NEUMANN KH 120 II

Product overview

The NEUMANN KH 120 II is a two-way active studio monitor with a 130 mm (5.25") woofer, a 1" tweeter in the Mathematically Modelled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide and an internal DSP engine for linear phase response and automatic room alignment via the NEUMANN MA 1.

Neumann's acclaimed studio monitor taken to a new level with deeper bass, higher resolution and DSP power. Based on the same concept as the KH 120 A of 2010, it is completely re-engineered for improved performance in all parameters: deeper bass, higher SPL capability and even better resolution. The KH 120 II follows the philosophy of all Neumann studio monitors: highest linearity, lowest distortion, no coloration and perfect adaptability to any acoustic environment, so mixes translate to all playback systems. It is available in anthracite and white.

Key features

• High-precision drivers and the Mathematically Modelled Dispersion (MMD) waveguide for a wide sweet spot
• Linear frequency response 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB)
• Linear phase response 120 Hz to 16 kHz (±45°) with latency below 2.6 ms
• DSP engine for room-adaptive alignment via the NEUMANN MA 1 (sold separately)
• Razor-sharp imaging thanks to tolerances of only ±0.5 dB
• Analog XLR and S/PDIF inputs, S/PDIF output and an RJ45 port for network control
• Class D amplifiers with 145 W for the woofer and 100 W for the tweeter, only 15 W at idle and 0.3 W in standby
• Can be combined with other KH line monitors in surround and immersive set-ups

Linear in amplitude and phase

The KH 120 II has an exceptionally linear frequency response from 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB) and it also linearises the phase response, for clear mids with astonishing transparency and extreme accuracy in the time domain: precise impulse reproduction and finely resolved reverbs. DSP-controlled electronics allow sophisticated crossovers that avoid the phase distortion caused by analog filters, and production tolerances of no more than ±0.5 dB keep stereo imaging razor-sharp.

Ready for your room

The MMD waveguide guarantees a wide sweet spot and minimises desk reflections. The internal DSP allows room calibration via Neumann's Automatic Monitor Alignment: the MA 1 (sold separately) adapts the monitors to the character of the room and aligns them for the listening position. On the backplate, BASS, LOW-MID and HI switches adapt the response to the position in the room, and OUTPUT LEVEL and INPUT GAIN set the acoustic level.

Energy efficient

Neumann's patent-pending amplifier technology combines superior audio performance with the energy efficiency of Class D: the amplifiers deliver up to 145 W to the 130 mm woofer and 100 W to the 25 mm tweeter, yet consume only 15 W at idle. Auto-standby reduces consumption to 0.3 W when the monitor has not been used for a while, and can be deactivated.

Applications

Designed for nearfield applications at a recommended listening distance of 1 to 2 m, it is ideally suited to smaller rooms such as home and project studios, mixing and editing suites, or as a surround speaker in large multichannel applications, and to a professional-quality makeshift control room on location (orchestra and choir, live recording, film, broadcast).

In the box

• KH 120 II studio monitor
• Mains cable, black
• 4 self-adhesive feet
• Safety guide
• Getting started quickly supplement

Available versions

• KH 120 II: anthracite, Cat. No. 509120
• KH 120 II W: white, Cat. No. 509124

NEUMANN KH 120 II: frequently asked questions

How low does the KH 120 II go?

The free-field frequency response is 44 Hz to 21 kHz within ±3 dB (41 Hz to 21.4 kHz within ±6 dB).

Does it need the MA 1 for room calibration?

No. It can be adapted with the BASS, LOW-MID and HI switches on the backplate. The MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment (sold separately) adds automatic room calibration, delay, level and further settings over the network.

Which inputs does it have?

An electronically balanced analog XLR input and a digital S/PDIF input (RCA, 75 Ω) with S/PDIF output, plus an RJ45 socket for network control.

What is the recommended listening distance?

1.0 - 2.0 m (feasible 0.75 - 4.0 m).

Where can I buy the NEUMANN KH 120 II in India?

The NEUMANN KH 120 II is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo nearfield mixing set-up

Producers and engineers mixing in home and project studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Place both monitors at ±30° and the same distance from the listening position (to 1 cm).
2. Point the acoustical axis, between woofer and tweeter, at the listener.
3. Set INPUT SELECT to ANALOG and choose the BASS / LOW-MID / HI settings for the position.
4. Set OUTPUT LEVEL and INPUT GAIN for the desired listening level.

Tip: Avoid a distance of 0.8 to 1.75 m from the wall behind the monitors.

Workflow 2: Room calibration with the MA 1

Studios that want the monitors aligned to their room automatically.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect each monitor to the network switch.
2. Set the CONTROL switch to Network.
3. Run the MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment with its measurement microphone (sold separately).
4. Fine-tune level, delay and logo brightness in the software.

Tip: Settings stay in the monitor even when the network cable or power is disconnected.

Workflow 3: Digital S/PDIF connection

Users with a digital source or a DSP subwoofer upstream.

Connections

Setup

1. Set OUTPUT LEVEL to 94 dB SPL and INPUT GAIN to -15 dB before connecting.
2. Loop the signal from the first monitor to the second.
3. Set INPUT SELECT to S/PDIF L on the left and S/PDIF R on the right monitor.
4. Raise the level from the source.

Tip: No clock input is needed: the converters run on a very stable internal clock.

Workflow 4: Surround and immersive monitoring

Post production and broadcast rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Arrange the monitors as the surround format requires (e.g. 5.1: 0°, ±30°, ±110°).
2. Point every acoustical axis at the listening position.
3. Compensate distance differences with the delay (30 µs per cm) or the MA 1.
4. Calibrate the level, e.g. 85 dB(C) for film or 79 to 83 dB(C) for broadcast.

Tip: Tonal compatibility allows mixed set-ups with other KH line monitors.

Workflow 5: Location control room

Engineers recording orchestra, choir, live events, film or broadcast on location.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the monitors up on stands or the optional table stands.
2. Set CONTROL to Local to use the backplate settings on location.
3. Adapt BASS / LOW-MID / HI to the room.
4. Set the level and start monitoring.

Tip: Switching between Local and Network recalls either the backplate settings or the MA 1 configuration.

Workflow 6: Wall or stand mounting

Rooms where desk space is limited.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose a Neumann wall bracket, stand adapter or table stand.
2. Fix it to the M6 inserts (70 mm spacing).
3. Angle the monitor so its acoustical axis points at the listener.
4. Have the mounting carried out by a qualified specialist.

Tip: The LH 65 table stand is made for the KH 120 II.