ADAM Audio S6X Active Studio Monitor (Main Monitor)

ADAM AUDIO S6X

The S6X main monitor is designed for large control rooms and film studios. It uses a symmetrical concept to increase the realistic reproduction of ADAM Audio monitors to higher sound pressure levels. ADAM Audio has avoided the typical overloading of the bass range that can often be found in main monitors. A wide horizontal radiation characteristic and moderate vertical beaming are crucial factors to minimize the impact of ceiling and floor reflections and achieve neutral sound reproduction at high volumes.

Features & Benefits

• X-ART tweeter, handmade in Berlin
• 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 X-ART membrane
• Direct, fast response in the high-range even with complex transients
• Ultra-light but extremely dimensionally stable woofer material (HexaCone)
• Excellent transient response even at high sound levels without breakup of the diaphragm
• 4-way system with 2 x 12" woofer and 2 x 7.5” midrange
• Very high resolution of the stereo image and extremely wide stereo base
• Spacious bass reflex ports on the front
• Bass reproduction with very low compression
• Highly efficient PWM amplifiers
• Low-distortion amplification at both low and high volume levels
• Linear frequency response of 23 Hz to 50 kHz
• Unbiased reproduction in a wide frequency band
• Maximum peak sound pressure per pair in 1 m ≥ 133 dB
• Powerful, compression-free sound reproduction even at very high sound levels
• Sophisticated room acoustic adjustments
• Allows optimal adaptation to acoustically difficult listening environments or individual preferences
• Analog XLR input
• Optimized for balanced line signals
• Directional sound radiation in vertical plane
• Reduction of early reflections on the surfaces of, e.g. mixing consoles, desks, etc.
• 2 years warranty with optional extension to 3 years with the registration of the product
• Full repair service if required for 5 years

Extended D’Appolito design

A total of seven individual speakers were arrayed so that gradual transitions could be made possible given the size of the cabinet. In addition, we chose a horizontal symmetry that can be described as an extended D’Appolito configuration. This kind of design combined with suitable transition frequencies and filter slopes results in radiation patterns that lead to very consistent reproduction characteristics in the horizontal center position. At the same time, vertical dispersion is reduced so that reflections from the ceiling, floor or mixing console are greatly reduced. Thus, so called ‘early reflections’ have less chance to interfere, which leads to significantly better stereo imaging and a more three-dimensional sound.

Impulse Coupling

Further progress in development was achieved by the use of Alucore® panels, an extra firm component material with an aluminum honeycomb core. All drivers of the S6X and S7A Mk2 are mounted on such panels, which considerably improves mechanical coupling between the drivers and the cabinet.

The S6X: accuracy and power

A number of innovative approaches in conjunction with uncompromising effort in all sonically relevant areas make the S6X one of the largest and most sophisticated active monitors currently available. The horizontal symmetry design is conscious of harmonic and generous diaphragm area proportions to achieve not only a flat frequency response, but also a consistent dynamic behavior within the entire frequency range. Complex orchestral structures can be easily analyzed and spatially arranged on the S6X. Extensive control options on the front panel allow for adjusting to different acoustic situations or personal taste.

Amplification

The built-in amplifiers are coupled to the respective drivers as directly as possible so that remote amplifier units do not compromise the advantages of active technology. One 500 Watt amplifier is assigned to each of the 12″ woofers, while 250 Watt units are used the other bands of the frequency range. This main monitor combines very high accuracy exceptional power: SPL peaks far beyond 130 dB are produced without any compression or harshness. The S6X is an excellent choice for large control rooms and film or sound studios.

Control panel

In addition to the input sensitivity that can be adapted in the range of ±10 dB, there are four other level controls that affect the individual amplifier modules. Shelving filters at both ends of the frequency spectrum and three fully parametric equalizers help compensate for standing waves in the control room. The EQs can be inserted separately or grouped so their effect can be directly evaluated.