As a music producer and audio enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate our craft. Today, we’re diving into the world of high-end studio monitors with the Neumann KH310. These speakers have been causing quite a stir in professional audio circles, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on why they’re grabbing so much attention.
In this review, we’ll take a close look at what makes the Neumann KH310A stand out from the crowd. We’ll explore its technical specs, sound quality, and practical uses in various studio setups. I’ll also give you my honest take on how these Neumann monitors stack up against other options in the market. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this deep dive into the KH310 will help you decide if these speakers are the right fit for your studio.
Technical Specifications
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Neumann KH310. These monitors are packed with impressive specs that contribute to their stellar performance. I’ll break down the key technical aspects that make these speakers stand out in the professional audio world.
Frequency Range
The KH310A boasts an impressive frequency response that truly qualifies it as a full-range monitor. According to the published specifications, these speakers have a -3dB frequency response range from 34Hz to 21kHz. What’s even more remarkable is the tight tolerance they maintain within this range. The overall response stays within a ±2dB window from 36Hz all the way up to 20kHz. This level of control across such a wide frequency spectrum is what gives the KH310A its reputation for accuracy and clarity.
Maximum SPL
When it comes to output, the KH310A doesn’t disappoint. These monitors can produce some serious volume without breaking a sweat. Let’s look at the numbers:
- Between 100Hz and 6kHz, the KH310A can reach a maximum SPL of 116dB at one meter. This is measured at a three-percent distortion level, which is quite impressive for a nearfield monitor.
- In the lower frequency range, between 50Hz and 100Hz, it can still pump out around 105dB SPL.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. At a more reasonable (but still loud) listening level of 95dB SPL at one meter, the total harmonic distortion remains below 0.5 percent for all frequencies above 85Hz. This is a testament to the KH310A’s ability to maintain clarity and low distortion even at high volumes, which is crucial for a reference monitor.
Crossover Design
The crossover network in the KH310A is a key component of its design, ensuring seamless integration between the three drivers. Here’s how it’s set up:
- The input signal is divided among the three drivers using fourth-order (24dB/octave) crossover filters.
- The crossover points are centered at 650Hz and 2kHz.
- There’s a subsonic filter working below 15Hz to protect the woofer from potentially damaging ultra-low frequencies.
- An additional protection filter is implemented above 20kHz to prevent ultrasonic intermodulation.
The choice of a 2kHz crossover frequency for the tweeter is particularly clever. This ensures that any mid-range dome break-up modes occur well above its working range. Similarly, the tweeter’s break-up frequency is pushed well above 20kHz, beyond the range of human hearing.
To achieve optimal performance, the KH310A employs a technique that’s worth noting. The drivers are equalized to be flat for a full octave above their respective crossover frequencies. For instance, the tweeter is equalized to be flat down to about 1kHz, even though its crossover point is at 2kHz. This approach results in a perfect acoustic fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley (LR4) filter at the crossover point.
These technical specifications translate into real-world performance that’s hard to beat. The flat frequency response, high SPL capabilities, and sophisticated crossover design all contribute to the KH310A’s ability to reproduce audio with exceptional accuracy and clarity. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or just critically listening, these monitors provide a reliable reference point for your audio work.
Acoustic Performance
When I first powered up the Neumann KH310A, I was initially struck by how flat and almost boring they sounded. But don’t let that fool you – this initial impression quickly faded as I dove into mixing and EQing. That’s when the true magic of these monitors revealed itself.
Bass Response
The bass performance of the KH310A is nothing short of impressive. Neumann calls it “DRY BASS,” and it’s a perfect description. There’s no bloated low end here – just clean, precise bass that doesn’t fall off a cliff when you crank up the volume.
What really blew me away was the sheer power these compact cabinets can produce. The bass not only resonated through my desk and chair but filled my entire loft space. Even at high volumes, distortion was minimal and barely noticeable unless you were specifically listening for it.
One of the standout features is the elimination of the bass port, which I believe contributes significantly to the clean low-frequency response. The Neumann KH310’s sealed cabinet design results in a gentle roll-off, allowing useful information to be perfectly audible down to the lowest musical octave.
It’s worth noting that while the spec sheet claims a low-end reach of 34Hz, I’ve found that the actual bass response can vary depending on the source material. For instance, a Moog synth will make the apartment rumble, but a FLAC file of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors” (which I consider one of the best-engineered albums of all time) has comparatively little low end.
Midrange Clarity
The Neumann KH310’s midrange performance is where these monitors really shine. As a three-way speaker system, each driver has less of the frequency spectrum to handle, resulting in fewer intermodulation issues and greater overall accuracy.
What struck me most was the incredible level of detail and resolution in the midrange. These speakers present a wealth of information without sounding forward or “shouty.” Even after hours of critical listening, I found them to be unfatiguing – a crucial quality for long mixing sessions.
The clarity allows for precise separation of instruments. Kick drums and bass guitars, for example, are distinctly audible as separate entities rather than blending into one amorphous low-frequency thump. When applying EQ or level changes to individual elements, the differences are immediately apparent.
High Frequency Extension
The high-frequency performance of the Neumann KH310 is equally impressive. These monitors manage to deliver exceptional clarity and detail in the upper registers without any harshness or sibilance – a delicate balance that many speakers struggle to achieve.
I was particularly impressed by how the Neumann KH310A handled dynamic high-frequency content. When I played tracks with complex treble information, like “Gruzzo” by Daniele Di Bonaventura and Alfredo Laviano, the speakers reproduced every nuance with pristine clarity.
What’s more, I could push the volume to high levels without any loss in high-frequency quality. There was no hint of distortion or brittleness, just pure, detailed sound that remained consistent across the volume range.
The overall tonal balance of the Newmann KH310 is remarkably neutral, providing an accurate representation of the source material. This neutrality, combined with the speaker’s ability to reveal subtle details, makes it an excellent tool for critical listening and precise mixing decisions.
In terms of soundstage, these monitors create an impressively wide image. With some reverb and delay effects applied, the sound almost resembles a surround system, with certain elements seeming to come from behind the listening position. This expansive soundstage adds another dimension to the mixing experience, allowing for precise placement of elements in the stereo field.
Practical Applications
I’ve had the pleasure of using the Neumann KH310 in various professional audio settings, and I must say, these monitors have consistently impressed me with their versatility and performance. Let’s dive into some of the practical applications where these speakers truly shine.
Studio Monitoring
In the recording studio, the KH310A proves to be an invaluable tool. I’ve found that these monitors excel in near-field applications, making them perfect for project studios, music production spaces, and professional recording environments. What sets them apart is their ability to deliver a faithful reproduction of recorded music.
When I’m working on vocals or instruments with a midrange emphasis, like guitars, the Neumann KH310 really comes into its own. The closed design enables an incredibly fast transient response, which is crucial for capturing the nuances of performances. I’ve noticed that the low harmonic distortion guarantees a neutral reference sound, meeting even the highest standards of audio professionals.
One of the things that struck me about these monitors is how they handle female vocals. I always start my listening tests with female vocalists to check if their brilliance is reproduced without harshness. The KH310A blew me away with its ability to manage this delicate balance! The level of clarity and detail, combined with zero harshness or lispiness, is truly remarkable.
Post-Production
In post-production work, precision and accuracy are paramount, and the KH310A delivers on both fronts. The Mathematically Modeled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide is a game-changer, delivering sound waves into the room with superior accuracy. This feature is particularly useful when working on projects that require pinpoint sound placement, such as film or TV audio.
What I appreciate most in post-production scenarios is the KH310A’s ability to reveal subtle details in the mix. Whether I’m editing dialog, adding sound effects, or balancing complex audio landscapes, these monitors provide the clarity and definition I need to make informed decisions.
The wide soundstage these monitors create is another asset in post-production. With some reverb and delay effects applied, the sound almost resembles a surround system, with certain elements seeming to come from behind the listening position. This expansive soundstage adds another dimension to the mixing experience, allowing for precise placement of elements in the stereo field.
Mastering
When it comes to mastering, the KH310A truly excels. The flat frequency response and exceptional clarity make these monitors an ideal choice for this critical stage of audio production. What impresses me most is how they handle the entire frequency spectrum with such precision.
The bass response, which Neumann calls “DRY BASS,” is particularly noteworthy in mastering applications. There’s no bloated low end here – just clean, precise bass that doesn’t falter even when you crank up the volume. This allows for accurate assessment and adjustment of the low-frequency content in a mix.
In the midrange, the KH310A’s three-way design really pays off. Each driver handles less of the frequency spectrum, resulting in fewer intermodulation issues and greater overall accuracy. This is crucial in mastering, where even the slightest coloration can lead to poor decisions.
The high-frequency performance is equally impressive. These monitors manage to deliver exceptional clarity and detail in the upper registers without any harshness or sibilance – a delicate balance that’s essential for achieving a polished, professional sound.
What truly sets the KH310A apart in mastering applications is its consistency across different volume levels. I can push the volume to high levels without any loss in quality or detail. This allows me to check mixes at various listening levels, ensuring that the balance and clarity translate well across different playback systems.
In conclusion, the Neumann KH310A proves to be a versatile and reliable tool across various professional audio applications. From recording and mixing to post-production and mastering, these monitors consistently deliver the accuracy, clarity, and detail needed to produce top-quality audio work. While they come with a hefty price tag, the performance and versatility they offer make them a worthwhile investment for serious audio professionals.
Conclusion
The Neumann KH310A monitors have proven to be a game-changer in the world of professional audio. Their exceptional performance across various applications, from studio recording to mastering, showcases their versatility and reliability. The combination of precise bass response, crystal-clear midrange, and detailed high frequencies creates a listening experience that’s both accurate and enjoyable.
For audio professionals looking to upgrade their monitoring setup, the KH310A offers a compelling package. While the price tag might be steep, the quality and performance these speakers deliver make them a worthwhile investment. Their ability to reveal subtle details in mixes, maintain clarity at high volumes, and create an expansive soundstage puts them in a league of their own, making them a top choice for those serious about their audio work.
FAQs
What is the range of frequencies that the Neumann KH310A can reproduce?
The Neumann KH310A exhibits a frequency response that is exceptionally flat and extensive, ranging from 35Hz to 20kHz within a deviation of +/-2dB. It features a strong low-frequency performance with a 3rd-order roll-off, reaching -10dB at approximately 30Hz.
What is the power output of the Neumann KH310?
The Neumann KH310 is a three-way active studio monitor that delivers a total continuous output of 290 watts.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Neumann KH310?
The Neumann KH310 measures 253 mm in width, 383 mm in height, and 292 mm in depth. It weighs 13.0 kilograms. The monitor comes in anthracite (RAL 7021) color and includes mounting options with 2 x M8 on the side.
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