Neumann KH 120 A 5.25″ Powered Studio Monitor – Anthracite Neumann

The KH 120 is a two-way bi-amplified monitor with thermally protected class-AB amplifiers (80 W each). Just like the drivers, its Mathematically Modeled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide is calculated with an optimal level of precision. Sound distributed in a horizontally precise manner ensures flexibility in the listening position; the narrower vertical dispersion reduces the negative effects of nearby reflections – for example from a desk or mixing console. The finely controlled dispersion characteristics optimize reproduction in even the most varied of room configurations.

BEST WORKING ENVIRONMENT: CLOSE TO PROFESSIONAL EARS

The KH 120 is typically used in near-field applications such as project, music, broadcast and post-production studios for recording, mixing and mastering. It it also available as a digital input “D” version.

PORTS AND HIGH DYNAMICS: NO LONGER A CONTRADICTION

With its digital switched-mode power supply and bi-amplification, the KH 120 realizes sound pressure of up to 111.1 dB and in doing so, retains a high-resolution and neutral representation across the entire frequency response. This provides sufficient energy for maximum dynamics without distortion and losses. As a result, the bass goes down to impressive 52 Hz. Despite using ports, there is no “overhang” in the bass response. The transient response remains well in control. The optimized design of the drivers delivers clean sound right down to the lowest parts of the 50 Hz region. This rich foundation offers enough room to work cleanly on the mix without the necessity for a supplementary subwoofer. In the demanding treble range, the specially developed, powerful alloy fabric dome ensures distortion-free reproduction.

THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT: THE KH 750 DSP SUBWOOFER

In addition to its outstanding acoustic properties this subwoofer offers functions for non DSP-based Neumann monitors connected (analog) to its outputs regarding the interplay with the following tools:

• Automatic Monitor Alignment – Automatic room correction of stereo systems using the Neumann MA 1 measurement microphone (software for Mac/PC)
• Neumann.Control – Free iPad®-App for setup, operation, and room correction of stereo systems via guided and/or manual alignment

HUNDREDS OF GOOD REASONS FROM THE NEUMANN PHILOSOPHY

The KH 120 has been developed true to the Neumann philosophy for monitor loudspeakers. Every component, every shape, every signal and every wave motion is a consequence of this philosophy. No form or component is there without reason. There are hundreds of tangible reasons built into the KH 120, which all stand for exceptionally pure and neutral sound. These include, for example, curvatures of the housing that reduce edge diffraction. Also included is the pistonic output of the bass driver which does not give rise to harmonic distortions, even with the highest sound peaks. Some of these reasons are obvious in the KH 120. Others Neumann prefers to keep to itself. But together, each can be heard – sound professionals in both large and small studios all around the world can testify to this. You can read more about the Neumann philosophy for studio monitors here.

(1)
In-house simulated tweeter with alloy fabric dome

• Latest modeling techniques used to minimize non-linear (harmonic and intermodulation) distortion
• Low-distortion high frequency reproduction

(2)
Elliptical Mathematically Modelled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide

• Smoother off -axis response
• More forgiving of diverse acoustical environments

Wide horizontal dispersion

• Freedom of movement across the mixing console

Narrow vertical dispersion

• Reduces reflections off the mixing console

(3)
Two-color + dimmable Neumann logo

• Displays operation status and activation of the extensive protection system
• Dimmable for low lighting level conditions or behind the screen applications

(4)
In-house modelled long-throw composite sandwich cone bass driver with Extremely Linear Force Factor™ (ELFF™), magnetic shielding and flow optimized die cast basket

• Damping of break up modes brings low distortion at high sound levels
• Linear pistonic motor gives a very low harmonic distortion even at high excursions
• Reduced air noise and improved rocking modes

(5)
Robust metal grilles

• Protects against mechanical damage

(6)
Large high-capacity flow-optimized bass reflex ports with pipe resonance damping

• Fast bass transient response
• Reduced bass compression at high output levels
• No coloration from organ pipe resonance
• Easier to mount in tight spaces

(7)
Compact aluminum cabinet

• Robust package for a long life
• No standing wave resonances
• Excellent heat dissipation

One-piece front panel with no discontinuities

• Reduced diffraction and smoother frequency response

(8)
4-position bass, low-mid and treble acoustical controls

• More control in diverse acoustical environments
• Fast acoustical set up in mobile applications
• Repeatable settings after moving loudspeakers

(9)
Wide range input gain and output level controls

• Easier interfacing with signal sources

(10)
Fully documented extensive mounting hardware range

• More flexibility in more diverse locations and backwards compatible to previous products
• Easy advanced planning for installations

(11)
Display dimmer and ground lift

• For low lighting level conditions or behind the screen applications
• Reduced noise in electrically noisy environments and over-comes ground loops

(12)
Universal switched-mode power supply (100 … 240 V)

• One version works in any country and robust to poor quality mains supply

(13)
XLR electronically balanced analogue input

• Standard interfacing to professional equipment

MORE FEATURES

Production consistency due to individual hand alignment in final testing

• Any KH 120 is “pair matched” to any other KH 120

Separate fast acting thermo limiters for woofer and tweeter to protect the voice coils and power amplifiers

• Woofer soft clip and excursion limiters
• Increases system reliability
• Allows extraction of the maximum performance

Powerful amplifiers with large headroom and overheat limiting

• Improved transient response
• Assured reliability and safety

Specifications

Free field frequency response ±6 dB	46 Hz … 24 kHz
Free field frequency response ±3 dB	52 Hz … 21 kHz
Free field frequency linearity deviation between 100 Hz and 10 kHz	± 1.0 dB
Reproduction accuracy between 100 Hz and 10 kHz: 100%, 80%, 50% of loudspeakers produced	±0.97; ±0.40; ±0.23 dB
Self-generated noise at 10 cm (with input gain set to 100 dB SPL for 0 dBu)	<20 dB(A) SPL
Sine wave output with a THD < 0.5 % at 1 m in half space	95 dB SPL (>120 Hz)
Max. SPL calc. in half space at 3% THD at 1m (averaged between 100 Hz and 6 kHz)	111.1 dB SPL
Max. SPL in full space at 3% THD at 1m (averaged between 100 Hz and 6 kHz)	105.1 dB SPL
Bass capability: Max. SPL in half space at 3% THD at 1m (averaged between 50 Hz and 100 Hz)	104.8 dB SPL
Max. short term SPL with IEC-weighted noise (IEC 60268-5) at 1 m, in typical listening conditions	107 dB(C) SPL
Max. short term SPL with music material at 2.3 m in typical listening conditions (pair / full range)	97 dB(C) SPL
Max. short term SPL with music material at 2.3 m, in typical listening conditions (pair with subwoofer)	104 dB(C) SPL
Max. long term SPL with pink noise at 2.3 m, in typical listening conditions (single / pair full range)	88 / 93 dB(C) SPL
Max. long term SPL with pink noise at 2.3 m, in typical listening conditions (single / pair with subwoofer)	89 / 94 dB(C) SPL
Analog input(s)	XLR: analog electronically balanced
Analog input impedance	10k Ohms in position 94/108 dB SPL at 1 m; 20k Ohms in position 100/114 dB SPL at 1 m
Max. input level	+24 dBu
Common mode rejection ratio (CMRR)	>56 dB @ 15kHz
Input gain control (sensitivity)	0 dB … -15 dB
Output level control (output level in 1 m based on 0 dBu input level)	94; 100; 108; 114 dB SPL
Controller design	Analog; active
Crossover frequency	2.0 kHz
Crossover slope	24 dB/oct; 4th order
Equalization: Bass	0; -2.5; -5; -7.5 dB
Equalization: Low-Mid	0; -1.5; -3; -4.5 dB
Equalization: Treble	+1; 0; -1; -2 dB
Protection circuitry	Independent thermo limiters for woofer, tweeter. Woofer soft clip and excursion limiters. Amplifier overheat.
Infrasonic filter: frequency; slope	30 Hz; 6 dB/Oct.
Display: On; Normal Operation	Neumann logo “White”
Display: Limit / Clip / Errors / Protection /Boot Mute / Shut Down Mute	Neumann logo “Red”
Display Brightness	White:on/dimmed/off; Red:on/dimmed
Output power woofer amplifier (THD+N with limiter deactivated: 10%)	80 W
Output power tweeter amplifier (THD+N with limiter deactivated: 10%)	80 W
Output power woofer amplifier (THD+N with limiter deactivated: 0.1%)	50 W
Output power tweeter amplifier (THD+N with limiter deactivated: 0.1%)	50 W
Mains Power Supply: input voltage; frequency	100-240V; 50/60 Hz
Power consumption (230 V / 100 V): Idle	20 W
Power consumption (230 V / 100 V): Full output	200 W
In-rush current (Peak)	20 A
Cabinet material	Aluminium
Cabinet surface finish; color (front / back)	Painted; metallic anthracite (RAL 7021)
Operating conditions	+10° C to +40° C (+50° F to +104° F); <75% RH; non-condensing
Transport/storage conditions	-25° C to +70° C (-13° F to 158° F); <90% RH, non-condensing
Woofer	130 mm (5.25″) magnetically shielded with protecting black metal grille
Tweeter	25 mm (1″) with protecting black metal grille
Mounting points	2 x M8 threaded inserts with 70 mm spacing on back panel; thread depth 15 mm (5/8”)
Product dimensions (height x width x depth)	277 x 182 x 220 mm (10 7/8” x 7 1/8” x 8 5/8”)
External net volume	9.7 liters
Product weight	6.4 kg (14 lbs 2 oz)
Packed dimensions (height x width x depth), mm (inches)	415 x 365 x 280 mm (16 3/8” x 14 3/8” x 11”)
Packed weight	8.4 kg (18 lbs 8 oz)
Packed cube	0.042 m³

DIAGRAMS

KH 120 – Free-Field Response

KH 120 – Group Delay

KH 120 – Harmonic Distortion at 90 dB SPL (Purple: THD, Red: 2nd harmonic, Green: 3rd harmonic)

KH 120 – Maximum SPL at 1m (Red: 3% THD, Blue: 1% THD)

KH 120 – Bass, Low-Mid and Treble Acoustical Controls

KH 120 – Horizontal Directivity Plot

KH 120 – Vertical Directivity Plot

KH 120 – Cumulative Spectral Decay