The ADAM S4A are the first to incorporate the A.R.T. Midrange unit. The capability of a loudspeaker to simultaneously create spatial information and good positioning has been the subject of much discussion. Perhaps it is this constant phase behaviour of the A.R.T. transducers that cannot be found in voice coil based systems that can accounts for ADAM monitors great ability in this area. The ADAM S4A is more than adequate for use in even bigger control rooms with great sound. The ADAM S4A is especially suited for broadcast monitoring.
ADAM S4A's specifications
3-way active bass reflex speaker
Woofer : 228mm (8?) HexaCone®
A.R.T. tweeter (See A.R.T. Technology below)
A.R.T. midrange (See A.R.T. Technology below)
Freq.response (± 3dB) : 28Hz - 35kHz
Front panel : Input/HF gain, Hi/Lo EQ adjustment, standby
Power : 240W (sin), 400W (RMS)
Inputs : Balanced XLR
W x H x D : 680mm x 360mm x 450mm, (26.6? x 14.2? x 17.7?)
Weight : 32kg (70.5 lbs)
Accelerated Ribbon Technology
The A.R.T. (=Accelerated Ribbon Technology) tweeters and midrange units take a completely new approach in kinematics to move air and improve the quality of music reproduction. Based on the original works of Dr. Oskar Heil, who invented his "Air Motion Transformer" back in 1972, new electroacoustic transducers have been developed that are based on improved layouts and new materials. The membrane consists of a lamella like folded diaphragm whose single folds move according to the alternate current, thus squeezing air in and out. All other loudspeaker drive units, whether they are voice coil driven, electrostatics, piezos or magnetostatics, act like a piston, moving air in a 1:1 ratio. This is undesirable, as the specific weight of air is much lower than that of the driving mechanics. Speaking in terms of electrical Engineering one could say there is a bad match between source and load. The A.R.T. principle achieves a 4:1 velocity transformation between driving diaphragm and driven air, i. e. the air moves in and out four times faster than the folds itself are moving. This superior "motor" is responsible for the enormous clarity and transient reproduction that is to be heard from the A.R.T. drive units.
Studio Economik New 500 series preamp from Geoffrey Daking featuring vintage Trident A Range tone, Jensen input transformer and Class A circuitry. The variable high pass filter is indispensable for tracking sessions!
