• USB type C auxiliary power input for use when the computer USB output cannot supply sufficient power for 9320A.
• Kensington compatible anti-theft lock opening (top).
• USB type C computer interface, used for management, audio input, and power supply for 9320A.
The 9320 uses power from one USB connector at a time. When both connectors are connected, the PWR connector is used for power. The computer USB-C power input limits to 2.5 W input power (500mA input current). When the PWR connector is in used, the output power available to the headphone is
slightly higher; the benefit is +0 dB to 2.5 dB more output, depending on the load impedance. The PWR input connector is designed to work with a standard 5 V 1A USB power adapter.
Performance Summary
Mechanical and power
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | kg (lbs) | 0.890 (2.0) |
| Height | mm (in) | 60 (2 3/8) |
| Width | mm (in) | 190 (7 1/2) |
| Depth | mm (in) | 139 (5 1/2) |
| Supply voltage, USB type C connector | VDC | 5 |
| Operating power consumption, no outputs driven | W | 1.5 |
| Operating power consumption, using computer connector USB-C | W | < 2.5 (typ. 2.25) |
| Operating power consumption, using PWR connector USB-C | W | < 3.5 |
| Sleep mode power consumption | W | 0.125 |
| Operating temperature | C (F) | 15 – 35 (60 – 95) |
| Operating humidity, noncondensing | % | 10 – 80 |
Typical system performance
| Parameter | Unit | AES/EBU input to headphone output | AES/EBU input to line output | Line input to line output | Line input to headphone output | Line input to AES/EBU output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency response, – 3 dB point | kHz | 0 – 46 | 0 – 46 | 0.2 Hz – 46 | 0.2 Hz – 46 | 0.2 Hz – 46 |
| Frequency response flatness, measurement range 10Hz – 40 kHz | dB | ± 0.1 | ± 0.1 | ± 0.1 | ± 0.1 | ± 0.1 |
| Channel gain difference | dB | < 0.1 | < 0.1 | < 0.1 | < 0.1 | < 0.1 |
| Dynamic range (Lo Gain / Hi Gain) | dB | 126 (250-600Ω) | 126 | 121 / 118 | 121 / 118 | 123 / 121 |
| Noise (A weighted), measurement range 20 Hz – 20 kHz, (Vol. -0dBFS) (Lo Gain / Hi Gain) | μV | 3 / 3 | 5.5 / 7.5 | 5.5 / 7.5 | n.a. | n.a. |
| THD+N distortion and noise (Lo Gain), maximum volume setting, input signal -6 to 0 dBFS 1 kHz, measurement range 20 Hz - 20 kHz | % / dB | < 0.0004 / < –108 | < 0.0004 / < –108 | < 0.0005 / < –106 | < 0.0005 / < –106 | < 0.0004 / < –108 |
| THD+N distortion and noise (Hi Gain), maximum volume setting, input signal -6 to 0 dBFS 1 kHz, measurement range 20 Hz - 20 kHz | % / dB | n.a. | n.a. | < 0.0006 / -104 | < 0.0006 / -104 | < 0.0005 / -106 |
| Input to output latency | ms | 3.2 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Crosstalk 10kHz -10dBFS Load impedances (100 kΩ, 150 Ω, 32 Ω)* | dB | -120, -87, -74* | -120 | -120 | -120, -87, -74* | -120 |
| * When using small headphone loads, most of the crosstalk is caused by impedance of common ground of TRS connector. | ||||||
Typical output performance
| Parameter | Unit | Headphone output | Analog line output | AES/EBU output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector | 1/4 in TRS | 1/4 in TRS | XLR male | |
| Electrical interface | Split supply, ground referenced | Balanced | AES 3 | |
| Maximum output voltage | V RMS (dBu) | 6 (17.8) | 6 (17.8) | n.a. |
| V peak | 10.6 | 10.6 | n.a. | |
| V peak-to-peak | 21.3 | 21.3 | n.a. | |
| Output impedance | Ω (ohm) | 1.5 | 80 | 110 |
| Max output current | mA | 120 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Headphone maximum output power (Both left and right channels loaded. Power feed from the computer USB-C connector. In parenthesis when the PWR USB-C input is used for power.) | mW |
|
n.a. | n.a. |
| Frequency response (-3 dB point) | kHz | 0 – 46 | 0 – 46 | 0 – 46 |
| Frequency response flatness (range 10Hz – 40 kHz) | dB | ± 0.1 | ± 0.1 | ± 0.01 |
| Channel gain difference | dB | < 0.05 | < 0.05 | < 0.01 |
| Dynamic range | dB | 126 (Load 250-600Ω) | 126 | 138 |
| Noise A weighted (20-20 kHz) | uV | 3 | 3 | n.a. |
| Distortion and noise (250-600Ω) Input -6 to 0 dBFS 1 kHz, 20 Hz to 20 kHz measurement range. | % | < 0.0004 | < 0.0004 | n.a. |
| dB | < –108 | < –108 | n.a. |
Typical input performance
| Parameter | Unit | Analogue line input | USB input | AES/EBU input |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector | mm (in) | 6.3 (1/4) TRS | USB-C | XLR female |
| Interface type, electrical | Balanced | USB 2.0 High Speed | AES 3 | |
| Maximum input voltage (Lo Gain) | dBu | 24 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Maximum input voltage (Hi Gain) | dBu | 12 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Input impedance, differential | Ω (ohm) | 6600 | n.a. | 110 |
| Frequency response, -3 dB | kHz | 0.2 Hz - 46 | 0 – 46 | 0 – 46 |
| Samplerates | kHz | n.a. | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 | 32 – 192 |
| Sample word length | bit | n.a. | 24 | 16 – 24 |
| Frequency response flatness 20 Hz - 40 kHz | dB | ± 0.05 | ± 0.01 | ± 0.01 |
| Channel gain difference | dB | < 0.05 | < 0.01 | < 0.01 |
| Dynamic range (A weighted) 20-20kHz (Lo Gain / Hi Gain) | dB | 123 / 121 | 138 (24 bit) | 138 (24 bit) |
| Equivalent input noise (A weighted) 20-20kHz (Lo Gain / Hi Gain) | μV | 9 / 3 | n.a. | n.a. |
| THD+N distortion and noise (Hi Gain), input signal -6 to 0 dBFS 1 kHz, measurement range 20 Hz - 20 kHz | % / dB | 0.0005 / –106 | n.a. | n.a. |
| Distortion and noise (Low Gain), input signal -6 to 0 dBFS 1 kHz, measurement range 20 Hz - 20 kHz | % / dB | 0.0004 / –108 | n.a. | n.a. |
Typical total harmonic distortion + noise performance of the headphone output at various headphone imedances.