New Genelec 9402A System Management Device delivers Dante-compatible professional monitoring
Genelec has further expanded its UNIO monitoring ecosystem with the introduction of the new 9402A System Management Device for Audio-over-IP Networking. The 9402A provides Dante and AES67 compatibility for Genelec’s range of Smart Active Monitors and Subwoofers, complementing the existing 9401A model – which already supports Ravenna, ST2110 and AES67 protocols. Compatible with all formats from stereo to 9.1.6, the 9402A deepens Genelec’s commitment to networked audio, and empowers audio professionals to create even more flexible, scalable, and future-proof monitoring solutions.
Providing a crucial bridge between traditional AES/EBU signal paths and fully networked AoIP infrastructures, the 9402A supports up to 16 channels of digital audio via a DB25 connector. With additional dedicated AES/EBU outputs on XLR for subwoofer integration and auxiliary stereo monitoring, the 9402A enables flexible routing and monitoring via in-room loudspeakers and professional headphones, allowing users to move seamlessly between the two with no interruption in workflow. The 9402A supports high-resolution audio with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and bit depths up to 32-bit, fully in the digital domain, ensuring that no quality is lost in the conversion process.
Through its tight integration with Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software, the 9402A allows entire system calibration, including subwoofer alignment and support for bass management. The subwoofer output enables Smart Active Subwoofers to be easily chained to increase the low frequency SPL output, and channel capacity can be quickly expanded with more 9402A devices, to provide compatibility with 22.2 and other high channel count immersive formats.
The 9402A deploys Gigabit Ethernet low-latency operation and support for broadcast-grade redundant network connectivity, as well as support for modern streaming control integration – thus providing professional performance even in the most demanding mission-critical environments. Additional data security is enabled by Dante Media Encryption, using robust AES 256-bit key-protected audio transport to the 9402A, as well as support for centrally managed security policies. The audio is transported between AoIP and AES/EBU formats using low latency OSI Layer 3 technologies, enabling routing across IP subnets and even between buildings or on wide-area networks, for even greater reach and scalability.
Designed for decades of reliable service and built to the highest environmental standards at Genelec’s factory in Iisalmi, Finland, the compact 1U rack-mount format of the 9402A enables easy integration into any studio or broadcast rack. Its power efficient design is further enhanced by the use of Genelec’s proprietary Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS) technology, which minimises power consumption during idle periods. Through its single-cable network compatibility, the 9402A also helps simplify facility management and reduces cabling requirements and costs – thereby delivering further sustainability benefits.
“As studios, broadcast facilities, and live venues move rapidly towards reliable, high-quality IP-based audio signal flows, there is a clear need for precision reference monitoring that can integrate seamlessly into these environments,’ comments Genelec Managing Director Siamäk Naghian. “With the new 9402A now sitting alongside our existing 9401A model, Genelec Smart Active Monitoring systems can now be deployed across Dante, Ravenna or AES67 networks – creating the most powerful, flexible and scalable monitoring solutions in the industry.”