SOUND & RECORDING 04/13

04/13

Test: Neumann KH 310

Near-field monitor

SOUND & RECORDING 04/13 NEUMANN KH310 TEST REPORTS

With the KH 120, the traditional microphone manufacturer Neumann succeeded in making a brilliant debut in the near-field studio monitor
market segment. Within a short time the small monitor was at the top of the sales charts – justifiably so, due to the sound characteristics and
the unbeatably good price/performance ratio. This was ample reason to be curious about how the new 3-way system would fare in our measu-
rement and testing studio.

Neumann KH 310
3-Way High-End Monitor Tested & Measured

AUTHOR: DR. ANSELM GOERTZ, FOTOS: DIETER STORK, DR. ANSELM GOERTZ

1 TEST REPORTS NEUMANN KH310 SOUND & RECORDING 04/13

 THE FREQUENCY RESPONSE IS ONE OF THE BEST EVER
MEASURED IN OUR TESTING LABORATORY.

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Measurements

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Sound quality

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Possible applications

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Workmanship and value

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Price/performance ratio

Manufacturer/Model Manufacturer/Sales Neumann / Sennheiser

MSRP per pair: 3,994 euros r www.neumann.com

With the KH 310, Neumann Berlin is entire electronics and the driver wave- the “side-by-side” arrangement is less
now presenting the second newly deve- guides are newly developed. problematic, because the crossover at
loped monitor since the takeover of the 650 Hz occurs at such a long wave-
Klein+Hummel brand under the Neu- EXTERNALS length that the distance between the
mann label. The KH 310 is a compact 3- The KH 310 now continues the concept drivers no longer has an adverse effect.
way system for near-field and mid-field of the O 98 (1982-1998), O 198 (1998- Particularly for compact monitors,
applications, which is also well-suited 2000) and O 300 (1999-2013) into the sealed housings are rather rare. The
for use as a surround monitor in larger fourth generation. Thanks to its closely reason for this is the greater level stabi-
studios. In contrast to the approach of arranged loudspeakers and the resul- lity of bass reflex designs, which exhibit
many other manufacturers, the external ting small front surface area, the appli- higher sensitivity at low frequencies,
appearance continues to be very incon- cation possibilities of the compact 3- thanks to the support of the bass reflex
spicuous, and has scarcely changed in way system include use as a large near- resonator. However, such designs have
comparison to the previous model O field monitor, or as a main or surround two disadvantages. Not only does the
300. However, when examined closely, loudspeaker. Due to its low height, the frequency response below the resonan-
the KH 310 is revealed as a completely KH 310 hinders neither the acoustics of ce tuning frequency of the housing
newly developed system with many main monitors located behind it, nor diminish twice as sharply (24 dB/oct.)
technical fine points. Only the concept the view through the control room as that of a sealed housing (12 dB/oct.),
remains unchanged: 3-way with a seal- window. but also the phase shifts, of 360° inste-
ed housing, with the external shape The midrange and tweeter are ad of 180° through the high-pass functi-
and dimensions of the housing remai- favorably situated one above the other. on, are twice as great. This means that
ning the same. All of the drivers, the For the woofer positioned to one side, apart from the achievable bass level, a

SOUND & RECORDING 04/13 NEUMANN KH310 TEST REPORTS 2

The following measurements of frequency response, directivity and distortion values come from the measurement
laboratory, with anechoic conditions. The class 1 measurement chamber permits measurement distances of up to 8 m, and provides free-field
conditions for the range of 100 Hz upward. All measurements are performed via a B&K 1/4" 4939 measurement microphone with a 96 kHz sam-
pling rate and 24 bit resolution, with the aid of the Monkey Forest audio measuring system. Measurements below 100 Hz are performed as com-
bined near-field/far-field measurements.

01 02 03

04 05 06

07 08

10 09

3 TEST REPORTS NEUMANN KH310 SOUND & RECORDING 04/13

 sealed housing is in fact a better choice. NEUMANN KH 310 PROFILE
The bass level is precisely what makes a Frequency range: 30 Hz - 22 kHz (-6 dB)
bass reflex housing indispensable as a Ripple: 2.2 dB (100 Hz - 10 kHz)
rule, especially for small monitors, sin- Horizontal opening angle:
ce even at low frequencies a certain 112° (-6 dB isobar 1 kHz - 10 kHz)
minimum level is essential for listening Horizontal standard deviation:
under usual level conditions. However, 19° (-6 dB isobar 1 kHz - 10 kHz)
01 It could scarcely be better: On-axis frequency with an 8" woofer, the size of the KH Vertical opening angle:
response measured at a distance of 2 m. At the top 310 is such that even without the sup-
are the filter curves for the treble, low-mid and bass 82° (-6 dB isobar 1 kHz - 10 kHz)
filters (blue, orange and green, respectively). The two
port of a resonator a high level can be Vertical standard deviation:
gray lines indicate the frequency range from 100 Hz achieved, which is thus primarily 24° (-6 dB isobar 1 kHz - 10 kHz)
to 10 kHz, for the evaluation of ripples. The curve dependent upon the capabilities of the
(violet line) extends from 30 Hz to 22 kHz (-6 dB), Max. SPL:
with an almost vanishingly small ripple of only 2.2 dB
driver. 111.7 dB (3% THD 100 Hz - 10 kHz)
(maximum to minimum). This design was developed comple- Bass capability:
02 On-axis phase response measured at a distance of tely by Neumann itself, from the simu- 104 dB (10% THD 50 - 100 Hz)
2 m. At the crossover frequencies of 650 Hz and 2 kHz lation, to all of the series of measure- Max. SPL at 1 m (free-field) with EIA-426B signal at
in each case there is a 360° phase rotation. At the ments, to the tools. Special attention
lower end of the transmission range there is another full-scale level:
rotation of 270° due to the electronic 1st order high-
has been paid to the large linear excur- 102.4 dBA Leq and 116 dB peak
pass filter and the acoustic 2nd order high-pass filter sion. With sufficient amplifier power, Pair deviation:
(sealed housing). here ensured by a 210 W peak for the 0.45 dB (max. value 100 Hz - 10 kHz)
03 Maximum SPL at a distance of 1 m, at maximum woofer, the desired sound pressure level Noise level (A-weighted): 16.5 dBA (distance 10 cm)
3% distortion (red curve), and maximum 10% distor- can thus also be attained with a sealed
tion (blue curve) for the bass range up to 300 Hz. Dimensions: 383 x 253 x 292 mm (WxHxD)
Below 100 Hz the woofer averages 104 dB, and bet- housing. Even the two domes have Weight: 13 kg
ween 100 Hz and 10 kHz the average maximum SPL been developed completely by Neu-
appears as 111.7 dB. There are no weak points at all mann and, like the woofer, are manu-
in the form of sharp drops in the Max. SPL curve.
factured exclusively for Neumann as
04 Spectrogram of the KH 310, with perfect decay OEM parts.
free of resonances.
Above a certain frequency, a dome
05 Horizontal directivity represented by isobars. no longer oscillates as a unit, but
At the transition from yellow to light green, the level
dropped by 6 dB relative to the center axis. begins to develop independent break-
up modes, where particular zones of the
06 Vertical directivity with a slight constriction at the
transition point between the midrange and tweeter at diaphragm form local oscillation pat-
2 kHz. terns. Figures 8 and 9 show images of
07 Measurement of intermodulation distortion with the midrange and tweeter domes obtai-
an EIA-426B spectrum multi-sine signal having a ned via laser interferometer scanning.
12 dB crest factor, for 85 dBA Leq at distances of 2 m
(red curve) and 4 m (blue curve). Here the red curve
Here the differences can be clearly seen.
for measurement at a distance of 2 m likewise provi- For the tweeter, the goal is to shift the
des optimal values, with distortion considerably below break-up modes as much as possible to
-30 dB (3%). If the level is increased by 6 dB (85 dBA
at 4 m), the intermodulation distortion in the range of
the range above 20 kHz. For the large 3" ELECTRONICS
the woofer below 600 Hz then increases by approxi- midrange diaphragm of course this is
mately 10 dB, but still remains below -20 dB (10%). not possible, but here it is also not The electronics of the KH 310 are all
08 Oscillation behavior of the Neumann midrange required, since the midrange is driven found at the rear panel, which is manu-
dome at 2 kHz (left), compared to that of a dome of only up to 2 kHz, where it operates wit- factured in one piece from a section of
similar size of another manufacturer (right).
hout any problem, as shown in Figure 8. continuously cast aluminum. Inside are
09 Oscillation behavior of the Neumann tweeter The large midrange dome, like the the circuit boards for the power supply,
dome at 15 kHz (left), compared to that of a dome of
similar size of another manufacturer (right).
tweeter, is equipped with a waveguide, the amplifiers and the filters. The num-
which controls the directivity and also ber of cables is kept to a minimum,
10 Averaged frequency response measurement for
each of 30 positions of the left and right loudspeaker
provides for an increase in sensitivity, with the result that the entire installati-
around the listening position (blue). Below 150 Hz, thus combining two advantages. For on, even with cables, makes an orderly,
the room modes are clearly evident. An EQ (green) for the midrange, due to the compact tidy impression. For the power supply,
the room correction was derived from the measure-
ments. At the bottom is the averaged curve with EQ
arrangement at the front, the wavegui- a modern HF switched-mode power
(red). de is of necessity rather small. The gain supply was selected. The amplifiers are
in sensitivity is therefore also integrated class AB circuits with
somewhat secondary. Nevertheless the 150/70/70 W continuous and
curves, as well as the bulge around the 210/90/90 W peak output power. Cros-
woofer, result in less reflection interfe- sover is effected by 4th order filters
rence for the other drivers. (24 dB/oct.) at 650 Hz and 2 kHz.

SOUND & RECORDING 04/13 NEUMANN KH310 TEST REPORTS 4

In addition to the usual exterior photos taken in the test laboratory, details and the interior of the monitor were also brought to light
via the camera. Opening the rear panel reveals the complex electronics. In the background the housing made of MDF can be seen, with many co-
vered cables.

11

11 Perfectionism is also appa-

12 rent from the back, with a rear
panel made of a section of con-
tinuously cast aluminum. All of
the switches are well-arranged
and clearly labeled.

12 Nothing is left to chance.

Thermogram of the rear panel,
demonstrating a uniform distri-
bution of heat over the heat
sink.

13 The electronics inside the

13 14 rear panel, with a switched-
mode power supply and four
amplifier integrated circuits
on the aluminum section.

14 The three drivers seen from

the rear. The woofer and twee-
ter are equipped with ferrite
magnets, including compensati-
on magnets. The midrange is
provided with a neodymium
magnet.

At Neumann nothing is left to chan- The limiters have also been develo- each with four settings. The effect of
ce. For users, this can be seen in vario- ped with great attention to detail. There the filters is demonstrated by the green,
us aspects, e.g. very practically in the is an independent thermo limiter for orange and blue curves in Figure 1. An
instructions, which truly deserve the each driver, with a long time constant, additional switch marked “Output Le-
name, or – not so immediately appa- as well as peak and excursion limiters vel” has the four settings 94, 100, 108
rent, but nevertheless important – in for the woofer. As soon as one of the li- and 114 dB, for the sound pressure level
the heat dissipation via the rear panel. miters is active, the Neumann logo on reached with an input voltage of 0 dBu
Developer Markus Wolff illustrated this the front of the monitor flashes red. at a distance of 1 m. Beside it is a trim-
with a thermogram (Fig. 12) of the rear mer, in case intermediate settings are
panel of the KH 310; the temperature All of the controls are found on the desired. There are also controls for the
distribution shows the uniform heating rear panel, in the form of reliable sli- brightness of the logo on the front of
of the heat sink, with no hotspots that ding switches. Once one is familiar with the monitor, and for the ground lift.
could be dangerous for the compo- the function of the switches, the set-
nents. At the same time, the temperatu- tings can be quickly recognized by rea-
re of all of the control areas is conside- ching behind the monitor. In the
rably lower. “Acoustical Controls” area there are fil-
ters for the bass, low-mid and treble,

5 TEST REPORTS NEUMANN KH310 SOUND & RECORDING 04/13

 resonance via intermodulation distorti- 16.5 dBA at a distance of 10 cm is at an
LISTENING TEST ons would be perceptible even in the exceedingly low level, which is imper-
The listening test took place under audible frequency range, and this is ceptible at normal listening distances,
well-known conditions, and also invol- precisely what is to be avoided. and the pair deviation of only 0.45 dB
ved several other loudspeakers, which In the spectrogram shown in Figure is extremely low.
were all installed and tested in sequen- 4, the KH 310 proves to be extremely
ce. As expected, the KH 310 proved to impressive. The decay behavior is per-
be completely neutral and comprehen- fect in every respect. The promise CONCLUSION
sive. Nothing was lacking, at either the shown by the special woofer design and As a near- to mid-field monitor, the KH
lower or upper end. At a listening dis- by the oscillation behavior illustrated 310 r from Neumann displays the same
tance of 2.5 m, even with difficult in the images of the two domes has almost obsessive perfectionism which is
material, the impression that the KH thus been fulfilled. already familiar from the KH 120. The
310 had reached its limits never arose. In terms of the maximum SPL and workmanship, measurements, and liste-
This is probably one of the most obvio- the intermodulation distortion, illustra- ning impression are all completely con-
us advances achieved in comparison to ted in Figures 3 and 7 respectively, here vincing throughout, all of which has
the previous model O 300. The diffe- too the KH 310 exhibits excellent been accomplished without the use of
rences with regard to the other systems results. For the midrange and tweeter any exotic concepts, transformers or
tested in the same session were clearly the values increase only minimally, the like. With straightforward enginee-
identifiable, in favor of the KH 310. demonstrating one of the advantages of ring skill, here a highly professional
Nevertheless, the results were the 3-way system. If the woofer receives tool of the highest quality has been
genuinely interesting in terms of many strong inputs and large excursions are created.
details often noticeable only at the generated, the accompanying intermo- Anyone who now thinks that this
second hearing, e.g. the depth differen- dulation distortions are restricted to a may all be fine and good, but certainly
tiation of sources in the recording. Alt- small, uncritical frequency range in sounds boring and will not provide any
hough with other loudspeakers these comparison to the situation with a 2- listening pleasure, is greatly mistaken.
lay more or less in the plane of the way system. A listening trial at Neumann Berlin or a
loudspeaker, the KH 310 succeeded in If the KH 310 is operated close to dealer can quickly dispel this impressi-
reproducing clear depth differentiation. the level where the limiter takes effect, on. Possibly one may then be 4,000
Over time one thus detected various then at a distance of 1 m, an average euros poorer, however with the good
other details that had not previously level LAeq of 102.4 dBA and a peak feeling of having made a safe and
been heard. However, despite all the level LZpk of 116 dB are achieved. All of worthwhile investment. n
precision of the reproduction, this was the data were measured for an indivi-
never at the expense of enjoyment or dual speaker.
the reproduction dynamics, and this With regard to directivity, the KH
held true independently of the type of 310 has two advantages which come
music material being monitored. into play. One is the extensive tweeter
waveguide, and the other is the 3-way
principle, where the midrange does not
MEASUREMENTS have to be reproduced by the large
In the fine tradition of the earlier moni- woofer diaphragm. In large areas, the
tors, for the KH 310 one expects excel- relationship of the “diaphragm diame-
lent measurement results that require ter to wavelength transmitted” thus has
no discussion. The frequency response a more favorable ratio than is the case
(Fig. 1) is one of the best ever measured with a 2-way system. The horizontal
in our testing laboratory. Above 20 kHz isobars in Figure 5 appear correspon-
the curve then drops sharply, since this dingly uniform, with an average ope-
is the range of the tweeter dome dia- ning angle of 112° and a deviation of
phragm resonance, the excitation of only 19°. The vertical isobars are natu-
which is to be avoided. This is effective- rally somewhat poorer, but still very
ly suppressed via a special circuit good. Here the average opening angle
design for the tweeter control. is 82° and the deviation is 24°. The
Basically, one could be of the opini- smaller vertical dispersion angle here
on that in fact no more signal compo- is intended to reduce reflection interfe-
nents are to be expected here. Never- rence from the ceiling and work surfa-
theless, if such components occur, e.g. ces.
in the case of 96 kHz recordings, then a Two additional measurements
strong excitation of the diaphragm should be mentioned. The noise level of

SOUND & RECORDING 04/13 NEUMANN KH310 TEST REPORTS 6