Adam Audio D3V Black, Active Studio Monitors (Pair) Reviews

Adam Audio Compact Desktop Active Studio Monitors, D3V Black The Adam Audio D3V Black is a fully active design with four individual amplifier channels and DSP-managed crossover. The woofers are powered by 80W amplifiers with the link cable carrying an amplified signal to the right speaker. D-ART Tweeter A quarter century of ribbon tweeter research and development has led to the creation of ADAM Audio’s highly capable 1.5” Desktop Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter. Each diaphragm is hand folded and glued with 40W amplifiers driving each unit. Like the rest of ADAM Audio’s tweeters, the D-ART incorporates crossover fine-tuning which is managed by highly accurate DSP. Fully Active Aluminium 3.5” Woofers & Ferrite Magnet System Optimised using ADAM Audio’s state-of-the-art Klippel measurement system, the extremely symmetrical voice coil and ferrite magnet system help minimize unwanted distortions and provide a linear motor for the woofer. Each one-piece concave cone is made of ridged, thick aluminium with a long linear excursion range which delivers uncoloured sound even at surprisingly high output levels. Passive Radiators The D3V employs dual-sided passive radiators on each speaker for a total of four per system. Each radiator consists of a stainless-steel plate as the moving mass, and a specially stabilised long-stroke rubber surround for the suspension. Together they reinforce the lowest possible response of the loudspeaker through their interaction with the main woofers, as well as contributing toward the overall SPL of the system. Direct USB-C Input The D3V represents ADAM Audio’s most convenient monitoring system thanks to the inclusion of a plug’n’play USB-C input. The loudspeakers behave as a digital output device when connected to a computer, mobile, or tablet, which negates the need for an additional audio interface. This direct digital connection facilitates high-quality audio playback without the compression or conversion normally associated with desktop monitors. DSP Room Acoustics On the backplate of the left speaker you can find three switches to counteract the typical acoustical issues that arise from speaker placement. “POSITION” refers to the fixed position of the loudspeaker in the room. “DESK” refers to the size of the desk in front of the loudspeaker, while “ROOM” refers to the amount of acoustic treatment in the space in which the system is being used. Balanced Analogue Inputs In addition to the USB-C input, the D3V features analogue inputs for traditional audio applications. It allows for balanced connections to audio interfaces as well as direct connections to all kinds of hardware including synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and DJ mixers. The USB-C or balanced analogue inputs can be toggled by pressing the volume knob on the left speaker. Headphone Output, Monitor Stands & Mounting Options Functionality and convenience played a major role in the design of the D3V. The front-facing headphone output automatically takes over audio playback when connected, while detachable monitor stands angled at 15° are also included. Additionally, there is a standard threaded 3/8” hole for microphone stand mounting on the underside of both monitors. Injection-Moulded Cabinet The D3V’s cabinet is made of high-grade injection moulded ABS Polycarbonate, with thick walls and plenty of bracing to avoid vibrations and unwanted resonances. The rounded shape reduces unwanted sound diffraction at high frequencies, while also paying tribute to ADAM Audio’s long-standing industrial design heritage.