ADAM ARTIST 5 Active Multimedia Speaker Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: ADAM

ADAM ARTIST 5 Active Multimedia Speaker

ADAM ARTIST 5 Active Multimedia Speaker

Safety Instructions

Please read the following safety instructions before setting up your system.
Keep the instructions for subsequent reference. Please heed the warnings and follow the instructions.

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CAUTION

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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE BACK COVER OR ANY OTHER PART.
NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the loudspeaker. There are no user-servicable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

This product, as well as all attached extension cords, must be terminated with an earth ground three-conductor AC mains power cord like the one supplied with the product. To prevent shock hazard, all three components must always be used.

Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. Never bypass any fuse.

Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use. If this is not the case do not connect the loudspeakers to a power source! Please contact your local dealer or national distributor.

Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.

To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the power supply from the AC receptacle. The monitor should be installed near the socket outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily accessible .

Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.

Always unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

Always keep electric equipment out of the reach of children.

Safety Instructions

Do not expose this product to rain or moisture, never wet the inside with any liquid and never pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit. Please do not put any objects filled with liquids (e.g. vases, etc.) onto the speaker.

Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand or tripod, bracket or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury and/or serious damage. When cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination.

Always use fully checked cables. Defective cables can harm your speakers. They are a common source for any kind of noise, hum, crackling etc.

Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

Avoid touching the speaker membranes and do not block the woofer’s ventilation.

Never expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures. Never operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

High SPL’s may damage your hearing! Please do not get close to the loudspeakers when using them at high volumes.

Please note that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Please keep magnetically sensitive items at least 0.5 m away from the speaker.

Assure free airflow behind the speaker to maintain sufficient cooling by keeping a distance of at least 10 centimeters (4″) to the wall.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the.

Never use the speaker in a humid environment.

Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for choosing an ADAM Audio multimedia loudspeaker of the ARTist series.

ADAM loudspeakers are built for maximum quality reproduction and audio perfection. The ARTist series is a precise, high-resolution speaker system which meets highest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship.

Your ARTist 3/ARTist 5 loudspeaker consists of a two-way ported active system that uses ADAM’s proprietary X-ART folded ribbon tweeter ensuring full compatibility with the latest expanded high frequency resolution media formats, and a bass/midrange driver below the crossover frequency of 2.5 / 2.8 kHz. Each section uses an individual amp with continuous output of up to 50 Watts (RMS).

Due to its small dimensions and numerous connections, the ARTist series is perfectly suited for a wide variety of stereo and multi-channel applications including hi-fi systems, computers, mp3-players, gaming consoles … in other words, in any situation where a combination of no-compromise sound reproduction, a small footprint, and easy handling is required.

This manual is intended to provide you with information about your new ADAMs. It contains important information regarding safety, setting up, handling, and warranty. We request that you read these sections carefully to ensure easy set up and prevent potential problems.

If you have any questions about this or any other of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us -we will be happy to assist you.

For detailed information concerning ADAM’s technologies and products, complete reviews, and a list of worldwide ADAM users and studios, please visit our website: www.adam-audio.com

If you have any questions about this or any other of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us -we will be happy to assist you.

For detailed information concerning ADAM’s technologies and products, complete reviews, and a list of worldwide ADAM users and studios, please visit our website: www.adam-audio.com

You are invited to share your experience with our products by joining us on Facebook and also, if you don’t want to miss out on the latest info on ADAM Professional Audio, come and follow us on Twitter!

We hope very much that you really enjoy your new loudspeakers, and wish you many delightful hours with them.

The ADAM Audio Team

Quick Start

Important Information for set up

After having unpacked your loudspeaker, please allow the system to acclimate to the temperature of the room for approximately an hour.

It is important to ensure the speakers sit firmly on a solid surface!

We recommend that you retain the original packaging, as it is the best way to guarantee safe transportation should the need to do so arise.

Please note that the loudspeakers will take some break-in time to achieve optimum sonic performance.

Quick Start

a) Before connecting the loudspeakers to your audio components and the power source make sure that both the loudspeakers and your audio source are switched off and set the level controls fully counterclockwise.
b) Choose your preferred connection as described under 3.
c) Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use. If this is not the case do not connect the loudspeakers to a power source! Please contact your local dealer or national distributor. If the voltages match, use the included power cables to connect the loudspeaker to the AC sockets.
d) Switch on the main on/off switches on the front panel of the loudspeakers.
e) Make sure that the line out level (volume) of your stereo is either at a low level or all the way off. Then, switch on your audio system.
f) Turn on your source of music and adjust the volume carefully.

Connecting the Speakers

The Stereo Link

The Stereo Link makes it possible to adjust the overall volume of both speakers with a single master control. You will need to use the Stereo Link when you connect your speakers either via 3.5 jack or via USB. You can opt for the Stereo Link when you use the RCA inputs. The Stereo Link does not work with XLR.

If you decide to use the Stereo Link, please proceed as follows:

a) First, connect Speaker 1 (that is supposed to control the overall volume) to your preamplifier, sound source, etc. If you are using the USB connection or the mini jack on the front panel please note that a speaker connected via USB or with a lead connected to the mini jack will automatically carry the left stereo channel, so it needs to be the speaker on the left side within your set up.
If you are connecting your speakers via RCA and want to use the Stereo Link please make sure the white (or black) RCA plug which leads the left stereo channel is connected to the “Unbalanced Speaker Input” and the red RCA plug (that leads the right stereo channel) is connected to the “Stereo Link Input” of the left speaker, if this is the master speaker you want to control the overall volume with.
If the right speaker shall be the master please connect the red RCA plug (the right stereo channel) to the “Unbalanced Speaker Input” and the white (or black) RCA plug for the left stereo channel to the “Stereo Link Input” of the right speaker.
b) Secondly, connect the “Stereo Link Output” of Speaker 1 to the “Unbalanced Speaker Input” of Speaker 2 by using the provided (or another) mono RCA cable.

Please note:

Unlike the common ‘master-slave-configuration’, any ARTist 3/5 that is connected accordingly can function as either a master or a slave unit.
For an equal volume level of both speakers please make sure that the volume knob of speaker 2 is snapped in the middle position.

| On the front side of the unit functioning as master, a corresponding white LED will illuminate as soon as a mono RCA plug is connected to the Stereo Link output.
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The speaker will go in stand-by mode when they don’t receive a signal for about 15 minutes. In this case, the “on” LED will turn red. While operation, the LED glows green.

Connecting the Speakers

USB

You can choose the USB input on the rear side of the speaker. Please note that this speaker will automatically carry the left channel, so it needs to be the speaker on the left side within your set up. This speaker then must be connected to the right speaker via Stereo Link as described under 3.1. The computer automatically detects your ADAM speakers that are connected via USB, you only have to select the “USB Audio AC” in your system’s audio preferences.

Please note that if you decide to connect your speakers via USB it will not be possible ~ to integrate a subwoofer that way. If you want to use a subwoofer in your setup, connect the sub to your audio source first and then connect the ARTist speakers via the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs.

3.5mm jack

On the front of the speaker (in between the power switch and the volume control) there is a 3.5mm mini jack. If you would like to use this input, please note that the speaker will a lead connected to the mini jack will automatically carry the left stereo channel, so it needs to be the speaker on the left side within your set up. This speaker then must be connected to the right speaker via Stereo Link as described under 3.1.

XLR

If you choose to use the balanced XLR connection, please use two mono XLR cables. Each one of the two loudspeakers has to be connected to one channel of the sound source.

RCA

a) If you want to use the unbalanced RCA connection without the Stereo Link (see 3.1 ), please use two mono RCA cables. Each one of the two loudspeakers has to be connected to one channel of the sound source.
b) If you want to use the unbalanced RCA connection and the Stereo Link (see 3.1 ), please use one mono RCA cable to connect the sound source to the speaker that you wish to be in control of the overall volume. Proceed as described under 3.1.

Speaker Placement

General recommendations

If you use the monitors on a desktop, they usually will need to be angled. Desktop stands for the ARTist 3/5 are available from ADAM Audio.
Please note that vibrating parts of nearby objects can mask the sound.
Please make sure that there are no obstacles in the way from the monitor to your ears. You should be able to see the speakers completely.
The bass reflex tubes are located on the back of the speaker. Please do not place the speakers directly in front of a wall.

Vertical set up

The ARTist 3/5 have been designed for a vertical setup. The speakers must be positioned on a solid surface or a stand.

Horizontal set up

If you choose to use your speakers in horizontal position as indicated below, please make sure that the set up is mirrored / symmetrical, i.e. that the tweeters both face either the outwards or inwards. This is crucial for a precise stereo signal.

Horizontal set up

Stand / Wall Mounting (ARTist 3 only)

On the rear side of the ARTist 3 speaker you will find two M6 (6mm) metric strew threads for stand I wall mounting. Further equipment for mounting is also available. Please contact ADAM Audio or your local dealer/ distributor for further information.

Speaker Placement

Tweeter at the height of ears

The Tweeter should be positioned approximately at the height of your ears. If the speaker does not point right in your direction, you might lose sound information.

In case you need to position the speaker in a significant lower or higher position, the monitor should be angled accordingly.

The Stereo Triangle

If the loudspeaker is going to be used for stereo applications, the optimum listening position should be at the top of an imaginary equilateral triangle with the two loudspeakers should be placed at the other two points of this triangle.
The loudspeakers should be aligned with the listener’s position.

Surround Placement

Speaker positioning for multi-channel stereo purposes is ideally based on a circle with speakers placed at 0° (Center), 30° (Front Right), 110° (Rear Right), 250° (Rear Left), 330° (Front Left), with the listener being the circle’s center (Radius between 0.7-2.0 m). This ITU recommended configuration may vary depending on the purpose of the control room (music or film). However, it is recommended to create a symmetrical listening position with the front side and surround speaker pointing to the listener’s ear.
The distance to the surrounding walls should be at least 40 cm to avoid early reflections, which can degrade the sound.

Surround Placement

Speaker Adjustment

Controls

On the rear side you will find controls that allow detailed fine-tuning of your loudspeakers to your particular room acoustics and personal listening preferences.
The following tips are intended to assist you at using the controls in the best manner

Please note that using the controls may have a great impact on the overall sound characteristics of your loudspeakers. We recommend using the controls with utmost care and only after several audio tests with familiar recordings.

Tweeter Level

The ‘Tweeter Level’ works within the frequency range of the tweeter raising or lowering up to ±4dB. It alters this frequency range as a whole (see fig.).

ARTist 5 only:

High/ Low Shelf EQ (Room EQs)

The other two controls operate in a different manner. The ‘High Shelf’ and the ‘Low Shelf are shelving filters, which progressively raise or lower up to ±6 dB.

That means the shelving filters do not alter a whole frequency band but alter in this band: from a certain point (5kHz respectively 300Hz in this case) the frequencies are gradually being changed (see fig.).

Troubleshooting

All ADAM products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. However, if any problems with your speaker occur, we recommend to proceed as follows:

Problem: The LED shows normal operation (green) but there is either no or only a distorted audio signal.

If both (all) speakers are affected, the reason can probably be found within the signal path. If only one speaker is affected, the problem will probably be within this speaker.

a) Check the wiring.
Is the cable defective? Are all cables connected correctly?
b) Check the signal path.
Interchange the cables of both loudspeakers. Does the problem change with one of the cables?

Connect the monitor as directly to the signal source as possible (please mind the volume!). Is another part of the signal path (e.g. mixer, subwoofer) defective?

If the answer to all these questions is ‘no’, the problem is being caused by the loudspeaker with the utmost probability.
If the answer to at least one of these questions is ‘yes’, there will probably be another defective device within the signal path.

Problem: You hear parasitic noises (like humming, buzzing, soughing, cracking).

Please disconnect the signal cables.

If the noises disappear, check the signal path.
If the noises can still be heard, check for other electrical devices close to the speakers (mobile phones, switching power supplies, etc.). If there is no interfering device the speaker will probably cause the problem.

Maintenance

Please switch the loudspeaker off before cleaning!
Please note that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Do not ply with magnetic item at close range to the diaphragms.
Please make sure that no liquids get inside the cabinet. Do not spray any fluids on the speaker. Do not use a wet cloth for cleaning.
Do not use flammable or acidic chemicals for cleaning.
Do not touch the membranes of the loudspeakers.
We recommend using a lint-free, damp cloth for cleaning.
The loudspeaker membranes may be dusted using a very soft brush.

Shipping / Packaging

In case you have to send your speakers to any other location, it is of vital importance that you use the original packaging materials. Experience has shown that it is very difficult to avoid damage if you have to send them without these. ADAM Audio can not be held responsible for damages due to improper packaging.

If a transport is necessary and the original shipping carton is not available, a new one can be purchased from ADAM Audio.

Environmental Information

All ADAM products comply with the EU Directives, the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

For disposal, please consult your local authorities for further information.

Limited Warranty

ADAM Audio GmbH provides a five year limited warranty for this product.

Terms and Conditions

This warranty is limited to the repair of the equipment or, if necessary, the replacement of parts or the product and return shipping within the country of purchase.

This warranty complements any national/regional law obligations of dealers or national distributors and does not affect your statutory rights as a customer.

Neither other transportation, nor any other costs, nor any risk for removal, transportation and installation of products is covered by this warranty.

Products whose serial number have been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible are excluded from this warranty.

The warranty will not be applicable in cases other than defects in materials and/or workmanship at the time of purchase and will not be applicable:

a) for damages caused by incorrect installation, connection or packing,
b) for damages caused by any use other than correct use described in the user manual,
c) for damages caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment,
d) if repairs or modifications have been executed by an unauthorized person,
e) for damage caused by accidents, lightning, water, fire heat, public disturbances or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of ADAM Audio.

How to claim repairs under warranty

Should service be required, please contact the ADAM Audio dealer where the product has been purchased.

If the equipment is being used outside the country of purchase, the international shipping costs have to be paid by the owner of the product.
Service may be supplied by your ADAM Audio national distributor in the country of residence. In this case, the service costs have to be paid by the owner of the product whereas the costs for parts to be repaired or replaced are free of charge.

Please visit our website to get the contact details of your local distributor.

To validate your warranty, you will need a copy of your original sales invoice with the date of purchase.

Technical Data

=longterm IEC265-8-Wrms / 10min
= nominal IEC265-8 = Peak Power 5 µsec
= pay attention to the selected voltage on the rearside of the speaker

Tweeter	X-ART	X-ART
Velocity Transfer Ratio	4:1	4:1
Equivalent diaphragm 0	56 mm 1 2″	56 mm 1 2″
Woofer	120 mm 1 4.5″	145 mm 1 5.5″
Woofer Material	Carbon Fiber	Carbon I Rohacell I Glass Fiber
Built-in Amplifiers		2
Nominal voltage	100 -120 V- , 50/60 Hz 3