Neumann KH 310 II L – Three-Way DSP-Powered Nearfield Monitor (LEFT) [Single Speaker]

OVERVIEW

The Neumann KH 310 II advances the three-way reference monitor concept while preserving the sonic character that established the original KH 310 as a trusted studio reference. Nearly every internal component has been redesigned to improve measurable performance, including a new amplifier platform delivering 525 W of total power, lower harmonic and intermodulation distortion, increased headroom and 5 dB higher maximum SPL. Tighter component integration and production tolerances achieve exceptional ±0.6 dB linearity from 100 Hz to 10 kHz, contributing to highly precise imaging and consistent unit-to-unit performance. The redesigned woofer incorporates Neumann’s ELFF technology for improved high-excursion performance, while the proven 3-inch soft-dome midrange driver remains central to the monitor’s renowned vocal definition and mid-band intelligibility.

At the heart of the KH 310 II is a sophisticated DSP platform supporting 32-bit audio processing, 64-bit double-precision processing, FIR phase correction and MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment. MA 1 enables precise frequency and phase correction for consistent translation in different rooms, while analogue and AES3id digital inputs provide flexible integration with modern studio workflows, Neumann monitor control solutions and the latest KH subwoofers. The sealed-cabinet design delivers tight, time-accurate low-frequency reproduction with low group delay and fast transient response, while the three-way architecture divides the spectrum at 700 Hz and 1.7 kHz for controlled, precise reproduction across the woofer, midrange and tweeter.

Designed for critical nearfield monitoring, the KH 310 II supports recommended listening distances of 1.0–2.5 metres and feasible listening distances of 0.75–6.0 metres. Its established cabinet geometry is optimised for neutral directivity, low diffraction and accurate imaging, while retaining the same form factor as the original KH 310 for straightforward integration into existing installations. The monitor is designed for horizontal operation and can be incorporated into stereo, surround and immersive systems, with consistent voicing across the KH range.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Next-Level Precision for Critical Monitoring

The KH 310 II combines a re-engineered three-way acoustic system with advanced DSP processing to deliver exceptional midrange clarity, ultra-low distortion and increased output capability. Its combination of accuracy, transparency and predictable translation is designed for demanding nearfield monitoring environments.

Exceptional Midrange Transparency

A dedicated 3-inch soft-dome midrange driver provides the vocal definition and mid-band intelligibility for which the KH 310 is renowned. Advanced DSP processing and improved amplifier performance further enhance clarity, allowing engineers to assess vocals, dialogue and instruments with exceptional precision.

Ultra-Low Distortion

Redesigned amplification and optimised DSP processing reduce harmonic and intermodulation distortion across the frequency range. The result is clean, transparent reproduction at both moderate and high listening levels, helping support longer, more focused and less fatiguing monitoring sessions.

Time-Accurate Low-Frequency Reproduction

The sealed-cabinet architecture provides low group delay and tight transient response, producing controlled bass that can be trusted when making critical low-frequency decisions. The redesigned woofer further improves high-excursion performance and low-distortion reproduction at higher SPLs.

MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment

The integrated DSP platform is ready for Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment system, allowing precise frequency and phase correction to compensate for room effects. This provides consistent, room-optimised accuracy for stereo, surround and immersive monitoring environments.

Razor-Sharp Imaging

Extremely tight production tolerances and ±0.6 dB linearity between 100 Hz and 10 kHz contribute to exceptionally precise imaging and consistent performance between individual monitors.

Analogue & AES3id Digital Connectivity

The KH 310 II supports both analogue and AES3id digital workflows. Balanced XLR analogue connectivity is complemented by 75 Ω BNC AES3id input and output connections, providing reliable digital signal transmission and integration with compatible Neumann monitoring systems and subwoofers.

Future-Ready Monitoring Platform

The KH 310 II maintains the established KH 310 form factor and acoustic signature while adding DSP, digital connectivity, improved amplification, lower distortion and enhanced performance. Its compatibility with previous KH 310 installations makes it a practical upgrade path for existing monitoring environments.

Flexible Stereo, Surround & Immersive Integration

The KH 310 II can be incorporated into stereo, surround and immersive monitoring systems, with consistent voicing across the KH family. Dedicated left and right versions are available, while the single-unit specifications remain identical for the purposes of this product listing.

FEATURES

• Three-way DSP-powered nearfield reference monitor
• Re-engineered successor to the acclaimed KH 310
• In-house designed custom drivers
• Dedicated 8.25-inch woofer with ELFF technology
• 3-inch soft-dome midrange driver with magnetic shielding
• 1-inch tweeter with protective black metal grille
• Sealed-cabinet architecture for tight, controlled low-frequency reproduction
• Time-accurate bass response with low group delay
• Redesigned woofer for improved high-excursion performance
• Advanced DSP architecture with MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment compatibility
• Precise frequency and phase correction through MA 1
• Linear-phase FIR correction
• 32-bit audio DSP with 64-bit double-precision processing
• Analogue and AES3id digital connectivity
• Flexible input selection for analogue, AES3id Left, AES3id Right and Mono operation
• Remote control via Ethernet and MA 1
• Independently controlled woofer and tweeter protection systems
• Woofer excursion limiting
• Thermal protection for electronics and amplifiers
• Soft clipping and peak/thermal limiting
• User-adjustable bass, low-mid and treble equalisation via MA 1
• Local and network control
• Automatic standby operation
• Universal mains power supply
• Neutral directivity, low diffraction and accurate imaging
• Horizontal operating orientation
• Compatible with existing KH 310 installations
• Suitable for stereo, surround and immersive monitoring
• Consistent voicing across KH-series monitoring systems
• Two M8 mounting points on the side panels
• Metallic anthracite finish with black rear panel
• Designed and engineered for critical professional monitoring
• Compatible with a range of Neumann mounting accessories and the MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment system

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product & External Specs

Product Type: Three-Way DSP-Powered Nearfield Reference Monitor
Acoustic Principle: Sealed
Operating Orientation: Horizontal
Recommended Listening Distance: 1.0–2.5 m (3–8 ft)
Feasible Listening Distance: 0.75–6.0 m (2.5–19 ft)
Acoustical Axis – Horizontal: 78 mm from tweeter side
Acoustical Axis – Vertical: 132 mm from bottom
Internal Net Volume: 16.2 litres
External Net Volume: 24 litres
Mounting Points: 2 × M8 on side panels; thread depth from outside of cabinet 25 mm (1″)
Dimensions (H × W × D): 253 × 383 × 292 mm (10 × 15 1/8 × 11 1/2″)
Weight: 13.0 kg (28 lbs 11 oz)
Colour/Finish: Metallic anthracite, RAL 7021 front / black, RAL 9005 rear

Acoustic Specifications

Free-Field Frequency Response ±6 dB: 29 Hz–21 kHz
Free-Field Frequency Response ±3 dB: 33 Hz–21 kHz
Passband Free-Field Frequency Response: 36 Hz–20 kHz, ±1.25 dB
Free-Field Frequency Linearity Deviation: ±0.6 dB from 100 Hz–10 kHz
Self-Generated Noise: <20 dB(A) SPL at 10 cm, with input gain set to 100 dB SPL for 0 dBu
Sine-Wave Output with THD <0.5%: 95 dB SPL at 1 m in half space, >82 Hz
Maximum SPL – Half Space: 121.4 dB SPL at 1 m, 3% THD, averaged 100 Hz–6 kHz
Maximum SPL – Full Space: 115.4 dB SPL at 1 m, 3% THD, averaged 100 Hz–6 kHz
Bass Capability: 107.8 dB SPL maximum at 1 m in half space, 3% THD, averaged 50–100 Hz
Dolby D.A.R.D.T. Maximum SPL – Full Range: 118 dB
Dolby D.A.R.D.T. Maximum SPL – Bass Managed: 123 dB

Drivers

Woofer: 210 mm (8 1/4″)
Midrange: 75 mm (3″) soft dome with magnetic shielding
Tweeter: 25 mm (1″) with protective black metal grille

Analogue Input & Output

Analogue Input: XLR, electronically balanced
Analogue Input Impedance: >12 kΩ
Maximum Input Level: 24 dBu for 94 dB SPL setting; +14 dBu for 100 dB SPL setting; +9 dBu for 108 dB SPL setting; -1 dBu for 114 dB SPL setting
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: >56 dB @ 15 kHz
Volume Control: Via MA 1 software
Volume Control Range / Resolution: 0 to -∞ dB; 0.1 dB
Analogue Dynamic Range / THD+N: 118 dB(A); -90 dB

Digital Input & Output

Digital Input: BNC (75 Ω), AES3id
Digital Output: BNC (75 Ω), AES3id
Maximum Input Level: 1.2 V peak-to-peak, unbalanced / balanced
Digital Converter Resolution: 24-bit
Digital Converter Sampling Rate: 32–200 kHz
Digital Internal Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
Output Sample Rate: Identical to input sample rate
Latency – Analogue Input: 2.6 ms
Latency – AES3id Input: 4.7 ms
A-D-A Dynamic Range: 118 dB
Delay Resolution: 20.8 µs; 0.71 mm (0.28″)
Time-of-Flight Maximum Delay: 0–120 ms; 0–41.2 m (135 ft)
Input Gain Control / Sensitivity: 0 dB to -15 dB
Output Level Settings: 94, 100, 108 and 114 dB SPL at 1 m based on 0 dBu input
Input Selector: Analogue; AES3id L; AES3id R; Mono
Ground Lift: Yes
Control: Local; Network
Mains Switch: Yes
Mains Voltage: Universal power supply, 100–240 V

Equalisation & DSP

Controller Design: Digital; active
DSP Resolution: 32-bit audio; 64-bit double-precision processing
Crossover Frequencies: 700 Hz and 1700 Hz
Crossover Slope: 24 dB/octave
Automatic Room Calibration: Via MA 1
FIR Phase Correction: Linear phase, 60 Hz–18 kHz, ±45°
Bass EQ: 0; -1.5; -3; -4.5 dB
Low-Mid EQ: 0; -1.5; -3; -4.5 dB
Treble EQ: +1; 0; -1; -2 dB
Remote Control: Via Ethernet and MA 1

Protection & Monitoring

Protection Circuitry: Independent soft-clip, peak and thermal limiters for woofer and tweeter
Woofer Protection: Woofer excursion limiter
Thermal Protection: Thermal limiter for electronics and amplifiers
Status Display – On / Normal Operation: Neumann logo, white
Status Display – Identification: Neumann logo, rosé
Status Display – Limit / Clip / Errors / Protection / Boot Mute / Shutdown Mute: Neumann logo, red
Logo Brightness: Via MA 1 software

Amplification & Power Supply

Woofer Amplifier Output – 10% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 300 W
Midrange Amplifier Output – 10% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 160 W
Tweeter Amplifier Output – 10% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 125 W
Woofer Amplifier Output – 0.1% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 185 W
Midrange Amplifier Output – 0.1% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 125 W
Tweeter Amplifier Output – 0.1% THD+N, Limiter Deactivated: 125 W
Total Amplifier Power: 525 W
Power Supply: SMPS, 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption – Standby: <300 mW
Power Consumption – Idle: 26 W
Power Consumption – Full Output: 320 W
Automatic Standby: 20 minutes by default

Cabinet & Construction

Cabinet Material: Composite polycarbonate front, wooden sleeve, aluminium electronics panel
Cabinet Surface Finish: Painted
Front Colour: Metallic anthracite, RAL 7021
Rear Colour: Black, RAL 9005
Operating Temperature: +10°C to +40°C (+50°F to +104°F)
Operating Humidity: <75% RH, non-condensing
Transport / Storage Temperature: -25°C to +60°C (-13°F to +140°F)
Transport / Storage Humidity: <90% RH, non-condensing

Compatibility & Applications

Monitoring Applications: Nearfield critical monitoring, mixing, mastering, stereo, surround and immersive audio
MA 1 Compatibility: Yes
Stereo / Multichannel Integration: Yes
Previous KH 310 Installation Compatibility: Yes
Neumann KH Subwoofer Integration: AES3id digital connectivity via 75 Ω BNC
Mounting Accessory Compatibility: Neumann LH-series mounting accessories and GKH 310 metal grille

Included Accessories

Mains Cables: 4 × black mains cables covering EU/KR, UK, US and CN standards
Self-Adhesive Feet: 4
Safety Guide: 1
Getting Started Quickly Supplement: 1
Operating Manual: 1

Available Versions

KH 310 II L: Left Monitor, anthracite — Cat. No. 700296
KH 310 II R: Right Monitor, anthracite — Cat. No. 700297