What is the primary application for the ADAM S5H?

The S5H is designed as a flagship reference main monitor for large-scale professional control rooms. Its high output and wide dispersion make it suitable for rigorous mixing and mastering tasks.

Why does the S5H use two 10-inch drivers instead of one larger one?

The dual 10-inch ELE bass drivers allow for efficient low-frequency reproduction with high accuracy. This configuration helps in managing heat and maintaining a slimmer horizontal profile while providing the surface area needed for deep bass.

What is the benefit of the horizontal orientation?

The horizontal design is specifically tailored for placement on meter bridges or dedicated stands in large control rooms. It allows the drivers to be positioned optimally relative to the listener's ear height in these environments.

What are the MPS and HPS waveguides?

These are Midrange and High-frequency Power Systems designed to control sound dispersion. They ensure the off-axis response is precise, which widens the sweet spot and reduces unwanted reflections from studio surfaces.

How does the S5H handle distortion?

It uses a symmetrical magnet assembly in the bass drivers to ensure linear travel. This technology is designed to eradicate distortion and maintain clarity even during high-resolution audio reproduction.

Is the ADAM S5H an active or passive monitor?

The ADAM S5H is an active studio monitor. This means it contains its own internal power amplifiers specifically tuned to the drivers, eliminating the need for external amplification.

How does the S5H compare to the Neumann KH310A?

While both are three-way monitors, the S5H is a larger flagship main monitor with dual 10-inch drivers. The KH310A is a more compact nearfield/midfield monitor suited for smaller rooms or shorter listening distances.

Can the S5H be used in a home studio?

While technically possible, the S5H is designed for large control rooms. In smaller home studios, its size and power might be excessive, and smaller monitors like the Focal Shape 65 or Yamaha HS5 may be more appropriate.

What does 'ELE' stand for in the bass drivers?

ELE stands for 'Extended Linear Excursion.' These drivers are engineered to move significant amounts of air accurately over a long range of travel without losing control or introducing harmonic distortion.

What is the typical price for a single S5H unit?

In the UK market, the ADAM S5H typically retails for approximately £8,890. Prices can vary based on the retailer and specific shipping requirements.

How does the sweet spot of the S5H compare to other monitors?

Due to the HPS and MPS waveguides, the S5H offers a wider-than-average sweet spot. This is intended to provide a consistent soundstage for multiple listeners in a large room, unlike the narrower sweet spot of many nearfield monitors.

Is the ADAM S5H suitable for mastering?

Yes, as ADAM's flagship reference monitor, it is designed specifically for high-resolution accuracy. Its flat frequency response and low distortion make it an ideal choice for the critical listening required in mastering.

Gear article

ADAM Audio S5H Studio Monitor

The ADAM Audio S5H is a high-performance, three-way active studio monitor designed for horizontal use in large-scale professional control rooms. As the flagship model in ADAM Audio’s reference range, it features dual 10-inch Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers and advanced waveguide technology for precise audio reproduction at high resolutions.

See live prices

Overview

The ADAM Audio S5H serves as the flagship reference monitor in the brand's S Series. It is purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of global top-tier control rooms, where high dynamic range and absolute accuracy are non-negotiable. Designed for horizontal mounting, the S5H integrates several proprietary ADAM technologies to handle high sound pressure levels while maintaining the clarity required for critical mixing and mastering applications.

Design and Waveguide Technology

A primary feature of the S5H is its implementation of both Midrange Power System (MPS) and High-frequency Power System (HPS) waveguides. These systems are engineered to ensure that off-axis response remains precise across the frequency spectrum. By stabilising dispersion, the S5H creates a wide-ranged 'sweet spot,' allowing multiple engineers or producers to hear a consistent representation of the audio simultaneously in larger studio environments.

Driver Architecture

The monitor utilises a three-way design powered by dual 10-inch Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers. These drivers employ ADAM Audio’s symmetrical magnet assembly, a design intended to expertly control low-frequency audio and eliminate distortion. This configuration ensures that even at high volumes, the low-end remains articulate and free from the tonal blurring often associated with smaller or less efficient driver assemblies.

Sound Character and Performance

The S5H is characterised by an outstanding dynamic range and high-resolution reproduction. It is designed to be transparent, providing an uncoloured window into the audio signal. The combination of the dual 10-inch drivers and the specialised waveguides results in a stable stereo image and a frequency response that remains linear even when the system is pushed to high output levels.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned as a flagship main monitor, the S5H competes with other high-end professional solutions. While smaller monitors like the Genelec 8050B, 8341AMM, or Neumann KH 120-II are intended for nearfield or mid-field use, the S5H is intended for large-room main monitoring. Other comparable high-fidelity options include the Neumann KH310A for three-way accuracy in a smaller footprint, or the Focal Shape 65 for smaller project spaces. In contrast to entry-level monitors like the Yamaha HS5 or Behringer 1C-BK, the S5H is a specialist tool for professional mastering and mixing environments.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary application for the ADAM S5H?: The S5H is designed as a flagship reference main monitor for large-scale professional control rooms. Its high output and wide dispersion make it suitable for rigorous mixing and mastering tasks.
Why does the S5H use two 10-inch drivers instead of one larger one?: The dual 10-inch ELE bass drivers allow for efficient low-frequency reproduction with high accuracy. This configuration helps in managing heat and maintaining a slimmer horizontal profile while providing the surface area needed for deep bass.
What is the benefit of the horizontal orientation?: The horizontal design is specifically tailored for placement on meter bridges or dedicated stands in large control rooms. It allows the drivers to be positioned optimally relative to the listener's ear height in these environments.
What are the MPS and HPS waveguides?: These are Midrange and High-frequency Power Systems designed to control sound dispersion. They ensure the off-axis response is precise, which widens the sweet spot and reduces unwanted reflections from studio surfaces.
How does the S5H handle distortion?: It uses a symmetrical magnet assembly in the bass drivers to ensure linear travel. This technology is designed to eradicate distortion and maintain clarity even during high-resolution audio reproduction.
Is the ADAM S5H an active or passive monitor?: The ADAM S5H is an active studio monitor. This means it contains its own internal power amplifiers specifically tuned to the drivers, eliminating the need for external amplification.
How does the S5H compare to the Neumann KH310A?: While both are three-way monitors, the S5H is a larger flagship main monitor with dual 10-inch drivers. The KH310A is a more compact nearfield/midfield monitor suited for smaller rooms or shorter listening distances.
Can the S5H be used in a home studio?: While technically possible, the S5H is designed for large control rooms. In smaller home studios, its size and power might be excessive, and smaller monitors like the Focal Shape 65 or Yamaha HS5 may be more appropriate.
What does 'ELE' stand for in the bass drivers?: ELE stands for 'Extended Linear Excursion.' These drivers are engineered to move significant amounts of air accurately over a long range of travel without losing control or introducing harmonic distortion.
What is the typical price for a single S5H unit?: In the UK market, the ADAM S5H typically retails for approximately £8,890. Prices can vary based on the retailer and specific shipping requirements.
How does the sweet spot of the S5H compare to other monitors?: Due to the HPS and MPS waveguides, the S5H offers a wider-than-average sweet spot. This is intended to provide a consistent soundstage for multiple listeners in a large room, unlike the narrower sweet spot of many nearfield monitors.
Is the ADAM S5H suitable for mastering?: Yes, as ADAM's flagship reference monitor, it is designed specifically for high-resolution accuracy. Its flat frequency response and low distortion make it an ideal choice for the critical listening required in mastering.