The ADAM Audio S3H is an active horizontal 3-way main monitor intended for midfield applications. The S3H delivers the power and accuracy professional engineers demand from a precision reference-grade monitor; reproducing high-resolution, full-bandwidth audio with stunning clarity. Engineered in Berlin to the strictest tolerances, ADAM’s 3rd-generation S series monitors feature cutting-edge technology, including new Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) woofer and DCH midrange driver designs as well as the S-ART tweeter — an updated, even more precise version of ADAM’s acclaimed accelerated ribbon design. With its astounding, ruler-flat 30Hz–50kHz frequency range, ultra-wide and stable stereo imaging, powerful PWM ICE quad-amplification, and ultra-low distortion, the ADAM Audio S3H provides world-class monitoring you can trust, session after session.
Two 7″ ELE low-frequency drivers
The drivers in ADAM Audio’s S series monitor speakers benefit from years of in-house research and development and take advantage of the latest advances in technology and materials science. Newly developed for the S series, ADAM’s Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers employ the Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA) to deliver optimized low-frequency reproduction with extended dynamic range and freedom from coloration. The ELE driver incorporates a rigid, yet low-mass honeycomb driver cone; a highly efficient, self-cooling linear magnet assembly; linear suspension and damping systems with a low-loss speaker surround; a vented symmetrical voice coil; and an optimized driver chassis/basket design. The S3H’s two 7″ woofers extend response down to 30Hz, making the speaker suitable as a main monitor in medium-to-large control rooms, without the use of a subwoofer.
4″ DCH midrange driver
Featuring a unique hybrid dome/cone one-piece construction designed specifically for the S series by ADAM’s in-house engineers, the S3H’s 4″ DCH MF driver handles the critical midrange region with extreme precision, allowing you to easily place vocals and instruments in the stereo field, confident that your mix will translate to the world outside your studio. Combining the best attributes of both cone and dome drivers, the DCH midrange is both sweet and highly detailed, letting you work over long periods without listening fatigue.
The S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter
Instead of producing sound with a piston-like diaphragm like most loudspeakers, ADAM Audio’s S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter uses a pleated diaphragm capable of moving air four times faster than the folds themselves are moving. Handcrafted to the tightest tolerances, the S-ART tweeter delivers breathtaking highs up to 50kHz and enriches the soundfield with stunning detail, faithfully conveying every nuance of the source material. Being handcrafted and meticulously tested in the ADAM’s Berlin laboratories, the S-ART high-frequency driver is a rare exception in these days of automated mass production.
Proprietary waveguide technology
Both the DCH midrange driver and the S-ART tweeter benefit from ADAM Audio’s proprietary waveguide technology, which increased the accuracy of the drivers’ off-axis responses. Milled from solid aluminum, the newly developed Midrange and High-frequency Propagation Systems (MPS and HPS) help deliver stable, wide-ranging dispersion that makes it possible for production teams of two or more people to work in the stereo or multi-channel sweet spot simultaneously — a common occurrence in larger control rooms.
Custom DSP engine for linear response
Utilizing the latest SHARC processing technology, the S series’ custom DSP optimizes the system’s loudspeaker crossovers to deliver linear response over the entire frequency range and provides user sound-tailoring EQ as well as room tuning and voicing functionality. The DSP also handles limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes the signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and allows for various expansion options. Software updates can be executed easily via the system’s USB port, which also allows you to connect to computers and control DSP functions via software.
Authoritative ICE Power
With decades of experience in designing professional sound systems for recording and broadcast studios and venues of all sizes, Sweetwater understands that under-powering is never an option. Control room main monitors such as the S3H need authoritative power, and ADAM Audio obliges with a powerful proprietary 1,350-watt PWM ICE Power quad-amplification system. A 500W Class D amplifier drives each of the S3H’s bass units, with additional 300W and 50W Class D amps dedicated to the DCH midrange and S-ART treble drivers, respectively. Combining the no-compromise precision of ADAM Audio’s custom drivers with the company’s custom amplification, the S3H is a reference monitor designed for discerning audio professionals and mission-critical applications.
