The two new versions will be available from April 17, 2023, running $999 for the KH 120 II and $1,250 for the KH 120 II AES67.
Neumann has released the KH 120 II studio monitor, which offers improvements in all acoustic parameters compared to its predecessor.
In addition, its internal DSP engine allows for phase linear crossovers and room correction via Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Alignment.
Neumann’s first version was released in 2010, and the new version follows the same philosophy, with a focus on linearity, low distortion, little colouration, and adaptability to any acoustic environment.
Speaking about the new launch, Portfolio Manager Stephan Mauer, said: “It is part of the Neumann ethos to never be satisfied with what has been achieved so far. The KH 120 garnered hundreds of 5-star reviews, yet we knew that we could make it even better. For the KH 120 II, we’ve developed a novel woofer design that reduces distortion audibly and allows for much higher SPLs. In addition to an exceptionally flat frequency response from 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB), the KH 120 II also offers a linearized phase response. Which translates to clear mids with astonishing transparency as well as extreme accuracy in the time domain, i.e. precise impulse reproduction and finely resolved reverbs.”
The new edition sports DSP-controlled electronics whose crossovers avoid phase distortion caused by analogue filters. The KH 120-II is made to extremely low tolerances of no more than ±0.5 dB. Stereo imaging, therefore, is razor-sharp. Digital electronics also allow for automatic room alignment using Neumann’s MA 1 hardware/software solution.
Speaking about the new launch, Ralf Oehl, CEO of Neumann, said: “Even the best studio monitor is dependent on its acoustic environment. So, being able to use the KH 120 II with Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 is an enormous advantage in terms of real-world performance. Finally, you can work with reliable reference-class monitoring even in less-than-ideal environments such as small studios or makeshift control rooms for mobile recording. But of course, the KH 120 II is also an excellent solution for professional studios, editing suites, and even immersive setups.”
Neumann engineers develop a patent-pending amplifier technology which combines superior audio performance with the energy efficiency of Class D. Although the amplifiers of the KH 120 II deliver up to 145 W to the 5.25” woofer and 100 W to the 1” tweeter, they only consume 17 W at idle.
The KH 120 II offers analogue and digital inputs (S/PDIF). It will also be available in an AES67 variant with redundant AES67 audio network ports that are fully compliant with broadcast standards such as ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, and RAVENNA. At the same time, the KH 120 II AES67 is compatible with DANTE-generated AES67 network streams.
The KH 120 II and KH 120 II AES67 will be available from April 17, 2023.
