Studio monitors Adam S3A (Pair)

Adam S3A Studio Monitors

ADAM S3A is the choice of demanding recording sound engineers who need extended range monitoring in medium-sized studio rooms. One woofer operates as a full-range speaker, while the second woofer starts working together with the first only below 150 Hz. This unusual approach effectively increases the woofer's range and power when reproducing low frequencies, resulting in an extremely tight and sharp sound in the low-frequency range and eliminating 'compromised' mid-frequency sound. The active series features three amplifiers of 150 W each with excellent characteristics. The monitors can be used both horizontally and vertically, allowing for a very flexible approach to their placement in the studio. In combination with the Sub1 subwoofer, a uncompromising 5.1 system can be assembled.

The German company ADAM specializes in professional studio monitors. However, there is a line of speakers 'for home' as well. The model S3A under consideration is an active monitor of medium action. The design of the model is characteristic of many ADAM speakers: beveled corners of the front metal panel and the characteristic square protective grille of the tweeter. All models use A.R.T. technology in the tweeters, based on the use of a corrugated diaphragm as a sound-emitting element. The speakers are equipped with two 186 mm drivers with a HexaCone diaphragm (honeycomb diaphragm made of Kevlar). One of them acts as a mid/low-frequency driver, while the other is limited by a low-frequency filter at 150 Hz and serves to 'tighten' the bass component.

The ADAM model provides a comprehensive understanding of what a high-class studio monitor is. There are all grounds to call the sound of the systems overly analytical. Undoubtedly, this is a high-precision, sensitive, and precise tool for professional work with soundtracks. If we imagine the musical material as a set of precisely graduated scales, this active speaker guarantees a beautifully balanced, authentic image based on instrumentally accurate values across each of them. The spatial aspect of the image is somewhat in the background. It is especially worth noting the perfect tonal neutrality, the highest timbral resolution, and a wide dynamic range. There is no intentionality or exaggeration in the detailing. The speakers reproduce a large part of the low register (upper and mid-bass) quite cleanly. To some, the sound of ADAM may seem a bit detached, dry, or judicious — likely the downside of its analytical nature.

Technical Specifications:

3-way active speaker with phase inverter

Frequency response: 32 – 35000 Hz

Lower frequency limit at -10 dB: 37 Hz

Maximum sound pressure: 112 dB

Nominal power: 150 W

Drivers:

LF: 186 mm (honeycomb, Kevlar)

MF: 186 mm (honeycomb, Kevlar)

HF: 25 mm (corrugated diaphragm)

Filter crossover frequency: 150 and 1800 Hz

Coefficient of non-linear distortion at sound pressure 94 dB in the range:

40 – 100 Hz: 2.2 %

100 – 20000 Hz: 0.4 %

Dimensions (HxWxD): 50x24x32 cm

Weight: 16 kg