Three Way Midfield Monitor

The gold standard in the midfield range

The KH 420 is designed for a working distance of 1.5 to 3 m (5’ to 9’). It handles this space effortlessly thanks to great power reserves and precisely concentrated dispersion. Even in diverse acoustical environments the KH 420 remains neutral and clear in every detail down to the subtlest nuances. No subtlety is lost; every sound element can be localized.

Dealer Description

The KH 420 is a three-way tri-amplified monitor with thermally protected Class AB amplifiers (330 W and two times 140 W). Just like the drivers, its Mathematically Modeled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide is engineered for optimum 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 dispersion of the KH 420 is deliberately designed to be narrower, to guarantee reference sound at longer working distances.

Best working environment: Close to professional ears

The KH 420 is designed for midfield applications and as main monitor in project, music, broadcast and post-production studios for recording, mixing and mastering. And in a multi-channel system, it can also be freely combined with all other Neumann studio monitors.

Ports and high dynamics: No longer a contradiction

With its tri-channel amplifiers the KH 420 also realizes sound pressures of up to 122.4 dB. And it thereby retains high-resolution and neutral representation across the entire frequency response. This also includes an exceptional bass response down to 26 Hz. Despite using ports, there is no “overhang” or audible resonance in the low frequency range and the transient response is precisely controlled at all times.

The computer modeled chassis is constructed of LRIM™ materials which eliminates standing wave resonances and suppresses intermodulation distortion, especially in the midrange.

For demanding treble, our own specially developed, powerful alloy fabric dome ensures distortion-free reproduction. The fabric dome captures the midrange with utmost precision. Its ultralight material and the powerful neodymium magnet enable a significantly better transient response with considerably less distortion than comparable midrange drivers.

Digital input and delay option

The Digital Input Module DIM 1 expands the loudspeaker electronics by a digital XLR input, a digital BNC input and a digital BNC output (192 kHz/24 Bit) for flexible digital signal links. With the delay function (adjustment range 0 - 400 ms) of the DIM 1, the audio signal can be delayed to ensure audio-visual synchronization (lip sync). In addition, the high resolution of the delays (0.1 ms) allows equalization of the propagation delays. The delay can be added to both inputs (digital and analog). The KH 420 can be retrofitted with a DIM 1.

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 420 has also 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 420, 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 420. 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.

*When using the analog inputs only.

(1) In-house simulated tweeter with alloy fabric dome and robust metal grille

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

(2) Rotatable 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 simulated, neodymium magnet, fabric dome, midrange driver with optimized low stray magnetic field

• Dedicated driver reproduces important midrange frequencies, which is especially important for speech and vocals
• Latest modeling techniques used to minimize non-linear (harmonic and intermodulation) distortion
• Low-distortion midrange reproduction
• Light-weight dome has better transient response and less breakup modes than cone designs
• High power magnet reduces harmonic and intermodulation distortion

(5) 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

(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
• Can be flush mounted

(7) Computer mechanically modeled three-way cabinet design using Low resonance Integral Molding™ (LRIM™) materials

• No standing wave resonances inside cabinet
• Reduced intermodulation distortion in midrange for a more transparent sound
• Reduced cabinet resonances

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

• More control in diverse acoustical environments
• Repeatable acoustical settings after moving loudspeakers

(9) Parametric equalizer

• More control in diverse acoustical environments
• Bypassable if not needed
• Three frequency ranges gives very fine control of equalization

(10) Wide range input gain and output level controls

• Easier interfacing with signal sources

(11) Display dimmer

• For low lighting level conditions or behind the screen applications

(12) XLR electronically balanced analogue input with ground lift

• Standard interfacing to professional equipment
• Reduced noise in electrically noisy environments and over-comes ground loops

(13) Universal dual (bass and mid/treble) switched-mode power supplies (100 … 240 V)

• One version works in any country and robust to poor quality mains supply
• Dual supply improves transient response

(14) Fully documented extensive mounting hardware range

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

(15) Electronics panel with generously dimensioned integrated Accelerated Heat Tunneling™ (AHT™) heat sink

• Improved heat dissipation leading to increased electronics reliability

Installation flexibility

• Remoteable electronics (REK 4) for ease of installation, less cabling, and convenience of use

(16) Powerful amplifiers with large headroom and overheat limiting

• Improved transient response
• Assured reliability and safety

Separate fast acting thermo limiters for woofer, midrange 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 from the system

(17) Optional (DIM 1) digital XLR/BNC inputs and buffered BNC output

• For flexible and trouble-free digital interconnectivity (24 bit, 192 kHz, AES3 and S/P-DIF)

(18) Delay (0 … 409.5 ms)

• Lip-sync: To align audio and video signals up to 10 frames (40 ms frames) or 12 frames (33 ms frames)
• Time-of-flight: To compensate for listening distance differences up to 141 m (460 ft.)
• Delay can be applied to analog and digital signals

More Features

Production consistency due to individual hand alignment in final testing

• Any KH 420 is “pair matched” to any other KH 420

Optional robust metal grille

• Can be used, if required, to protect the drivers