About: Adam Audio A8HB 3-Way Near / Midfield Studio Monitor with an 8" Woofer

The pinnacle of the A Series, the A8H is a three-way speaker that delivers the extremely accurate and analytical sound required for critical-listening environments. The A8H incorporates an 8-inch resonant Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fibre woofer, innovative midrange driver, and handmade precision X-ART tweeter, which together produce an ultra-wide frequency response. Like the other members of the A Series family, the A8H gives you tremendous flexibility for fine-tuning the sound through rotatable HPS waveguide technology and onboard DSP. At home across a full range of audio applications in mid- to full-sized spaces, the A8H is the right choice when you’re looking for the most detailed representation of your audio.

Rotatable HPS Waveguide & X-ART Tweeter 

ADAM Audio HPS (high-frequency propagation system) waveguide technology enables tweeters to disperse sound with controlled consistency, broad in the horizontal axis but tightly focused in the vertical plane. The A Series introduces a rotatable HPS waveguide design. You can shift A Series tweeters in 90-degree steps to continue to benefit from HPS waveguide technology whether you position the speakers horizontally or vertically.  

The A Series HPS Waveguide is made from a new glass fibre polymer compound that helps create a clear sound, free of unwanted resonance. The ADAM Audio X-ART tweeter is at the heart of the rotatable HPS waveguide. Handmade in Germany, the X-ART tweeter provides a precise transient response and reproduces the finest sonic details. This X-ART tweeter is used in every A Series speaker, providing a detailed, consistent sound across the product line. 

Multi-Layer Mineral Woofer 

A Series woofers are constructed with a unique blend of mineral stone fibres that have been baked together to create a lightweight but highly stable material. The mineral composition, layering and geometry of each cone is specific to the driver used in each model. By combining this material with a new magnet system, A Series woofers produce high output with low distortion, delivering a clean low-end.  

Midrange Driver

Adapted from the groundbreaking ADAM Audio DCH™ midrange driver used by the S Series speakers, the A Series midrange driver delivers a clean sound in a critical part of the frequency range where humans are especially sensitive to colouration of sound. Using a dedicated driver for the midrange further helps clarify lows and highs by eliminating the need for woofers to reproduce midrange frequencies and thus reducing distortion.

Hybrid Amplification  

The A Series combines the best of both digital and analogue worlds. The woofers are driven by Class D amplifiers that help produce linear performance while reducing distortion. These amplifiers were chosen specifically for their power and efficiency, in terms of both energy consumption and sound reproduction. Low thermal dissipation allows for a smaller heat sink, which facilitated additional investment in the exceptional power and performance of the A Series. 

Tweeters and midrange drivers are powered by Class AB amplifiers which offer a smooth, natural reproduction of high frequencies. Each amplifier is optimized for its working range, resulting in a fine-tuned, properly aligned speaker. To reach this point, ADAM Audio carried out extensive measurements and listening sessions, trialling countless amplifiers and amplifier components.  

DSP-Based Electronics 

The A Series capitalizes on the transformative power of DSP-based electronics to provide greater tuning precision and better predictability than analogue-only speakers. With firmware that can be updated through an Ethernet connection, over time you can expect to integrate the latest DSP-based capabilities from ADAM Audio—including new filter types and features, plus alternative voicings.  

Room Adaptation 

On the back panel of A Series speakers, you will find four bands of room adaptation equalization: Bass, Desk, Presence and Treble. Each band is adjustable in predefined steps, offering more than 100 tuning options to help compensate for the typical acoustic problems that arise from speaker placement.   

Voicings 

A “Voicing” is a pre-defined sound profile of the A Series monitors. On the back panel, you will find two different selections, “UNR” and “Pure”. Here you will also find the “Ext” option which is dedicated to the extended functionality that comes with A Control via the Ethernet connection. 

“UNR” or “Uniform Natural Response™” is a dynamic, natural-sounding response curve of ADAM Audio’s own design, which stems from a variety of iconic ADAM Audio legacy products, including the preceding AX Series. It lends itself to production, composition and song writing as its engaging and present sound can give you more room for creativity and flow. It is also a great option whenever you want to use your speakers simply to enjoy some good music. 

“Pure” is a highly accurate and neutral sounding option. This is the “flat” setting, ideal for mixing and mastering, where you really must be aware of all the details and rely on an honest representation from your speakers. 

The “Ext” option is dedicated to the extended functionality that comes with A Control via the Ethernet connection. Using A Control’s six-band EQ, a custom voicing and be created and pushed to the monitor.   

A Control (Real-Time Remote Control) 

The DSP-based functionality of all A Series monitors can be controlled remotely and in real time over Ethernet using the free to download A Control software. A Control is available to download for Windows and MacOS in the MyADAM area of www.adam-audio.com for customers who have registered their A Series monitors.  

Once downloaded and installed, you can control multiple speakers at once, precisely adjusting equalisation and delay settings from various listening positions in your studio space. While you work, you can remotely control monitor levels if you’re far from a fader or physical interface. Remote-control capabilities are particularly useful in multi-purpose rooms allowing you to make sure that voicing, EQ, and other settings are all exactly how you want them. 

Room Correction & Sonarworks Integration 

A Series speakers are designed to be adaptable to changing requirements, preferences, and environments. Using the A Control software, you can push advanced filters directly to an embedded platform onboard the monitors to help compensate for imperfect room acoustics. This embedded platform supports filters from industry leading third-party Sonarworks. Using Sonarworks software and a measurement mic, you can calibrate your speakers for a new room or shifting taste. 

Bass Reflex System, Cabinets and Mounting 

The new A Series cabinets build on the heritage of ADAM Audio and the AX Series in particular. In an evolutionary design, A Series cabinets have deeper bevelling to further reduce diffraction. In addition, thicker baffle walls strengthen the cabinets and reduce internal vibrations, while a flared-port design optimizes airflow and reduces port noise. All A Series speakers include an underside mounting interface, giving you the flexibility to mount them wherever you need them. 

Specifications:

• Tweeter: Rotatable X- ART Tweeter + HPS Waveguide
• Midrange Driver: 3.5” MLM midrange driver
• Midrange Voice Coil Ø: 33 mm / 1.3”
• Woofer: 1x 8" MLM mid-woofer
• Woofer Voice Coil Ø: 38 mm / 1.5”  
• AD convertor: 24-bit
• Internal sample rate: 96 kHz
• Amplifier power RMS: 250 W (Woofer) + 70 W (Midrange Driver) 20 W (Tweeter)
• Crossover frequency: 400Hz – 3.0 kHz
• Power rating: 500 W max
• Analog Inputs (balanced): 1x XLR
• Analog Inputs (unbalanced): 1x RCA
• Net Weight: 13.6 kg / 30 lbs
• Gross Weight: 16.6 kg / 36 lbs 10 oz
• Cabinet Height x Width x Depth: 274 mm x 382 mm x 329 mm [9 3/4" x 15" x 13"]
• Box Dimensions: 405 mm x 510 mm x 455 mm [16“ x 20 1/8“ x 17 7/8“ ]
• AC Input Voltage: 100 - 240V, 50/60 Hz