NEUMANN NDH 30

Product overview

The NEUMANN NDH 30 is a circumaural, open-back studio headphone with outstanding detail resolution and high-precision stereo imaging with razor-sharp localisation: the portable sound reference.

The NDH 30 was developed to make the reference sound of a Neumann studio monitor set-up, calibrated with MA 1, available everywhere in an easily transportable headphone. Its open-back design lets the dynamic 38 mm transducers work as acoustic dipoles for extremely fast transients, dry bass, uncoloured mids and transparent highs. Frequency-selective absorbers give superior linearity, the internally balanced, cloth-covered cable minimises crosstalk, and the frequency range spans 12 Hz to 34 kHz with THD below 0.03 %. Its linear soundstage and transient response recommend it for mixing, mastering and high-precision editing. It is available in silver, anthracite and orange, and as the NDH 30 Black Edition.

Key features

• Outstanding linearity and transient response, with frequency-selective absorbers
• High spatial resolution: razor-sharp localisation in the stereo panorama
• Sound and mix compatibility with KH Line loudspeakers calibrated with MA 1
• Open back: 38 mm dynamic transducers working as acoustic dipoles
• High long-term comfort with cloth-covered foam ear pads
• Internally balanced, cloth-covered detachable cable and 6.3 mm adapter
• Foldable spring steel and aluminium construction with a cloth pouch
• Manufactured to extremely tight tolerances so each headphone sounds the same
• Also available as NDH 30 Black Edition

Open back for a true 1:1 reproduction

Its construction of spring steel and aluminium and its handling are largely the same as those of the NDH 20, but the NDH 30 is open-back: the dynamic 38 mm transducers work as acoustic dipoles, which lets their refined sound characteristics unfold optimally. The NDH 30 has no sound coloration but reproduces the signal 1:1.

Uncompromising precision

Frequency-selective absorbers eliminate an overemphasis of the high frequencies that could lead to incorrect mixing decisions: the NDH 30 accurately reveals whether a voice sounds muffled or needs a de-esser. Its spatial resolution makes the depth of the mix evident, and the internally balanced cable minimises channel crosstalk.

Part of a successful family

With its high linearity and detail resolution, the NDH 30 is compatible with a loudspeaker system calibrated with Neumann Automatic Monitor Alignment. Mixes begun at home or on the road can be continued in the studio on KH Line loudspeakers, and vice versa. It is also a headphone sound reference, ideal for checking headphone compatibility and for creating binaural mixes of immersive content, including VR and gaming.

NDH 30 Black Edition

The Black Edition has a black headband and black ear cups, with the same internally balanced cable, adapter, cloth pouch and specifications as the NDH 30.

In the box

• NDH 30 headphone (or NDH 30 Black Edition)
• Straight symmetrical cable
• 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter
• Cloth pouch
• Quick guide
• Safety guide

Available versions

• NDH 30: Silver, anthracite, orange, Cat. No. 509111
• NDH 30 Black Edition Headphone: Black Edition, Cat. No. 399006

NEUMANN NDH 30: frequently asked questions

Is the NDH 30 open or closed?

Open-back and circumaural: its 38 mm dynamic transducers work as acoustic dipoles.

What is the impedance and sensitivity of the NDH 30?

The nominal impedance is 120 Ω and the sensitivity 104 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 Vrms.

Is the NDH 30 suited to mastering?

Yes. NEUMANN recommends its linear soundstage and superior transient response for the most demanding applications such as mixing and mastering.

What is the difference between the NDH 30 and the NDH 30 Black Edition?

Only the colour: the NDH 30 (Cat. No. 509111) is silver, anthracite and orange; the Black Edition (Cat. No. 399006) is black. Both come with the same accessories.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN NDH 30 in India?

The NEUMANN NDH 30 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Mixing at home or on the road

Producers and mix engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the cable at the right ear cup and lock it.
2. Connect the 3.5 mm jack or the 6.3 mm adapter.
3. Mix at a moderate level.
4. Continue the mix in the studio on KH Line loudspeakers.

Tip: Mixes translate between the NDH 30 and an MA 1-calibrated KH set-up.

Workflow 2: Mastering checks

Mastering engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the NDH 30.
2. Listen for tonal balance and detail.
3. Check sibilance and whether a voice sounds muffled.

Tip: The frequency-selective absorbers avoid an exaggerated top end.

Workflow 3: High-precision editing

Dialogue and music editors.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the headphone.
2. Edit at a comfortable level.
3. Use its transient response to place cuts precisely.

Tip: High long-term comfort suits long editing sessions.

Workflow 4: Binaural and immersive mixes

Creators of immersive content, VR and gaming audio.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the NDH 30.
2. Monitor the binaural render.
3. Check localisation and depth.

Tip: Razor-sharp localisation makes panning decisions reliable.

Workflow 5: Headphone compatibility check

Engineers preparing releases.

Connections

Setup

1. Play the final mix on the NDH 30.
2. Listen for balance on headphones.
3. Adjust and compare with loudspeakers.

Tip: Headphones are a dominant playback system; the NDH 30 is a headphone sound reference.

Workflow 6: Travel and care

Users who move between rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Fold the headphone as shown in the quick guide.
2. Detach the cable and pack both into the cloth pouch.
3. Replace ear pads when worn.

Tip: Ear pads are replaceable and the cable is detachable.