GLM 4. The natural bridge between creativity and science
Only then can we guarantee the reproduction of sound with uncoloured and transparent tone, precise stereo imaging, and minimum distortion. Neutral performance is the fundamental requirement of making a monitor loudspeaker system a reliable creative tool for sound producers and audio professionals. This is the essential foundation on top of which the other audio quality factors, including the impact of the room and the listener’s perceptual experience can be optimized.
Our ultimate perception of sound is essentially affected by the source material, monitor loudspeaker quality, the room or reproduction space, and our hearing system: the ear, brain and hearing memory and sensation. Ensuring total audio quality requires that, first, we are aware of the entire chain affecting the perceived quality. Secondly, we need to make sure that the entire creative process, including perceptual qualities, are tied together consistently and cohesively. Throughout this chain, in addition to the audio monitor design quality, the room and space play a critical role between the audio reproduction system and the perceptual side of the listening experience and artistic creativity.
There are certain approaches to minimizing the distractive impact of room and space on the sound quality. The starting point is, however, the reproduction system and the reference monitor design centred around evolution and natural growth. The electro-acoustical design, controlled directivity, neutral point source performance, the number and placement of monitors in the system setup and so on, all form the foundation. Then, acoustical treatment of the room and acoustical room correction can be utilized to minimize the distractive impact of the room. Often, they are combined to optimize the overall system both in terms of cost and quality.
Acoustical equalization of the room response has been the subject of intensive scientific research since the early 1900s. It has also been an essential part of Genelec audio monitor design since the formation of the company in 1978, starting with the manual acoustical controls known as Dual In-line Packages (or DIPs) of our first loudspeaker model, the S30. Our long-term comprehensive DSP research and development work started back in the early 90s, and has led to the-state-of-the-art, fully automated acoustical system calibration and control solution, GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager). Originally launched in 2006, along with Genelec’s first DSP product range (the 8200 series), GLM development mirrors the evolution of digital technology and its utilization in audio monitoring.
Once the acoustical design of the monitor is correct, the primary purpose of acoustical calibration is to expand the optimization and control of the audio quality in the space between the audio system and the user/listener. Our new GLM 4 goes way beyond that by forming a natural and reliable bridge between scientific foundation, artistic creativity, and audio personalization, enabling you to find a sonic reference that you can trust. You can then confidently focus on learning and exploring the subjective variables as an invaluable source of information when searching for that personal sonic reference.
GLM 4’s innovative honeycomb UI visualizes the design heritage and forms the gateway to the fascinating history of acoustical calibration and its natural development. The science and art of audio monitoring have been evolving naturally, hexagon by hexagon. The latest hexagons of GLM 4 take you closer to the centre of the honeycomb, helping you to unleash your artistic creativity - while the GLM 4 Cloud ensures that you have freedom to create your art with consistent quality anywhere, anytime. Therefore, we firmly believe that GLM 4 is paving the way to new horizons in the world of calibration and control of audio monitoring.
About the author
Siamäk Naghian travelled from his native Iran to settle in Finland in the 1980s and continue his studies. After graduating, he went on to hold senior positions at telecommunications giant Nokia before joining Genelec in 2005 as R&D Director. Siamäk has been Genelec’s Managing Director since 2011, and lives in Lapinlahti with his family.