Neumann KH 120 A Users Manual

KH 120 A
KH 120 D

Active Near-field Loudspeaker

Operating Manual

georg neumann gmbh · ollenhauerstr. 98 · 13403 berlin · germany
tel +49 (0)30 / 41 77 24-0 · fax -50 · [e-mail] · www.neumann.com

Contents

Important safety instructions ...............................................2

The KH 120 studio monitor..................................................4

Delivery includes ..........................................................4

Product overview ..........................................................5

Installing and connecting the KH 120 ........................................7

Preparing the loudspeakers ............................................7

Preparing the room....................................................7

Positioning the loudspeakers ...........................................8

Connecting audio signals...............................................9

Connecting/disconnecting the KH 120 to/from

the mains power supply...............................................12

Configuring and using the KH 120........................................... 12

Switching the KH 120 on/o ...........................................12

Adjusting the frequency response ......................................12

Adjusting the acoustic level ...........................................13

Compensating for video delay (lip sync) ................................14

Compensating for listening distance dierences (time-of-flight) ............14

Activating ground lift .................................................15

Adjusting the brightness of the Neumann logo ...........................16

Cleaning and maintaining the KH 120 .......................................16

Troubleshooting ..........................................................16

Specifications ............................................................17

Accessories ..............................................................19

Manufacturer Declarations .................................................20

Appendix

System Block Diagram .................................................I

Pin assignment of the XLR socket........................................I

Acoustical Measurements ............................................. ,I

Installation angles ................................................. V,,,

Delay Lookup Table...................................................,;

EN

KH 120 | 1

Important safety instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions. Always include these instructions when passing the product on
to third parties.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Only clean the product when it is not connected to the mains power supply. Clean only
with a dry cloth.

7. Always ensure a free air flow around the cooling fins on the rear of the product. Do not
block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, when the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the AC receptacle.

16. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain
or moisture.

17. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

18. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.

EN

Installation

2 | KH 120

• Ensure that the room in which you use this product is wired in accordance with the local

electrical code and checked by a qualified inspector.

• Only use the product indoors.

• Do not install the product in hot, humid, or excessively dusty locations, in direct sunlight or

in locations where it is exposed to externally generated vibrations.

• Do not place burning objects (e.g. candles) on top of or near the product.

• If condensation has formed on the product, e.g. because it was moved from a cold environ-

ment to a warm one, allow the product to acclimatize to room temperature before using it.

• Do not overload wall outlets and extension cables as this may result in fire and electric

shock.

Danger due to high

sound pressure

levels

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to sudden high sound pressure levels!

Audio signals that are present at switch-on of the product or that can be present during
operation, can create sudden, very high sound pressure levels which can damage your
hearing.

X

Always lower the output level of the audio source before connecting it to the loudspeaker
or starting it (pressing “play”).

This loudspeaker can be used for commercial purposes. Commercial use is subject to the rules
and regulations of the trade association responsible. Neumann, as the manufacturer, is there­fore obliged to expressly point out possible health risks arising from use. This loudspeaker is
capable of producing sound pressure levels exceeding 85 dB(A) SPL. This is the sound pres­sure corresponding to the maximum permissible level which is by law (in some countries)
allowed to aect your hearing for the duration of a working day (8 hours). It is used as a basis
according to the specifications of industrial medicine. Higher sound pressure levels and/or
longer durations can damage your hearing. At higher sound pressure levels, the duration must
be shortened in order to prevent hearing damage. The following are signs that you have been
subjected to excessive sound pressure levels for too long a time:

• You can hear ringing or whistling sounds in your ears.

• You have the impression (even for a short time only) that you can no longer hear high fre-

quencies (temporary threshold shift).

Magnetic fields

Hazard warnings

on the rear of

the product

Intended use

WARNING
Interference due to magnetic fields!

This product generates a permanent magnetic field (> 1.5 mT) that can interfere with car­diac pacemakers and implanted defibrillators (ICDs).

X

Always maintain a distance of at least 4" (10 cm) between the loudspeaker and the car­diac pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.

The label shown on the right is attached to the rear of
the product.

The symbols on this label have the following meaning:
Presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclo-

sure that may be of sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of fire or
electric shock.

Never open the product or remove the grilles fitted to the product as
there is a risk of electric shock. There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to your Neumann service partner.

Read and follow the safety and operating instructions contained in the
operating manual.

Intended use of the product includes:

• having read this operating manual, especially the chapter “Important safety instructions”,

• using the product within the operating conditions and limitations described in this operat-

ing manual.

EN

“Improper use” means using the product other than as described in this operating manual, or
under operating conditions which dier from those described herein.

KH 120 | 3

The KH 120 studio monitor

Thank you for purchasing a Neumann studio monitor. The KH 120 features a Mathematically
Modeled Dispersion™ Waveguide (MMD™), flexible acoustical controls, various input options
and an extensive range of mounting hardware. This allows the loudspeaker to be used in
diverse acoustical conditions, with any source equipment and in a wide variety of physical
locations. The KH 120 represents the latest in acoustic and electronic simulation and measure­ment technologies to ensure the most accurate sound reproduction possible.

Depending on the size, Neumann’s two-way loudspeaker systems are designed for use as near
field monitors or as rear loudspeakers in larger multi-channel systems. They can be used in
project, music, broadcast, and post production studios for tracking, mixing, and mastering.

Delivery includes

1 KH 120 A or KH 120 D
4 Self-adhesive feet
1 Operating manual
1 Supplement “Getting Started Quickly”

Delivery also includes European, UK or US mains cables

EN

4 | KH 120

Note that imperial dimensions are approximate.

The current operating manual as well as the supplement “Getting Started Quickly” can also be
downloaded from the “Downloads” area on the product page at www.neumann.com.

Front panel

Product overview

1

2

1 Neumann logo

•lights up white:
loudspeaker is switched on and ready
for operation

•fl ashes red:
loudspeaker’s protection system is
active

or

A digital signal is selected via the

2

SIGNAL SELECT rotary switch D but
there is no valid digital signal con­nected

2 Bass refl ex ports

Bottom

KH 120 A

Bottom

KH 120 D

3

3

4

4

5

5

DE

C

B

3 On/o switch
4 IEC mains socket with protective ground

contact

5 DIP switches [1]–[4]

6

[1] Switches the Neumann logo
[2]

Dims the Neumann logo
[3] No function
[4] Connects/disconnects ground lift

6 ANALOG INPUT socket (XLR)

3 On/o switch

6

4 IEC mains socket with protective ground

contact

5 DIP switches [1]–[4]

[1] Switches the Neumann logo
[2]

Dims the Neumann logo
[3] No function
[4] Connects/disconnects ground lift

6 ANALOG INPUT socket (XLR)

on/o

on/o

B AES3 OUTPUT socket (BNC)
C AES3 INPUT socket (BNC)
D SIGNAL SELECT rotary switch
E DELAY rotary switches

EN

KH 120 | 5

7

9

8

0

A

Back panel

KH 120 A

7

8

9

0

7 ACOUSTICAL CONTROLS switches

A

8 OUTPUT LEVEL switch
9 INPUT GAIN control
0 Cooling fins
A Threaded inserts for Neumann mounting

hardware

Back panel

KH 120 D

7

8

9

7 ACOUSTICAL CONTROLS switches
8 OUTPUT LEVEL switch
9 INPUT GAIN control
0 Cooling fins

0

A Threaded inserts for Neumann mounting

A

C

B

DE

hardware

B AES3 OUTPUT socket (BNC)
C AES3 INPUT socket (BNC)
D SIGNAL SELECT rotary switch
E DELAY rotary switches

EN

6 | KH 120

Installing and connecting the KH 120

CAUTION
Danger of injury and material damage due to tipping/dropping of the product!

If improperly mounted, the product and/or the mounting hardware (e.g. rack) can tip over
or drop down.

X

Always have the product mounted by a qualified specialist according to local, national
and international regulations and standards.

X

Use the mounting systems recommended by Neumann and always provide sucient
additional protection against tipping or dropping!

CAUTION
Damage to the product due to overheating!

If air cannot circulate properly around the cooling fins on the rear of the product, the
amplifier(s) may overheat leading to premature activation of the thermal protection system
which limits the maximum output level of the loudspeaker. In rare cases, damage to the
product may also occur.

X

Never cover the cooling fins.

X

When installing the product into tight spaces such as wall recesses, maintain an air gap
of at least 5 cm (2") around the top, rear and side panels of the product and provide suf-(2") around the top, rear and side panels of the product and provide suf- around the top, rear and side panels of the product and provide suf­ficient air circulation. If necessary, use forced-air cooling (e.g. in OB vans).

For information on installation, please refer to the supplied “Getting Started Quickly”
supplement. This will help you set up the loudspeakers in a way that will give you the
best acoustic performance from the system.

For further information on setting up loudspeakers, please refer to the “Questions &
Answers” section on the product page at www.neumann.com.

For more information on building systems using Neumann loudspeaker products, please
refer to the Product Selection Guide at www.neumann.com

Preparing the loudspeakers

CAUTION
Risk of staining surfaces!

Some surfaces treated with varnish, polish or synthetics may suer from stains when they
come into contact with other synthetics. Despite a thorough testing of the synthetics used
by us, we cannot rule out the possibility of staining.

X

Do not place the loudspeaker on delicate surfaces.

To place the loudspeaker on a flat surface:

X

Attach the supplied self-adhesive feet to the bottom of the cabinet.
This reduces the risk of scratching the surface and acoustically isolates the loudspeaker

from the surface.

Preparing the room

X

Arrange all acoustically relevant surfaces and objects symmetrically on either side of the
listening axis of the room (left/right).

X

Minimize the sound that is reflected back to the listening position by using angled surfaces
and/or acoustical treatment.

This product has been optimized for use in recording studios. In order not to aect the
quality of reproduction, make sure that the product is used in an EMC environment.

EN

KH 120 | 7

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

Distances

d

wall

Positioning the loudspeakers

X

Carry out the following steps very accurately, since the more accurate the physical arrange­ment of the loudspeakers in the room, the more accurate the reproduction will be at the
listening position.

X

Observe the recommended distances between the loudspeakers and your listening position
(imperial dimensions are approximate):

• Minimum: 0.75 m (2.5')

• Recommended: 1.0–2.0 m (3'–6')

• Maximum: 4.0 m (12')

X

Avoid positioning the loudspeaker at a distance “d
the loudspeaker. When positioning bass managed loudspeakers, avoid a distance “d
of 0.8 to 1 m from a solid wall behind the loudspeaker. Similarly, avoid these distances
from solid side walls or a solid ceiling. Respecting these positioning limitations reduces
the chances of dips in the low frequency response (comb fi ltering) caused by strong refl ec­tions.

” of 0.8 to 2 m from the wall behind

wall

wall

”

Arranging the

loudspeakers

at an angle

x = 9.1 cm
y = 17.0 cm

X

Copy the diagram “Installation angles” that can be found at the end of this operating manual.

X

Place the diagram at the listening position or center of the listening area.

X

Using a tape measure, place the loudspeakers at the same distance from the center of the
diagram “Installation angles”. To ensure good imaging, do this at an accuracy of at least

1

1 cm (

/

").

2

X

If the loudspeakers cannot be placed at the same distance from the listening position, com­pensate for distance di erences > 1 cm (

1

/

") by delaying closer loudspeakers by 30 µs/cm

2

(76 µs/inch).

If you are using the KH 120 D:

X

Use the DELAY rotary switches E to compensate for distance di erences (see page 14).

The DELAY rotary switches E allow for corrections with a resolution of 3.44 cm
(13/8"), any small remaining time-of-fl ight adjustment should be made by moving
the loudspeaker cabinet.

X

Check the location of the loudspeaker cabinet. This depends on the application:

• 2.0 systems (stereo): ±30°, plus optional subwoofer(s)

• 5.1 systems:

ITU-R BS.775-1: 0°, ±30°, ±110° (±10°), plus optional subwoofer(s)
(center, front left/right, surround left/right)
ANSI/SMPTE 202M: 0°, ±22.5°, arrays to the surround left and to the surround right,
plus optional subwoofer(s)

• 7.1 systems: 0°, ±30°, ±90°, ±150°, plus optional subwoofer(s)
(center, front left/right, side left/right, back left/right)

The acoustical axis of the KH 120 is located at the midpoint of the bass and tweeter drivers.

X

Always point the acoustical axis, in the horizontal and vertical planes, towards the listening
position.

EN

8 | KH 120

The acoustical axis is a line perpendicular to the loudspeaker’s front panel along which
the microphone was placed when tuning the loudspeaker’s crossover during design.
Pointing the acoustical axis, in the horizontal and vertical planes, towards the listening
position or center of the monitoring area will give the best measured and perceived
sound quality.

X

Position the loudspeaker so that there is a direct line of sight from the listening position to
the bass and tweeter drivers.

Source (RCA)

Connecting

XLR cables

Connecting audio signals

X

Always use good quality cables with the correct impedance and appropriate termination to
avoid signal drop outs and to achieve the maximum cable lengths shown below:

Signal (connector) Impedance Cable length Connection

Analog (RCA) low up to 10 m

(30')

Analog (XLR) low up to 100 m

(300’)

AES3 (BNC) 75 Ω up to 100 m

(300')

AES3 (XLR) 110 Ω up to 100 m

(300')

S/P-DIF (RCA) 75 Ω up to 10 m

(30')

Connecting analog signals to the KH 120 A and the KH 120 D

X

Only connect analog signals to the KH 120 A.

X

Connect the left and right output of your analog audio source to the XLR input sockets6 of
the respective loudspeaker.

via an adapter (RCA-XLR)
to the ANALOG INPUT socket
(XLR) 6 (see below)

directly to the ANALOG INPUT
socket (XLR) 6 (see below)

directly to the AES3 INPUT
socket (BNC)C (see page 10)

via an impedance converter and
an adapter (XLR-BNC) to the
AES3 INPUT socket (BNC)C (see
page10)

via an adapter (RCA-BNC) to the
AES3 INPUT socket (BNC)C (see
page10)

XLR XLR

Right signal

Analog Source

X

Use an XLR adapter (not supplied) to connect unbalanced cables (e.g. RCA cables).

X

Use the following wiring if you want to make your own XLR adapter:

Left signal

Wiring Pin Signal

1 Audio ground

2 Signal +

3 Signal -

If there is a humming sound from the loudspeaker, activate ground lift to disconnect
pin 1 of the ANALOG INPUT socket (XLR)6 from the loudspeaker’s chassis ground.

EN

KH 120 | 9

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

Connecting

AES cables

Connecting digital signals to the KH 120 D

X

Connect the digital AES3 or S/P-DIF-output signal of your audio source to the AES3
INPUT socket C of the respective KH 120 D. See picture below.

The KH 120 D loudspeaker only supports non-encoded AES3 and S/P-DIF signals.
Encoded signals such as MP3, DTS or Dolby Digital are not supported.

X

Make an appropriate setting (“DIGITAL A” or “DIGITAL B”) on the SIGNAL SELECT
rotary switch D. The setting depends on the signal channel order and the loudspeaker
position.

Only one cable is needed for uncompressed AES3 and S/P-DIF digital signals
(single-wire mode). They contain two audio channels: “subframe A” and “sub­frame B”. Usually, the audio channels are:

Subframe A Subframe B

Left Right
Center LFE
Surround left Surround right
Back left Back right

A clock input is not required because loudspeakers are not audio sources and the
converters are clocked to a very stable internally generated clock source.

To connect an additional loudspeaker:

X

Use the AES3 OUTPUT socket B. See picture below.

X

Make an appropriate setting (“DIGITAL A” or “DIGITAL B”) on the SIGNAL SELECT
rotary switch D.

EN

BNC In BNC InBNC Out

Digital Source:

RCA, BNC or XLR

X

Use a Neutrik NADITBNC-F impedance and level converter (not supplied) for XLR

AES3 or S/P-DIF

to BNC conversions of AES3-signals. This method brings impedance matching, level

matching and source-receiver isolation. The Neutrik NADITBNC-F converter is guaran­teed to work up to 48kHz. Only one converter is needed per digital signal cable.

X

Use the following wiring if you want to make your own converter:

CAUTION
Damage to the product due to high AES3 signal levels!

AES3 signal levels in XLR cables are much too high for the

AES3 INPUT socket

(BNC)C. If you connect such signals without reducing the signals’ level, damage to

the product will occur.

X

Always make sure that your converter is able to match impedance and level.

10 | KH 120

Wiring Pin Signal

110

cable

AES3 on XLR to AES3 on BNC Connections

75
cable

110
57 mW

54.9

112 mW

187
26 mW

56.2

1.2 mW

Use E96 1% resistors

Source
(XLR-F)

Loudspeaker

(BNC)

BNC In BNC InBNC Out BNC Out BNC In

Subframe A – Left signal

Subframe B – Right signal

BNC InBNC Out

Digital Source:

AES3 or S/P-DIF

Set back panel switch to ”DIGITAL A“ Set back panel switch to ”DIGITAL B“

RCA, BNC or XLR

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

1 Shield

2 Signal +

3 Signal -

This method brings impedance matching and level matching, but no source-receiver iso­lation. Use a resistor network to passively attenuate the XLR signal from 3.1 V down to

0.42V and change the impedance from 110 Ω to 75 Ω.

Connecting multiple KH 120 D loudspeakers together

X

Use the AES3 OUTPUT socket B and INPUT socket C. T-pieces are not required – see

picture below.

X

Make an appropriate setting (“DIGITAL A” or “DIGITAL B”) on the SIGNAL SELECT
rotary switch D.

End of the line external termination is not required as the AES3 INPUT socket (BNC) C
already has an internal 75 Ω termination.

Setting the SIGNAL SELECT rotary switch D

X

Select one of the following settings, depending on your needs:

Setting Meaning

ANALOG
DIGITAL A
DIGITAL B
DIGITAL A+B Digital subframe A summed with digital subframe B

Each of these can be selected with and without delay added, so it is very quick to bypass
the delay.

The digital output is a copy of the digital input signal which can be used to feed the
digital signal onto other loudspeaker or products. There is no digital output from the
AES3 OUTPUT socket (BNC) B when an analog signal is connected to the ANALOG INPUT
socket6, therefore the KH 120 D cannot be used as an analog-to-digital converter.

XLR input socket 6
Digital subframe A, AES3 INPUT socket C
Digital subframe B, AES3 INPUT socket C

and a 6 dB attenuation, AES3 INPUT socket C

EN

KH 120 | 11

Connecting/disconnecting the KH 120 to/from
the mains power supply

To connect the KH 120 to the mains power supply:

X

Make sure that the on/o switch 3 is set to “OFF”.

X

Connect the IEC connector of the supplied mains cable to the mains socket 4.

4

3

Power Source

X

Connect the mains plug of the mains cable to a suitable wall socket.

To disconnect the KH 120 from the mains power supply:

X

Set the on/o switch 3 to “OFF”.

X

Pull the mains plug out of the wall socket.

Configuring and using the KH 120

EN

Switching the KH 120 on/off

X

Set the on/o switch to:

• “ON” to switch on the loudspeaker. The Neumann logo lights up, provided that is has not
been switched o (see page 16).

• “OFF” to switch o the loudspeaker. The Neumann logo goes o.

There is a five second delay before sound can be heard from the loudspeaker in order
to avoid noises (pops) from preceding equipment switched on at the same time. Con­versely, switching o the loudspeaker immediately mutes the audio.

Adjusting the frequency response

When all its acoustical controls are set to 0 dB, the KH 120 loudspeaker is designed to have
a flat frequency response in anechoic conditions. When the loudspeaker is installed in your
monitoring environment, the response changes. The same loudspeaker installed in dierent
positions in the same room may require dierent acoustical control settings. In a symmetrical
installation, left/right pairs (front or back) will probably have the same acoustical settings.

X

Before using your loudspeaker system for the first time, calibrate the frequency response of
the loudspeakers in the room in order to obtain the desired response.

X

Repeat the above step if you change the physical conditions in your studio.

X

At your listening position, determine the frequency response of each loudspeaker.

12 | KH 120

X

Use the ACOUSTICAL CONTROLS switches 7 to adjust the frequency response.
Recommended frequency responses:

• Studio applications: flat

• Film applications: X-curve shape (see ANSI/SMPTE 202M)

• Home applications: subjective evaluation

ACOUSTICAL CONTROLS

Function Possible settings

switches 7

Bass Compensates for acoustical loading in

0, -2.5, -5, -7.5 dB
the low frequency range due to nearby
large solid boundaries (e.g. walls).

Low-Mid Compensates for acoustical loading in

0, -1.5, -3, -4.5 dB
the low-mid frequency range due to
nearby large solid objects (e.g. mixing
consoles or desks).

Treble Compensates for insucient or

+1, 0, -1, -2 dB
excessive high-frequency damping in
the room.

The following settings can be used as a starting point for further adjustment:

Loudspeaker position Acoustical controls

Bass Low-Mid Treble

In a corner -7.5 dB -1.5 dB –
Next to an acoustically solid wall (e.g. brick, concrete) -5 dB – –
Next to an acoustically soft wall (e.g. gypsum) -2.5 dB – –
Free standing in an untreated room -2.5 dB – -1 dB
Free standing in a well-treated room – – –
In a small room with strong side wall reflections -5 dB 0 dB –
Near a small desktop or small reflecting surface* – -1.5 dB –
Near a large desktop or large reflecting surface* – -3 dB –

*

Use these settings in addition to one of the top five settings

Adjusting the acoustic level

X

On your KH 120 loudspeakers, set the OUTPUT LEVEL switch 8 to 94 dB SPL and the INPUT
GAIN control 9 to -15 dB.

X

Play a broadband pink noise test signal that is set to -18 dBFS (Europe) or -20 dBFS (USA)
on the mixing console’s output level meters.

X

Measure the sound pressure level at the listening position using a sound level meter with
the following settings:

• “C”-weighted

• slow integration time

X

Set the OUTPUT LEVEL switch 8 and INPUT GAIN control 9 of your loudspeakers so that
the desired acoustic level is obtained.

KH 120 | 13

EN

Recommended sound pressure levels:

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

Application Sound pressure level

Film 85 dB(C)
Broadcast 79 to 83 dB(C)
Music No defi ned reference levels

If the Neumann logo fl ashes red, the loudspeaker’s protection system has been activated. To
avoid this and achieve the desired output level, use larger loudspeakers or add a bass man­aged subwoofer to the system.

Examples of sound pressure levels as a function of the input and output level of the KH 120:

Input signal

dBu

INPUT GAIN control

dB

OUTPUT LEVEL switch

dB SPL

Sound pressure level

dB SPL at 1 m

9

8

0

(0.775 V)

0 -15 -4 -15

100 100 94 114

100 85 94 79

0

(0.775 V)

+4

(1.23 V)

-20

(77.5 mV)

Compensating for video delay (lip sync)

Signal processing in LCD, Plasma and LED screens, digital projectors with LCD or DLP
chips, and video processors used in broadcast centers delays the video signal.

The delay is disturbing when audio leads video by more than 20 ms or lags by more than
40 ms.

To compensate for the video signal delay, the audio signal of the KH 120D can be delayed
by up to 409.5ms, which is 10.2 frames at 40 ms/frame or 12.3 frames at 33 ms/frame.
The same value should be used for all loudspeakers in the system.

Please consider the information on latency on page 15.

EN

x 1.6 ms x 0.1 msx 25.6 ms

DIGITAL DELAY

14 | KH 120

Compensating for listening distance diff erences (time­of-fl ight)

Loudspeakers placed at di erent distances su er from time-of-fl ight di erences which
a ects imaging. The DELAY resolution is small enough (0.1 ms) that the delay can be used
for time-of-fl ight adjustment (3.44 cm or 1 3/8" steps). To compensate for the time-of-fl ight
delay, the audio signal can be delayed by up to 409.5 ms, which is 140.87m (462'2").

Loudspeakers positioned closer to the listening position should be delayed to be the same
as the furthest loudspeaker from the listening distance.

Example
Loudspeaker A listening distance: 1.50 m
Loudspeaker B listening distance: 1.65 m

Time-of-fl ight di erence: 0.15 m
So loudspeaker A should be delayed by the time equivalent of 0.15 m which is 0.436 ms

(0.15 m / 3.44 cm x 0.1 ms). The nearest setting of the DELAY rotary switches E is 0.4 ms,
so set the 0.1 ms switch to position 4.

Please consider the information on latency on page 15.

If a video delay compensation has already been made, add the time-of-fl ight di erence

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

KH 120 D

(here: 0.4 ms) to the setting already made.

Example

Video delay compensation on loudspeaker A: 2 x 40 ms/frame
Desired time-of fl ight compensation for loudspeaker A: 0.4 ms

Time-of-fl ight compensation: 80.4 ms
This delay value can be made with these switch settings: 3 x 25.6 ms, 2 x 1.6 ms, 4 x 0.1 ms.

The latency of the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters should be
taken into account when using the DELAY rotary switches E for time-of-fl ight com­pensation. For the digital-to-analog conversion (input signal via digital connector),
the latency is dependent on the sample rate (values can be seen in the Specifi ca­tions table on page 18). The analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion (input sig­nal via analog connector) is fi xed at 0.54 ms.

For time-of-fl ight compensation delay, calculate the desired delay value then sub­tract the appropriate latency depending on the input signal and sample rate, and
then set the needed additional delay using the delay switches on the back panel.

Example:

Distance compensation for 1 m: 1 m / 344 m/s = 2.91 ms: 2.91ms
Digital input signal, sample rate: 48 kHz, latency: 0.85 ms

2.06 ms
Delay settings:

0 x 25.6 ms, 1 x 1.6 ms, 5 x 0.1 ms
(equals 2.1 ms, which is the nearest value)

For video delay compensation, converter latency can be ignored as it is insignifi ­cant compared to long video signal delays.

To help with choosing a delay setting there is a set of lookup tables at the end of
this operating manual. Also Neumann has made a delay calculator which is avail­able at www.neumann.com.

Activating ground lift

If there is humming or buzzing noise coming from the loudspeaker, fi rst search for the cause of
the noise:

X

Disconnect all input and output signal cables from the loudspeaker.
If the noise goes away, it is probably coming from the audio source or source cabling.

It might be possible to eliminate the noise by disconnecting the ground from the input signals
(activating ground lift).

To activate ground lift:

X

Reconnect the signal cables and set the DIP switch [4] (“Ground lift”)5 to “Lift”.
This internally disconnects pin 1 of the ANALOG INPUT socket (XLR)6 from the loudspeak­er’s chassis ground (see diagram “Pin assignment of the XLR socket” on page 9).

For safety reasons, the electronics chassis ground is always connected to the mains
power earth pin.

KH 120 | 15

EN

Adjusting the brightness of the Neumann logo

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to unexpected high sound pressure levels!

If the Neumann logo is switched o, it is not obvious whether the product is switched on or o. In this case, unex­pected high sound pressure levels can cause hearing damage.

X

Always set the audio sources connected to the loudspeaker to a low output level before they deliver an audio
signal.

X

If you switch o or dim the Neumann logo, mention this to everyone who works with this loudspeaker or the
connected audio sources.

To dim or switch o the Neumann logo in low light level environments or when the loudspeaker is placed behind an
acoustically transparent screen:

X

Set the DIP switch [1] to:

• “On” to switch on the Neumann logo.

• “O” to switch o the Neumann logo.

X

Set the DIP switch [2] to:

• “Dim” to dim the Neumann logo.

• “Bright” to not dim the Neumann logo.

When the loudspeaker’s protection system is active or invalid digital signals are connected to the KH 120
D, the Neumann logo’s color changes from white to red. The brightness of this red limiter indication can be
adjusted by means of the DIP switch [2] (“Dim” or “Bright”). However, you cannot switch o the limiter indica­tion, as it appears independent of the position of the DIP switch [1].

EN

Cleaning and maintaining the KH 120

CAUTION
Damage to the product caused by liquids!

Liquids entering the product can cause a short-circuit in the electronics and damage or even destroy the product.

X

Keep all liquids away from the product!

X

Before cleaning, disconnect the product from the mains power supply.

X

Use a soft, dry, and lint-free cloth to clean the product.

Troubleshooting

Problem Cause Solution

The Neumann logo is o, no sound
is heard from the KH 120

The Neumann logo is o or not
clearly visible, but sound is heard
from the KH 120

The Neumann logo is flashing red
but there is no sound

The KH 120’s main fuse
has blown.

The Neumann logo is
switched o or dimmed.

A DIGITAL signal is
selected on the SIGNAL
SELECT rotary switch
D but there is no valid
audio signal connected to
the digital input.

Have the product checked by an
authorized Neumann service partner.

Switch on the Neumann logo
and switch o the dimming (see
page 16) .

Connect a valid signal to the digital input,
check the cabling, or set the SIGNAL
SELECT rotary switch D to ANALOG.

16 | KH 120

Problem Cause Solution

There is hum or buzz coming from
the KH 120 when the audio cable is
connected.

For further information, please refer to the “Questions & Answers” section on the product page at www.neumann.com.

Bad cabling or ground
loop in the installation.

Check all cabling to eliminate the cause
of the problem, change from unbalanced
to balanced cabling, or use the ground lift
switch (see page 15).

Specifications

Acoustics

-3 dB free field frequency response 52 Hz to 21 kHz, ±3 dB
Pass band free field frequency response 54 Hz to 20 kHz, ±2 dB

Self-generated noise
(with input gain set to 100 dB for 0 dBu)

Total harmonic distortion < 0.5 % at 95 dB SPL at 1 m >100 Hz
Max. SPL in full space / calc. in half space at 3 % THD

at 1 m, averaged between 100 Hz and 6 kHz
Bass capability:

Max. SPL in half space with 3 % THD at 1 m,
averaged between 50 Hz and 100 Hz

Max. short term SPL with IEC-weighted noise
(IEC 60268-5) at 1 m, in typical listening conditions

Max. short term SPL with music material at 2.3 m,
in typical listening conditions (pair)

Max. long term SPL with pink noise at 2.3 m,
in typical listening conditions (single/pair)

Electronics

Woofer amplifier, continuous (peak) output power 50 W (80 W), THD and noise < 0.1 %

Tweeter amplifier, continuous (peak) output power 50 W (80 W), THD and noise < 0.1 %

Controller design analog, active
Crossover frequency; crossover slope 2.0 kHz; 24 dB/oct., 4th order
ACOUSTICAL CONTROLS switches BASS: 0, -2.5, -5, -7.5 dB

Protection circuitry Limiter: low, high
Infrasonic filter frequency; slope 30 Hz; 6 dB/oct.

<20 dB(A) at 10 cm

105.1 dB SPL / 111.1 dB SPL

104.8 dB SPL

107 dB(C) SPL

97 dB(C) SPL (full range)
104 dB(C) SPL (with subwoofer)

88/93 dB(C) SPL (full range)
89/94 dB(C) SPL (with subwoofer)

with deactivated limiter

with deactivated limiter

LOW-MID: 0, -1.5, -3, -4.5 dB
TREBLE: +1, 0, -1, -2 dB

Analog input

Input type XLR, electronically balanced
Input Impedance depending on the position of the OUTPUT LEVEL

switch 8 :
114 dB SPL 20 kΩ
108 dB SPL 10 kΩ
100 dB SPL 20 kΩ
94 dB SPL 10 kΩ

Input gain control (sensitivity) 0 dB to -15 dB
OUTPUT LEVEL switch 94, 100, 108, 114 dB SPL

KH 120 | 17

EN

CMRR > 56 dB, 100 Hz to 10 kHz (ANALOG mode)

> 56 dB, 100 Hz to 12 kHz (ANALOG DELAYED mode)

Maximum input level 24 dBu (ANALOG mode)

18 dBu (ANALOG DELAYED mode)

Digital input/output (KH 120 D only)

Signal format BNC AES3, S/P-DIF
Impedance BNC, unbalanced 75 Ω (input and output)
Input switching Analog/Digital A/Digital B/Digital A+B
Digital converter: resolution 16 … 24-bit
Digital converter: sampling rates [kHz]

*

22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
Digital sensitivity -18 dBFS = 100 dB SPL at 1 m
Dynamic range: A-D-A, D-A

THD+N: analog delayed, digital
Maximum delay: time / distance
Maximum delay: audio-video synchronization (lip

sync)
Minimum delay resolution: time / distance
Latency D-A (with delay = 0 ms)

**

> 116 dB(A), 123 dB(A)
< -104 dB, < -106 dB

409.5 ms / 140.87 m (462' 2")

10.2 at 40 ms/frame

12.3 at 33 ms/frame

0.1 ms / 3.44 cm (1 3/8")

1.84 ms at 22.05 kHz

1.70 ms at 24 kHz

1.28 ms at 32 kHz

0.93 ms at 44.1 kHz

0.86 ms at 48 kHz

0.64 ms at 64 kHz

0.47 ms at 88.2 kHz

0.43 ms at 96 kHz

0.24 ms at 176.4 kHz

0.22 ms at 192 kHz
Latency A-D-A (with delay = 0 ms)
DELAY rotary switches E and SIGNAL SELECT rotary

0.54 ms

Neumann logo “Red” 3 flashes

switch D setting acknowledgement
Digital error/Loudspeaker’s protection system is active

Neumann logo “Red” 1 flash

EN

Product properties

Power consumption (idle) KH 120 A: 20 W

KH 120 D: 25 W

Power consumption (full output AC) 200 W

7

1

Dimensions (H x W x D) 277 x 182 x 220 mm (10

/

8

" x 7

/

" x 8

8

5

/

")

8

Internal net volume/external volume 6.5 l/9.7 l
Weight KH 120 A: 6.4 kg (14 lbs 2 oz)

KH 120 D: 6.5 kg (14 lbs 5 oz)
Drivers – woofer, tweeter magnetically shielded – 130 mm (5.25"), 25 mm (1")
Threaded inserts for Neumann mounting hardware 2 x M8 on rear panel with depth 15 mm (

5

/

")

8

Cabinet surface finish, Color painted aluminium,

Anthracite (RAL 7021) or

White (9016) or

other RAL color

*

These are the sample rates for which the delay setting value shown on the back panel is valid.

**

Depending on the sample rate, this value should be added to the delay setting on the back panel to give the total delay.

18 | KH 120

Operating conditions

Ambient temperature +10 °C to +40 °C (+50 °F to +104 °F)
Relative humidity max. 90 % (non-condensing)
Power supply 100 to 240 V~, 50/60 Hz

Transport/storage conditions

Ambient temperature –25 °C to +70 °C (–13 °F to +158 °F)
Relative humidity max. 90 %

In compliance with

Europe

USA 47 CFR 15 subpart B
Canada CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

EMC EN 55103-1/-2,
Electromagnetic Environment: Class E3
Safety EN 60065

Acoustical measurements, block diagram and pin assignment

Additional technical data such as acoustical measurements, a block diagrams and the pin assignment of the XLR
socket can be found at the end of this operating manual.

Accessories

Product Description

BKH 120 Soft carry bag for 1 pair of KH 120
FKH 120 Flight case for 1 pair of KH 120
LH 28 Tripod stand adapter
LH 29 TV spigot (lighting stand adapter)
LH 32 Wall L-bracket
LH 43 Surface mounting plate
LH 45 Wall bracket
LH 46 Adjustable ceiling drop adapter
LH 47 Mounting adapter plate
LH 48 Tripod adapter plate
LH 61 Adjustable L-bracket
LH 64 Omnimount/VESA adapter
LH 65 Table stand

EN

KH 120 | 19

Manufacturer Declarations

Guarantee

For the current terms and conditions of the product guarantee, please visit www.neumann.com.

In compliance with the following requirements

• WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
Please dispose of the product at the end of its operational lifetime by taking it to your local
collection point or recycling center for such equipment.

CE Declaration of Conformity

• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)

• Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)

• EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)

The declarations are available on the product page at www.neumann.com.

Certified by

Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus - Safety Requirements CAN/CSA-C22.2
No.60065:03 and UL Std. No. 60065

Trademarks

Neumann® is a registered trademark of Georg Neumann GmbH. The following are trademarks
of Georg Neumann GmbH:

• “Mathematically Modeled Dispersion” and “MMD”

Other company, product, or service names mentioned in this operating manual may be the
trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

EN

FCC

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Neumann may

void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.

20 | KH 120

System Block Diagram/System-Blockdiagramm/Synoptique Système/
Diagrama de Bloques del Sistema

KH 120 D only

S/P-DIF can be received on the BNC
connectors with a suitable adapter

BNC: AES3 Output

BNC: AES3 Input

XLR: Analog/
AES3 Input

GND Lift

Receiver

24-bit

192 kHz

Signal
Select

Analog
Digital A
Digital B
Digital A+B
(all available
with and
without delay)

25.6 ms

1.6 ms

Delay

ADC

0.1 ms

DAC

Display Dimmer On/Off
Bright/Dim

Cross-

Over

(24 dB/

oct)

Gain

CoarseFine

0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

Bass Low Mid Treble

-1.5

-3.0

-4.5

Production

Trimmers

0

+1
0

-1

-2

Limiters

Switched-mode

Power Supply

Power on

Mute

Acoustical Measurements/Akustische Messungen/Mesures acoustiques/Mediciones Acústicas

EN Below are acoustical measurements conducted in anechoic conditions at 1 m.

DE Die folgenden akustischen Messungen wurden unter reflexionsarmen Bedingungen bei 1 m Abstand durchgeführt.

Power

Amplifiers

Treble

Bass

Pin assignment of the XLR socket/
Buchsenbelegung XLR/
Brochage de la prise XLR/

Asignación de la hembra XLR/

1 Audio ground/Audio-

Erdung/Masse audio/Toma
de tierra de audio

2 Signal +/Signal +/Signal +/

Señal +

3 Signal −/Signal −/Signal −/

Señal −

FR Vous trouverez ci après les courbes correspondant aux mesures acoustiques eectuées en chambre sourde, à une distance de 1 mètre

du moniteur.

ES Las siguientes mediciones acústicas se han realizado bajo condiciones de baja reflexión a una distancia de 1 m.

KH 210 | I

Free-Field Response | Freifeld-Frequenzgang | Réponse en
champ libre | Respuesta en frecuencia en campo libre

Group Delay | Gruppenlaufzeit | Temps de propagation de
groupe | Retardo de grupo

II | KH 210

Harmonic Distortion at 90 dB SPL | Klirrfaktor bei 90 dB SPL
Distorsion harmonique à 90 dB SPL | Distorsión armónica total
a 90 dB SPL

Maximum SPL at 1 m (1% and 3%) | Maximaler SPL bei 1 m
(1 % und 3 %) | Niveau SPL maximal, à 1 m (1% et 3%) |
SPL máximo a 1 m (1 % y 3 %)

KH 210 | III

Acoustical Controls | Akustikregler | Effet des correcteurs
de compensation acoustiques | Regulador acústico

IV | KH 210

Cumulative Spectral Decay | Zerfalls spektrum |
Décroissance spectrale cumulée | Caída espectral acumulada

Frequency (Hz)

time (ms)

KH 210 | V

Horizontal Directivity Plot | Horizontales Abstrahlverhalten
Directivité horizontale | Directividad horizontal

-24,0--21,0 -21,0--18,0 -18,0--15,0 -15,0--12,0 -12,0--9,0 -9,0--6,0 -6,0--3,0 -3,0-0,0 0,0-3,0 3,0-6,0

90

60

30

Angle (°)

0

VI | KH 210

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

Frequency (Hz)

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

10000

12500

16000

-30

-60

-90

20000

Vertical Directivity Plot | Vertikales Abstrahlverhalten

1

Directivité verticale | Directividad vertical

-24,0--21,0 -21,0--18,0 -18,0- -15,0 -15,0--12,0 -12,0--9,0 -9,0--6,0 -6,0--3,0 -3,0-0,0 0,0-3,0 3,0-6,0

90

60

30

0

Angle (°)

-30

-60

-90

25

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

Frequency (Hz)

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

10000

12500

16000

20000

KH 210 | VII

Installation angles/Aufstellwinkel/Angles d‘installation/Ángulos de colocación

6600°°

9900°°

11 0000°°

3300°°

00°°

22.5°22.5°

3300°°

6600°°

9900°°

11 0000°°

VIII | KH 210

111100°°

11 2200°°

11 5500°°

11 8800°°

11 1100°°

11 2200°°

11 5500°°

Delay Lookup Table/Wertetabelle Delay/Tableaux de valeurs Delay/Tabla de valores Delay

Switch 1 (25.6 ms) Switch 2 (1.6 ms)

Position Time [ms] Distance

[m]

0 0.0 0.000 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.000 0 0 0.0 0.0

1 25.6 8.806 28 11 0.6 0.8 1.6 0.550 1 10 0.0 0.0

2 51.2 17.613 57 9 1.3 1.5 3.2 1.101 3 7 0.1 0.1

3 76.8 26.419 86 8 1.9 2.3 4.8 1.651 5 5 0.1 0.1

4 102.4 35.226 115 7 2.6 3.1 6.4 2.202 7 3 0.2 0.2

5 128.0 44.032 144 6 3.2 3.8 8.0 2.752 9 0 0.2 0.2

6 153.6 52.838 173 4 3.8 4.6 9.6 3.302 10 10 0.2 0.3

7 179.2 61.645 202 3 4.5 5.4 11.2 3.853 12 8 0.3 0.3

8 204.8 70.451 231 2 5.1 6.1 12.8 4.403 14 5 0.3 0.4

9 230.4 79.258 260 0 5.8 6.9 14.4 4.954 16 3 0.4 0.4

10 256.0 88.064 288 11 6.4 7.7 16.0 5.504 18 1 0.4 0.5

Distance [Imperial] Frames Time [ms] Distance

[m]

[feet] [inches] 50 Hz 60 Hz [feet] [inches] 50 Hz 60 Hz

Distance [Imperial] Frames

11 281.6 96.870 317 10 7.0 8.4 17.6 6.054 19 10 0.4 0.5

12 307.2 105.677 346 9 7.7 9.2 19.2 6.605 21 8 0.5 0.6

13 332.8 114.483 375 7 8.3 10.0 20.8 7.155 23 6 0.5 0.6

14 358.4 123.290 404 6 9.0 10.8 22.4 7.706 25 3 0.6 0.7

15 384.0 132.096 433 5 9.6 11.5 24.0 8.256 27 1 0.6 0.7

KH 210 | IX

Delay Lookup Table/Wertetabelle Delay/Tableaux de valeurs Delay/Tabla de valores Delay

Switch 3 (0.1 ms)

Position Time [ms] Distance

[m]

0 0.0 0.000 0 0 0.0 0.0

1 0.1 0.034 0 1 0.0 0.0

2 0.2 0.069 0 3 0.0 0.0

3 0.3 0.103 0 4 0.0 0.0

4 0.4 0.138 0 5 0.0 0.0

5 0.5 0.172 0 7 0.0 0.0

6 0.6 0.206 0 8 0.0 0.0

7 0.7 0.241 0 9 0.0 0.0

8 0.8 0.275 0 11 0.0 0.0

9 0.9 0.310 1 0 0.0 0.0

10 1.0 0.344 1 2 0.0 0.0

Distance [Imperial] Frames

[feet] [inches] 50 Hz 60 Hz

11 1.1 0.378 1 3 0.0 0.0

12 1.2 0.413 1 4 0.0 0.0

13 1.3 0.447 1 6 0.0 0.0

14 1.4 0.482 1 7 0.0 0.0

15 1.5 0.516 1 8 0.0 0.0

X | KH 210

11/13 · 554653/a01