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Average Price: $250

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Elevate your studio to professional heights with the ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors, a legacy in sound engineering. Crafted for those who seek unparalleled clarity and depth in their mixes, these monitors stand out with their dual-woofer configuration, delivering robust bass that does not compromise on detail or accuracy. Ideal for mid-field studio setups, the S3A's are revered for their precision in audio reproduction, making them a staple in studios around the globe. Though no longer in production, their legendary status continues to resonate within the music production community, offering a timeless solution for critical listening.

Key Features:

  • Dual 7" woofers for comprehensive low-frequency response
  • 3-way active bass reflex speaker system
  • Unique folded ribbon tweeters for crisp high frequencies
  • HF gain and Hi/Lo EQ adjustments for tailored sound
  • Balanced XLR inputs for professional connectivity

Product specs

Brand ADAM Audio
Model S3-A Active Nearfield / Midfield Monitors (Pair)
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Powered Speakers, Studio Monitors
Amplification Active

FAQs

What is the frequency response of the ADAM Audio S3A monitors?

The ADAM Audio S3A monitors have a frequency response of 32Hz to 35kHz ±3dB, providing a wide range that captures deep lows and crisp highs suitable for detailed audio production.

Are the ADAM Audio S3A monitors suitable for nearfield or midfield monitoring?

The ADAM Audio S3A monitors are designed for both nearfield and midfield monitoring, making them versatile for different studio setups and ensuring accurate sound reproduction in various listening environments.

What type of tweeter does the ADAM Audio S3A use?

The ADAM Audio S3A features an A.R.T. (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) folded ribbon tweeter, known for its precise and detailed high-frequency reproduction, enhancing the clarity of audio mixes.

Do the ADAM Audio S3A monitors require an external amplifier?

No, the ADAM Audio S3A monitors are active, meaning they have built-in amplifiers and do not require an external amplifier, simplifying the setup process in your studio.

How should I position the ADAM Audio S3A monitors in my studio?

Position the ADAM Audio S3A monitors to form an equilateral triangle with your listening position, ensuring the front panels are angled towards you for optimal sound imaging and clarity.

Reviews

Critic Reviews

ADAM Audio: S3-A active monitor | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

ADAM Audio's S3A Active Monitors impress with their precise sound reproduction, thanks to the ART tweeter and dual Hexacone woofers. The monitors excel in providing detailed high-end and focused low frequencies, with outstanding midrange clarity and imaging. However, the tweeter's limited vertical dispersion and susceptibility to radio-frequency interference are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the S3A is celebrated for its accuracy and honesty in mixing, making it a top choice for serious engineers.

positive

ADAM S3A

soundonsound.com

The ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors impress with pristine sound quality across the audio spectrum, thanks to innovative ribbon tweeter and Hexacone woofer technologies. The monitors deliver a smooth, detailed high end and excellent mid-range clarity, coupled with a clean, controlled bass that feels deep and powerful. While not the cheapest option, their engineering excellence and ability to produce balanced mixes make them great value and a top choice in their size range. A serious contender for professional studios, the S3As earn high praise without significant drawbacks.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Diplo uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Diplo

Music Producer

Major Lazer

...
Verified via Apogeedigital

The Adam S3A is the studio monitor seen in the background on the left side of the shot, amongst Diplo's other studio gear.

While the monitor shares a similar appearance with the A77X, the Adam S3A has a small diagram above the ribbon tweeter with trim control for the high, mid and low frequencies, while the A77X does not.

See how Noisia uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Noisia

Music Producer

Noisia & Pacific

...
Verified via Trackitdown

"We use Adam S3A and P22a monitor speakers and at the time of writing we're switching from a MOTU ultralight to a RME Multiface soundcard."

See how Kurt Ballou uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Kurt Ballou

Guitarist, Music Producer

Converge

...
Verified via YouTube

During a studio tour he gave during for Scion AV as part of Scion Music(less) Music Conference 2011, he explained that his mixing room was designed around these monitors.

See how Tim Hecker uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Tim Hecker

Music Producer

...
Verified

Tim Hecker mentions the ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors in a tweet, indicating they are part of his studio setup.

See how Lucky Date uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Lucky Date

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

"Just got new monitors!!!"

See how Benga uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Benga

Music Producer

Benga vs. Skream

...
Verified via YouTube

"...halfway between some monitors, these Adam monitors which are actually quite good..."

A zoom-in on Benga's studio monitors demonstrates that they are specifically the Adam S3A models.

See how Havoc uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Havoc

Rapper, Music Producer

Mobb Deep

...
Verified via YouTube

If you stop the video at around 0:24, you can see one monitor, which is a S3A active monitor by Adam.

See how Benny Benassi uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Benny Benassi

Music Producer

FB

...
Verified via Beatport Buzz

In an article from beatportal, Alle is asked what's currently used in his studio, he responds, "The core of the studio is a Mac Pro with Logic and a Protools HD II system with a couple of Digidesign 96 interfaces connected to some analog and virtual-analog stuff, such as a Moog Little Phatty, Voyager, Nord Lead 2x, Virus TI, Yamaha CS1x, Sherman Filterbank, and so on. There are also lots of virtual instruments, and then to monitor we use a TL Audio Fat Track and a couple of ADAM S3As."

See how Yasunori Mitsuda uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Yasunori Mitsuda

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Archive

Included in equipment list on his website.

See how Kidneythieves uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Kidneythieves

Kidneythieves

...
Verified via Instagram

Free K Dominguez of Kidneythieves seen using a Adam S3A Active Monitor in their studio in a picture posted on their official Instagram.

See how Aleks Syntek uses ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

0:10 Aleks Synteks uses adam s3a monitors

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ADAM Audio S3A Active Monitors, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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