Trivium installs Genelec active monitoring system in Hangar Studios

Heavy metal band Trivium have installed a Genelec Active Monitoring system in their new recording facilities, the Hangar Studios.

The Hangar Studios, housed inside a decommissioned airport hangar in Orlando, Florida, have been developed over two years. It serves as a specialised rehearsal and recording compound where the band can track, edit and collaborate with external producers and mix engineers.

The control room of the studio features a Genelec monitoring configuration comprising 1238A SAM Studio Monitors for mains, 8341A SAM Studio Monitors for nearfields and two 7380A SAM Studio Subwoofers. This delivers full-range, high-resolution monitoring in a stereo, analogue signal path environment.

The system was selected with input from Mark Lewis, who also assisted with system design and implementation. The goal was to create a one-to-one translation environment, where decisions made during tracking and production would carry through seamlessly to mixing and mastering.

“When we were designing the studio, the biggest priority was translation,” said bassist Paolo Gregoletto. “The engineers we work with are all on Genelecs, so it made sense to build a system where what we’re hearing here matches what they’re hearing when it leaves the room.”

For GRAMMY-winning producer and engineer Josh Wilbur, who has mixed multiple Trivium releases, this alignment has translated into workflow efficiency. His familiarity with the Genelec ecosystem, ranging from legacy 1031s to current Smart Active Monitor systems, meant that working inside The Hangar Studios required no adjustment period.

Upon entering the room, Wilbur found that the monitoring response, imaging and low-frequency balance behaved as expected. This enabled him to focus immediately on creative decisions, rather than compensating for unfamiliar playback characteristics.

“I’ve used Genelecs for years, 8351s in my room, plus other models depending on the setup,” said Wilbur. “Walking into The Hangar, it immediately felt familiar. The response, the imaging, the low end, it all translated exactly how I expected.”

The installation also marked Wilbur’s first experience with Genelec 1238As as mains. “It’s actually my first time working on the 1238s, and I’m really impressed,” he said. “It’s a very straightforward setup, mains, nearfields and sub, but it gives you everything you need to make confident decisions.”

The installation also marked Wilbur’s first experience with Genelec 1238As as mains. “It’s actually my first time working on the 1238s, and I’m really impressed,” he said. “It’s a very straightforward setup, mains, nearfields and sub, but it gives you everything you need to make confident decisions.”

System calibration played a key role in achieving this level of consistency. “When I came in, the room sounded exactly like I expected a Genelec system to sound,” Wilbur noted. “That level of consistency, room to room, is a big deal, especially when you’re moving projects between spaces. Anyone who comes in here is blown away by how it sounds. Whether we’re tracking, editing, or just listening, the clarity and consistency make a huge difference.”

The Hangar Studios have already been used for released material, and are currently serving as the primary production space for Trivium’s upcoming 11th studio album. The band notes that their ability to trust their monitoring environment at every stage has been useful in developing this project.

“Getting the speakers right was the most important part of building this place,” said Gregoletto. “Everything we’re working on now relies on being able to trust what we’re hearing.”