Are you tired of bass that thumps but doesn't truly move you? Neumann, the legendary name behind some of the world's most iconic recording microphones, has just dropped a bombshell: five new subwoofers in their acclaimed KH series. These aren't just any subwoofers; they're precision instruments designed to redefine how you experience low-end frequencies in your studio, whether you're working in stereo, surround, or the increasingly popular immersive audio formats.
Neumann's announcement includes the KH 805 II, KH 810 II, and KH 870 II, along with their Audio-over-IP (AoIP) counterparts, the KH 810 II AES67 and KH 870 II AES67. What makes these subwoofers stand out? According to Neumann, it's all about delivering unmatched precision, power, and flexibility. They're built to handle high SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels) without sacrificing clarity, crucial for modern music production, post-production, and broadcast environments.
"With immersive audio becoming the new standard across music, post-production, and broadcast, reliable monitoring is more important than ever," says Yasmine Riechers, CEO of Neumann. She emphasizes that these new KH subwoofers provide scalable solutions for studios of any size, perfectly integrating with both analog and DSP-equipped KH monitors.
But here's where it gets interesting: the new offerings provide significantly more power and enhanced multichannel bass management compared to previous models.
Let's break down what each subwoofer brings to the table:
KH 805 II: This model builds upon the success of the KH 750 DSP, boasting approximately double the output. This translates to greater headroom and a more authoritative low-end, making it an ideal companion for stereo setups using Neumann's KH 120 II, KH 150, or KH 310 monitors. Think of it as the perfect upgrade for your existing stereo system, injecting new life and depth into your mixes.
KH 810 II: Stepping up a notch, the KH 810 II introduces multichannel bass management for systems up to 7.1.4. This makes it a prime choice for immersive audio production, allowing you to precisely control the low frequencies across multiple channels. It shares the same acoustic design as the KH 805 II and supports bass management for up to eleven studio monitors. Imagine the possibilities for creating truly enveloping soundscapes!
KH 870 II: At the top of the range sits the KH 870 II, essentially doubling the output of the KH 810 II. While maintaining identical multichannel capabilities, this powerhouse is tailored for larger rooms and applications demanding high SPLs. It pairs seamlessly with large-format monitors like the KH 420, providing a truly reference-grade monitoring experience.
And this is the part most people miss: the KH 810 II AES67 and KH 870 II AES67 are specifically designed for modern broadcast and networked audio environments. These AoIP versions integrate seamlessly, supporting 12 AES67 input channels and full compliance with industry standards like ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, RAVENNA®, NMOS, and DANTE®-generated streams. This future-proofs your studio, ensuring compatibility with the latest audio networking technologies.
All of these new KH subwoofers leverage Neumann's advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engine. This enables seamless system alignment using MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment (sold separately). The MA 1 system is a game-changer, allowing you to optimize your entire monitoring setup – including your existing analog KH speakers – for your room's unique acoustics and achieve perfect phase coherence. No more fighting room modes or struggling to get a clear low-end picture!
With a low-frequency extension down to 16 Hz, these subwoofers provide the clarity and control needed for critical mixing and mastering decisions. You'll hear subtle nuances in the bass that you might have missed before, allowing you to make more informed choices and create mixes that translate accurately across different playback systems.
With these additions, Neumann now boasts a complete family of DSP-controlled subwoofers, ranging from the compact KH 750 DSP to the formidable KH 870 II. This comprehensive lineup caters to all monitoring needs, from stereo to immersive audio, across various applications like music production, editing, post-production, scoring, mixing, and mastering. Importantly, all models reach the hearing threshold of 16 Hz, ensuring reference sound across the entire frequency spectrum when paired with Neumann studio monitors.
Stephan Mauer, Head of Product at Neumann, emphasizes the significant advancements over previous models, highlighting dramatically reduced distortion and port noise. He also points out the versatility of these subwoofers, noting that they can be combined with both analog and DSP-controlled KH Line studio monitors. This makes them an ideal tool for upgrading existing stereo systems or expanding into immersive monitoring setups. The option of precise room alignment via MA 1 further eliminates guesswork in the low-end.
Here's a potentially controversial point: Some argue that relying too heavily on DSP and automatic room correction can mask underlying acoustic problems in a studio. What do you think? Is it better to treat the room physically as much as possible, or are tools like MA 1 sufficient for achieving accurate monitoring?
Ultimately, Neumann's new KH subwoofers represent a significant investment in audio quality and precision. They offer a comprehensive solution for anyone serious about achieving accurate and impactful low-end reproduction in their studio. Now, it's your turn to weigh in. What are your thoughts on these new subwoofers? Do you think they live up to the Neumann legacy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
