According to the Berlin-based monitor brand that is now part of the British Focusrite Group of companies, the new D3V active monitors will be available later in November 2024, in black or white editions. Adam Audio designed these monitors to be as compact as possible, matching the 3.5” aluminum cone and ferrite magnet woofers with dual-sided passive radiators to achieve a bass response down to 45Hz. The signature AMT tweeter is incorporated in the form of a 1.5” D-ART, its smallest version ever, yet ensuring the smooth but detailed high-end that established the company.
The active monitoring system comes complete with DSP-powered room acoustics switches, desktop stands, and an underside microphone (3/8”) mounting interface. Overall these compact monitors respect Adam Audio’s industrial design heritage, complete with detachable and adjustable monitor stands, while innovating in the concept and features. The active system is driven by 240W total system amplification and is rated to achieve 92dB SPL maximum SPL per speaker at 1 meter, within acceptable distortion levels.
The D-ART tweeter is produced in the same way as the brand’s larger designs. The folded membrane offers more than four times the surface area vs. an equivalent sized dome tweeter and the motion of the pleats is what makes AMT tweeters so responsive and revealing. Instead of forcing the air (as per the pistonic movement of most speakers), AMTs create a vacuum when the pleats contract which naturally draws air into the folds. It is then “exhaled” when the membrane expands and the pleats open in the opposite direction, expelling the air rather than pushing it. Driven by independent 40W high frequency amplifiers (80W total), this creates the qualities of detail and insightful presentation that Adam Audio AMTs are known for.
All drivers were specifically developed for the D3V and are purpose-built for light weight and stiffness. Reinforced voice-coil joints, a unique cone profile, linear stroke and long-excursion design enable the woofers to push higher volumes while avoiding any break-up or audible distortion. A first for Adam Audio, the dual-sided passive radiators add low-end presence, responding to the changes in air pressure from the active woofers.
The backplate of the D3V’s active speaker features DSP-powered switches to address common acoustical issues arising from speaker placement. The simple system allows users to adjust and optimize the speaker output and achieve a more natural sounding response. The three-step solution accounts for placement in the room (Position), the size and setup of the workstation (Desk), as well as the degree of acoustic treatment and presence of sound isolation in the listening environment (Room).
The D3V keeps things streamlined by using an innovative single chip, four-channel amplifier technology. This two-stage system aggregates all the electronics in the main/active unit which powers all four active drivers across the system. This solution offers a simple setup, underlining the portable nature of the D3V. The main unit can be switched from left to right channel output allowing users to tailor their setup according to preference.
To provide at-a-glance feedback, the ADAM Audio logo features integrated, multi-color LED illumination. This enables the users to immediately check device status and gives feedback on the switching of various modes. In addition to this, users can see when the audio source is overdriven and causing the DSP to clip. This built-in safety feature protects the hardware and prevents distortion at high volumes. To round off the front panel, the D3V also includes a convenient integrated headphone output. The connector is linked with the control circuitry meaning the speakers will automatically mute when an inserted device is detected.
Because correct placement can have as much impact as choosing the right speakers, the detachable feet in the D3V are included as standard, providing an out of the box setup solution. Users will also find a 3/8” mic stand mounting point on the underside. The detachable monitor feet are angled at 15° toward the users’ ears. This enables a simple means of aligning the speakers from desk height with the listeners ears. In addition to this, EPDM acoustic isolation pads provide good mechanical isolation and reduce resonance transmission to the desk, while preventing the monitors from slipping on the desk.
A distinct advantage of the D3V is the USB-C port. This allows the system to behave as a digital audio output device (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and negates the need for an additional audio interface for playback. It also preserves the digital signal, allowing for superior audio reproduction. Balanced TRS inputs are also included for traditional analog audio applications, and enabling direct connection to instruments for live playback without a sound card, or connection to mixers and other studio gear as the final output device.
The Adam Audio D3V monitor system ($299.99 USD) will be available in Europe and the United States by mid-November 2024.
www.adam-audio.com
