Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Excels in dynamic stability, reproducing loud and quiet sounds accurately
  • Mid-band clarity stands out, making vocals sound more like the singer and revealing synth tones and backing vocals
  • Low-frequency performance is secure in pitch at any volume due to the closed-box design and driver engineering
  • Natural, uncolored, 'hear-through' mid-range quality and unforced detail in the way it presents high-frequency information
  • Stereo imaging is well focused with good depth, without embellishments, producing accuracy and consistency

Product Considerations

  • A quality power amplifier is needed
  • Some reviewers would have voiced it with a little more upper-mid energy
  • The cabinet finish is utilitarian

Takeaway: The SCM12 Pro is a fine nearfield monitor with classy electroacoustic engineering—delivering excellent bass and high capability across the whole bandwidth. It's a wonderful example of the art of electroacoustics, and you can't ask much more of a compact passive nearfield monitor.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

SCM7 MK3

  • Positioning: The entry-level model in ATC's loudspeaker lineup.
  • Description: Features a compact design and precise sound, with a 25mm soft dome tweeter and a 125mm mid-bass driver. Compared to the SCM19, it offers a smaller footprint, making it ideal for small rooms or desktop setups, but it lacks the larger bass driver and higher sensitivity found in the SCM19.

SCM19

  • Positioning: A mid-range model in the Entry Series, offering a balance between performance and size.
  • Description: Features an "SL" spec bass driver and 75mm integral soft dome, providing excellent phase coherence and bass response. It offers a more robust soundstage than the SCM7 MK3.

SCM19A

  • Positioning: An active version of the SCM19, positioned as a higher-end option within the Entry Series.
  • Description: Includes an on-board 182-watt Class A/B bi-amplifier, delivering enhanced sound clarity and power. It uses active crossover filters, unlike the passive SCM19, which requires external amplification.

SCM40A

  • Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model of the Entry Series, offering the most advanced features and performance.
  • Description: Equipped with a tri-amplifier system and a 164mm bass driver, providing exceptional sound quality and dynamic range. It surpasses the SCM19A with its additional mid-range driver and higher power output.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

[{"title":"Review: ATC SCM 12 Pro","link":"https://audiomediainternational.com/review-atc-scm-12-pro","source":"Audio Media International","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"ATC SCM12 Pro & P1 Pro","link":"https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/atc-scm12-pro-p1-pro","source":"soundonsound.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's notes

Compact high performance 2-way studio monitor. Ideally suited to: critical near-field listening applications in all control rooms, LCR surround monitoring in small-to-medium control rooms, surround channels for immersive audio (Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X)
Compact high performance 2-way studio monitor. Ideally suited to: – critical near-field listening applications in all control rooms – LCR surround monitoring in small-to-medium control rooms. – surround channels for immersive audio (Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X) Proprietary ATC 150mm/6˝ CLD Mid/Bass Driver. Proprietary ATC 25mm/1˝ Dual Suspension Tweeter. Wide dispersion. 6 year warranty.
  • Drivers: HF ATC 1"/25mm dual suspension Soft Dome (SH25-76 6 Ohm), LF ATC 6"/150mm Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) (SB45-150CLD 8 Ohm)
  • Amplitude Linearity: 80Hz – 16kHz (+/-2dB)
  • Cut Off Frequencies: 56Hz – 22kHz (-6dB freestanding)
  • Dispersion: ±80° Coherent Horizontal, ±10° Coherent Vertical
  • Maximum Continuous SPL: 108dB (per pair @ 1m)
  • Crossover Frequency: 2.2kHz
  • Recommended Power Amplifier: 75 to 300 Watts
  • Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohm
  • Connectors: Binding Posts/4mm Plugs, bi-wire
  • Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 400x238x235mm/15.7"x9.4"x9.3"
  • Weight: 11kg/24lbs (per cabinet)
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Average Price
$501-$1,000
Used Products
40
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
45
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
56
Founded
1974

Our take on the brand

ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
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What if you spend a bit more?

A8H
1499
1499
/
6
Reviews
ADAM Audio

The A8H incorporates an 8-inch resonant Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fiber 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. The A8H is available in a left and right version.

ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Detailed and powerful low-end response
  • Articulate midrange driver
  • Crisp and airy high-end without harshness
  • The built-in EQ and Sonarworks SoundID Reference integration allows users to tailor the sound to their specific room acoustics
  • Wide, deep, highly detailed, and solidly centered soundfield

Product Considerations

  • Self-noise/hiss can be noticeable up close
  • To fully use the Sonarworks feature after the trial, users would need to purchase the software
  • Some users experienced initial connection hiccups with the A Control app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The A8H offered a better value than the Dynaudio LYD 48 due to sound, build quality, and features like the built-in EQ
  • The A8H offers more DSP capabilities, and is less expensive than the HEDD Audio Type 20 MK2 or Neumann KH310
  • It is halfway between the less expensive but less sophisticated Dynaudio LYD 48 and ADAM Audio's own S2V—which, although a 2 way, offers step up in terms of sophistication

Takeaway: The A8H studio monitors deliver exceptional sound quality with user-friendly features—enhancing the overall audio production experience. These monitors, with versatile connectivity, DSP-driven room adaptation, and impressive audio performance, are a great choice for those serious about audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
A8H
page
Product Page
Core 5
1699
1699
/
4
Reviews
Dynaudio
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Check on Amazon
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent balanced delivery with precise midrange
  • Well-specified, easy-to-use EQ and room correction settings
  • Good low-frequency extension given its compact size
  • Produces a beautifully clean and well-defined sound, with no harshness in the highs and a real sense of spatial depth and stereo width
  • As mixing tools, they tell it like it is, so good mixes sound 'right' and flaws are shown up clearly, just as they should

Product Considerations

  • Expensive
  • There's no straightforward way to hook up the Core 5s to the Core Sub Compact if all connections are to remain analogue

Takeaway: The Core 5 is a compact, accurate, and high-quality studio monitor that delivers a balanced and detailed sound perfect for smaller studios or immersive setups. It is comfortable to work with for extended periods, making it a great choice for professional use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Core 5
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

A7V
799
/
Released
2022
ADAM Audio
The A7V is a contemporary 2-way monitor that represents the evolution of ADAM Audio's award winning A7X. It features a 7" Multi-Layer Mineral woofer and rotatable X-ART tweeter, which is made by hand in Berlin. DSP-based voicing, equalization and room correction options can be controlled remotely and in real time via the free-to-download A Control software, and updatable firmware allows for new filters and tunings to be implemented over the lifetime of the monitor.
Check on Amazon
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a powerful, smooth and detailed sound with flexible voicing options
  • High frequency reproduction balances accuracy without being harsh
  • Ability to resolve fine details
  • Excellent build quality, back panel controls, and layout
  • Room correction presets can be saved via the partnered Sonarworks Sound ID software

Product Considerations

  • Non-stepped volume controls travel a little too easily
  • On/off switch and input sensitivity controls are located on the cabinet rear panel
  • Network router and ethernet cables required for computer control

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The A7V has a more premium sound and can be tweaked further thanks to the free A-Control software, but the ADAM Audio T7V is hard to beat due to its price-to-performance ratio
  • For users coming from a set of KRK Systems Rokit 8 speakers, the A7V will be a massive improvement

Takeaway: The ADAM Audio A7V is a great-sounding monitor with multiple voicings, software integration and excellent build quality. These monitors offer a detailed audio performance, allowing users to make well informed mixing decisions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
A7V
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Excels in dynamic stability, reproducing loud and quiet sounds accurately
  • Mid-band clarity stands out, making vocals sound more like the singer and revealing synth tones and backing vocals
  • Low-frequency performance is secure in pitch at any volume due to the closed-box design and driver engineering
  • Natural, uncolored, 'hear-through' mid-range quality and unforced detail in the way it presents high-frequency information
  • Stereo imaging is well focused with good depth, without embellishments, producing accuracy and consistency

Product Considerations

  • A quality power amplifier is needed
  • Some reviewers would have voiced it with a little more upper-mid energy
  • The cabinet finish is utilitarian

Takeaway: The SCM12 Pro is a fine nearfield monitor with classy electroacoustic engineering—delivering excellent bass and high capability across the whole bandwidth. It's a wonderful example of the art of electroacoustics, and you can't ask much more of a compact passive nearfield monitor.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

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