ADAM Audio S3V Studio Reference Monitor

S3V

Midfield Monitor
SOUND ON SOUND AWARD
SOUND ON SOUND AWARD
Best New Studio Monitor
Reference Class
Reference Class
Lite Magazine
TEC AWARD
TEC AWARD
Nominee
Resolution Awards
Resolution Awards
Nominee
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ADAM Audio S3V

The S3V is a three-way studio monitor optimized for vertical use and designed primarily for midfield applications, although it may also be used in more compact listening environments.

Bass frequencies from 32 Hz to 250 Hz are handled by ADAM Audio’s entirely new 9-inch Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) LF driver, which incorporates the company’s equally groundbreaking Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA) and delivers a powerful, extremely accurate low end extending right down into the sub-bass region. Mid-range and HF information is reproduced with equally analytical precision thanks to the combination of ADAM Audio’s newly developed 4-inch DCH mid-range driver and the highly refined S-ART folded-ribbon HF driver. Together with the brand-new HPS waveguide, the latter offers high-frequency reproduction with an extremely broad sweet spot with fine, highly detailed imaging and a natural-sounding sense of depth.

The S Series’ custom-designed DSP optimizes the loudspeaker crossovers to create linear responses for the entire range, as well as providing user equalization and in-room tuning/voicing functions. The DSP also handles the limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes the signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and will in time facilitate various expansion options. Software updates can be carried out with ease via the associated USB port, which also allows users to connect computers and control the speakers’ DSP functions via a software front-end.

The S3V’s built-in amplification is generously specified, comprising Class D units for the bass and mid-range drivers (500 W and 300W RMS respectively) and a 50 W Class A/B amplifier for the S-ART tweeter.

Offering flawless reproduction of audio frequencies between 32 Hz and 50 kHz, the S3V is a standout offering for anyone demanding highly accurate imaging and localization from their reference monitors.

German Handmade Precision S-ART Tweeter with HPS Waveguide

4" Dome / Cone Hybrid (Carbon Composite)

9“ Woofer (Hexacone)

Cumulated Amp. Power RMS: 850 W

Frequency Response: 32 Hz - 50 kHz

Max. SPL Per Pair at 1 m: ≥124 dB

AES3 Digital Inputs And Various Expansion Options

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STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

ADAM Audio monitors have earned a worldwide reputation as the preeminent tool for sound engineers based on technological innovations that we’ve established in the field of loudspeaker technology.

360 Degree View

Backplate printing may vary in different countries.

APPROVED BY OUR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY

"These monitors have an absolutely perfect frequency response [...] the main asset of the ADAM S3V is the possibility to do full-range monitoring [...] even at high volumes."
Maxim Liadov
ProSound.iXBT
"Regardless of the price, the ADAM S3V is one of the best studio monitors I have heard so far"
Martin Person
Keys
"The S3V provides a much larger sound than one would expect from this size cabinet, and the sound is refined and detailed."
Adam Kagan
Tape Op
"Anyone able and willing to invest in monitors in this price range has to take the Adam S3V into account!"
Peter Könemann
Bonedo
"Imaging overall, together with a real sense of the acoustic environment of original recordings, is conveyed beautifully and naturally, as is the human voice."
Anselm Goertz
Sound & Recording

ADAM Audio S3V in use

Press Reviews

Pro Sound News [English]
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PDF (107 KB)
Sound & Recording [English]
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PDF (1.9 MB)
Tape Op [English]
Keys [German]
Download
PDF (410 KB)
Bonedo [German]
ProSound.iXBT [Russian]
Interface [Dutch]
Download
PDF (180 KB)
Gearslutz [English]
Gearslutz [English]
Lite Magazin [German]
Sound On Sound [English]
Download
PDF (4.1 MB)
MusicStore [German]
Studio Magazin [German]
Download
PDF (2.9 MB)

Features & Benefits

Product Feature
Benefit to the customer
S-ART tweeter, handmade in Berlin and manufactured to the tightest tolerances in ADAM Audio’s history
  • Allows longer operation with fewer signs of fatigue
  • Their breakup is prevented by the folded diaphragms, distortions are effectively reduced to a minimum
  • Advanced dynamic range due to acoustically effective diaphragm surface that is 2.5 times bigger (compared to a classic tweeter according to the piston principle)
The air velocity ratio of 4:1 during the sound generation by folded S-ART membrane

Direct, fast response in the high-range even with complex transients

Newly designed HPS waveguide, milled from a solid block of aluminum
  • Makes dispersion more consistent and imaging more stable over a wider area
  • Reduction of early reflections on the surfaces of, e.g. mixing consoles, desks, etc.
New midrange driver with one-piece hybrid dome/cone (DCH) design
  • Offering the sonic advantages of both driver types, with minimal partial resonances
  • Partly responsible for the excellent mid-range dispersion characteristics of the S Series, due to improved integration with the treble driver
Custom-built Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass driver

Accurate audio reproduction at an extremely high resolution thanks to the precision-designed relationship between its low weight, optimized inner damping and highly rigid HexaCone membrane, in conjunction with a basket which has been developed to eliminate unwanted resonance and distortion

Custom-designed Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA)
  • Allows the voice coil a maximum excursion three times greater than that offered by previous designs, with an extended, symmetrical magnetic field ensuring linear, low-distortion operation
  • Power compression effects are prevented by an intelligent self-cooling system
Vertical 3-way system with 1 x 9” woofer and 1 x 4" DCH midrange

Very high resolution of the stereo image

Spacious bass reflex ports on the front
  • Bass reproduction with very low compression
  • Allows positioning close to walls
Highly efficient PWM ICE Power amplifier for the woofer and midrange driver coupled with an A/B amplifier for S-ART tweeter

Low-distortion amplification at both low and high volume levels

Linear frequency response of 32 Hz to 50 kHz

Unbiased reproduction in a wide frequency band

Maximum peak sound pressure per pair in 1 m ≥ 124 dB

Powerful, compression-free sound reproduction even at very high sound levels

Custom DSP engine
  • Perfect crossovers for optimal frequency response and maximum dynamic range
  • EQ options and presets for in-room optimization
  • Limiter-based amp protection, AES3 digital inputs and board connectors for future expansion options, together with a USB connector for software upgrades and computer-based control
Analog XLR input

Optimized for balanced line signals

Acoustically optimized and weightily constructed cabinets

Reduction of susceptibility to vibrations and unwanted edge-diffraction effect

2 years warranty with optional extension to 3 years with the registration of the product

Full repair service if required for 5 years

Technical Data

Woofer

Number1
Basket Ø9“ (223 mm)
Voice Coil Ø2" (50 mm)
Cone MaterialHexaCone

Mid-range

Number1
TypeDome / Cone Hybrid
Basket Ø4" (100 mm)
Voice Coil Ø2.4" (60 mm)
Cone MaterialCarbon Composite

Tweeter

Number1
TypeS-ART
Diaphragm Area4 inch² (2420 mm²)
Equiv. Diaphragm Ø2" (56 mm)
Velocity Transform Ratio4:1
Diaphragm Weight0.17 g
WaveguideHPS

Built-in Amplifiers

Number3
Woofer1
TypePWM
Amp. Power RMS500 W
Mid-range1
TypePWM
Amp. Power RMS300 W
Tweeter1
TypeA/B
Amp. Power RMS50 W

Control Options

Input SensitivityAdjustable
Parametric EQs6
Room Compensation High-Shelf EQ1
Room Compensation Low-Shelf EQ1
Preset Memories5
Delay0 ms to 5 ms

Input Connectors

AnalogXLR
Input Impedance48 kOhm
Max. Input Level+24 dBu
DigitalAES3

General Data

PanelRear
Frequency Response32 Hz - 50 kHz
THD > 100 Hz≤0.4 %
Max. SPL per pair at 1 m≥124 dB
Crossover Frequencies250 Hz / 3 kHz
Max. Power Consumption550 W
Weight55.0 lb (25.0 kg)
Height x Width x Depth21.1" (536 mm) x 11.5" (293 mm) x 15.0“ (380 mm)
Warranty5 years (2 years warranty plus 3 years optional with product registration)
Delivery ContentsPower cord, Manual

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