Octatrack Audio out directly to Genelec; possible?

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

Hello-
I have a question that I could not find answered through google searches, so I am posting here.
I have an Elektron Octatrack and other gear that I run through it using it as my sampler/mixer…

I normally run the audio outs of the Octatrack through an Apogee Duet audio interface into my mac through a DAW; then out to my Genelc 8020Bs…this works fine. However…
I have been wanting to bypass the whole computer thang and use hardware directly to the genelecs.
Is this possible?
I would like to know certainly, as I do not wish to damage the monitors in any way.
Here are the Genelc 8020Bs specs:

Each 8020B monitor features a 4" bass driver along with a 3/4" tweeter loaded into a new advanced Genelec Directivity Controlled Waveguide (DCW) for optimum dispersion of highs. The free field frequency response is 66Hz to 20kHz (±2.5dB). Bass and treble are each powered by 20-watt amplifiers.

Any help would be appreciated…

Here are the Audio OUT specs for the Octatrack:
Balanced audio outputs
Headphones out level: +15dBu
Main/cue outputs level: +10dBu
Output impedance: 550 Ω unbalanced
S/N ratio: 102dBFS (20-20.000Hz)

Thanks,
-Prem

2

Hi PremEyE, Yes, it is of course completely possible. I use sometimes the AR plugged in the ins of the OT, then OT outs in a Duet, or directly to a pair of Event Opal. No worries at all… The Genelec are the amp sections, so… A sub - like the 7050B, for example - to profit low ends of your OT would be nice, then, plug all that in a monitoring like the JBL MSC-1, and enjoy some basic corrections, room analysis, and separate sub control. I did that, and i treated the room after…

3

Thanks for the reply!
I appreciate it as I was a little unsure.
I had thought the Genelec would act as the amp but wanted a more informed opinion.
Better safe than sorry as they say!
Prem

4

I recommend a good passive attenuator, that way you can still get a hot output for your headphones if necessary. I also use a Duet, and that volume knob is very convenient. Losing that is tough…

Something like: http://www.proaudiostar.com/tc-electronic-level-pilot.html?utm_source=Google_Shopping&gclid=CjwKEAjwj9GqBRCRlPram97Xk3ESJADrN7IerL038q3cRn_Y9HuWkaMfugmbV6rtzIWWGU6cIWO-5RoCyr7w_wcB

And, yes a subwoofer goes a long way. I use Genelec 8030A with a KRK RP10s sub and they all work nicely together in a treated room.

So long, Computer!

5

Sure, the Duet is great, and that Level Pilot seems nice. And room treatment, true, is decisive. :wink:

6

Indeed! I really like the Duet also.
I’m just experimenting with COMPLETELY getting that computer out of sight!
I envision switching back and forth when necessary.
Prem

7

To OP:

Yes it is possible. May not be convenient without an (easy accessible) volume knob, but still doable.

8

Yeah, wouldn’t it be nice if you could switch a setting to control the main out with the cue volume knob? Sadly, that’s not the case.

9

Function + Level knob = Main
Cue + Level knob = Cue

Doesn´t do what you need?

10

Depending on your model Genelecs, you can adjust the input sensitivity on the rear of the monitors, which would be a good idea in this case :wink:

11

:astonished:

3 full reads through the manual and I missed it somehow. Thank you, based Mike! And I’m off to read the manual 4th time, armed with a highlighter this time.

12

Thank you all for your replies. It is very appreciated.
I am about to try the set up now…

I have the 8020B. They have a volume knob on the front.
I checked out the genelec site and they recommend setting it to full clockwise position for maximum input sensitivity.
From their site:
For maximum input sensitivity on these models the trimmer should be set to the CAL position, “-6 dBu”. This will give an output of 100 dB SPL at 1m when a -6 dBu signal is presented to the balanced input. The minimum sensitivity available is +6 dBu to give 100 dB SPL at 1m.

So if I am understanding correctly…I will set to full sensitivity and adjust the volume with the Octatrack…
I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again,
Prem

13

Oh Wow! Loud!
I had Octatrack volume about -45 and Genelecs volume set less than 1/4.

Kotare-
Thanks for that tip. Volume attenuation needed!

It works great though…just loud at very low Octatrack volumes…time to work on gain staging for this set up.
Using the computer and Duet was very different. The signal went into DAW about -18 so gain staging and output was considerably different.

Direct to Genelecs is more direct.

-Prem

14

Hi. I’ll continue this older thread, since I just bought a pair of Genelec 8010’s. I guess that I damn near broke them when I connected them to Octatrack at 0dB main out level, by accident (I had just turned down the headphone level). At least it felt that way, my ears are still ringing.

Now, even when the Genelecs are attenuated to -10 db from their back switch, output level of -59 dB from Octatrack is enough in my small room. What do you think, am I missing something in sound quality regarding the sensitivity range, or does it matter at all what kind of level Octatrack is outputting, as long as the volume in general is ok?