KS-Digital KSD A500 (pair) - Cherry

The KSdigital A500 Cherry is a high-output active three-way studio main monitor featuring dual 10-inch bass drivers, a dedicated 3-inch dome midrange driver, a horn-loaded 1-inch compression tweeter, FIRTEC phase-linear DSP, 24-bit/192 kHz conversion and three 250 W RMS PWM power amplifiers for accurate reference monitoring in professional recording, mixing and mastering environments.

KSdigital A500 Active Three-Way Main Studio Monitor

The KSdigital A500 sits at the heart of the KSdigital A-Class as a full-range active main monitor designed for demanding professional control rooms. Its three-way architecture combines two high-performance 10-inch bass drivers with a dedicated 3-inch dome midrange driver and a patented 1-inch compression driver coupled to an 80° x 60° horn.

This driver configuration gives the A500 the low-frequency energy required for larger monitoring environments while maintaining the midrange definition and high-frequency resolution needed for critical production work. The dedicated midrange driver provides particularly precise reproduction through the vocal range, helping engineers judge positioning, balance and detail within complex mixes.

FIRTEC Phase-Linear Signal Processing

KSdigital equips the A500 with its FIRTEC phase-linear filtering technology. Rather than concentrating solely on frequency response, FIRTEC controls the monitor's timing and phase behaviour so that the individual frequency ranges reach the listening position coherently.

This time-correct reproduction helps the A500 create a sharply defined stereo image with accurate placement across the virtual soundstage. It also improves transient definition and allows engineers to assess timing, depth and spatial relationships with greater precision.

The approach follows the time-aligned monitoring principles associated with classic KSdigital designs such as the ADM20 while combining them with modern DSP, amplification and connectivity.

Dual 10-Inch Low-Frequency System

Two 10-inch high-performance bass drivers provide the A500 with substantial low-frequency output. The additional cone area gives the monitor the authority required for larger control rooms and high-level monitoring while preserving the precision expected from a professional reference system.

This configuration allows engineers to evaluate bass balance, dynamics and low-frequency detail directly through the main monitoring system. For installations that require greater low-frequency extension, KSdigital also offers the matching B500 Reference subwoofer.

Dedicated 3-Inch Dome Midrange Driver

The 3-inch dome midrange driver handles the critical middle frequencies independently from the bass and treble sections. This architecture reduces the compromises that can occur when a driver must reproduce an excessively broad frequency range.

The resulting midrange clarity makes the A500 particularly useful for assessing vocals, dialogue, guitars and other mix elements that occupy this information-rich part of the spectrum. It also supports precise level and placement decisions during recording, mixing and mastering.

Horn-Loaded Compression Tweeter

A patented 1-inch compression driver handles the high-frequency range and works with an 80° x 60° horn. The horn controls dispersion across a broad listening area while supporting high dynamic capability and detailed high-frequency reproduction.

Its controlled directivity also reduces unwanted interaction with the cabinet edges. This design helps maintain consistent frequency response across the listening area and supports a wide, deep sweet spot for professional control-room use.

750 W RMS PWM Amplification

The A500 uses three PWM power amplifiers rated at 250 W RMS each, providing a combined 750 W RMS of amplification. KSdigital connects the amplifiers directly within the active architecture to avoid unnecessary conversion stages and associated losses.

This amplification system provides the headroom required for high monitoring levels while maintaining low distortion and accurate dynamic reproduction. Dedicated amplification for the individual frequency sections also gives KSdigital precise control over the behaviour of each driver.

Analogue and Digital Studio Integration

The A500 supports both analogue and digital workflows, making it suitable for contemporary production facilities as well as established studio infrastructures. Its analogue input incorporates 24-bit/192 kHz A/D conversion, allowing analogue sources to enter the monitor's digital processing architecture at high resolution.

Digital connection provides a lossless route from compatible workstation and monitoring systems into the A500. This flexibility allows the monitor to operate as the main reference system across recording, mixing and mastering applications.

Room and System Adjustment

Accessible high and low shelving controls provide straightforward bass and treble adjustment directly from the amplifier section. These controls allow engineers to compensate quickly for room placement, installation requirements and monitoring preferences.

The optional KSD-RC Remote expands the adjustment system with additional phase-linear processing. It provides six parametric EQ filters alongside delay and level control, giving studios more detailed control over monitor alignment and room integration.

With a digital connection, the KSD-RC also adds an M/S monitoring matrix. Engineers can monitor Mid and Side components independently, providing a useful analytical tool for stereo production, mastering and mix evaluation. The controller also handles monitoring volume from the listening position.

Professional Reference Monitoring

The A500 combines the principles of KSdigital's established time-correct monitoring systems with modern FIR processing, high-resolution conversion and powerful active amplification. Its combination of substantial low-frequency output, dedicated midrange reproduction and controlled high-frequency dispersion makes it suitable for main-monitor duties where both output capability and fine detail matter.

Its phase-linear architecture focuses on tonal accuracy and temporal precision rather than simply producing high sound pressure levels. This makes the A500 suitable throughout the production chain, from tracking and recording through critical mixing and final mastering decisions.

Why Choose the KSdigital A500?

• Make more confident mix decisions: Time-correct, phase-linear monitoring helps reveal positioning, transients and spatial relationships without obscuring critical detail.

• Hear the vocal range clearly: The dedicated 3-inch dome midrange makes it easier to judge vocals, dialogue and other important mid-frequency elements.

• Monitor large rooms with authority: Dual 10-inch bass drivers and 750 W RMS of amplification provide the output and low-frequency energy required for demanding control rooms.

• Work across a wider sweet spot: The 80° x 60° horn provides controlled dispersion for consistent monitoring across the listening area.

• Integrate with analogue or digital systems: High-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz conversion and digital connectivity accommodate modern and established studio workflows.

• Fine-tune the monitoring environment: Onboard shelving controls and optional KSD-RC processing provide flexible room and system adjustment.

• Use one reference throughout production: The A500 provides the accuracy, resolution and output required for recording, mixing and mastering applications.

• Active three-way professional main studio monitor
• Dual 10-inch high-performance bass drivers
• Dedicated 3-inch dome midrange driver
• Patented 1-inch compression high-frequency driver
• 80° x 60° horn for controlled dispersion
• FIRTEC phase-linear filtering and time-correct reproduction
• High-resolution stereo imaging and precise soundstage placement
• Three 250 W RMS PWM power amplifiers
• 750 W RMS total amplification
• 24-bit/192 kHz A/D conversion for analogue input
• Digital connectivity for lossless integration with compatible systems
• High and low shelving controls
• Optional KSD-RC remote control support
• Six parametric EQ filters via the optional KSD-RC
• Phase-linear room and monitor adjustment
• Delay and level adjustment via KSD-RC
• M/S Mid and Side monitoring with digital connection and KSD-RC
• Remote volume control with KSD-RC
• Designed for professional recording, mixing and mastering
• Suitable for larger control rooms
• Compatible with the KSdigital B500 Reference subwoofer

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.