Adams Pro Audio Catalogue 2015 User Manual
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Professional Audio Home Audio Multimedia Studio-Monitors English
It is essential for producers and sound engine\yers to trust the things they hear \f whether in the cutting room, a professional mastering studio or a small pr\yo\bect studio at home. The monitor loudspeaker plays a crucial role as the final link in a \ylong audio signal \ychain. More than any other piece of equipment, the studio monitor has an im- pact on the successful outcome in the process of music production. Only the monitor can open an in-\ydepth view into the world of musical sou\yndscapes. ADAM Audio is dedicated to providing you with an absolutely clear and transparent view into your sound. All of our loudspe\yakers are therefore designed with one goal in mind: To reproduce audio signal\ys as precisely as possible, without beautifying el\yements in the mix or concealing them. Besides their highly defined sound, openness and the three-dimensional spat\yial imaging, all ADAM monitors share the same capability \yto reproduce the finest sonic details. This enables\y you to easily locate individual sound s\yources, which is invaluable when it comes to building a mix du\yring production. Besides the capability for neutral reproduction, the need for unique precision in the higher frequency range becomes immediately apparent with highly transient, dynamic audio material in particular. The X-ART tweeter, ADAM’s signature feature, embodies this kind of preci- sion. With a nearly flat frequency response reaching up to 50 kHz, our proprietary, handmade in Berli\yn tweeter sets the standard in terms of transparency and clarity. The worldwide success o\yf ADAM monitors in the profes- sional audio market is based to a great extent on the exceptional capabili\yties of the X-ART tweeter. Professional recording and mastering studios, broadcast and TV stations and home recording studios around the world appreciate the versatility of ADAM studio monitors. No matter what your musical genre, whether classical, rock, electronic or acoustical music; ADAM monitors earn praise from users with their excellent transient response, a perfectly balanced frequency spectrum and highly nuanced reproduction capabilit\yies. The numerous awards from well-known audio magazines and organizations reflect the high quality of the ADAM monitors. For many reasons, they have become a global standard in reference studio monitoring for many years. We would be pleased if\y we can also provide you with our monitor tools for your studio. Keep en\boying the music, Your ADAM Audio Team Content Near-/Midfield Monitors AX-Series | Page 11Near-/Midfield Monitors SX-Series | Page 21 Mainfield Monitors SX-Series | Page 31Subwoofers | Page 43 Technology | Page 49Technical Data | Page 57 Nearfield Monitors F-Series | Page 7 Frogmountain Studios - Vienna
The F-Series, consisting of the F5 and F7 activ\ye nearfield monitors, were designed to the same exacting professi- onal standards as the ADAM AX- and SX-Series profes- sional monitors. Their development was focused on the essence of a good \ymonitor: Precise and natural sound reproduction at a pric\ye unmatched in this class. The F-Series monitors offer all the features you want to see in a professional monitor. These features start with a broad frequency range for the F5 (52Hz to 50kHz) and the F7 (44Hz to 50kHz), as well as comprehensive con- trol options. Both models are equipped with an equalizer for the high (> 5 kHz) \yand low (
Since its introduction, the F5 has already established itself as\y a highly successful entry-level monitor. Smaller pro\bect studios and budget- conscious home studio owners can especially benefit from the ADAM sound quality and accuracy at an affordable price. Two discrete class A/B amplifiers with a total output of 50 Watts RMS/70 Watts Music drive the monitor. This helps the F5 to provide a vibrant bass and a maxi\ymum sound pressure level of 106 dB per pair at \y one meter. Even reproducing dynamically challenging tracks are not a problem with this powerful compact monitor. Numerous awards from both magazine readers and industry profes- sionals reinforce the exceptional price-pe\yrformance of this nearfield monitor. Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 5” bass/mid woofer (glass fiber/paper) • Inputs: XLR/TRS combo\y + RCA • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 25W (RMS), bass/mid woofer 25W (RMS) • Frequency response: 52Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 106dB • 2 shelving filters (> 5kHz and < 30\y0Hz) • 2 years warranty • Optional: Wallmount Awards The F7 is designed\y as a nearfield moni\ytor for use in small and\y medium- sized pro\bect and home studios. The 7“ bas\ys/mid driver is equipped with a 1.5“ voice coil and is p\yerfectly tuned to the X-ART tweeter. The two A/B amplifiers deliver a total power of 100 Watts RMS/140 Watts Music. Like all ADAM monitors, the F7 is noticeabl\ye for its open, natural sound, exceptional control features and accurate bass reproduction. It is id\ye- ally suited for both microphone-based and e\ylectronic productions. Like the F5, the F7 has received numerous prizes and awards shortly after being introduced. Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 7” bass/mid woofer (glass fiber/paper) • Inputs: XLR/TRS combo\y + RCA • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 40W (RMS), bass/mid woofer 60W (RMS) • Frequency response: 44Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 109dB • 2 shelving filters (> 5kHz and < 30\y0Hz) • 2 years warranty • Optional: Wallmount Awards Nearfield Monitors F5 / F7 The F-Series Reviewed „In practice the F5 got us excited from the first minute we had it. The bass response is extraordinary powerful for such a small monitoring system which enables one to evaluate the low end competently. The sound quality leaves many (and also more expensive) competitors behind. Altogether these monitors are an excellent moni- toring solution and a clear recommendation not only for beginners.“ Henning Schonvogel, Beat „If you are looking for a quality playback system in a set of smaller speakers that won’t break the bank, the F5s will be right at home in your project studio or multimedia workstation.“ Jon Chappell, HarmonyCentral.com „Given the very reasonable price of the ADAM F5s, these speakers are serious contenders for smaller studios an a budget, without compromising on sound quality.“ Luke Pepper, DJ Magazine „I‘ve raved about various desktop speakers many times on this blog, but the F5 is better - it‘s my new desktop reference. It‘s a higher resolution speaker, it‘s more detailed sounding, has fuller bass, and a more open, boxless sound than the competition in its price class.“ Steve Guttenberg, CNet „If you’re looking for an accurate monitor that will serve a variety of needs without breaking the bank, the ADAM F5’s deliver a great value for the price.“ Carmen Borgia, Sonicscoop „I’ve had a pair of F5s on my desk for the past month, and I’ve grown to love them. All my music is there – the bass is nicely defined without feeling jacked up, the midrange is present but not muddy, and the high end is clear without shrillness.“ Christopher Breen, Macworld „The briskness that comes out of these tiny speakers is very exciting. The X-ART tweeter with its extended high frequency range does a perfect job here. The bass res- ponse is surprisingly powerful in an utterly unobtrusive way. These monitors offer great sound for little money, a feature one can only recommend!“ Lennart Jeschke, Recording „Given their balance of sonic virtues, and taking ease of use into account, I must conclude that the ADAM F7 deserves a very enthusiastic recommendation.“ Chris Bryant, HifiCritic „If you have always aspired to Adam monitors but found them beyond your budget, you may well find the F5s are just what you need, with the option of going for the F7s if you need something for a slightly larger room. It could just be that Adam have come up with a serious conten- der for ‚best in class‘ with the F5s.“ Paul White, Sound on Sound
The AX-Series from ADAM Audio provides you with a wide range of monitors for different applications. \yTheir excellent price-performance ratio makes them suitable for professional studio applications\y as well as upscale home recording. Sophisticated desi\fn, easy han\pdlin\f Many technical innovations in our high\y end SX-Series are also used in the AX models. The c\yhamfered upper corners of the sturdy cabinet fronts minimize edge dif- fraction so that phase cancella\ytion is not an iss\yue. The speaker interior is equipped with a special fleece \ythat prevents disturbing internal resonances as well as ensur- ing a better bass reflex tuning. The p\yower switch and volume control are easily accessible on the front panel for greater ease of use. Th\ye front-firing bass por\yts are very useful as well, allowing the monitors to be set up closer to a wall if need be. Ri\fid woo\ber materials While the bass/mid woofer of the A3X is made of c\yarbon fiber \f an extremely resistant material \f the woofers of all other AX models are built using a sa\yndwich construc- tion of woven carbon and glass fiber in con\bun\yction with the synthetic material Rohacell. These three materials vary with respect to their physical density, but used in combination they provide an ultra-lightweight yet ex- tremely rigid material with excellent transient response. The per\bect combo: A/B and\p PWM amplifiers All models of the AX-Series feature two discrete ampli- fiers: an A/B amplifier that functions very quickly within its broad frequency range drives the X-ART tweeter. In the A5X, A7X, A8X an\yd A77X monitors, the bass/mid- range woofers are each driven by powerful and highly efficient pulse-width modulated (PWM) amplifiers that do not require additional heat \ysinks and are more reliable and durable than other amplifiers. Distinct adjustments to room acoustics The ‚Tweeter gain‘ function is a\y part of each AX monitor’s basic configuration and lets you raise or lower the level of the high frequencies by up to 4dB. Beyond that, shelv- ing filters allow further adaptation to room acoustics with the A5X, A7X, A8X an\yd A77X. The low shelf filter allows smooth control of the lower frequencies below 300 Hz from -6 dB to +6 dB, the high shelf EQ i\ys introduced at 2.5 kHz with the same levels from -6 dB to +6 dB. Dynamic hi\fh \brequency reproduction with the X-ART tweeter It goes without saying that all models of t\yhe AX-Series are equipped with our X-ART tweeter that is handmade in Berlin. The tweeter works according to our proprietary X-ART principle, based \yon a slim, pleated foil working as the tweeter‘s diaphragm (see also page 52). The precise transient response and capabi\ylity of reproducing the finest sonic details make the AX-Series monitors superior working tools. AX-Series Near-/Midfield Monitors AX-Series11
Particularly interesting for the quality-conscious user on\y a tight bud- get is the most compact monitor of the AX-Series, the A3X. Specially designed for studio environments with limited space, the A3X easily meets professional requirements. Three-dimensional spatial representa- tion, a controlled, deep bass response and accurate sound reproduc- tion, especially in the critical areas between 200 and 400 Hz\y, make it the first choice for smaller, even mobile studio setups. With the A3X, analytical listening is possible \ywithout taking away musi- cal en\boyment. Its excellent transient response and abilit\yy to easily play very dynamic tracks in all musical genres let it clearly stand out from comparable monitors in this price range. Stereolink The ‘Stereolink’ is a usefu\yl feature for desktop DAWs. Two additional input and output \backs for the second stereo channel allow you to control the volume for both monitors using the volume control of only one loudspeaker. The volume control of the other monitor only affects its own volume in order to easily compensate for differences in listening distance. Unlike the typical master-slave configuration, each A3X moni- tor is fully equipped and can fun\yction either as a master or a slave unit. The A5X is popular\y among professionals working in television studios and remote broadcast vans. The A5X can a\ylso be found in numerous home/pro\bect studios around the world. Its open, powerful sound makes the A5X a trustworthy and useful tool for multimedia appli\ycations as well. Like all models of the AX-Series, the A5X is equipped with ADAM‘s proprietary X-ART tweeter. One 5.5“ bass/midr\yange woofer works below 2.5kHz and is driv\yen by a 1.5“ voice coil and a po\ywerful 50 Watt PWM amplifier. Its acoustic qualities give you a clear picture of the smallest changes in your mix and the sonic results. Despite all that it does, the A5X is not fatiguing in long s\ytudio sessions. Stereolink The ‘Stereolink’ is a usefu\yl feature for desktop DAWs. Two additional input and output \backs for the second stereo channel allow you to con- trol the volume for both monitors using the volume control of only one loudspeaker. The volume control of the other monitor only affects its own volume in order to easily compensate for differences in listening distance. Unlike the typical master-slave configuration, each A5X moni- tor is fully equipped and can fun\yction either as a master or a slave unit. AX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 4.5“ bass/mid woofer (carbon fiber) • On/off switch and Volume Control on the front panel • Inputs: XLR + RCA • Amplification: tweeter 25W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 25W (RMS) • Frequency response: 60Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 106dB • Stereolink • Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: Desktopstand / Wallmount Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 5.5“ bass/mid woofer (carbon/Rohacell/glass fiber) • On/off switch and Volume Control on the front panel • Inputs: XLR + RCA • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 50W (RMS) • Frequency response: 50Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 110dB • Stereolink • Tweeter gain • Low/high shelf filters • 5 years warranty • Optional: Desktopstand / Wallmount Nearfield Monitor A3X Nearfield Monitor A5X “ADAM’s A3X as the smallest monitor with a X-ART tweeter to date has convinced us in every respect. It’s one of the best compact monitors we have ever reviewed and with its almost shameless low price it’s worth every penny.” Harald Wittig, Professional Audio “On the desktop the A5X has made a superb impression. In comparison to other desktop monitors, no one was able to get close to this level.” Stereo 13
The A7X is ADAM’s best selling nearfield\y monitor. It is one of the most balanced and versatile speakers currently on the market. The X-ART tweeter produces detailed, uncompressed highs and up\yper mids with- out being tiring o\yver long listening periods. Des\ypite its compact hous- ing, the bass response is powerful and precise. The tweeter is driven by a 50 Watt A/B amplifier and the bass/mid- woofer by a 100 Watt PWM amplifier. This achieves a very clean and nuanced reproduction of the midrange frequencies with a seamless transition in the crossover from the 7“ woofer, which operates in the range of 42 Hz to 2.5 kHz, towards the X-ART tweeter. The A7X‘s ability t\yo exactly reproduce every sonic detail no matter how small, its translucent sound ima\yge, tonal depth and stereo localization inspires music producers and explains why it is by far the most re- viewed and award-winning monitor in recent years. AX-Serie Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 7“ bass/mid woofer (carbon/Rohacell/glass fiber) • On/off switch and Volume Control on the front panel • Inputs: XLR + RCA • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 100W (RMS) • Frequency response: 42Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 114dB • Tweeter gain • Low/high shelf filters • 5 years warranty Awards Nearfield Monitor A7X “Believe it or not: 7 different critics have each come to the same conclusion: The review winner out of the 9 dif- ferent speakers is the ADAM A7X!” Chris Reiss, tools4music 15
The A77X is a hori\yzontally designed monitor that combines all of\y the technical innovations in the AX-Series. Due to its powerful, compres- sion-free sound reproduction and excellent radiation characteristics, it is suitable both for nearfield and mid\yfield monitoring. The special feature of the A77X is its 2½-way system. Both 7” woofers start to work together at 38 Hz and a\yt 400 Hz one woofer fades out and only the second woofer continues to operate in the midrange up to 3 kHz. This prevents interferences and possible\y phase cancellatio\yn in the critical midrange. Even though frequency transitions and potential distortions lie outside \ythese areas, the human ear is par\yticularly sensi- tive to midrange frequencies. Especially noteworthy in the A77X is the extremely wide stereo founda- tion and brilliant\y stereo imaging. Treble and mids are reproduced with three-dimensional realism and the lows are, as expected from a double woofer design, massive without compromising on precision. The A8X adds to the AX-Series as a unique model because it\ys power and radiation characteristics allow it to be used as both a nearfield and midfield monitor. It represents a particularly attractive entry-level model for midfield monitoring which offers transparent reproduction of higher frequencies, clear mids\y and an excellent transient response. The extra large, front-positioned bass reflex ports are perfectly matched with the bass/midrange driver that has a 1.5“ voice coil. Thus the A8X can play very low registers with a powerful punch, and the greatest pos- sible precision. The 150 Watt PWM amplifier for the midrange speakers in con\bunction with the 50 Watt A/B tweeter amp enable the A8X to generate impressive maximum sound pressure levels of 120dB per pair at one meter. AX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 2 x 7“ bass/mid woofer (glass fiber/paper) • On/off switch and Volume Control on the front panel • Inputs: XLR + RCA • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/mid woofer 2 x 100W (RMS) • Frequency response: 38Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. peak SPL (per\y pair): 122dB • Tweeter gain • Low/high shelf filters • 5 years warranty Awards Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 8.5“ bass/mid woofer (carbon/Rohacell/glass fiber) • On/off switch and Volume Control on the front panel • Inputs: XLR + RCA • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 150W (RMS) • Frequency response: 38Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 120dB • Tweeter gain • Low/high shelf filters • 5 years warranty Awards Near-/ MidfieldMonitor A77X Near-/Midfield Monitor A8X “The A8X is a powerful link between ADAM’s AX Series and the formidable and more expensive SX Series. Its all- in-all homogenous tuning, the deep and precise bass as well as the brilliant mid- and high-frequency reproduc- tion make this speaker a huge recommendation.” Harald Wittig, Professional Audio “High SPLs don‘t scare the A77X which makes listening always enjoyable because of an excellently clean, low disto\ rtion reproduction. At the risk of repetition it has to be stated here again: \ The tweeter is truly wonderful.” Anselm Görtz, Sound & Recording 17
The AX-Series Reviewed A3X “In a small to medium size setup, it will be an excellent main monitor. In a larger setup, it will be an excellent alternative to bigger speakers, providing accurate near- field information, and offering relief from ear fatigue that a large system can inflict.” Lorenz Rychner, Recording Magazine (US) “For mobile setups or studios with limited budgets for monitors, the ADAM A3X is an excellent new option.” Steve Silverstein, TapeOp “Although they are small, the size of the audio image belies their size. The overall feel is effortless and solid, with a suprising degree of weight in the bass end.” Huw Price, MusicTech “The low-frequency response is very powerful, consider- ing their size, and the X-ART tweeter produces a very detailed sound. (...) The ADAM A3X is without a doubt the best compact speaker in this price range.” Red Led, audiofanzine.com “I’ve used various monitors for my computer work before, but never of the caliber of the A3X series. Before these, I would have to redo my mixes significantly when transi- tioning from the small cheapies to the big ‚real ones‘. The ADAM Audio A3X’s save me a step by providing both great sound in a compact format and by changing mun- dane audio task-work into a quality listening experience. (...) Highly recommended.” Jon Chappell, Harmony Central A7X “In its price range, the A7X is one of the best monitors available – its sound is amazing. The monitor is excel- lently tuned with the tweeter being able to depict the finest nuances in the high mid and treble ranges without colouring the audio material.” drumxound “With the first beats after connecting the A7X to my Mackie Onyx mixer I realised that this speaker not only complies with the requirements of a daily studio routine but also does sound absolutely fabulous. (…) This speaker played so easy, airy and freely that it was a plea- sure listening to it.” Fidelity “I expect the ADAM A7X to dominate the conversation for a long time to come.” Barney Jameson, DV Magazine “Seldomly you get so much sound in this price range. Congratulations to ADAM. Mission accomplished.” Hifi-Stars “I personally loved the A7X monitors from the minute I took them out of the box! They are very accurate and have a flat response, a lovely detailed sound and they will not break the bank, but should provide you with an accurate mix.” Tony Long, Absolutemusic “The A7X from ADAM Audio wins the race a long way ahead of the rest.” Sound & Recording: Top 5 Studio Monitors A8X “The winner of this test was the A8X from ADAM Audio that showed excellent linear sonics and a solid build. (…) Complex orchestral recordings were well struc- tured and single instruments easily identifiable. All in all it offered a very precise soundstage. This astonish- ing soundstage and detail is due to the tweeter that is powered by its own amplifier. What impressed us was how our Flamenco dancer could literally be heard turning in perfect circles. Impulsive kettledrums sounded dry and powerful, this being due to the 8.5” mid/low woofer and the cabinet dimensions.” Audio Test A5X “In the mid and treble range the A5X is the ultimate benchmark and reveals unheard details of own record- ings or your record collection at home that many moni- tors conceal or that would only be noticeable with the help of headphones. (…) The ADAM A5X is one of the few reasonably priced compact monitors in the market that will not only satisfy musicians but at the same time will also meet the professional requirements of commer- cial studios, broadcast vans and stations.” Falk Kirsten Hoffmann, amazona “When it comes to budget studio monitors the A5X from ADAM Audio is a stroke of genius. Price, workmanship and sound go very well together and make up the perfect studio monitor that will barely have any competition in its price range. The sound performance is unique for a monitor in this category which above all is down to the incredible abilities of the X-ART-tweeter. The A5X is a recommendation for all DJs and producers who put emphasis on a consistent overall concept.” Paul Voges, scratchmix “On the desktop the A5X has made a superb impres- sion. In comparison to other desktop monitors, no one was able to get close to this level. The top-class X-ART tweeter makes the high frequencies sound brilliant and transparent in a great way. And even when the speakers are placed right next to a screen, the imaging is three dimensional and palpable.” Stereo “With an absolute transparent reproduction of the high frequencies, a good midrange and an excellent pulse fidelity in the lower frequency area, the A8X shows its abilities as a very capable nearfield monitor. Workman- ship and design is, just as expected from ADAM, top- notch quality.” Tamay Jentjens, Media Mixture “Its performance is comparable to much more expensive mid-field monitors (...), the A8X will seduce the masses effortlessly!” Audiofanzine A77X “Mixing on the A77X was a pleasure because they didn´t cause fatigue during long sessions and they have no trouble resolving complex mixes. (...)If you are consider- ing the purchase of a pair of monitors in this price range, you really need to hear the A77Xs. They combine all the attributes required for a studio “main” monitor: They can play plenty loud, maintain linearity at a wide variety of volume levels, reveal sufficient information such that they can be trusted for a tracking session, and mixes that are made on them translate well when heard outside of the studio.” Steve La Cerra, Mix Magazine “I like the A77X a lot and they make a refreshing change from the usual mid-priced nearfield speakers.” Stephen Bennett, AUDIO MEDIA “Of particular note was the outstanding stereo imag- ing and enormous sound stage the A77Xs present. The Adam A77Xs are an outstanding monitoring solution.” Guy Harrison, Audio Technology Magazine “So there we have the ADAM A77X: an extremely able active monitor that´s capable of accurately reproducing frequencies from 38Hz to 50kHz in a seemingly effort- less manner, even when being run at some pretty serious levels. This all comes with a price tag that actually represents very good value for money, given the level of performance that the ADAM A77X delivers.” Bob Thomas, Sound on Sound