ADAM S4X-H Active Studio Monitor 300W

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The S4X models

The S4X monitors are not just an improved versions of the famous and highly acclaimed S4A but an evolutionary development. Like their predecessors, they have been designed for medium size control rooms. Given their excessive power, the S4X are also capable of working in larger environments. Because both S4X models have identical tweeters and midrange drivers handling frequencies above 350 Hz, any combination of either model will integrate perfectly in a 5.1 or 7.1 installation.

X-ART & newly developed broadband amplifier

All models of the SX-Series are equipped with the new X-ART tweeter. The X-ART tweeter has a 4dB higher efficiency, a 3dB higher maximum sound pressure level, and an increase in frequency response up to 50 kHz. The newly designed broadband A/B amplifier has been developed by ADAM to perfectly match the needs and capabilities of the X-ART tweeter. The entire range of sound can be heard as never before.

New HexaCone woofers

The new HexaCone woofers are designed with larger and longer voice coils that deliver more linear excursion for higher SPL max. values. A stronger magnetic structure is added as well for an optimum in efficiency and accuracy.

Optional digital input and magnetical shielding

All SX-models (except the S1X) can be optionally retrofitted with a 24 bit/192 kHz D/A Converter featuring an AES/EBU (XLR) and a SPDIF (RCA) inputs as well as a R/L/Mono switch.

All models can optionally be magnetically shielded.

S4X-H

The S4X-H midfield monitor combines the X-ART tweeter with a 5" HexaCone midrange and two redeveloped 9" HexaCone woofers.

Each of the woofers and midrange drivers are driven by a 250 W ICE module. To allow the X-ART tweeter to extend to its highest frequencies, it is combined with a unique ADAM Audio A/B amplifier. This unique amplifier has ultra low distortion and an immense internal bandwidth of more than 1MHz. Combine this amplifier with the X-ART tweeter and you get a fascinating sound that is effortless and of highest resolution.

Improperly designed larger monitors are always at risk at compromising the overall sound with bass reproduction that is too intense. As in all ADAM Audio designed speakers, both versions of the S4X have been designed to combine both the power and volume of the bass (28 Hz at -3 dB point) with the highest possible precision. Combine this with the transparent high and midrange frequencies of the S4X and this will give an engineer a new quality level of control and performance for larger rooms.

The frontpanel

ADAM has developed an innovative front panel with sophisticated controls. These controls allow the user to adapt the speakers to the soundroom with high precision.

Apart from the standby-button, there are two controls for the input sensitivity, two for the bass section and two more for the high frequencies.

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S3X-V

Using the newly developed 4” HexaCone midrange and 9” HexaCone woofer combined together with the X-ART tweeter creates the unique S3X-V control monitor.

A step up over the smaller models, the S3X-V is capable of producing more power and volume along with a more detailed and homogeneous sound that will impress even the most experienced sound engineer. Whether the complex sonic images of an orchestra or the smooth tone of a jazz trio, the S3X-V reveals even the finest nuances of any material. The driver assembly of the S3X-V allows long time, non-fatiguing listening sessions.

Reviews: "Wonderfully detailed...”

“Wonderfully detailed, with an exceptionally transparent mid-range. [...] ADAM make the leap to a three-way speaker design that seems to pay dividends in clarity and separation. [...] I think it would be fair to say theyʽre the best sounding ADAM monitors Iʽve reviewed.” (Sound On Sound, 12/2009)

“No doubt, the S3X-V deserve the title Reference Monitor. With this series, ADAM Audio proves to have a very good feeling for meeting the specific demands of the sound engineerʽs guild, creating studio standards at the same time. [...] A precision tool combined with a luxury good.” (www.96kHz.de, 03/2010)

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A revolutionary formula: 2 x 7 = 77

In some set-ups it can be advisable to use a horizontally designed speaker rather than a vertical one. Until now, such monitors were only available within the SX top line.

The brand new A77X, due to its outstanding features, might become a true game changer: Equipped with the same advanced technologies as the A7X, it therefore is very similar to the two-way speaker. The A77X, however, distinguishes itself by much higher, compression-free maximum sound pressure levels and dynamics. Due to its power and radiation characteristics, it also is perfectly suited for both near- and midfield monitoring.

Driver technology

Like all models of the AX series, the A77X features the ADAM proprietary X-ART tweeter. The ʽXʼ stands for ʽeXtended frequency responseʼ and thus for one of the features of the Accelerating Ribbon Technology that has been drastically improved: the frequency response. It now extends all the way up to 50kHz. In addition, the X-ART tweeter has higher efficiency and higher maximum sound pressure levels.

The two 7” woofers are identical with that of the A7X. With their large voice coils (1.5”) and powerful amplifiers, they are capable of both very high maximum sound pressure levels as well as very deep registers. The woofers do not cover the same frequency bands: while both of them are responsible for the (sub-) bass frequencies up to about 400Hz, only one of them reproduces the midrange. This prevents interferences between the two drivers. For stereo setups the A77X is available in A and B versions in order to guarantee a precise stereo image.

Amplifiers / controls

Each driver has its own dedicated amplifier. A 50W A/B amp is responsible for the X-ART tweeter, while the bass-/midwoofers are driven by a 100W PWM amp each. The front panel includes a power switch and a control for the volume that retains the volume setting independently from the on/off switch.

The rear panel features several additional controls: a gain for the high frequencies (± 4dB) and two shelf filters for high and low frequencies.
To ensure greater compatibility, there are both XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) connectors.

Review samples:

“… a refreshing change“
"… if you liked the A7X youʼll like the A77X even more, and if the companyʼs smaller near-fields werenʼt your cup of tea, the A77X are definitely worth another listen. They are not much bigger than a two-driver cabinet design, so should slip into any installation where a near-field speaker will fit, but the extra low/ mid frequency drivers mean that the bass is more naturally extended and the mid-range clearer and more detailed. I like the A77X a lot and they make a refreshing change from the usual mid-priced near-field speakers." AUDIO MEDIA magazine / February 2012

“… wide and spacious soundstage with solid left/right imaging“
"… they are fun and easy to work with, covering all the essential functions required of high-end monitors with aplomb." MusicTech magazine / April 2012

The Twin6 Be is the best seller of the Focal Professional range and the most versatile work tool of the SM6 line. It represents the only necessary solution for recording, mixing and mastering. The image precision, treble definition as well as midrange neutrality are at the heart of its reputation.
The excellent articulation of the bass and midbass registers, even at very high sound levels, makes it an unavoidable reference for engineers who require absolute transparency. Furthermore, the design of the Twin6 Be permits a high SPL while at the same time offering a stable tonal balance. One of the two 6.5" woofers works in large band (midrange – bass) whereas the other reproduces from 40 to 150Hz. This creates a bass that preserves all the signal dynamics, without any masking effect in the midrange, thereby keeping all its neutrality and transparency. Additional control of the bass register is accomplished by fine-tuning on the control plate on the back of the Twin6 Be in order to obtain a perfect mirror configuration with its mate. The Twin6 Be can be installed vertically or horizontally to respond to the space requirements of each studio.

The Genelec 8130A Digital Monitoring System has a 192 kHz/24 bit digital audio interface.
Due to its compact size, integrated construction, excellent dispersion and precise stereo
imaging, the 8130A is ideal for near field monitoring, mobile vans, digital audio workstations,
broadcast and TV control rooms, surround sound systems, home studios, multimedia
applications and also for use with computer soundcards. The Directivity Control Waveguide?
(DCW?) technology provides excellent frequency balance even in difficult acoustic
environments.
The integrated design allows the amplifiers and the drivers to be calibrated as a single unit,
eliminating the effects of component tolerances and ensuring consistent quality.
The all-aluminium Minimum Diffraction Enclosure? (MDE?) and advanced Directivity Control
Waveguide? (DCW?) technologies are carefully matched with advanced amplifier and electronics
circuitry. The low frequency response extends down to 55 Hz (-3 dB) while distortion is extremely
low due to a uniquely new rear reflex port design.
The 8130A has been specially designed to have a sufficient LF extension for most situations.
However if greater SPL's and a lower cutoff frequency are required, it can be complemented
with Genelec 7050B subwoofer.
The 8130A is very easy to set up and use, the only connections required are the mains supply
and the input signal. The female XLR input connector can be fed with either AES/EBU formatted
digital signal or analog line level audio signal. The Genelec 8130A automatically detects analog or
digital signals and directs them to the correct signal paths.

Technical Specifications
Input word length 16 - 24 bits
Input format AES/EBU
Digital input XLR female
Connector type 
Input Sampling rate
No de-emphasis  29 - 200 kHz
Input Sampling rate
Using de-emphasis 
Peak per pair with music material 108 dB SPL @ 1m
Drivers
Bass 5" magnetically shielded
Midrange -
Treble 3/4" metal dome, magnetically shielded
Crossover frequencies 3 kHz
Free field frequency
response 58 Hz - 20 kHz (± 2 dB)
Amplifier power /ch
Bass 40 W
Midrange -
Treble 40 W
Speaker dimensions (H x W x D)
mm 285 x 189 x 178 mm (Height with Iso-Pod? 299 mm)
inches 11 1/4 x 7 7/16 x 7 1/16" (Height with Iso-Pod? 11 13/16“)
Amplifier dimensions* (H x W x D)
mm Integrated in the speaker cabinet
inches 
Speaker weight 5.6 kg (12.3 lb)

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The original A5

The small A5 managed to make itself a big name in both professional environments as well as in computer or desktop applications. A wealth of truly outstanding reviews and many awards helped to establish this speaker as one "of the best small monitors” and a "great choice for the small studio.” (Future Music, 01/2009).

The new A5X

The similar dimensions and name could make one believe that the A5X is nothing more than a new version of the A5. A quick listening however leaves no doubt that the A5X is much more than that.

Like all other models of the AX-Series it features the proprietary X-ART tweeter. The very data of this technology shows that it is at the forefront of what tweeters can accomplish. Numerous listening tests have confirmed this.

A 5.5” Midwoofer reproduces the frequencies below 2.5kHz. The diaphragm is made from Carbon fiber/Rohacell/Glass fiber, which is the same composite structure shared in the next two bigger models. This material with minimum weight and maximum rigidity prevents break up resonances, resulting in an outstanding dynamic behaviour and impeccable sound characteristics.

Stereolink

A very handy and exclusive feature found in the two smaller AX monitors is the Stereolink. This is accomplished by a pair of additional RCA connections that allow for a bypass of the second stereo channel to the other speaker.

This new technology connects two A5X speakers in such a manner as to allow the user the option to control the overall stereo volume of the system from either speakers gain control. This makes the A5X a natural for "mixer-less” desktop applications where overall system volume needs to be adjusted easily.

Controls and Connectors

The front of the A5X sports dual ports for surprisingly low frequency response down to 50Hz. The front panel also has power and gain controls. The rear panel includes a tweeter gain control as well as balanced (XLR) jacks and unbalanced (RCA) jacks, allowing for greater connection flexibility. There are also two M6 (6 mm) metric screw threads for stand/wall mounting.

Review: "The A5X: a superb impression.“

"A sparkling and lively desktop monitor with an open, powerful character. Good filters and practical ergonomics as well as useful equipment make ADAMs A5X an ideal partner in multimedia nearfield sound." (Stereo, 10/10)