This year marks ADAM Audio’s 25th Anniversary – and there’s a lot to look back on. Found in studios around the world, the brand have pioneered and developed technology that has changed how we listen to and monitor audio. From the X-ART tweeter to modern materials to solid aluminium HPS- and MPS-Waveguides, ADAM Audio studio monitors showcase industry-leading innovation, suitable for both professional and home studios.
To celebrate the occasion, the brand have released special edition white versions of the iconic Adam Audio A7V and A4V Studio Monitors. And in this ADAM Audio A7V review, we’ll be putting these cutting-edge studio monitors through their paces whilst looking at ADAM Audio’s vast history.
From setting up a home studio to upgrading your current setup, we’ll guide you through the groundbreaking features of the monitor and uncover ADAM Audio’s legacy.
The newly released white Adam Audio A7V and A4V Studio Monitors are only available in limited numbers, so get them while you can!
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The ADAM Audio A7V monitors offer an exceptional balance of clarity and detail in the midrange and low frequencies, with a high-frequency response that’s detailed yet not harsh. Ideal for home studios and professional environments, these monitors deliver an incredibly accurate mix, enhancing your ability to discern subtle nuances.
The built-in room adjustment features and internal DSP for managing sound profiles enhance their versatility, making them a significant upgrade for most setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced clarity in mid and low frequencies allows for precise mixing of complex layers. | Optimal performance depends heavily on room acoustics. |
| The X-ART tweeter provides a smooth and non-fatiguing high-frequency response, suitable for long mixing sessions. | Adjusting settings and tuning the monitors to the room can be intimidating without a solid understanding of acoustics. |
| Includes internal DSP to save sound profiles and room correction settings directly in the monitors. |
ADAM Audio A7V review
Initial thoughts
Upon unboxing the ADAM Audio A7V monitors, I can’t help but be impressed by their robust build quality. Encased in a vertically oriented cabinet with a thick, deep-bevelled baffle, these monitors not only look professional but are also crafted to enhance sonic performance by reducing cabinet diffractions.
Each monitor feels solid and has a substantial yet manageable weight, an indication of its durability. The interface, positioned thoughtfully on the rear, allows for easy access to room adaptation controls and connectivity options, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.
Notable features that stand out immediately include the innovative bass reflex port design with large, flared twin apertures aimed at optimising airflow and minimising port noise – a clever integration that speaks volumes about the attention to detail ADAM Audio have invested in.
The A7V is not just about looks; it houses a new MLM (Multi-Layer Mineral) bass driver, promising high output levels with minimal distortion thanks to its lightweight yet stable composite material.
The integration of the X-ART high-frequency driver and a newly designed waveguide ensures a broad sweet spot and precise sound dispersion, ideal for critical listening scenarios.
Build quality and aesthetics
The ADAM Audio A7V monitors feature a newly redesigned cabinet that enhances acoustic performance. With thicker walls to minimise vibrations, these monitors promise stability and reduced distortion, a crucial aspect for critical listening environments.
At the forefront of design is the front-mounted flared port, meticulously engineered to optimise low-frequency response while minimising turbulence and port noise. This feature allows for tighter and more accurate bass reproduction, which is essential in a studio monitor.
Complementing the robust build is the deep-bevelled baffle, not only contributing to the sleek aesthetics but also serving to reduce edge diffraction and improve sound dispersion. These thoughtful design choices reflect ADAM Audio’s dedication to aesthetic elegance and sonic precision.
Sound quality
The A7V studio monitors combine several high-performance features that contribute to their outstanding audio reproduction. Central to their design is the rotatable HPS (High-frequency Propagation System) waveguide technology, which pairs with the renowned X-ART tweeter.
This setup ensures precise high-frequency dispersion, which is essential for achieving consistent sound characteristics across various listening positions. The X-ART tweeter, a hallmark of ADAM’s approach to sound, extends the frequency range while maintaining a detailed and uncoloured sound profile.
Complementing the high-end treble response, the A7V utilises a new hybrid amplification system that pairs Class D amplifiers for the lows and mids with a Class A/B amplifier for the highs.
This hybrid approach not only ensures efficiency and power but also maintains the sonic integrity and detail necessary in professional audio work. The introduction of a multi-layer mineral (MLM) woofer in these monitors marks a significant advancement.
The MLM technology provides a woofer that is both lightweight and stiff, resulting in low distortion and highly accurate low-frequency response, enhancing the monitor’s overall clarity and dynamic range.
In practice, the sound quality of the A7V monitors is impressively clear and balanced. The bass is tight and controlled, without overwhelming the midrange, which remains detailed and transparent. The highs are crisp and articulate, allowing for extended listening without fatigue, which is critical for mixing and mastering professionals.
You’ll notice a difference in the audio production when you use the monitors on a desk versus on stands. Placing them on stands means the monitors are detached from other surfaces, reducing unwanted resonances and reflections. I recommend this setup if you’re after the optimal listening environment that enhances stereo imaging and overall sound field accuracy.
Controls and room adaption
Located at the back of each unit is the control panel of the monitors, designed with precision and practicality in mind. Several key controls allow you to tailor the monitors to your specific environment, among which are high and low-frequency tuning knobs, which let you adjust the sound output according to the acoustics of the room.
Additionally, there is a level control which helps to manage the output volume, ensuring that the monitors can be perfectly matched to your workspace and preference.
The Room Adaptation options are particularly useful as these compensate for the typical issues found in subpar listening environments, such as bass buildup in corners or flattening high frequencies caused by reflective surfaces. It means you can achieve professional audio monitoring even in a basic home studio.
When it comes to mixing a song, the A7V’s controls help to optimise the sound reproduction monitors and adapt them to my room. This really does streamline the mixing process to great extents and helps with easily identifying problematic frequencies within seconds.
Custom voicing
What I found most intriguing about the A7Vs is their three distinct voicing profiles that cater to different mixing and listening preferences.
The ‘Uniform Natural Response’ profile is the default setting, engineered to provide a flat, balanced sound that aims for accuracy and transparency, ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks. This setting ensures that audio is reproduced with minimal colouration, allowing sound engineers to make precise adjustments based on true sound.
For those looking for a slightly enhanced bass response, perhaps in electronic music production or when working in a room with acoustically dampened characteristics, the ‘Enhanced Bass’ profile offers a fuller low-end without muddying the midrange. This setting helps to bring out the depth and power in bass-heavy mixes.
Lastly, the ‘Enhanced Highs’ profile caters to users who need more sparkle in the upper frequencies, which can be particularly useful when mastering or when attempting to restore life to tracks recorded in less-than-ideal conditions.
Each profile allows the A7V to adapt swiftly to the needs of the project, providing all the tools you need to aid you in a broad range of audio work.
Who are the ADAM Audio A7V monitors suited to?
The ADAM Audio A7V monitors are perfectly suited to a broad range of audio professionals and enthusiasts who need precision and versatility in their sound reproduction. Ideal for producers, sound engineers, and musicians, these monitors deliver unparalleled audio fidelity with a clear, detailed sound across a wide frequency range.
This makes them exceptionally good for intricate mixing and mastering tasks where every detail counts. The A7V’s ability to adapt to different room acoustics and personal preferences, thanks to its advanced room adaptation features, also makes them a top choice for those working in varied environments.
The rich sound reproduction and exceptional sonic clarity make them highly versatile and suited to any mixing/mastering or critical listening application. Plus, along with their ability to adapt to different spaces, the choice of different voicing profiles makes them suitable for mixing everything from a classical piece to an electronic dance track.
ADAM Audio history
ADAM Audio were founded in Berlin in March 1999 and have become a renowned innovator in the professional audio industry. The company revolutionised audio technology with the introduction of the X-ART (eXtended Accelerating Ribbon Technology) tweeter, a modern adaptation of Oskar Heil’s Air Motion Transformer from the 1960s.
This design enables the tweeter to move air four times faster than the folds themselves are moving, providing an exceptionally clear and precise sound that quickly became the brand’s hallmark. Over the years, ADAM Audio have expanded their product line with several series of monitors that cater to a wide range of professional audio needs.
The flagship S Series, which is known for its precision and sonic accuracy, is the pinnacle of their innovation, while the T Series provides an accessible entry point without compromising on the quality ADAM Audio is famed for. The A Series continues this tradition, integrating cutting-edge technology with usability to meet the demands of both home studios and professional environments.
Renowned for their durability, exceptional sound quality, and the distinct clarity of their high-frequency sounds, ADAM Audio monitors have become a staple in many prestigious studios around the world. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, ADAM Audio have released a limited edition version of their A7V and A4V studio monitors, giving collectors and audio enthusiasts a new colourway to match their surroundings.
FAQs
Is the ADAM T7V worth it?
The ADAM T7V is worth it for both burgeoning and professional studio environments. It offers high-quality sound reproduction at an attractive price point, making it accessible to a wider audience. The T7V combines ADAM’s renowned precision with a robust build, making it a solid investment for anyone serious about sound.
What is the frequency response of the ADAM A7V?
The frequency response of the ADAM A7V ranges impressively from 39 Hz to 50 kHz. This wide range allows it to deliver detailed lows and crystal-clear highs, catering to a broad spectrum of audio applications. The extended high-frequency reach ensures that the monitors provide an accurate representation of the audio, which is crucial for mixing and mastering.
Where are ADAM studio monitors made?
ADAM studio monitors are meticulously crafted in Berlin. The brand pride themselves on their German engineering and are known for precision and quality. Each monitor is built with a commitment to sound excellence and durability, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by audio professionals worldwide.
Final thoughts
The 25th Anniversary of ADAM Audio is a huge milestone, and I hope this ADAM Audio A7V review has shone a light on why the brand are so revered and why these monitors are so popular! If you’ve learnt a bit more about studio monitoring and how to improve your setup, or if you have any other tips, let us know in the comments.
The A7V is one of the most versatile and musical-sounding monitors on the market. And with the release of the new A7V/A4V limited edition white versions, there’s even more reason to implement one into your studio!
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