Neumann KH 420 Active Three-Way Midfield Monitor

November 18 2014, 06:00
Neumann engineers have succeeded in raising the bar with the new KH 420 active three-way monitor, its first midfield solution, expanding the already impressive KH series. Its 26-Hz corner frequency is not only lower than other comparable midfield monitors, but a whole octave lower than the KH 120 compact nearfield. 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 cabinet’s orientation. This is possible thanks to the rotatable waveguide section, which contains both the high frequency and midrange drivers.
 
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.”
 
Key technical specifications of the KH 420:
Drivers: 10”/3”/1”, amplifier output: 330/140/140 W
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: 645 mm × 330 mm × 444 mm / 93 liters / 35 kg

DIM 1 Module:
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

Neumann already offers the KH 310 nearfield monitor, one of the most compact three-way monitor in its class and a perfect choice for situations where space is limited. Now it also makes available the KH 310 D, a brand new version with extra digital inputs and all the delay features of the DIM 1 module described above.

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 W
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: 253 mm × 383 mm × 292 mm / 28.3 liters / 13 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

Both the KH 420 and the KH 310 D are now shipping. The KH 420 costs $4,899.95, while the KH 310 D is costs $2,749.95. Additionally, the KH 120 D digital monitor (previewed at NAB 2014) is now available in the US and costs $1,249.95.
www.neumann-kh-line.com
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