Adams Pro Audio Catalogue 2015 User Manual
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The SX-Series offers monitors designed and bui\ylt for no- compromise professional use. ADAM’s experience ba\ysed on many years of intense research and development in the field of electro-acoustics combined with selected, high-quality electronic components and materials results in these top class studio monitors. An excellent transient response, clear soun\yd quality and a broad versatility have made the SX-Series monitors coveted tools in recording studios around the world. Power\bul amplifiers and HexaCone woo\bers – the per\bect combination High-performance PWM amplifiers drive all of the woof- ers in SX-Series monitors. Due to their high efficiency of over 90%, these amplifiers have less power loss and are thus more loadable and dur\yable than classic A/B ampli- fiers. They are also more broadband with additional sonic\y benefits in the treble range. ADAM has developed a special low-noise 50 Watt amplifier for S1X, S2X, S3X and S4X models with a flat frequency response up to 300 kHz to drive the X-ART tweeter. In con\bunction wi\yth the high-efficiency tweeters, this enables the SX-Series models to produce both accurate and effortless high- frequency reproduction. The cone speakers in the SX monitors are all made from HexaCone, an aramid-plastic core with honeycomb structure coated on both sides with Kevlar. This ensures maximum strength with minimum weight, resulting in a superior dynamic response with self-resonances of the diaphragm eliminated from the audible range. The ad- vantage of combining HexaCone woofers with an X-ART tweeter and PWM amplifiers is outstanding dynamic per- formance and high soun\yd pressure levels. X-ART reveals the finest sonic details Every model of the SX-Series features ADAM’s unique ‚hand-made in Berli\yn‘ tweeter with our proprietary X-ART technology. In addition, the main monitors (S5X-H, S5X-V, S6X and S7A Mk2) \yare also equipped with X-ART midrange drivers (see also page 52). The precise transient response as well as the driver‘s ability to reproduce the finest sonic details make ADAM monitors uncompromising and effective tools. SX cabinets \yare built with generously rounded edges and a durable plastic coating. The f\yormer minimizes distracting reflections while the latter provides extra protection for everyday use in the studio. Extensive room adaptive options A variety of control options are available in the SX-Series models for extensive ad\bustments to room acoustics. The S1X features low and high shelving EQs as well as the tweeter gain and volume control. Models S2X through S5X also feature a front-mounted control panel (see also\y page 34). In addition t\yo a standby switch, two LEDs to indicate clipping and the status of the optional D/A-converter are located here. The S6X and S7A\y Mk2 models have an even more extensive set of available controls. Optional: D/A converter and external amp unit EA-SX A 24 Bit/192 kHz DAC plug-in card is available for SX models (S2X and hig\yher). Beyond that, the EA-SX external amplifier lets you flush mount the S2X, S3X, S4X an\yd S5X models. The respective external amplifiers are mounted together with the control unit in a 19-inch rack. All elec- tronic parts and the setting options\y are identical to the amplifiers used in the standard SX models. SX-Series Near-/Midfield Monitors SX-Series21
The S1X nearfield mo\ynitor delivers the highest quality in the most com- pact format. It incorporates all of the sonically relevant features that SX monitors are known for: the X-ART tweeter, HexaCone woofer and Class A/B amplifier, specifically developed for the tweeter‘s high bandwidt\yh. All of these result in an unsurp\yassed combination o\yf high performance and fine resolution. The S1X provides an accurate reproduction of the acoustic stage for those who strive for a natural sound image. It also plays music with such stunning realism; it can make you forget the loudspeaker. The 200 Watt PWM amplifier for the midrange speakers in con\bunction wi\yth the 50 Watt A/B tweeter amplifier enable the S1X to produce high volume levels in contrast to the size of the monitor. The S1X becomes t\yhe ideal choice when highest quality is needed in\y small pro\bect studios, outside broadcast vans or 5.1 surround installations. The S2X is designe\yd as nearfield monit\yor for use in small and\y medium- sized control rooms. The 7.5-inch HexaCone woofer is driven by a sophi- sticated magnetic system whose large linear cone excursion realized by the 2“ voice coil makes for excellent dynamics of\y sonic events. The impulse response of the S2X is accurate within the entire frequency range, the stereo image well balanced and t\yhe accurate placement of individual sound e\yvents is problem-free. Distracting noises can \ybe pre- cisely located; the generous sweet spot remains stable even when you leave the listening position so \yyou can always keep track of your sound. Despite the compact case the bass sounds big\y and precise, the 250 Watt PWM amplifier interacts with the 50 Watt tweeter amp allow for a maximum sound pressure level of 120 dB per pair. SX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 6“ bass/mid woofer (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 200W (RMS) • Frequency response: 40Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. peak SPL (per\y pair): 113dB • Tweeter gain and Input gain • Low/high shelf filters • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 7.5“ bass/mid woofer (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), bass/\ymid woofer 250W (RMS) • Frequency response: 35Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 120dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Nearfield Monitor S1X Nearfield Monitor S2X “We started off with a classical string quartet recording and let’s just say right away that the S2Xs floored us. Several adjectives spring to mind: wide open, transpar- ent, effortless, breathtaking realistic, loud, dynamic, involving. [...] These monitors are up there with the best we I’ve tried so far.” Huw Price, Music Tech “ADAM is pushing the standard for transparency in a monitor system to new levels.” Pro Sound News 23
Studio52 - Melbourne, Australia Midfield Monitors S3X-H
The S3X-H is the most successful model \yof the SX-Series as the highly evolved successor of ou\yr very popular S3A. Desi\ygned as a three-way speaker, it includes two horizontally arranged 7.5“ bass drivers, one 4.5“ midrange speaker and the characteristic ADAM X-ART tweeter. The cone woofers are driven by three powerful 250 Watt PWM amplifiers that enable the S3X-H to provide amazing dynamic\y bass performance. Even if they are classified as midfi\yeld monitors due to their power capabilities, S3X-Hs are also ideal for reproducing spatial de\ypth at shorter listening distances. The top-class X-ART driver produces brilliant a\ynd transparent high frequencies. The three-dimensional spat\yial imaging and rapid, powerful midrange/bass response make the S3X-H extremely musical, dynamic and colorful. The S3X-H also provides clear representation of minimal changes in your mix and the corresponding sonic co\ynsequences. Long working sessions wi\yth the S3X-H are not fatiguing to the ear. Quite the contrary: the authenticity and brigh\ytness of this exceptional monitor enhances the creative process of musicians \yand producers around the world. The S3X-V combines the X-ART tweeter with a 4.5“ HexaCone midrange speaker and 9“ HexaCone woofer in a studio monitor that impresses with its well-balanced and s\yupremely detailed sound. Whether it is a complex sounding large orchestra or the subtle sound of\y a \bazz trio, the S3X-V meticulously reveals even the finest nuances in the source material. The combinat\yion of our in-hous\ye developed A/B amplifier with the X-ART tweeter allows for maximum precision in the higher frequencies. The tonal depth and the sweet spot are easy to perceive. Stereo image and sound detail are revealed with full effect, particularly at longer listening distances. The 250 Watt PWM amplifiers the woofer and midrange drivers working in con\bunction with the 50 Watt tweeter amplifier enable the S3X-V to achieve an impressive maximum SPL of over 124dB per pair at 1\y meter. SX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 4.5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 2 x 7.5“ woofers (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), midrange speaker 250W (RMS), woofers 2 x 250W (RMS) • Frequency response: 32Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 126dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Awards Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 4.5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 9“ woofer (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), midrange speaker 250W (RMS), woofer 250W (RMS) • Frequency response: 32Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 124dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Awards Midfield Monitor S3X-H Midfield Monitor S3X-V “Wonderfully detailed, with an exceptionally transparent midrange.” Paul White, Sound On Sound “The S3X-H convinces all along the line. ADAMs new member is all but just an improvement of a successful monitor. With a new loudspeaker design and painstaking tuning it is a first-class control tool in any studio. From now on, the monitor reference in the Professional Audio Studio is called S3X-H.” Raphael Hornbruch, Professional Audio 27
The horizontally designed S4X-H midfield monitor combines the X-ART tweeter with a 5“ HexaCone midrange driver and two highly developed 9“ HexaCone woofers. A 250 Watt PWM amplifier drives each the woof- ers and midrange speaker, while the proprietary ADAM A/B amplifier powers the high-frequency range. The A/B amplifier’s minimum dis\ytor- tion and broadband features in con\bunction w\yith the X-ART tweeter result in a bright, \ycontoured sound with no dynamic stress. Larger monitors tend to compromise the overall sound with too much bass. Both S4X versions connect power and volume of the lower bass frequencies (the -3 dB point bei\yng at 28 Hz) with absolute precision, a clean midrange and effortless, highly precise transient reproduction. This makes accurate control of recorded material possible in \ylarger control rooms. The S4X-H is designed for medium-sized rooms, although it is able t\yo fill larger rooms with adequate levels because of its\y power capabilities. Due to their technical specificatio\yns which closely follow the recom- mendations of the IRT (German Institute for Broadcast Technology), supreme sound quality and high reliability, these monitors are particu- larly suitable for broadcast and TV applications but\y can also be found in numerous ma\bor recording studios. The S4X-V has been designe\yd for vertical positioning \yand includes the same X-ART tweeter and 5“ HexaCone midrange driver found in the S4X-H. The resulting similarity\y in sonic characteristics allows combina- tions of different S4X versions in larger multi-channel application\ys. The S4X-V features one 12“ woofer alongside the 5“ HexaCone midrange unit made of the same material. This driver was specially designed to provide optimum results in a bass-r\yeflex enclosure with electronic cor- rection. The dynamic\y features of the S4X-V are exceptional throughout the entire frequency range: extreme transient-like noise events such as explosions or bursting material are reproduced with total realism. A 250 Watt PWM amplifier drives the S4X-V’s midrange speaker while a 500 Watt PWM amp powers the woofer. The low heat generation of this technology guarantees highest reliability. Like the S4X-H, the S4X-V is designed for medium-sized studios, but its hig\yh power performance makes it absolutely capable of providing larger rooms with adequate levels. Because of their technical specificatio\yns which closely follow the recommendations of t\yhe IRT (German Institute for Broadcast Technol- ogy), their superior soun\yd quality and high reliability, these monitors are particularly suitable for broadcast and TV applications but\y can also be found in numerous ma\bor recording studios. SX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 2 x 9“ woofers (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), midrange speaker 250W (RMS), woofers 2 x 250W (RMS) • Frequency response: 28Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 128dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 12“ woofer (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: tweeter 50W (RMS), midrange speaker 250W (RMS), woofer 500W (RMS) • Frequency response: 28Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 126dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Midfield Monitor S4X-H Midfield Monitor S4X-V29
ADAM’s main monitors were especially developed for larger studios and control rooms, where exceptional high sound pressure levels are required in addition to sonic excellence. The S5X-H and S5X-V combine ADAM innova- tions in the field of transducer and amplifier technology with higher volume and more prominent dynamics. Ma\yxi- mum precision is still the goal of all our\y efforts at ADAM, not the commonly expected and produced but often dis- proportional bass performance. Hi\fh-end main monit\pors In addition, specia\yl emphasis was put on the control op- tions in order to always accurately adapt the monitors to different acoustic situations. Th\ye two model 5s of the SX- Series also feature the SX-control panel that stands out for both the variety and accuracy of its control options offered. Therewith a maximum of contr\yol and the precise reproducibility of sett\yings is ensured. eXceptional: The X-ART midran\fe driver An exclusive feature to be found in all main mo\ynitors is the use of the proprietary X-ART midrange speaker. These transducers transfer the clarity of the X-ART tech- nology from the treble range into the crucial musical midrange. The horizontal and vertical versions accommo- date different installation requirements. Due to their simi- lar sound characteristics they can be easily combined in larger multi-channel application\ys. Main Monitors SX-Series SX-Series 31
The S5X-H transfers the basic sonic vir\ytues of the X-ART technology and HexaCone drivers into a much higher dynamic range. It is equipped with a large diaphragm area (two 12“ woofers, one 7.5“ bass/mid woof- er with HexaCone drivers, one X-ART midrange driver and one X-ART tweeter). That, coupled \ywith five powerful amplifiers, allows the S5X-H to provide for impressive walls of sound that convey the powerful, completely effortless-sounding dynamic peaks with a clean and detailed tonal depth in the control room. The ability of\y the X-ART technology in particular to handle dynamic pe\yaks without audible limiti\yng or dazzling and transform these into sound pressure, is also impressive. The S5X-V is a 4-way main monitor with advanced dynamic capab\yility that offers musical spatial r\yepresentation at the highest level. It com- bines the X-ART midrange driver and tweeter with a 7.5“ bass/midrange driver and one 12“ woofer with HexaCone membranes. The 12“ woofer practically acts as a built-i\yn subwoofer working in the range from 25 Hz to 85 Hz. Equipped with a 3“ voice coil and a la\yrge cone travel, it confi- dently masters its frequency range thanks to its generously sized driver. The 7.5“ bass/midrange driver operates in the range of 85 - 800 Hz i\yn a separately enclosed chamber to achieve a maximum of clari\yty and transient fidelity. 250 Watt PWM amplifiers drive each the top three speakers, and a 500 Watt amplifier is available for the subwoofer. The S5X-V is designed for medium and large control rooms where the focus of interest lies in precision of the acoustic reproduction. SX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • Handmade X-ART midrange driver • 7.5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 2 x 12“ woofers (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 250W (RMS), X-ART midrange driver 250W (RMS), HexaCone midrange 250W (RMS), woofers 2 x 500W (RMS) • Frequency response: 24Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 131dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • Handmade X-ART midrange driver • 7.5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 12“ woofer (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 250W (RMS), X-ART midrange driver 250W (RMS), HexaCone midrange 250W (RMS), woofers 500W (RMS) • Frequency response: 25Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 128dB • SX front panel: Volume control (coarse/fine), Low/high shelf filters, Bass EQ, Tweeter gain • 5 years warranty • Optional: D/A-Converter, External Amp Unit EA-SX (see page 35) Main Monitor S5X-H Main Monitor S5X-V33
Control panel with ‘Virtual Ground Semiconductor Switch’ Technolo\fy Another innovation we present within the SX-Series is a contr\yol panel with ‘Virtual Ground Semiconductor Switch’ technology. That gives you many different sophisticated controls as well as an accuracy and re- peatability of the values that has been unkno\ywn in the analogue domain \y so far: whatever value you re-chose, you will get it to within a
Main Monitors S6X / S7A Mk2 The S6X and S7A Mk\y2 main monitors are designed for large control rooms and film studios. They use a sym- metrical concept to increase the realistic reproduction of ADAM monitors to higher sound pressure levels. ADAM has avoided the typical overloading of the bass range that can often be found in main monitors. A wide horizon- tal radiation characteristic and moderate vertical beam- ing are crucial factors to minimize the impact of ceiling and floor reflections and achieve neutral sound reproduc- tion at high volumes. Extended D‘Appolito desi\fn A total of seven individual spea\ykers were arrayed so that gradual transitions could be\y made possible given the size of the cabinet. In add\yition, we chose a horizontal sym- metry that can be describ\yed as an extended D’Appolito configuration. This kind o\yf design combined w\yith suitable transition frequencies and filter slopes results in radia- tion patterns that lead to very consistent reproduction characteristics in the horizontal center position. At the same time, vertical dispersion is reduced so that reflec- tions from the ceiling, floor or\y mixing console are greatly reduced. Thus, so ca\ylled ‘early reflections’ have less chance to interfere, which leads to significantly better stereo imaging and a mo\yre three-dimensional soun\yd. Impulse Couplin\f Further progress in development was achieved by the use of Alucore® panels, an extra firm component material with an aluminum honeycomb core. All drivers of the S6X and S7A Mk2 are mounted on such panels, which consid- erably improves mechanical coupling b\yetween the drivers and the cabinet. Amplification An active-built complex, large top-class monitor has not yet been achieved because of the challenge presented by the heat generation of the high power amplifiers used in this type of device. In recent years, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) amplifier technology had signific\yantly im- proved in that only a fifth of the generated heat has to be dissipated \f a real breakthrough in terms of reliability and durability. This allows the S6X and the S7A Mk2 to be flush mounted into the studio walls, since all the heat is emitted through the front of the cabinet and the heat sink temperatures remain moderate. Together with the built-in protection circuits the low, constant tempera- tures of these amplifiers result in reliable performance not possible with traditional AB amplifiers. Control panel (S6X and S\p7A Mk2) In addition to the input sensitivity that can be adapted in the range of ±10 dB, there are four other level controls that affect the individual amplifier modules. She\ylving filters at both ends of the frequency spectrum and three fully parametric equalizers help compensate for stand- ing waves in the control room. The EQs can be\y inserted separately or grouped so their effect can be directly evaluated. In large film score mixing rooms, there may be a need to simulate theater sound. Based on\y the ISO 2969 standard, the Dolby® X-Curve is used to achieve this. This filter en- gages a 3 dB per octave roll-off starting at 2 kHz. Bel\yow the front input \back is a selector switch that activates this filter, eliminating the need for external processing during the film mix. In addi\ytion to the rear input there is an ad- ditional switchable XLR input on the front panel, allowing work with the monitor regardless of set-up. SX-Series 37
A number of innovative approaches in con\bunction \ywith uncompromis- ing effort in all sonically relevant areas make the S6X one of the largest and most sophisticated active monitors currently available. The horiz\yon- tal symmetry design is conscio\yus of harmonic and generous diaphragm area proportions to achieve not only a flat frequency response, but also a consistent dynamic behavior within the entire frequency range. Com- plex orchestral structures can be easily analyzed and spatially arranged on the S6X. Extensive control options on the front panel allow for ad- \busting to different acoustic situations or \ypersonal taste. Amplification The built-in amplifiers are coupled to the respective drivers as directly as possible so that remote amplifier units do no\yt compromise the advantages of active technology. One 500 Watt amplifier is assigned\y to each of the 12“ woofers, while 250 Watt units are used the other bands of the frequency range. This main monitor combines very high accuracy exceptional power: SPL peaks far beyond 130 dB are produced without any compression or harshness. The S6X is\y an excellent choice for large control rooms and film or sou\ynd studios. The S7A Mk2 is the larger version of the S6X and consequently one of the most impressive studio monitors. With a total of 1500 Watt onboard amplification power this monitor reaches SPL peaks of 138dB per pair at a distance of 1 meter. The larger woofer diaphragms provide more bass volume even at frequencies as low as 20Hz. For the time being, we feel the S7A Mk2 is the benchmark of what is possible in the field of professional monitoring. It combines \yall of the ADAM innovations in the areas of transducer technology, PWM ampli- fication, more detailed control options and the best materials available with an unmatched level of power and performance. This combina\ytion of maximum volume with the utmost precision in all son\yic areas could only result in one thing: the ultimate reference in professional monitor- ing. The S7A Mk2 i\ys the result of ADAM‘s quest to offer the best pos- sible active studio monitor available today. SX-Series Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 2 x handmade X-ART midrange driver • 2 x 7.5“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 2 x 12“ woofers (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 250W (RMS), X-ART midrange driver 2 x 250W (RMS), HexaCone midrange 2 x 250W (RMS), w\yoofers 2 x 500W (RMS) • Frequency response: 23Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 133dB • SX main monitor front panel: Volume Control, X-Curve-Filter, Tweeter-/Mid-/Lowmid-/Bass-Gain, Hi\ygh- und Lowshelf-Filter, 3 parametric Equalizer • 5 years warranty Technical Data • Handmade X-ART tweeter • 2 x handmade X-ART midrange driver • 2 x 9“ midrange speaker (HexaCone) • 2 x 15“ woofers (HexaCone) • Inputs: XLR • Amplification: X-ART tweeter 250W (RMS), X-ART midrange driver 2 x 250W (RMS), HexaCone midrange 2 x 250W (RMS), woofers 2 x 500; 1 x 1000W (RMS) • Frequency response: 20Hz - 50\ykHz • Max. Peak SPL (per pair)\y: 138dB • SX main monitor front panel: Volume Control, X-Curve-Filter, Tweeter-/Mid-/Lowmid-/Bass-Gain, Hi\ygh- und Lowshelf-Filter, 3 parametric Equalizer • 5 years warranty Main Monitor S6X Main Monitor S7A Mk239