TASCAM VL-S3 Studio Monitor (PAIR)

TASCAMʼs new VL-S3 brings great-sounding compact studio monitoring to the price of a set of headphones. The 2-way powered monitors include a 3” woofer, and rear ported design packs a surprising punch.

A pair of RCA inputs accept any line-level input, and a stereo 1/4” to RCA cable is included. Also available is a 1/8” stereo mini jack for playing from smartphones or MP3 players.

The efficient 14W per side stereo power amplifier drives the two monitors. The compact, ported cabinets fit almost anywhere. Ideal for home studios, dorm rooms, or video editing suites, the VL-S3 is an affordable solution for great-sounding mixes.

PRICE PER UNIT

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)

Features of the HR824mk2 Studio Reference Monitor:

- High-resolution Active studio reference monitor
- Ultra-linear frequency response for accurate mix translation
- 8.75 in. high-precision, low-distortion LF transducer
- 1 in. titanium dome, ferrofluid cooled tweeter
- Optimized Waveguide for wide, even sweet zone
- Twin FR Series amps -- 150W for LF / 100W for HF
- Cast aluminum Zero Edge Baffle minimizes diffraction
- Full internal damping eliminates midrange artifacts
- Onboard passive radiator extends bass response to 35Hz
- Acoustic Space, LF roll-off, and HF controls
- Balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs
- OmniMount ready for easy wall/ceiling placement
- THX pm3 certified for surround sound applications
- Perfect for High Definition audio, cinema and gaming systems

• 150W active studio monitor with 8" military-grade Kevlar low-frequency driver and 1.25" silk dome tweeter
• Bi-amplified design delivers a sound that's both powerful and precise
• Custom waveguide ensures accurate dispersion for an incredibly tight soundstage
• Optimized rear-mounted port produces defined low-end response with bass extension down to 37Hz
• Acoustic Space Control tailors your monitor to your mix space
• Volume control for dialing in the perfect playback level
• Balanced combo input allows for flexible installation
• Front-panel LED shines brightly when the speaker is positioned at an ideal angle

• Frequency Range: 37Hz – 22kHz
• Crossover: 2.0kHz
• Maximum Peak Input Level: -2dBU
• Input Types: Balanced 20kO XLR, and TRS
• Unbalanced: 10kO TS
• Input Sensitivity: -12dBU
• HF Driver Size: 31.8 mm (1.25“)
• LF Driver Size: 203 mm (8“)
• Amplifier Power: 150W Class A/B
• HF Driver Power Amp: 70W
• LF Driver Power Amp: 80W
• Port: Rear internally flared
• Controls: Yes
• Magnetic Shielding: Yes
• AC Input Voltage: 100–120V, 50/60 Hz 220–240V, 50/60 Hz
• Enclosure Construction: MDF
• Enclosure Finish: Black PVC
• Baffle Construction: Injection-molded ABS
• Baffle Finish: Matte black with Soft-touch
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 384 mm x 250mm x 302mm (15.1” x 9.8” x 11.9”)
• Weight: 10.5 kgs (23.1 lbs)
• Display Carton (HxWxD): 398mm x 345mm x 482mm (15.6” x 13.5” x 18.9”)
• Shipping Carton (HxWxD): 412mm x 359mm x 502mm (16.2” x 14” x 19.68”)
• Shipping Weight: 12.8kgs (28.22lbs)
• Configuration: 2-Way bi-amp
• System Type: Active Monitor
• Fuse Rating: 220–240V~ T1AL, 250V 100–120V~ T2AL, 250V
• Power Consumption: 150W
• Shape: Bass-reflex

PRICE PER UNIT

S2X

The S2X brings together the virtues of the ʽclassicalʼ 7” woofer and tweeter combination by using ADAM innovative technologies and top-class materials.

The HexaCone 7” woofer is driven by a sophisticated magnet system with a 2” voice coil creating a greater linear excursion. This produces more dynamics than one would assume in a monitor of such small proportions. As a result, in addition to the unsurpassed audio quality of the X-ART and A/B amplifier combination, this monitor surprises the listener with a very powerful, deep, but always tight and precise low end.

Review at a glance: "Sonic sensation“

“The ADAM Audio S2X can convince in all areas, concerning the sound as well as the workmanship, and are worth every Euro. […] a no-compromise tool for all who mean serious business, whether in music or postproductions.” (www.96kHz.de, 03/2010)

“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, transparent, effortless, breathtaking realistic, loud, dynamic, involving... [...] If you close your eyes and continue listening, the S2Xs seem to ‚disappearʽ almost entirely. [...] you gradually become less aware that you´re listening to speakers because they´re like an open window on the music itself. [...] Result: These monitors are up there with the best we´ve tried so far.” (MusicTech, 01/2010)

The Solo6 Be monitor will surprise you in the very first minutes you spend with it, partly due to its size/extended bass response (40Hz at -3dB). The 6.5" "W” composite sandwich mid-woofer combines neutrality in the midrange, fullness in the midbass register and bass control. Its compactness and the choice of a large front laminar port guarantee easy integration in studios that need a near field monitor without any acoustic compromise. The user settings on the back of the Solo6 Be, combined with its compactness, make it easy to carry and to adjust according to the acoustics of each studio.