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ADAM Audio S3V 9 inch 3-way Powered Midfield Studio Monitor

Active Vertical 3-way Midfield Monitor with 500W 9" Woofer, 300W 4" Midrange, 50W S-ART Folded-ribbon Tweeter, and Custom DSP Engine (each)
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Item ID: S3V
ADAM Audio S3V 9 inch 3-way Powered Midfield Studio Monitor
Price:$3,399 and 99 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $95/month with 36 month financing*

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While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with ADAM Audio. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.

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ADAM Audio S3V 9 inch 3-way Powered Midfield Studio Monitor
We Can Get It!
Price:$3,399 and 99 cents
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S Series Reference Monitoring for Your Studio

The ADAM Audio S3V is an active vertical 3-way studio monitor intended for midfield applications. Despite its relatively compact footprint, the S3V delivers the power and accuracy professional engineers demand of a precision reference-grade monitor; reproducing high-resolution, full-bandwidth audio with stunning clarity. Engineered in Berlin to the strictest tolerances, ADAM's 3rd-generation S series monitors feature cutting-edge technology, including new Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) woofer and DCH midrange driver designs as well as the S-ART tweeter — an updated, even more precise version of ADAM’s acclaimed accelerated ribbon design. With its ruler-flat 32Hz–50kHz frequency range, ultra-wide and stable stereo imaging, powerful PWM ICE tri-amplification, and ultra-low distortion, the ADAM Audio S3V provides world-class monitoring you can trust, session after session.

9" ELE low-frequency driver

The drivers in ADAM Audio's S series monitor speakers benefit from years of in-house research and development and take advantage of the latest advances in technology and materials science. Newly developed for the S series, ADAM's Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers employ the Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA) to deliver optimized low-frequency reproduction with extended dynamic range and freedom from coloration. The ELE driver incorporates a rigid, yet low-mass honeycomb driver cone; a highly efficient, self-cooling linear magnet assembly; linear suspension and damping systems with a low-loss speaker surround; a vented symmetrical voice coil; and an optimized driver chassis/basket design. The S3V's 9" woofer extends response down to 32Hz, making the speaker a suitable choice for midfield monitoring in control rooms and mastering suites, without the use of a subwoofer.

4" DCH midrange driver

Featuring a unique hybrid dome/cone one-piece construction designed specifically for the S series by ADAM’s in-house engineers, the S3V's 4" DCH MF driver handles the critical midrange region with extreme precision, allowing you to easily place vocals and instruments in the stereo field, confident that your mix will translate to the world outside your studio. Combining the best attributes of both cone and dome drivers, the DCH midrange is both sweet and highly detailed, letting you work over long periods without listening fatigue.

The S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter

Instead of producing sound with a piston-like diaphragm like most loudspeakers, ADAM Audio's S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter uses a pleated diaphragm capable of moving air four times faster than the folds themselves are moving. Handcrafted to the tightest tolerances, the S-ART tweeter delivers breathtaking highs up to 50kHz and enriches the soundfield with stunning detail, faithfully conveying every nuance of the source material. Being handcrafted and meticulously tested in the ADAM’s Berlin laboratories, the S-ART high-frequency driver is a rare exception in these days of automated mass production.

Proprietary waveguide technology

Both the DCH midrange driver and the S-ART tweeter benefit from ADAM Audio's proprietary waveguide technology, which increased the accuracy of the drivers' off-axis responses. Milled from solid aluminum, the newly developed Midrange and High-frequency Propagation Systems (MPS and HPS) help deliver stable, wide-ranging dispersion that makes it possible for production teams of two or more people to work in the stereo or multi-channel sweet spot simultaneously — a common occurrence in larger control rooms.

Custom DSP engine for linear response

Utilizing the latest SHARC processing technology, the S series’ custom DSP optimizes the system's loudspeaker crossovers to deliver linear response over the entire frequency range and provides user sound-tailoring EQ as well as room tuning and voicing functionality. The DSP also handles limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes the signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and allows for various expansion options. Software updates can be executed easily via the system's USB port, which also allows you to connect to computers and control DSP functions via software.

Authoritative ICE Power

With decades of experience in designing professional sound systems for recording and broadcast studios and venues of all sizes, Sweetwater understands that under-powering is never an option. Serious reference monitors such as the S3V need authoritative power, and ADAM Audio obliges with a powerful proprietary 850-watt PWM ICE Power tri-amplification system. A 500W Class D amplifier drives the S3V’s bass unit, with additional 300W and 50W Class D amps dedicated to the DCH midrange and S-ART treble drivers, respectively. Combining the no-compromise precision of ADAM Audio’s custom drivers with the company’s custom amplification, the S3V is a reference monitor designed for discerning audio professionals and mission-critical applications.

Designed without compromise

S series monitors were designed without compromise to be high-precision professional reference monitors that flawlessly reproduce any signal presented to their inputs. You can expect outstanding transparency, dynamic response, and flexibility in placement and operation — and an open, natural, and non-fatiguing sonic presentation that will continue to please your ears and allow you to effortlessly make wise decisions throughout lengthy recording and mixing sessions. ADAM Audio's substantial cabinet construction is scientifically designed to minimize undesirable vibrations and their attendant coloration, while its rounded edges reduce diffraction distortion. Generous mathematically sculpted bass reflex ports on the front baffle help deliver bass reproduction with very low compression and allow positioning close to walls.

ADAM Audio: elevating the state of the art

From its 1999 launch in Berlin, ADAM Audio has built a solid reputation among the pro audio cognoscente. A superior speaker system has superior components, and this is one area where the company has a distinct edge. With years of R&D behind each proprietary driver, ADAM Audio's custom driver technology expresses itself in breakthroughs such as their X-ART (eXtended Accelerating Ribbon Technology) tweeter, which is based on a groundbreaking 1960s invention, the Heil Air Motion Transformer — and in fact, was the main impetus for the formation of ADAM Audio. The X-ART tweeter became the key to ADAM's signature transparent, high-definition sound; and the core development of ADAM’s proprietary designs going forward.

Constantly improving their proprietary technologies, ADAM Audio's new S-ART tweeter and DCH midrange driver are designed and manufactured to even tighter tolerances than their predecessors, with higher efficiency and extended frequency ranges. Another enhancement are the newly developed, solid aluminum HPS and MPS waveguides, which improve dispersion consistency and stabilize imaging over a broader area.

Embracing, exploiting, and working with modern materials has allowed ADAM Audio to formulate loudspeaker components that continually elevate the state of the art in studio monitor design. Materials such as rare-earth magnets and high-strength diaphragm foils have increased reliability, enhanced performance, and made possible new driver geometry. As compared with conventional driver technology, Adam drivers deliver optimized radiation characteristics, lower distortion, and higher efficiency. Along with installations in a growing number of top studios, ADAM Audio's monitor range has garnered rave reviews from audio experts and recording engineers worldwide. If you're considering an upgrade to world-class monitoring, you'll be in good company with ADAM Audio monitors.

ADAM Audio S3V Active Midfield Studio Monitor Features:

  • Vertical 3-way system with 1 x 9" HexaCone woofer, 1 x 4” DCH midrange, and S-ART tweeter
  • S-ART tweeter, handmade in Berlin and manufactured to the tightest tolerances
  • Newly designed HPS and MPS waveguides, milled from a solid block of aluminum
  • New midrange driver with one-piece hybrid dome/cone (DCH) design
  • Custom-built Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass driver
  • Custom-designed Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA)
  • Spacious bass reflex ports on the front baffle
  • Highly efficient 850W PWM ICE Power tri-amplification
  • Linear frequency response of 32Hz–50kHz
  • Maximum peak sound pressure per pair at 1m ≥ 124dB
  • Custom DSP engine
  • Analog XLR inputs
  • AES3 digital I/O
  • 2-yr. standard warranty, extension to 5-yr. warranty upon registration in My ADAM User Area
  • Sold individually

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Tech Specs

  • Powered: Yes
  • Power Configuration: Tri-amped
  • Quantity: Single
  • LF Driver Size: 9"
  • LF Driver Type: HexaCone Woofer
  • MF Driver Size: 4"
  • MF Driver Type: Carbon-composite
  • HF Driver Size: 2.2"
  • HF Driver Type: S-ART Tweeter
  • LF Driver Power Amp: 500W
  • MF Driver Power Amp: 300W
  • HF Driver Power Amp: 50W
  • Total Power: 850W
  • Frequency Response: 32Hz-50kHz
  • Crossover Frequency: 250Hz, 3kHz
  • Maximum Peak SPL: 124dB @ 1m
  • Input Types: 1 x XLR, 1 x XLR (AES/EBU)
  • Output Types: 1 x XLR (AES/EBU)
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Features: DSP Room Tuning
  • Enclosure Type: Front Ported
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC Cable
  • Height: 21.5"
  • Width: 11.5"
  • Depth: 15"
  • Weight: 55 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-S3V

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Reviews

My 4 Year Follow-Up Review
It's been about 4 years since my original review and I just wanted to follow up with a short recap of my experience so far. I have been using these monitors in my home office this entire time (see my pictures from over the years), primarily to listen to music while I work from home or playing my guitar and piano for fun with some occasional mixing/mastering. I use an RME Fireface UFX+ as my audio interface (really solid converters, compatibility, and low latency), I send an AES3 digital signal to my Adam SV3's. So in my case, the interface is really just a pass-thru of the digital signal in most cases.

My overall impression of these monitors in a couple of words would be "silky smooth". Everything tends to blend and balance quite well on these monitors, they are not too mid-forward like some 3-ways might be, yet the mids are very well presented. The ribbon tweeters have a smooth "silky" sound to them, they are never too harsh and have a pretty wide sweet spot unlike other tweeters. They have very good bass extension without being "hyped" like on consumer monitors. I can hear all of the frequencies presented in a very linear and pleasing way. The stereo imaging and feeling of front to back depth is also great. My listening environment lacks any sort of acoustic treatment, so that says a lot for how well these monitors sound in this type of environment (not ideal for professional mixing/mastering scenarios).

Music that has been mixed/mastered well will always sound good no matter what system you listen on. One thing that surprised me the most with these monitors is that some of my favorite albums sounded not as good as I remembered. Initially, it takes some getting used to, but I have now appreciated how honest these monitors are. You can tell when someone mixed their music on small consumer grade monitors vs mixes that were done on professional systems by professional engineers. I've had some friends listen to their favorite music played through these monitors and they couldn't believe what they were hearing. Almost as if it were their first time hearing music. I'm spoiled at this point and have gotten used to the quality. I can instantly hear the difference when I'm listening through consumer grade monitors like my old JBL LSR 305's.

Since owning these monitors, I have not changed the DSP settings from the default "pure" setting - I never felt the need to. They sound most balanced in this mode, set it and forget it. I was a little worried about the DSP and there being any amount of latency added to the signal due to processing and conversion, but this is not the case whatsoever. They respond well in live scenarios where you are performing through the monitors in real time with no audible latency.

Regarding the analog vs digital inputs, I've used both the analog and AES3 inputs and I cannot hear/perceive a difference in the sound between them. So if you don't have AES3 available, it shouldn't be a problem.

I run these monitors all day long, from morning till night. I am barely using the full power that these monitors can provide. My master fader is typically between -50db to -35db (max) most of the time. If you need a lot of headroom in your monitors (especially with unmixed music or tracking sessions where the audio is not compressed/mastered), these will provide adequate power for most scenarios. I am quite happy with these monitors, I'm sure you will too.
Music background: Mixing Engineer / Guitarist / Music Enthusiast
Quality sounding monitors, software could use some TLC
This is my review after 24 hours with these monitors. There aren"t any reviews out there on the internet about these, so I want to help someone else make their decision. I understand it takes a while to allow for break in for any monitor, so I expect the sound to change slightly with time. Some background: My previous monitors were a modest JBL LSR305 and Focal CMS65. I am a hobbyist guitar player who likes to write/record as well as listen to a lot of recorded material through my monitors.

Sound: These monitors are extremely linear, very good frequency response across the spectrum. The low end is quite impressive. When listening to music, you can hear so much detail. You can tell the quality of a mix quite quickly, you can tell who did a good job mixing/mastering and who did not. I prefer the sound of the "pure" sound in the DSP, the flat frequency response. The "unr" setting is good for general listening or a more hyped bass response. I suspect the "unr" setting is more used for the average listener or someone who wants more low end when mixing/mastering. The stereo image is slightly above average to my ears. I must admit that these are not at the recommended distance in the equilateral triangle currently, I intend to buy monitor stands to get them further away from me and each other. My experience with Focal has shown me how things can "pop out" and be more 3 dimensional, these monitors so far do not "popped out" in my current configuration and monitor break-in. They have a lot of detail in the mids and highs. I can hear instrument detail like never before. In my JBL"s, you could never get that, you can tell something is there, but you cannot really hear what it is. I admit the JBL"s for their price, are very flat in response and I learned that after getting these Adams. So that"s a win for JBL being that they are so cheap. I"ve gotten the chance to crank these Adams to about 75% volume, it does not break up, it remains crystal clear all the way up to those loud levels. I will not be mixing at those levels, but it is nice to check your mix at a louder level from time to time or have more headroom during tracking when your mix is not yet compressed/limited. I noticed that these speakers have very good off-axis accuracy, when I"m out of the sweet spot, I"m not missing a whole lot, they have a nice wide spread.

Aesthetics: These monitors look SLICK. They are also HUGE compared to my last monitors. I"d even argue that these are more suitable as midfield monitors. They are decently heavy, be sure you have accommodations for that.

DSP/Software: I have minimal time with playing with the settings on this monitor. I"ve switched back and forth between the two pre-made settings "unr" and "pure". I"ve installed the Adam "S Control" software to see what that experience was like. I must first mention that they do not provide you a USB cable in the box, you have to use one of your own. I discovered that the program will only let you connect to one monitor to your computer at a time. I tried connecting both, but it will select only one monitor at a time. To connect to the second monitor, you have to quit the S-Control software, plug in the second monitor, unplug the first one, then reboot the application. I found this to be a disadvantage as you can only profile a single speaker at a time. Furthermore, to be able to EQ this monitor, it is not real-time. You make the setting, then upload it to the monitor. You continue to do this until you are happy. Once you are, you save that profile, plug in your other monitor quit the software, restart the software, then load your preset into that monitor. I find this to be a bit time consuming, I don"t suspect I"ll be using this feature as I am happy enough with the "pure" setting on it"s own. You can also make your own profiles directly on the back of the monitor, it is a bit cumbersome as you only have a single click-dial to make edits and jump through menus. When registering this product on their website, I found that it was a bit buggy and would not allow me to register my second monitor to get the extended warranty. I"ve submitted an email, let"s hope they can resolve the issue.
Music background: Rock/Metal Guitar, Hobbyist in Recording/Mixing/Mastering