Imagine struggling to get that perfect, chest-thumping bass in your mixes, only to realize your current subwoofer just isn't cutting it. It's a frustrating experience, right? Well, Neumann, the legendary name behind some of the world's most iconic microphones, is aiming to eliminate that frustration with a bold expansion of their KH series subwoofer line.
Neumann has just announced five new DSP-powered subwoofers: 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. These aren't just incremental upgrades; they're designed to deliver significantly more power, precision, and flexibility for everything from simple stereo setups to complex, immersive audio workflows.
According to Yasmine Riechers, CEO of Neumann, "With immersive audio becoming the new standard across music, post-production, and broadcast, reliable monitoring is more important than ever." These new subwoofers aim to provide scalable solutions for studios of all sizes, seamlessly integrating with both analog and DSP-equipped KH monitors. Think of it as building blocks for your perfect sound, no matter how big or small your project.
More Power, More Control:
The KH 805 II takes the foundation laid by the KH 750 DSP and essentially doubles its output. This translates to greater headroom and a more authoritative low-end response, making it an excellent partner for Neumann's KH 120 II, KH 150, or KH 310 monitors in a stereo configuration. This increased power allows for cleaner bass reproduction even at higher listening levels, reducing distortion and improving clarity.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that simply increasing power isn't enough; the acoustic design and DSP processing are equally crucial. Does Neumann's approach strike the right balance?
For those venturing into multichannel territory, the KH 810 II introduces multichannel bass management for systems up to 7.1.4. It shares the same acoustic design as the KH 805 II but expands its capabilities to handle bass management for up to eleven studio monitors, making it ideal for immersive audio production.
At the top of the range sits the KH 870 II. This beast doubles the output of the KH 810 II while maintaining identical multichannel capabilities. Designed for larger rooms and applications demanding serious low-end performance, it pairs perfectly with larger-format monitors like the KH 420. Imagine the rumble!
Stepping into the Future with AoIP:
Recognizing the growing importance of networked audio, Neumann is also offering the KH 810 II AES67 and KH 870 II AES67. These models integrate seamlessly into modern broadcast and networked audio environments, supporting 12 AES67 input channels and full compliance with ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, RAVENNA®, NMOS, and DANTE®-generated streams. This ensures future-proof flexibility and complete system integration, allowing you to easily incorporate these subwoofers into your existing AoIP workflow. And this is the part most people miss... The AES67 compliance ensures interoperability with a wide range of audio devices and systems, simplifying integration and reducing potential compatibility issues.
DSP Power and Room Correction:
All the new KH subwoofers benefit from Neumann's advanced DSP engine. This allows for seamless system alignment using the MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment system (sold separately). The MA 1 automatically measures your room's acoustic properties and adjusts the subwoofer's settings to compensate for any deficiencies. This optimization extends to analog KH speakers, ensuring phase coherence and a balanced soundstage. With low-frequency extension down to 16 Hz, these subwoofers provide the clarity and control needed for critical mixing and mastering decisions.
A Subwoofer for Every Need:
With these additions, Neumann now boasts a comprehensive range of DSP-controlled subwoofers, from the compact KH 750 DSP to the mighty KH 870 II. This lineup caters to diverse monitoring needs, from stereo to immersive audio, across various applications, including music production, editing, post-production, scoring, mixing, and mastering. All models reach the crucial 16 Hz hearing threshold and, when paired with Neumann studio monitors, deliver reference-quality sound across the entire frequency spectrum.
Stephan Mauer, Head of Product at Neumann, highlights the advancements, stating that the new subwoofers offer "significant advancements over their predecessors, with dramatically reduced distortion and port noise." He emphasizes their compatibility with both analog and DSP-controlled KH Line studio monitors, making them ideal for upgrading existing stereo systems or expanding into immersive monitoring. The MA 1 integration further eliminates low-end guesswork through precise room alignment.
These subwoofers are not just about adding bass; they're about adding clarity and control to your low-end, ensuring your mixes translate accurately across different playback systems.
What do you think about Neumann's expansion into the subwoofer market? Do you believe that DSP is the key to achieving accurate bass reproduction in a variety of acoustic environments? And importantly, how much does the price point affect your decision when considering a high-end subwoofer like these? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
