The Making of a Leader: S-Series

ADAM Audio‘s famous S-Series models are reference monitors in many of the most prestigious sound studios around the globe. In only a few years they have become some of the most sought after professional tools at recording facilities. The S-Series combines all of ADAM‘s innovative speaker technologies with the best materials available today.

The New Models: SX-Series

The new SX-Series is based on the S-Series. However, it is not a simple revision of existing models but a fundamental transformation. No details have been overlooked and every sound-crucial aspect has been evaluated. All transducers, drivers and electronics have been redesigned. The result is much more than an improvement, it is a quantum leap in professional monitoring.

All models of the SX-Series are equipped with the new X-ART tweeter. Its fundamental principle is the very same as ART , one of ADAM's core technologies that has already been written in the annals of audio technology. 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 new HexaCone woofers are designed with larger and longer voice coils that deliver a more linear excursion for higher SPL max. values. A stronger magnetic structure is added as well for greater efficiency and accuracy.

All SX-models, starting with the S2X all the way up to the S5X, can be retrofitted with an optional 24 bit/192 kHz D/A Converter featuring an AES/EBU (XLR) and a SPDIF (RCA) input as well as a R/L/Mono switch. Furthermore, these models feature an innovative front panel with sophisticated controls. These controls allow the user to adapt the speakers to the soundroom with high precision.

All models can optionally be magnetically shielded.

”You could be forgiven for thinking that there isn't too much left to achieve with monitoring technology. The ADAM SX generation disproves this by bringing a new benchmark to the market.”
( Audio Media , 12/2009)

S4X-H

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.

Technical Data

* S4X-H User Manual (PDF)