Description
The ADAM Audio A7V is a highly anticipated and well-received active studio monitor, serving as the successor to ADAM’s incredibly popular and award-winning A7X. It retains the core ADAM philosophy of precision and detail, but incorporates significant advancements in driver technology and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for enhanced performance and adaptability.
It is typically sold as a single unit, so when asking for a “pair,” it’s understood you’d be purchasing two separate A7V monitors.
Key Features and Highlights:
- 7-inch Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) Woofer: The A7V features a newly designed 7-inch long-throw woofer constructed from ADAM’s proprietary Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fiber material. This composite material is engineered to be lightweight yet extremely stiff, resulting in highly accurate and low-distortion bass response, along with a clear and defined midrange. This woofer, combined with a new magnet system, allows for high output levels.
- Rotatable X-ART (eXtended Accelerated Ribbon Technology) Tweeter with HPS Waveguide: This is the signature ADAM Audio high-frequency driver, handmade in Berlin. The X-ART tweeter is renowned for its incredibly fast and precise transient response, extended high-frequency range (up to 41 kHz at -3dB / 45 kHz at -6dB), and non-fatiguing sound, which is crucial for long mixing sessions. The tweeter is integrated into a rotatable HPS (High-frequency Propagation System) waveguide, made from a new glass fiber polymer compound. This innovative design allows you to rotate the tweeter in 90-degree steps, ensuring that the optimal dispersion pattern (wider horizontally, narrower vertically) is maintained whether you position the speaker vertically (its default orientation) or horizontally. This flexibility is excellent for various studio setups.
- Hybrid Amplification (Class D for Woofer, Class AB for Tweeter): The A7V employs a hybrid amplification system to optimize performance for each driver:
- Class D amplifier powers the 7-inch woofer (110W RMS / 130W Peak), chosen for its high efficiency, power, and linear performance, leading to reduced distortion in the low and mid frequencies.
- Class AB amplifier powers the X-ART tweeter (20W RMS / 20W Peak), known for its smooth, natural, and transparent reproduction of high frequencies.
- Total Power: 130W (RMS) per monitor.
- DSP-Based Electronics and Room Adaptation: This is one of the most significant upgrades over the previous AX series.
- Onboard DSP: The A7V incorporates powerful DSP-based electronics, allowing for precise and predictable control over the monitor’s sound.
- Room Adaptation EQ: On the rear panel, you’ll find four bands of room adaptation equalization: Bass, Desk, Presence, and Treble. Each band offers multiple adjustable steps, providing over 100 tuning options to compensate for common acoustic issues caused by speaker placement and room characteristics.
- Voicings (Pure & UNR): The A7V offers two selectable voicing profiles:
- “Pure”: A highly accurate and neutral sound, ideal for critical mixing and mastering. This is the flat setting for anechoic environments.
- “UNR” (Uniform Natural Response): A more dynamic and natural-sounding response curve, reminiscent of older ADAM models like the A7X. This can be great for writing, composing, or casual listening, providing an engaging sound.
- “Ext” (External): This option allows for more advanced control via the A Control software.
- A Control Software (via Ethernet/RJ45): Deep integration with the ADAM A Control software (available for Windows and macOS) via an Ethernet port (RJ45). This allows for remote control of all DSP settings, including the voicings, detailed 6-band parametric EQ (Advanced Room Adaptation), level, and delay. Firmware updates can also be delivered via this connection.
- Sonarworks SoundID Reference Integration: The A7V (and other A Series models) has onboard processing that integrates with Sonarworks SoundID Reference (sold separately). This allows you to load your room correction profiles directly into the speakers, bypassing the need for a separate plugin in your DAW and ensuring consistent correction regardless of your audio source.
- Dual Front-Ported Bass Reflex System: The A7V utilizes a dual front-firing bass port, which is advantageous for placement flexibility as it allows the monitors to be positioned closer to walls without causing excessive bass buildup, unlike rear-ported designs. The ports are designed to optimize airflow and minimize port noise.
- Versatile Audio Input Connectors:
- Balanced XLR Input: For professional connections to audio interfaces or mixing consoles.
- Unbalanced RCA Input: For consumer audio equipment.
- Mounting Options: Includes threaded inserts (4 x M8) on the bottom for flexible mounting on stands or wall brackets.
- Max Peak SPL: Capable of a maximum peak SPL of 105 dB at 1 meter (sine bursts), and 113 dB SPL (IEC-weighted noise), providing plenty of loudness for nearfield monitoring.
- Frequency Response: Offers an extended frequency response from 41 Hz to 42 kHz (-6 dB) or 44 Hz to 41 kHz (-3 dB).
- Built-in 24-bit/96kHz AD Converter: This is a part of the DSP system, ensuring high-quality internal digital processing.
- Cabinet Design: Features a robust vinyl-wrapped MDF cabinet with a painted MDF front panel and a thick, deep-beveled baffle that strengthens and stiffens the cabinet, helping minimize diffraction.
Who is the ADAM Audio A7V for?
- Professional and Project Studio Engineers: A natural choice for those who need highly accurate, detailed, and transparent monitoring for mixing and mastering, benefiting from ADAM’s signature sound.
- Music Producers and Mixers: Across all genres, who demand precision in their audio, especially in the high frequencies and transient response.
- Users Upgrading from Mid-Range Monitors: Offers a significant step up in clarity, imaging, and room adaptability.
- Users in Acoustically Challenging Rooms: The extensive DSP-based room adaptation and Sonarworks integration make them incredibly versatile for optimizing sound in less-than-ideal environments.
- Those who value long-term use: The 5-year warranty (with product registration) and future-proof design (firmware updates) add significant value.
Considerations:
- Premium Price: ADAM Audio monitors are high-end professional tools, and their price reflects their performance, build quality, and advanced features.
- Requires Setup and Calibration: To fully harness the power of the DSP and room adaptation features, some initial setup and potentially an external measurement microphone (for Sonarworks) are required. However, the basic rear-panel controls make it easy to get started.
- Bass Extension: While the 7-inch woofer provides excellent and controlled bass for its size, for genres with extremely deep sub-bass content (below 40 Hz), or for larger rooms, a dedicated subwoofer (like the ADAM Audio Sub10 or Sub12) would still be a beneficial addition for truly comprehensive low-end monitoring.
