Founded in 1978 by Ilpo Martikainen and Topi Partanen in Iisalmi, Finland, Genelec is a professional audio company specializing in active studio monitors and loudspeakers. The company was originally established to serve Finland's national public-broadcasting company YLE, and all of its products continue to be designed and manufactured in Finland. Genelec's product lineup spans the compact 8010A nearfield monitor to flagship main monitors, with the 8000 series of active 2-way monitors being a staple in recording studios and broadcast facilities worldwide.

Genelec is particularly known for its Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) technology, introduced in 2006, which works with the company's GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) software to automatically calibrate monitors to the acoustics of any room. The Ones series — including the 8341 and 8351 — are compact coaxial three-way point-source monitors that combine SAM technology with Genelec's Minimum Diffraction Enclosure design. The company also produces the 7000 series subwoofers, 4000 series installation speakers, and the G and F series for home listening.

Genelec monitors are widely used across recording studios, post-production houses, and broadcast facilities. Producers and engineers such as Dave Eringa, Mike Elizondo, and Yoad Nevo rely on Genelec monitoring systems. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and is known for the longevity of its products, continuing to service monitors that have been in use for decades.

Genelec has 129 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Active & Passive Monitors, Studio Subwoofers, and Studio Monitor Management. Their gear is featured by 290 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Pop, and Rock. Notable users include Hardwell, Darude, and NIVIRO. Most Genelec products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.