ADAM AUDIO S2V
The S2V is a classic two-way nearfield monitor designed for use in small-to-medium-sized control rooms.

The 7-inch bass driver, newly created from the ground up for the S Series, covers frequencies ranging from 35 Hz to 3 kHz and delivers a powerful, distortion-free low-end with a wide dynamic range. The carefully refined S-ART tweeter, handbuilt as ever at the ADAM Audio factory in Berlin, works seamlessly in tandem with the newly developed HPS waveguide, creating absolutely precise imaging within a generously proportioned sweet spot.

The S2V’s compact dimensions belie its impressive power. A 300 W Class D amplifier drives the woofer while a 50 W Class A/B unit handles the S-ART tweeter; the combined output produces SPLs of up to 120dB per pair.

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.

With its highly accurate frequency response and balanced, razor-sharp imaging, the S2V allows users to pinpoint even the most subtle audio details, making it an ideal choice for use in demanding studio environments.

• German Handmade Precision S-ART Tweeter with HPS Waveguide
• 7“ Woofer (Hexacone)
• Cumulated Amp. Power RMS: 350 W
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz - 50 kHz (-20 dB)
• Max. SPL Per Pair at 1 m: ≥120 dB
• AES3 Digital Input

 

Another notable feature of the ELE™ driver is its mechanical suspension, which operates optimally even over large excursions in either direction, allowing bass frequencies to be reproduced without distortion at high SPLs. Low-frequency energy is not limited as it is on similar systems, and the dynamics of the original audio are preserved in full. ‘Softer’, less highly tensioned driver suspensions may allow uncontrolled displacement at high SPLs. The highly tensioned linear S Series suspension system, by contrast, dampens the movements of the membrane at high output levels in a controlled manner and returns it to its rest position. The suspension is extremely robust and ensures distortion-free reproduction across the entire audible frequency spectrum.

The newly created long-throw speaker surround was also carefully engineered to be considerably more resilient than competing modern designs. This greatly increases the maximum possible excursion of the driver membrane, improving dynamic range and reducing distortion.

Finally, the loudspeaker basket is anodized by means of a specially optimized process during manufacture: the material’s black finish absorbs heat and provides another means by which the driver is kept cool.

The HPS (High-frequency Propagation System) waveguide was initially designed at ADAM Audio for the S-ART tweeter of the S Series range with the aid of the latest computer modeling techniques. It hones the dispersion of the speakers to an even, uniform consistency, broad in the horizontal axis but tightly focused in the vertical plane. This minimizes potentially distracting reflections from the horizontal surfaces of significant studio furniture (for example mixing consoles), ensures that imaging remains constant, and creates a large, well-controlled and stable ‘sweet spot’, even at high output levels.
The high-performance DSP engine was developed especially for the S Series and implements perfectly tuned crossovers, guaranteeing optimal frequency response, and a dynamic range greater than that offered by traditional analog crossovers, with no loss of resolution.

The DSP engine developed for the S Series provides users of all models in the range with a comprehensive array of options for in-room optimization. The intuitive OLED display allows control over overall level, two parametric shelving filters (one for the bass, the other for the highs) as well as six further fully parametric EQs with variable Q that may be assigned to boost or cut level at specific frequencies.

Five memories are also provided to store voicing presets. On most S Series models, the first two of these are supplied by ADAM and are non-editable; the first is known as ‘Pure’ and is the factory default tuning, with an extremely accurate frequency response. The second is a dynamic, natural-sounding response curve of ADAM’s own design, which is known as UNR™ (the Uniform Natural Response). The remaining three memories are available to store users’ own personal voicing presets. Only on the new S3H is the situation slightly different; as on the rest of the S Series range, the non-editable Pure and UNR settings occupy the first two presets, but only the final two are available for user presets. The third memory on the S3H is a further non-editable option designed to emulate the sound of what is possibly ADAM’s best-known monitor, the highly regarded S3A.

The DSP also offers limiter-based protection, AES3 digital inputs, and connectors for future expansion options. A USB connector allows software upgrades and facilitates connection to computer-based editing software, so that voicing adjustments or preset selection can be carried out without the need to access the rear panel of your monitors – a useful option if they are soffit-mounted.

S SERIES AMPLIFIERS
The low- and mid-range drivers on the S Series are powered by distortion-free Class-D ICE power amplifiers. Over 90 percent efficient, these designs waste considerably less energy, are much more robust and offer a longer working life than traditional Class A/B amplification. However, the latter can offer more bandwidth and tonal advantages in some cases when amplifying HF audio for reproduction by a tweeter. For this reason, ADAM has developed a special 50W, low-noise Class A/B power amp, which operates in linear fashion up to 300kHz, to drive the tweeter on the S2V, S3H and S3V. By contrast, the S5H and S5V use the very latest generation of extremely powerful Class-D ICE-Power amplifiers to drive their S-ARTs.

The carefully thought-out combination of appropriate amplifier technology with the highly efficient ADAM ribbon tweeter design is one of the contributory factors behind the highly accurate, effortless-sounding high end of the S Series. Great care has also been taken over the physical design. On all but the S2V, the smallest speaker in the S Series, the power amps are mounted in a discrete amplifier chamber within the speaker housing, protecting the system from any air leakage.

S SERIES BASS REFLEX SYSTEM
The S Series bass reflex tubes have been aerodynamically redesigned with optimal rounding to minimize signal losses and coloration due to air friction and turbulence, especially at the front-panel ports, and incorporate additional anti-resonance technology in their port designs to keep pipe-related tonal coloration to a minimum.

S-ART™ – HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER
All the models in the S Series employ the latest iteration of ADAM’s world-famous X-ART tweeter design, each handmade in Berlin as with all previous ADAM products. For the new range, the manufacturing process for each tweeter has been undertaken to an even higher standard of precision, with a more stringent post-factory testing regime – hence the new designation S-ART. The driver’s legendarily precise transient response and its ability to reproduce the finest of high-end details, free of distortion and with natural-sounding dynamics, are the cornerstones of ADAM Audio’s worldwide reputation as a leading manufacturer of indispensible audio equipment – tools that every professional should own.