ADAM AUDIO A77X Active Studio Monitor Speaker Instruction Manual

Operation Manual

AX Series

A3X / A5X / A7X / A8X / A77X

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.

CAUTION

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-serviceable 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.

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 ports.

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 speaker.

Never use the speaker in a humid environment.

1. Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for choosing an ADAM Audio monitor of the AX-series. ADAM loudspeakers are built for maximum quality reproduction and audio perfection. With the AX-series you have selected a precise, high-resolution speaker system that allows you to both evaluate and enjoy audio recordings. This monitor meets the highest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship.

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 suggest that you read these sections carefully to ensure easy set up and prevent potential problems.

Our AX near- and midfield monitors are perfectly suited for a wide variety of stereo and multi-channel professional applications including small control rooms, desktops, mobile facilities and post-production edit bays as well as connection to your favorite mp3-players and gaming consoles … in other words, in any situation where a combination of no-compromise sound reproduction and a small footprint is required.

Each loudspeaker of the AX range 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 along with a conventional bass/midrange driver. For each section there is individual amplification with continuous output provided.

If you have any questions about this or any other of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us – our support team will be happy to assist you in your matter.

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

2. Quick Start

2.1 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.

2.2 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) There are two options of connection:
Basic active speaker use. Connect your sound source or mixing console to the speakers. Use either the RCA (unbalanced) or the XLR (balanced) connectors.
You will find the connector wiring printed on the speaker’s rear panel (for further information, see 3.1).
Stereo Link. If you want to use the Stereo Link (controlling the overall volume by one control), please see 3.2 (A3X and A5X only).

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.

A77X only:

Operational readiness of the A77X tweeter
Please note that for technical reasons (i.e. starting up the amplifier, stabilization of the operating voltage) the tweeter of the A77X starts up slightly delayed.

3. Connecting the Speakers

3.1 Basic connections

For the basic speaker connection, please use mono XLR or RCA cables. In most professional applications XLR will be the best choice, while RCA is more common in HiFi applications. Each one of the two loudspeakers has to be connected to one channel of the sound source.

Speaker 1                                         Speaker 2

3.2 The stereo Link (A3X and A5X only)

If you wish to use the Stereo Link that allows adjustment of the volume of both loudspeakers with a single master control, please proceed as follows:

a) First, connect Speaker 1 (that is supposed to control the overall volume) to your preamplifier, sound source, etc. by using one stereo or two mono RCA leads. Please note that the Stereo Link does not work with XLR.
When connecting your speakers via RCA please make sure the white (or black) RCA plug which leads the left stereo channel is connected to the “Unbalanced In” 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 In” 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 In” of Speaker 2 by using the provided (or another) mono RCA cable.

Please note:

On the front side of the unit functioning as master, a corresponding green LED will illuminate as soon as a mono RCA plug is connected to the Stereo Link output.

Unlike the common ‘master-slave-configuration’, any A3X or A5X 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.

4. Speaker Placement

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.

4.1 Vertical set up

The AX-series have been designed for a vertical set up (except the A77X). The speakers must be positioned on a solid surface or a stand. Please note that vibrating parts of nearby objects can mask the sound.

4.2 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.

   like this:

 or like that:

4.3 The A77X in a stereo set up

The A77X has been designed for a horizontal set up. Please note that for a stereo setup consisting of two A77X monitors there are two different versions available, A and B (see label on the rear panel). The reason for the A and B versions is that although both 7″ woofers are operating in the bass domain down to 38Hz, one woofer is gradually faded out between 150Hz and 400Hz. This means that only one woofer reproduces the actual midrange in order to prevent interferences between the two drivers. For the best stereo image in a setup with two A77X it is vital to place both speakers the NB or the B/A way, meaning that both midrange woofers should either face the inner side or both the outer side of the stereo setup mirror symmetrically. Should you wish to use the A77X as a center speaker in a surround setup of course the A and B versioning is of no importance.

4.4 Tweeter at the height of ears

The Tweeter should be positioned approximately at the height of your ears. In case you need to position the speaker in a significant lower or higher position, the monitor should be angled accordingly.

4.5 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 to be placed at the other two points of this triangle. The loudspeakers should be aligned with the listener’s position.

4.6 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.

A3X / A5X only:

4.7 Stand / Wall Mounting

On the A3X and the A5X speakers you will find two M6 (6 mm) metric screw threads for stand/wall mounting on the rear side. Further equipment for mounting is also available. Please contact us for more information.

5. Speaker Adjustment

5.1 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.

5.2 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.).

A5X / A7X / A77X / A8X only

5.3 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 (300Hz and 5kHz respectively in this case) the frequencies are gradually being changed (see fig.).

6. Troublesh000ting

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:

6.1 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.

6.2 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 is probably the cause of the problem.

7. Maintenance

Please switch the loudspeaker off before cleaning!

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

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.

8. Shipping / Packaging

In case you have to send your speakers to any other location, it is very important 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.

9. Environment 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.

10. EU Declaration of Conformity

We,

ADAM Audio GmbH

Whose registered office is situated at

Rudower Chaussee 50, 12489 Berlin, Germany

Declare under our sole responsibility that the products:

A3X, A5X, A7X, A8X, A77X

Comply with the EU Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC, in pursuance of which the following standards have been applied:

EN 61000-6-1 : 2001
EN 61000-6-3 : 2001
EN 55020 : 2002
EN 55013 : 2001

And comply with the EU General Product Safety 2001/95/EC, in pursuance of which the following standard has been applied:

EN 60065 : 2002

This declaration attests that the manufacturing process quality control and product documentation accord with the need to assure continued compliance.

Christian Hettinger
Managing Director ADAM Audio GmbH

11. Warranty

ADAM Audio GmbH provides a two year Limited warranty for this product.

11.1 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.

11.2 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.

12. Technical Data

1 = long term IEC265-8-Wrms / 10min
2 = nominal IEC265-8 = Peak Power 5 μsec

|

A3X

| A5X| A7X| A77X|

A8X

---|---|---|---|---|---
Tweeter|

X-ART

| X-ART| X-ART| X-ART|

X-ART

Velocity transform ratio|

4:1

| 4:1| 4:1| 4:1|

4:1

Equivalent diaphragm ø|

56 mm / 2″

| 56 mm / 2″| 56 mm / 2″| 56 mm / 2″|

56 mm / 2″

Woofer|

120 mm / 4.5″

| 145 mm / 5.5″| 175 mm / 7″| 175 mm / 7″ (2x)|

220 mm / 8.5″

Woofer material|

Carbon fiber

| Carbon/Rohacell/ Glass fiber| Carbon/Rohacell/ Glass fiber| Carbon/Rohacell/ Glass fiber|

Carbon/Rohacell/ Glass fiber

Build-in amplifiers|

2; Type A/B

| 2; PWM(Woofer) A/B(Tweeter)| 2; PWM(Woofer) A/B(Tweeter)| 3; 2*PWM(Woofer) A/B(Tweeter)|

2; PWM(Woofer) A/B(Tweeter)

Woofer channel 1/2|

25W/40W

| 50W/ 75W| 100W / 150 W| 2*100W/ 150 W|

150 W/225 W

Tweeter channel 1/2|

25W/40W

| 50 W/ 75W| 50 W/ 75W| 50W/ 75W|

50W/ 75W

Input Sensitivity|

-∞ to +14 dB

| -∞ to +14 dB| -∞ to +14 dB| -∞ to +14 dB|

-∞ to +14 dB

Tweeter gain|

±4 dB

| ±4 dB| ±4 dB| ±4 dB|

±4 dB

High shelf EQ > 5 kHz|

no room EQ

| ± 6 dB| ± 6 dB| ± 6 dB|

± 6 dB

Low shelf EQ < 300 Hz|

no room EQ

| ± 6 dB| ± 6 dB| ± 6 dB|

± 6 dB

Frequency response|

60 Hz – 50 kHz

| 50 Hz – 50 kHz| 42 Hz – 50 kHz| 38 Hz – 50 kHz|

38 Hz – 50 kHz

THD 90dB/1m >100 Hz|

≤ 0.8%

| ≤ 0.6%| ≤ 0.5%| ≤ 0.5%|

≤ 0.5%

SPL with sine wave 100 Hz to 3 kHz in 1m|

≥ 98 dB

| ≥ 102 dB| ≥ 106 dB| ≥ 114 dB|

≥ 112 dB

Max. peak acoustic output in 1m per pair|

≥ 106 dB

| ≥ 110 dB| ≥ 114 dB| ≥ 122 dB|

≥ 120 dB

Crossover frequency|

2800 Hz

| 2500 Hz| 2500 Hz| 400/3000 Hz|

2300 Hz

Input|

XLR / RCA

| XLR / RCA| XLR / RCA| XLR / RCA|

XLR / RCA

Input impedance|

10 kΩ

| 30 kΩ| 30 kΩ| 30 kΩ|

30 kΩ

Weight|

4.6 kg / 10.1 lb.

| 6.6 kg / 14.6 lb.| 9.2 kg / 20.3 lb.| 12.8 kg / 28.2 lb.|

13 kg / 28.7 lb.

Magnetically shielded|

no

| no| no| no|

no

Height x Width x Depth|

252x150x185 mm
10″ x 6″ x7.5″

| 280x170x220 mm
11″ x 6.5″ x 8.5″| 337x201x280 mm
13.5″ x 8″ x 11″| 235x530x280 mm
9.3″ x 20.9″ x 11″|

400x255x320 mm
15.5″ x 10″ x 12.5″

Operation temperature|

0° C to 40° C
(32° F to 104° F)

| 0° C to 40° C
(32° F to 104° F)| 0° C to 40° C
(32° F to 104° F)| 0° C to 40° C
(32° F to 104° F)|

0° C to 40° C
(32° F to 104° F)

Storage temperature|

-30° C to 70° C
(-22° F to 167° F)

| -30° C to 70° C
(-22° F to 167° F)| -30° C to 70° C
(-22° F to 167° F)| -30° C to 70° C
(-22° F to 167° F)|

-30° C to 70° C
(-22° F to 167° F)

Humidity|

Max.90 % not condensing

| Max.90 % not condensing| Max.90 % not condensing| Max.90 % not condensing|

Max.90 % not condensing

ADAM AUDIO GMBH
BERLIN, GERMANY

T +49 30-863 00 97-0
F +49 30-863 00 97-7

INFO@ADAM-AUDIO.COM

ADAM AUDIO UK
EMAIL: UK-INFO@ADAM-AUDIO.COM

ADAM AUDIO USA INC.
EMAIL: USA-INFO@ADAM-AUDIO.COM

www.adam-audio.com

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AX Series Manual

All data subject to change without prior notice.

V3/18

References

• Manual-Hub.com - Free PDF manuals!
• ADAM Audio - High Precision Studio Monitors from Berlin, Germany
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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