ADAM F7 (01) PDF Document

Before setting up your ADAM F7 speaker, please adhere to the following safety instructions:

• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the loudspeaker. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

• This product must be connected with an IEC 60320 AC mains power cord like the one supplied.

• Never replace a fuse with a value or type other than those specified. Never bypass any fuse. Always use the correct fuse ratings for the selected mains voltage.

• Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.

• Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury or damage.

• This product is for indoor use only. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids on the speaker.

• Check if the mains voltage selector of the ADAM F7 matches your local mains voltage. If not, do not connect it to a power source and contact your local dealer.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.

• Always use fully checked cables. Defective cables can cause noise, hum, and crackling.

• Keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.

• The monitor should be installed near the socket outlet, and disconnection should be easily accessible.

• To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the power supply from the AC receptacle.

• Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning.

• Avoid touching the speaker membranes and do not block the woofer’s ventilation ports.

• Do not expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures or direct sunlight.

• High SPLs may damage your hearing. Do not get close to the loudspeakers when using them at high volumes.

• Assure free airflow behind the ADAM F7 speakers to maintain sufficient cooling.

• If wall mounting, only mount this product onto dry and non-conducting wood/plaster panel walls. For other wall materials, an additional isolation panel is required.

To get started with your ADAM F7 speakers, follow these steps:

1. After unpacking, allow the speakers to acclimate to the room temperature for about an hour.

2. Ensure the speakers are placed on a firm, solid surface.

3. Before connecting any cables, make sure the ADAM F7 speakers and your audio source are switched off, and set all level controls fully counterclockwise.

4. Connect your sound source (e.g., mixing console) to the speakers using either the unbalanced RCA, balanced XLR, or balanced/unbalanced 1/4″ TRS connectors. Please note that on the ADAM F7, the RCA input takes precedence; if a cable is plugged into the RCA input, any signal from the XLR/TRS input is cut off.

5. Check that the mains voltage selector on the speaker matches your local mains voltage. Use the included power cables to connect the speaker to AC sockets.

6. Ensure the line out level (volume) on your audio source is set low or off, then switch on your audio system.

7. On the rear panel of the ADAM F7, set the volume to a low level and switch on the mains switch. Wait about 5 seconds. The speaker is now in Standby Mode.

8. Turn on your music source and slowly adjust the volume until the speakers switch from Standby to Operating Mode. If the audio level is still too low, turn up the speaker’s volume control.

The two LEDs next to the ADAM logo on the front of your ADAM F7 indicate the following conditions:

• GREEN: The speaker is in Operation Mode. Main power is present and the speaker is active.

• DIM RED: The speaker is in Standby Mode. The speaker has switched to a low power mode with automatic signal sensing.

• BRIGHT RED + GREEN LED: This indicates an overtemperature condition. The speaker will stop outputting sound and will wait a few minutes to cool down before resuming operation. This thermal protection may engage when using high output levels for extended periods, especially with high room temperatures.

For the best listening experience with your ADAM F7 speakers, follow these placement guidelines:

• Vertical Setup: The F-series has been designed for a vertical setup. The speakers must be positioned on a solid surface or a stand to avoid vibrations that can mask the sound.

• Horizontal Setup: If you choose to place your speakers horizontally, ensure the setup is mirrored/symmetrical. This means the tweeters should both face either outwards or inwards. This is crucial for a precise stereo signal.

• Tweeter Height: The tweeter should be positioned at approximately the same height as your ears. If the speaker needs to be placed significantly higher or lower, it should be angled accordingly to point towards your ears.

• The Stereo Triangle: For stereo applications, the optimal listening position is at the top of an imaginary equilateral triangle, with the two speakers placed at the other two points. The loudspeakers should be aligned with the listener’s position.

• Surround Placement: For multi-channel setups, positioning is ideally based on a circle with the listener at the center. A common ITU recommended configuration is: Center at 0°, Front Right at 30°, Rear Right at 110°, Rear Left at 250°, and Front Left at 330°. The distance to surrounding walls should be at least 40 cm to avoid early reflections.

The rear panel of the ADAM F7 features controls for fine-tuning the sound to your room acoustics and personal preferences. It is recommended to use these controls with care after listening to familiar recordings.

• Level: This control adjusts the overall volume of the speaker across the whole frequency range, from -∞ dB to +6 dB.

• EQ > 5kHz: This is a high-shelf filter that progressively raises or lowers frequencies above 5kHz, with a maximum adjustment of ±6 dB at 20kHz.

• EQ < 300Hz: This is a low-shelf filter that progressively raises or lowers frequencies below 300Hz, with a maximum adjustment of ±6 dB at 100Hz.

• Highpass Filter (80Hz): This switch cuts the low frequencies below 80Hz. It is advisable to engage this filter when using your ADAM F7 speakers as satellites with a subwoofer like the SubF. This improves clarity and dynamic range as the monitors do not have to reproduce large bass amplitudes.

If the LED shows normal operation (green) but the audio signal is absent or distorted, follow these troubleshooting steps. If both speakers are affected, the issue is likely in the signal path. If only one speaker is affected, the problem is likely with that specific speaker.

1. Check the wiring: Is the cable defective? Are all cables connected correctly? Remember that on the ADAM F7, a cable plugged into the RCA input will switch off the XLR/TRS input.

2. Check the signal path: Swap the cables of both loudspeakers. Does the problem move to the other speaker? If so, the cable is likely the issue.

3. Isolate the source: Connect the monitor directly to the signal source, being mindful of the volume. Is another part of the signal path (like a mixer or subwoofer) causing the problem?

If the answer to all of these questions is ‘no’, the problem is most likely caused by the loudspeaker itself. If the answer to at least one question is ‘yes’, there is likely another defective device in your signal path.

If you hear parasitic noises from your ADAM F7, follow these steps to diagnose the issue:

1. Disconnect the signal cables from the speaker. If the noises disappear, the issue is within your signal path. Check your source and cables.

2. If the noises are still audible with the signal cables disconnected, check for other electrical devices near the speakers (e.g., mobile phones, switching power supplies) that could be causing interference. If removing these devices stops the noise, they are the cause.

3. Connect your monitor to a different power socket, if possible, one on a different circuit. If the noise disappears, the original power source is the issue.

If the noise is still audible after performing these tests, it is most likely the speaker itself that is causing the issue.

To properly maintain your ADAM F7 speaker, follow these guidelines:

• Always switch the loudspeaker off before cleaning.

• Make sure no liquids get inside the cabinet. Do not spray any fluids on the speaker or use a wet cloth for cleaning.

• Do not use flammable or acidic chemicals for cleaning.

• We recommend using a lint-free, damp cloth for cleaning the cabinet.

• The loudspeaker membranes may be dusted using a very soft brush.

• Do not touch the membranes of the loudspeakers.

• Be aware that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Do not place magnetic items at close range.