When German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin introduced the NDH 20 in 2019, the first Neumann-branded headphones, it was certainly a bold move, given the company’s reputation in the microphone and studio monitors segment. And the use of headphones for monitoring was not as popular as it is three years later. The company seems determined to leverage that opportunity and now introduces the NDH 30, open-back headphones as a new reference-class studio design for the most demanding mixing and mastering applications.
The new Neumann NDH 30 headphones are already designed taking into account that audio engineers, musicians and producers are increasingly monitoring binaural renderings of immersive format audio sources, together with stereo material. In that regard, Neumann says that the new headphones reproduce the linear sound image of a Neumann loudspeaker setup, perfectly calibrated via MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment, in a portable format.
And at the same time, the company says that the NDH 30 is a reference in its own right for headphone compatibility, which is paramount for commercial success, given today’s listening habits. Neumann recommends the NDH 30 for creating binaural mixes of immersive content, including for gaming, given the headphones’ improved spatial resolution. And the design also offers accurate reproduction of high-resolution material and stereo imaging with detailed, precise localization as required for mixing and mastering.
“While the NDH 30 retains the high-quality metal construction of the closed-back NDH 20, it is way more than just an open-back version. The entire acoustic system is a new design, including optimized and perfectly positioned dynamic drivers that rival the sonic resolution of planar magnetic transducers. Harmonic distortion is extremely low and, thanks to frequency selective absorbers, the NDH 30 has a remarkably even response across the entire audio spectrum,” Neumann states.
“We wanted to create a headphone that is totally reliable and gives you the confidence you need to make the right decisions. The NDH 30 will tell you exactly if your bass is too loud or your vocal needs de-essing,” explains Neumann portfolio manager Sebastian Schmitz. “The spatial resolution, too, is outstanding because the drivers are made to extremely low tolerances. And because the NDH 30 comes with an internally balanced cable, which improves channel separation.”
Other aspects that Neumann says will place these headphones above the competition are related with long term wearing comfort, thanks to large, soft earpads. And for easy transportation, the NDH 30 headphones are foldable and thus offer a portable alternative to a Neumann KH line loudspeaker setup, offering full sound and mix compatibility.
“Neumann is quickly becoming the global reference in high-quality monitoring. From Oscar-awarded blockbuster filmscores to the most recent Grammy-winning ‘Best Immersive Audio Album’ – all mixed on Neumann monitors. Our customers have been asking for a similar reference when mixing for headphones. After all, headphones are becoming the dominant playback system among consumers – in particular for immersive sound. The NDH 30 is our answer to those demands,” summarizes Neumann’s CEO Ralf Oehl.
The list price of the NDH 30 is €649/$649 and the headphones will be available worldwide from May 2022.
www.neumann.com
