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KH 420 – The First Midfield Monitor From Neumann

Neumann KH 420

Neumann is expanding the successful KH line with its first midfield monitor: the KH 420. The active 3-way system (10"+3"+1") is ideal for larger 5.1 and 7.1 configurations and listening distances of up to 11 meters.

With a corner frequency of 52 Hz, the KH 120 nearfield monitor set new standards in its class for low frequency performance. Neumann engineers have succeeded in raising the bar with the KH 420; its 26 Hz corner frequency is not only lower than other comparable midfield monitors, but a whole octave lower than the KH 120. Anyone requiring even lower bass reproduction for surround systems with a dedicated LFE channel can add the KH 870 woofer to extend the response down to 18 Hz.

Computer-optimized drivers, the Mathematically Modeled Dispersion Waveguide (MMD™), acoustical controls for matching the speakers to the listening room, a highly flexible input section, and a wide range of mounting hardware make the KH 420 a versatile monitoring tool for the audio professional. The KH 420 has been designed to provide optimum dispersion regardless of the orientation of the cabinet. This is possible thanks to the rotatable waveguide section which contains both the high frequency and midrange drivers.

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An optional Digital Input Module (DIM 1) will be available for the KH 420, which provides the monitor with digital AES3 and S/P-DIF inputs and a delay function. This feature, which is available on both the digital and analog inputs, may be used for audio/video lip synchronization and to compensate for non-equidistant speaker placement. Maximum delay time is 409.5 ms with a minimum resolution of 0.1 ms.

"The KH 420 delivers an accurate picture of the tonal nuances of the original recording," says Wolfgang Fraissinet, President of Neumann.Berlin. "In order to deliver a perfect stereo image, the KH 420 pushes the boundaries of what is possible in terms of linearity, performance and close production tolerances. It reflects the quality-driven approach that Neumann.Berlin has been committed to for many decades".

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Key technical specifications of the KH 420:
Drivers: 10"/3"/1", amplifier output: 330/140/140 watts
Free field frequency response: 26 Hz … 22 kHz, +/-3 dB
Maximum SPL: 122.4 dB Crossover frequencies: 570 Hz and 2 kHz
Dimensions/volume/weight: 645x330x444 mm / 93 liters / 35 kg

Inputs:
Analog signal -> analog XLR input
AES 3 signal -> digital XLR input
AES 3, S/P-DIF signal -> digital BNC input
Delay section: 0 … 409.5 ms for analog and digital input
Sampling rate: 32 … 192 kHz

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The KH 310 D nearfield monitor

One of the most compact 3-way monitors in its class, the KH 310 is the perfect choice for situations where space is limited. In addition to extra digital inputs, this brand new digital version comes with all the delay features of the DIM 1 module described above.

Neumann KH 310 D

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With the KH 120 D, the KH 310 D and the KH 420 with optional DIM 1 module, Neumann now offers monitors in three distinct size classes to support a completely digital workflow.

Key technical specifications of the KH 310 D:
Drivers: 8.25"/3"/1", amplifier output: 210/90/90 watts
Free field frequency response: 34 Hz … 21 kHz, +/-3 dB
Maximum SPL: 116.3 dB
Crossover frequencies: 650 Hz and 2 kHz
Dimensions/volume/weight: 253x383x292 mm / 28.3 liters / 13 kg

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Inputs:
Analog signal -> analog XLR input
AES 3 signal -> digital XLR input
AES 3, S/P-DIF signal -> digital BNC input
Delay section: 0 … 409.5 ms for analog and digital input
Sampling rate: 32 … 192 kHz

Both the KH 420 and the KH 310 D are expected to ship in late October 2014. The KH 420 will be priced at $4,899.95, while the KH 310 D will be priced at $2,749.95. Additionally, KH 120 D digital monitor (previewed at NAB) is now available in the U.S. and priced at $1,249.95.

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About Neumann
Georg Neumann GmbH, with its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, is well-known as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones. The company, which was established in 1928, has a long track record of world-leading product designs and has been recognized with a string of international awards for its technology innovations. From 2010, Neumann offers this expertise in electro-acoustic transducer technologies to the studio monitoring market, and will provide optimum solutions to its customers in the areas of TV and radio broadcasting, recording, and audio productions. Neumann is now the perfect partner for both the input and the output of the audio signal path. Neumann has manufacturing facilities in Germany (microphones) and Ireland (loudspeakers), and is represented in over 50 countries worldwide by Sennheiser subsidiaries, as well as by long-term trading partners. Georg Neumann GmbH is a Sennheiser Group company.