The 8040B is a two-way active nearfield monitor. A 165 mm cone woofer and a 19 mm metal-dome tweeter are each driven by their own 90 W Class AB amplifier, split by an analogue active crossover at 3000 Hz. The die-cast aluminium enclosure has rounded edges and a reflex port, and the tweeter sits in a Directivity Control Waveguide intended to keep response consistent on and off axis. Quoted frequency response is 48 Hz to 20 kHz (±2 dB), with -6 dB points at 41 Hz and 25 kHz.

Room response controls adapt the monitor to different placements and rooms. Intelligent Signal Sensing puts the speaker into a standby state drawing 0.5 W or less when no signal is present and wakes it when audio arrives; a rear switch disables this function. Protection circuitry reduces output level when the drivers approach their limits. An Iso-Pod rubber stand is included, decouples the cabinet from the surface and allows about ±15° of tilt.

The monitor has a single balanced XLR analogue input (10 kOhm). M6 mounting points on the cabinet allow wall and ceiling mounts, and a range of Genelec stands, brackets and cases is listed as compatible. It was offered in dark grey, white, black and RAW finishes.