The S6X and S7A Mk2 main monitors are designed for large control rooms and film studios. They use a symmetrical concept to increase the realistic reproduction of ADAM monitors to higher sound pressure levels. ADAM has avoided the typical overloading of the bass range that can often be found in main monitors. A wide horizontal radiation characteristic and moderate vertical beaming are crucial factors to minimize the impact of ceiling and floor reflections and achieve neutral sound reproduction at high volumes.

Extended D'Appolito design

A total of seven individual speakers were arrayed so that gradual transitions could be made possible given the size of the cabinet. In addition, we chose a horizontal symmetry that can be described as an extended D’Appolito configuration. This kind of design combined with suitable transition frequencies and filter slopes results in radiation patterns that lead to very consistent reproduction characteristics in the horizontal center position. At the same time, vertical dispersion is reduced so that reflections from the ceiling, floor or mixing console are greatly reduced. Thus, so called ‘early reflections’ have less chance to interfere, which leads to significantly better stereo imaging and a more three-dimensional sound.

Impulse Coupling

Further progress in development was achieved by the use of Alucore® panels, an extra firm component material with an aluminum honeycomb core. All drivers of the S6X and S7A Mk2 are mounted on such panels, which considerably improves mechanical coupling between the drivers and the cabinet.

The S6X: accuracy and power

A number of innovative approaches in conjunction with uncompromising effort in all sonically relevant areas make the S6X one of the largest and most sophisticated active monitors currently available. The horizontal symmetry design is conscious of harmonic and generous diaphragm area proportions to achieve not only a flat frequency response, but also a consistent dynamic behavior within the entire frequency range. Complex orchestral structures can be easily analyzed and spatially arranged on the S6X. Extensive control options on the front panel allow for adjusting to different acoustic situations or personal taste.

Amplification

The built-in amplifiers are coupled to the respective drivers as directly as possible so that remote amplifier units do not compromise the advantages of active technology. One 500 Watt amplifier is assigned to each of the 12" woofers, while 250 Watt units are used the other bands of the frequency range. This main monitor combines very high accuracy exceptional power: SPL peaks far beyond 130 dB are produced without any compression or harshness. The S6X is an excellent choice for large control rooms and film or sound studios.

Control panel

In addition to the input sensitivity that can be adapted in the range of ±10 dB, there are four other level controls that affect the individual amplifier modules. Shelving filters at both ends of the frequency spectrum and three fully parametric equalizers help compensate for standing waves in the control room. The EQs can be inserted separately or grouped so their effect can be directly evaluated.

In large film score mixing rooms, there may be a need to simulate theater sound. Based on the ISO 2969 standard, the Dolby® X-Curve is used to achieve this. This filter engages a 3 dB per octave roll-off starting at 2 kHz. Below the front input jack is a selector switch that activates this filter, eliminating the need for external processing during the film mix. In addition to the rear input there is an additional switchable XLR input on the front panel, allowing work with the monitor regardless of set-up.