UNIO Audio Monitoring Ecosystem

Extend your workflow to headphones

Bridging in-room and personal headphone monitoring 


Gain accuracy, time and the freedom to work outside the studio when creating professional audio. Use our growing UNIO Ecosystem to optimise and tightly unify your headphone and loudspeaker monitoring experience – from stereo to immersive. 

What is the UNIO Audio Monitoring Ecosystem?




UNIO explained – Watch our video


Truthful audio monitoring, anywhere


By combining the power of our renowned adaptive technologies, UNIO delivers a consistent and reliable reference across both headphones and loudspeaker monitors. This starts with our intelligent Smart Active Monitors (SAM™) and GLM calibration software providing the ideal in-room foundation.  

Working seamlessly in a wide range of monitoring situations, UNIO’s elements adapt to you and your space to ensure you can access every sonic detail and mix with confidence – wherever, whenever. 


Studio environment with Patrick and Genelec speakers

How to integrate UNIO into your workflow

Here are just a few of the many ways UNIO elements can be put together to help you excel in music production, game audio, broadcast, post-production or any other professional audio application.

Stereo Audio Monitoring

UNIO stereo setup compact

Essential

UNIO stereo setup advanced

Advanced

UNIO stereo setup ultimate

Ultimate

Immersive Audio Monitoring

UNIO Landing Page - Immersive monitoring compact

Essential

UNIO Landing Page - Immersive monitoring advanced

Advanced

UNIO Landing Page - Immersive monitoring ultimate

Ultimate

UNIO ecosystem elements

Genelec 9320A and 8550A headphones Personal Reference Monitoring

Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM)

UNIO Audio Monitoring Ecosystem

System Components

Accuracy across monitoring options

Create a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, with personal calibration tools to ensure maximal precision.

Increased freedom for creativity

Truthful playback over both fixed and mobile monitoring allows for work with elevated quality in and beyond the studio.

Exceptional connectivity

Natively supports computer audio over USB, and analogue and AES/EBU audio. Use of 9401A adds full support for Audio-over-IP (ST2110, AES67 and Ravenna).

Control at your fingertips

The 9320A, UNIO’s central interface, makes bridging the worlds of headphone and loudspeaker monitoring as quick and easy as possible. As a compact USB monitor controller and audio output, the 9320A provides reference-grade headphone and stereo monitoring outputs – and tactile control of the entire UNIO Ecosystem. 

For our advanced Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM) system, the 9320A is paired with factory-calibrated 8550A headphones to form a pioneering active monitoring headphone solution, offering a uniquely high level of accuracy.

Documentation

FAQ

The Genelec UNIO concept unifies loudspeaker-based and headphone-based monitoring methods into a single, reliable, and precise workflow. It enables a seamless transition from loudspeaker monitoring to headphone monitoring.

The Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM) solution includes the 9320 Reference Controller and Genelec 8550 professional reference headphones, implementing a highly accurate active headphone monitoring system. PRM provides professional-grade audio monitoring using factory-calibrated headphones, delivering reliable stereo and immersive sound with accuracy comparable to loudspeakers—especially when enhanced by Genelec’s advanced Aural ID technology. This boosts workflow efficiency, productivity, and the overall reliability of audio engineering tasks.

Aural ID technology personalizes audio processing based on your unique hearing characteristics, known as your Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). By capturing how you perceive the direction and spatial qualities of sound, it processes audio so that—when listening through headphones—the sound appears to originate from outside your head, replicating the experience of loudspeaker playback. The technology combines a precise method for capturing your individual HRTF with a virtual sound card that applies it to audio channels originally designed for loudspeaker monitoring. Additionally, it offers tools for personal calibration, ensuring the highest possible accuracy in headphone listening.

Aural ID technology personalizes audio processing based on your unique hearing profile, known as your Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). It captures how you perceive the direction and spatial characteristics of sound, then uses this data to process audio so that, when listening through headphones, the sound appears to come from outside your head—just as it would when using loudspeakers.

Show more

FAQ

The Genelec UNIO concept unifies loudspeaker-based and headphone-based monitoring methods into a single, reliable, and precise workflow. It enables a seamless transition from loudspeaker monitoring to headphone monitoring.

The Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM) solution includes the 9320 Reference Controller and Genelec 8550 professional reference headphones, implementing a highly accurate active headphone monitoring system. PRM provides professional-grade audio monitoring using factory-calibrated headphones, delivering reliable stereo and immersive sound with accuracy comparable to loudspeakers—especially when enhanced by Genelec’s advanced Aural ID technology. This boosts workflow efficiency, productivity, and the overall reliability of audio engineering tasks.

Aural ID technology personalizes audio processing based on your unique hearing characteristics, known as your Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). By capturing how you perceive the direction and spatial qualities of sound, it processes audio so that—when listening through headphones—the sound appears to originate from outside your head, replicating the experience of loudspeaker playback. The technology combines a precise method for capturing your individual HRTF with a virtual sound card that applies it to audio channels originally designed for loudspeaker monitoring. Additionally, it offers tools for personal calibration, ensuring the highest possible accuracy in headphone listening.

Aural ID technology personalizes audio processing based on your unique hearing profile, known as your Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). It captures how you perceive the direction and spatial characteristics of sound, then uses this data to process audio so that, when listening through headphones, the sound appears to come from outside your head—just as it would when using loudspeakers.

Yes and no.

The Aural ID Application can be used immediately after installation, thanks to the included Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) based on the Kemar and KU100 head-and-torso simulators. These are available by default and allow you to begin using Aural ID right away.

However, for improved accuracy—especially in terms of sound source localization and tonal balance—you can use your own personalized HRTF. Genelec makes this process simple: using just your mobile phone and the Genelec Aural ID Creator mobile app, you can quickly and easily capture your personal HRTF.

There’s no need for complex acoustic measurements or placing microphones in your ears within an anechoic chamber or other specialized environments.

If you have any questions or need any more help, you can contact Genelec customer support or consult the user manuals and online resources available on our website. We’re here to help you achieve the best possible audio monitoring experience.

The Genelec UNIO PRM is available at your local Genelec dealers/distributors.

You can find the list of dealers and distributors in your area here.

Yes, Aural ID Bridge is available in up to 64 channels, and Aural ID supports from mono to various formats of immersive playback.

Yes. With Aural ID technology, the PRM system offers a highly portable and accurate solution for immersive monitoring. Both the 9320A Reference Controller and the 8550A headphones come with dedicated carrying cases, ensuring safe and convenient transport.

To maintain the Genelec UNIO PRM system:

Proper care and maintenance of the Genelec UNIO PRM system ensure optimal performance and longevity. Follow these guidelines:

Cleaning the 8550A Headphones and 9320A Controller:

Gently wipe surfaces with a dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth. Do not use solvents. If using water, ensure the cloth is only slightly moist—squeeze out all excess water before wiping.

Avoid excessive wiping, especially on velvet or leather parts, as these natural materials may change texture or release dye when damp.

Handling and Storage of the 8550A Headphones:

Do not drop or subject the headphones to impact.

Avoid using excessive force.

Never lift or pull the headphones by the cable.

Store the headphones safely when not in use.

When placing the headphones in the hard carry case, retract the extending arms.

Avoid twisting or forcing the headphone cable connector.

9320A Reference Controller Care:

Keep the unit away from liquids and maintain a dust-free environment.

Always use a USB power supply that outputs 5V DC.

Do not drop or expose the unit to physical shocks.

Firmware Updates:

The GLM software will notify you when firmware updates are needed. Periodically check the 9320A status window in GLM to ensure you have the latest version. Keeping firmware up to date ensures compatibility with new features in the GLM software.

General Recommendation:

Always follow the maintenance and handling instructions outlined in the official Operating Manuals.

Yes. The 9320A Reference Controller is designed with minimized input-to-output latency for real-time monitoring. Additionally, the Aural ID application is optimized for low-latency performance, ensuring the entire system remains highly responsive when used together. However, please note that neither the 9320A nor the Aural ID app supports zero-latency operation, as they do not offer recording inputs.

The Aural ID App is a virtual sound card that delivers a binaural representation of audio channels intended for loudspeaker monitoring. It is available for download from your personal MyGenelec web page. MyGenelec is your central hub for managing all Genelec services. To get started, visit my.genelec.com to register or log in to your account.

Once you subscribe to Aural ID, you can download and install the Aural ID virtual sound card and the Aural ID Head Tracker applications—both available for Mac computers. Along with your personalized Aural ID Profile (if ordered), the app also includes Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) from popular head and torso simulators such as Kemar and KU100.

Your subscription allows you to install and use the Aural ID App on all your computers, with full access to all future updates.

Absolutely. The Aural ID application functions as a virtual sound card, receiving the same set of audio channels intended for loudspeaker monitoring. This ensures full compatibility with any DAW that runs on Mac computers.

The Aural ID application is a virtual sound card software designed for Mac computers, delivering a binaural representation of audio channels originally intended for loudspeaker monitoring. It is compatible with a variety of headphones and audio interfaces, including the onboard headphone output on Mac devices.

Yes, you can use the 9320A Reference Controller with any headphones.

However, the PRM (Personal Reference Monitoring) solution is designed to deliver the highest accuracy when paired with the factory-calibrated 8550A Reference Headphones included in the system. This combination—8550A headphones and 9320A controller—offers optimal performance, as the headphones are specifically engineered to work with the controller’s integrated headphone amplifier.

While other headphones are supported, for the most precise and reliable monitoring experience, we recommend using the 8550A headphones.

The Genelec Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM) system consists of the 9320A Reference Controller, the 8550A Reference Headphones, and a measurement microphone.

Setting up the Genelec UNIO PRM system is straightforward:

Connect the 9320A to your computer via USB.
Install and launch the GLM software.
Connect the 8550A Reference Headphones to the headphone output of the 9320A. Attach the headphone cable to the 8550A, and take note of the cable entry side and the ear cushion material.
Create a Group in GLM that includes the 9320A Controller. Save the group and edit the 9320A settings: configure inputs, outputs, and other parameters. Be sure to select the correct cable entry side and ear cushion material to match the physical headphone configuration, and load the headphone calibration profile.
Save your settings in a GLM configuration file for future access. If you wish to use the PRM system without a computer, go to ‘Group Preset’ > ‘Save into Genelec Devices’ to store the configuration directly on the 9320A unit.
Once completed, your system is ready to deliver a personal and highly accurate monitoring experience.

For more detailed guidance, please consult the Personal Reference Monitoring Operating Manual.

Genelec PRM is designed as a professional audio system that unifies loudspeaker-based and headphone-based monitoring into a single, reliable, and precise workflow. While it can certainly be used for casual listening or gaming, the system truly shines in professional audio environments, where its full potential and accuracy can be fully appreciated.

For Aural ID to create an accurate binaural reproduction of the audio, the game or playback application must support multi-channel output. Please check with the 14-day free trial to ensure Aural ID is compatible with your specific application.

Genelec Personal Reference Monitoring (PRM) delivers professional-grade audio monitoring by combining the factory-calibrated 8550 reference headphones with the 9320 Reference Controller. This system supports personal calibration and provides access to Genelec’s Aural ID technology, allowing audio to be rendered using an individual’s Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). The result is highly accurate stereo and immersive monitoring through headphones—comparable in precision to loudspeaker-based systems.

The 8550 reference headphones have been purpose-built as active headphones, optimized specifically for use with the 9320 controller. Genelec recommends using them together to achieve the highest level of personal accuracy in headphone monitoring.

The 9320 is a central component of the UNIO concept, seamlessly combining loudspeaker-based and headphone-based monitoring technologies into a unified system. It offers a reference-grade headphones output and equal access to both monitoring methods including, and integrates fully with GLM and Aural ID software, enabling a streamlined, flexible, and efficient monitoring workflow across a wide range of audio applications.

UNIO Ecosystem