The Neumann KH 80 Studio Monitor

Neumann is a well-known and respected name in the audio industry. For over 90 years, they have consistently made high-quality microphones and studio equipment that meet the needs of professionals in recording, broadcasting, and live sound. The Neumann KH 80 is a small studio monitor that continues this tradition of quality. It is designed for modern music producers, engineers, and content creators.

History and Background

Neumann started making studio monitors in 2010 with the KH 120. This monitor was well-received for its accurate and clear sound. After the success of the KH 120, Neumann expanded the KH series to include models for different studio sizes and uses.

The KH 80, released in 2019, is the smallest monitor in the family. It is designed for small studios, home setups, and mobile production environments.

Design and Build Quality

The Neumann KH 80 shows the company’s dedication to quality and durability. The small cabinet, measuring just 233mm x 154mm x 194mm (HxWxD) and weighing only 3.4kg, is made from high-quality materials. This minimizes unwanted vibrations and ensures the monitor will last a long time.

 

The KH 80 has a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch titanium-fabric tweeter. Both are designed and made by Neumann to ensure strict quality control. However, the monitor’s simple appearance with a matte gray finish and a white woofer cone might not appeal to everyone. Some people may prefer the flashier designs of competitors like the Yamaha HS5 or KRK Rokit 5 G4.

Technical Specifications

The Neumann KH 80 has impressive technical features:

• Frequency response: 57 Hz to 21 kHz (+/-3 dB)
• Amplification: 50-watt Class AB amplifier for the woofer, 50-watt Class AB amplifier for the tweeter
• Maximum SPL: 104.8 dB at 1m

The KH 80 provides plenty of power for near-field monitoring and a decent amount for larger rooms or situations that need higher volumes. So, if your top priority is mixing and mastering, you have all you need. But, if instead you want to monitors you can blast and enjoy with your friends you may need to consider bigger monitors or adding a subwoofer to the setup.

Connectivity and Controls

The back panel of the Neumann KH 80 has various connection options and controls for adjusting the monitor’s response to the room:

 

• XLR and RCA inputs
• Rotary gain control for input sensitivity adjustment
• Low-cut switch (80 Hz or 100 Hz high-pass filter)
• Mid-frequency switch (boost or cut of up to 2 dB at 1 kHz)
• High-frequency switch (boost or cut of up to 2 dB at 10 kHz)

These controls are useful for adjusting to room acoustics or personal taste. But, some users may find them less intuitive or precise compared to the variable controls found on some competitors.

Sound Quality and Performance

The Neumann KH 80 excels in sound quality and performance. The monitor delivers a very balanced and accurate frequency response, making it an excellent choice for critical listening and mixing tasks.

The KH 80’s midrange is especially impressive, offering exceptional clarity and detail. This allows users to make informed decisions when balancing vocals and instruments. The high-frequency response is smooth and easy on the ears, thanks to the titanium-fabric tweeter. This tweeter provides excellent transient response and a wide sweet spot.

Although the KH 80’s bass response is tight and controlled, the low-end extension may not be as deep as larger monitors or those with dedicated subwoofers. For users working on bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop, adding a subwoofer may be necessary to fully appreciate the low-end content.

Suitable Applications and Users

The Neumann KH 80 is an excellent choice for a wide range of uses and users:

• Small studio spaces, home studios, and mobile setups
• Mixing, mastering, and critical listening tasks across various genres
• Beginner and professional users seeking a transparent and reliable reference monitor

The monitor’s balanced frequency response and detailed midrange make it an ideal tool for developing critical listening skills and ensuring that mixes sound good on other playback systems.

Comparison to Similar Monitors

Compared to other popular monitors in its price range, like the Yamaha HS5 and the KRK Rokit 5 G4, the Neumann KH 80 stands out for its exceptional midrange clarity and smooth high-frequency response. Still, the KH 80’s small size and limited low-end extension may not be suitable for all users or applications.

The Yamaha HS5 and KRK Rokit 5 G4 both have slightly larger woofers (5 inches) and cabinets. This can provide a stronger low-end response. Additionally, the HS5 and Rokit 5 G4 have room adjustment controls that some users may find easier to use than those on the KH 80.

Accessories and Packaging

The Neumann KH 80 comes with a power cable and a quick start guide in a sturdy, recyclable cardboard box. While the packaging is adequate for protecting the monitor during shipping, it may not be as impressive as the premium unboxing experience offered by some competitors.

Neumann offers a range of optional accessories for the KH 80, including isolation pads, stands, and carrying cases. These accessories can help users optimize the monitor’s performance and protect their investment when transporting the KH 80 between locations.

User Impressions and Reviews

Since its release, the Neumann KH 80 has received praise from professional users and audio engineers for its accurate and detailed sound. Many users have commented on the monitor’s exceptional midrange clarity and smooth high-frequency response. This makes it easier to identify and fix issues in a mix.

However, some users have noted that the KH 80’s small size and limited low-end extension may not be suitable for all genres or applications, especially those that require a stronger bass response. Despite this, many users have found that the KH 80’s accurate bass reproduction within its range is more than adequate for most mixing and critical listening tasks.

Conclusion: Neumann KH 80

In summary, the Neumann KH 80 is a remarkable compact studio monitor that delivers exceptional sound quality and accuracy in a small package. Its balanced frequency response, detailed midrange, and smooth high-frequency reproduction make it an excellent choice for a wide range of uses and users, from beginners to professionals.

While the KH 80’s small size and limited low-end extension may not suit all genres or preferences, its transparent and reliable sound make it a valuable tool for critical listening and mixing tasks. The monitor’s build quality and optional accessories also ensure that it can withstand daily use and be easily integrated into various studio setups.

Overall, the Neumann KH 80 is an impressive entry in the competitive world of compact studio monitors. It offers a combination of accuracy, clarity, and versatility that sets it apart from many of its peers. For users looking for a dependable and transparent monitoring solution for small studios or mobile setups, the KH 80 is definitely worth considering as a long-term investment in their audio production journey.

Want to get your hands on the Neumann KH 80? See current price here.