Neumann unveils five DSP subwoofers for immersive audio studios

Neumann has expanded its KH monitor series with the release of five new DSP-powered subwoofers targeted at professional audio environments including music, post-production, and broadcast.

Product line-up

The latest additions to the KH series are the KH 805 II, KH 810 II, KH 870 II, and their Audio-over-IP (AoIP) counterparts, the KH 810 II AES67 and KH 870 II AES67. These subwoofers have been designed to deliver precise low-end extension, high sound pressure level (SPL) capabilities, and adaptable integration with systems ranging from stereo to large immersive audio setups.

The KH 805 II is positioned as a high-output solution for stereo configurations, building upon Neumann’s previous KH 750 DSP by offering double the output and enhanced headroom. It is suited for use with monitors such as the KH 120 II, KH 150, or KH 310.

The KH 810 II introduces multichannel bass management for setups up to 7.1.4, supporting bass management for up to eleven monitors. It shares an acoustic design with the KH 805 II and is targeted at immersive audio production.

Serving large rooms and applications with higher monitoring demands, the KH 870 II delivers twice the output of the KH 810 II while maintaining the same multichannel management features. It can be paired with larger-format monitors such as the KH 420.

Audio-over-IP compatibility

The KH 810 II AES67 and KH 870 II AES67 offer integration for Audio-over-IP workflows common in broadcast and networked audio environments. Each model supports 12 AES67 input channels, with full compatibility for standards including ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, RAVENNA, NMOS, and Dante stream management.

Yasmine Riechers, Chief Executive Officer of Neumann, highlighted the industry shift towards immersive audio as a motivator for the new products:

“With immersive audio becoming the new standard across music, post-production, and broadcast, reliable monitoring is more important than ever. Our new KH subwoofers offer scalable solutions for every studio size and format – from stereo to surround and immersive – while integrating seamlessly with both analog and DSP-equipped KH monitors.”

DSP engine and monitor alignment

Each of the new subwoofers features Neumann’s advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology, allowing system alignment through MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment, an accessory sold separately. This process enables users to tune their monitoring setup, including both analog and DSP-capable KH speakers, for optimisation in relation to room acoustics and phase consistency.

All models in the new range reach a low-frequency extension down to 16 Hz, supporting precise monitoring for critical mixing and mastering. This uniform reach ensures that reference sound is achievable across the entire frequency spectrum when paired with Neumann studio monitors.

Stephan Mauer, Head of Product at Neumann, stated:

“Our new subwoofers offer significant advancements over their predecessors, with dramatically reduced distortion and port noise. It’s worth noting that they can be combined with both analog and DSP-controlled KH Line studio monitors, making them the perfect tool for upgrading an existing stereo system and/or expanding it for immersive monitoring. They also offer the option of precise room alignment via MA 1 of the entire system. In other words: no more low-end guesswork.”

Position in the product ecosystem

The release of these five subwoofers completes Neumann’s KH subwoofer family, which now offers options covering all requirements from small stereo systems to expansive immersive audio systems. The portfolio is designed to address the needs of music production, editing, post-production, film scoring, mixing, and mastering.

With the latest enhancements, Neumann’s KH subwoofers aim to facilitate accurate, controlled low-frequency monitoring for professional environments, keeping pace with ongoing industry trends towards increasingly immersive formats and networked audio integration.