Adam A5X Active Amplified Professional Studio Monitor Speaker

Product Information

Even after sitting with them for a couple of weeks, I’m still impressed these little speakers go that low at all, not to mention that well. The new AX Series of monitors from Adam improve on the highly-acclaimed A Series with a complete overhaul. Better speakers, amplifiers and cabinets mean the AX series speakers are better for your mixes than ever before. I’d still trust the midrange and overall balance of these models more than many comparably priced studio monitors, but for mixers who (like me) prefer the results that come from using a slightly drier, boxier, or fuller-range speaker, another ADAM model like the flatter A7X may be a better choice. According to the published spec, the A7Xs have a frequency response of 42Hz to 50kHz, a long‑term output capability of over 106dB and a maximum peak‑level capability of 114dB. I certainly found that there was no shortage of volume for nearfield monitoring! The figure for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), when operating at a level of 90dB at 1m for frequencies below 100Hz, is less than 0.5 percent. Out Of The Box

These new‑generation Adam monitors incorporate an update to their original ART ribbon tweeter, and they've called the revised version the X‑ART tweeter (if they'd called it ART‑X, it would have recalled a certain generation of textured paint!). Its frequency response now extends up to 50kHz, but the design is also a little more efficient than its predecessor and so can generate higher maximum SPLs. Now, I don't think even your pet bat is going to get much benefit from the extra frequency range per se, but a wider frequency response generally means an even flatter phase response within the band you can hear, so it isn't just a case of 'more for the sake of the spec sheet'. After all, if everything in your audio system had a 20kHz bandwidth (‑3dB), by the time your signal had passed through all the different units in the chain, the final frequency response would be way down at 20kHz. Handmade in Berlin, the X-ART tweeters offer longer operation times with far fewer signs of operational fatigue compared to other speakers. Strength comes from the tweeters folded diaphragm, designed to keep distortion at bay, the unique X-ART membrane compresses and expands with the audio signal, whilst its larger size (2.5 times bigger than a classic tweeter) gives it an advanced dynamic range that delivers superb audio. Coupled with its own low-distortion A/B amplifier the X-ART tweeter delivers superb results. When it comes to budget studio monitors the A5X from ADAM Audio is a stroke of genius. Price, workmanship and sound go very well together and make up the perfect studio monitor that will barely have any competition in its price range. The sound performance is unique for a monitor in this category which above all is down to the incredible abilities of the X-ART-tweeter. The setup was pretty crappy, it must be said; whole banks of monitors set up with a comparator and itunes feeding it; all in an otherwise empty chamber of around 20ft x 14ft, with the speakers lining up against the long wall . But it was enough for me to make a choice.I really like ADAM Audio so far. AES Dana uses them and he is a great musician and a mastering engineer, so I value his opinion. A lot of other producers praise them too. And, according to these tests, the A7X’s are some of the better ones when it comes to hiss.

Genelec 8030c and Neumann kh80/120 are top notch stuff, but for music rich in the lowend spectrum you need a subwoofer to properly hear what’s going on down there, or use headphones.French manufacturer Focal has released many well-respected monitors for mixers mixers of all skill levels. As I write this review, the A5Xs are sitting in their place. They take up less than half the space of the giant Events, but they sound just as big, if not bigger. I did some extensive research about that topic, ended up with a pair of Kali LP-6 V2, couldn’t be happier. Their lowend in particular is impressive for the size and cost. Along with my high hopes for the new AX series came a healthy dose of skepticism. As an evangelical fan of the original S3A and A7, I didn’t really think the ADAM line needed to change much, and was worried that the company would lose sight of what made their products great as they tried to open up to an even wider market.

The A4V is a two-way speaker incorporating a 4-inch long-throw woofer made from the same Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fibers as other A Series speakers plus the classic X-ART tweeter. Onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities let you easily dial in the perfect sound for your space. ssante, @Munro, haha I hear you guys! So far I see only positive things being said about both Genelec and Neumann. They are premium brands and are expensive, though. So going for either of these would keep me in the 5" territory, which I am afraid would be not ideal for techno… Which models do you guys have?Is it worth it to get monitors if producing in an untreated room or should I just continue with headphones? The ADAM Audio A Series delivers highly accurate, transparent sound across a full line of monitors that can be controlled remotely and in real time. Comprising five models, the A4V, A7V, A44H, A77H and A8H are the right fit for an array of professional and home studios — as well as broadcast, fixed-installation, 3D, immersive, and home audio environments. Innovations such as rotatable HPS waveguide technology, and DSP-based room correction and voicings enable users to tune speakers for their room and ears.