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
Danger due to high
sound pressure
levels
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.
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 there-
Page 5
fore 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 aect 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 sucient 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.
“Improper use” means using the product other than as described in this operating manual, or
under operating conditions which dier from those described herein.
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.
KH 120 | 3
EN
Page 6
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
2 Mains cables (European and US version) or 1 Mains cable (UK version)
4 Self-adhesive feet
1 Operating manual
1 Supplement “Getting Started Quickly”
EN
4 | KH 120
Page 7
Front panel
Product overview
1
2
1 Neumann logo
•lights up white:
loudspeaker is switched on and ready
for operation
2
•flashes red:
loudspeaker’s protection system is
active
2 Bass reflex ports
Bottom
Back panel
3
4
7
8
9
5
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 XLR input socket
0
A
7 Acoustical controls
8 Output level control
9 Input gain control
0 Cooling fins
A Mounting holes
on/o
EN
KH 120 | 5
Page 8
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 sucient
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 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
EN
Preparing the loudspeakers
CAUTION
Risk of staining surfaces!
Some surfaces treated with varnish, polish or synthetics may suer 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 to not aect the
quality of reproduction, make sure that the product is used in an EMC environment.
6 | KH 120
Page 9
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 filtering) caused by strong reflections.
” of 0.8 to 2 m from the wall behind
wall
wall
”
Arranging the
loudspeakers
x = 9.1 cm
y = 17.0 cm
at an angle
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 dierences > 1cm(
1
/
") by delaying closer loudspeakers by 30 µs/cm
2
(76 µs/inch).
X
At the same time, 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.
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.
KH 120 | 7
EN
Page 10
Source (RCA)
Loudspeaker (XLR-M)
Connecting
XLR cables
X
Position the loudspeaker so that there is a direct line of sight from the listening position to
the bass and tweeter drivers.
Connecting the audio cables
Connecting analog cables
X
Connect the left and right output of your audio source to the XLR sockets of the respective
loudspeaker.
XLRXLR
EN
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
WiringPinSignal
1Audio ground
2Signal +
3Signal -
Connecting/disconnecting the KH 120to/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
8 | KH 120
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.
Page 11
Configuring and using the KH 120
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 11).
• “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 dierent
positions in the same room may require dierent 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.
X
Use the acoustical controls 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 controlFunctionPossible settings
Bass Compensates for acoustical loading in
the low frequency range due to nearby
large solid boundaries (e.g. walls).
Low-MidCompensates for acoustical loading in
the low-mid frequency range due to
nearby large solid objects (e.g. mixing
consoles or desks).
TrebleCompensates for insucient or
excessive high-frequency damping in
the room.
0, -2.5, -5, -7.5 dB
0, -1.5, -3, -4.5 dB
+1, 0, -1, -2 dB
EN
KH 120 | 9
Page 12
The following settings can be used as a starting point for further adjustment:
Loudspeaker positionAcoustical controls
BassLow-MidTreble
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 dB0 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 control (“OUTPUT LEVEL”) to 94 dB SPL
and the input gain control (“INPUT GAIN”) to -15 dB.
EN
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 and input gain controls of your loudspeakers so that the desired acoustic level is obtained.
Recommended sound pressure levels:
ApplicationSound pressure level
Film85 dB(C)
Broadcast79 to 83 dB(C)
MusicNo defined reference levels
If the Neumann logo flashes red, the loudspeakers’ 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.
10 | KH 120
Page 13
Examples of sound pressure levels as a function of the input and output level of the KH 120:
Input signal
dBu
Input gain KH 120
dB
Output level KH 120
dB SPL
Sound pressure level
dB SPL at 1 m
0
(0.775 V)
0-15-4-15
10010094114
100859479
0
(0.775 V)
+4
(1.23 V)
-20
(77.5 mV)
Connecting ground lift
To avoid unwanted hum or buzz associated with the input signal cables or source equipment,
you can internally disconnect pin 1 of the XLR socket from the loudspeaker electronics’ chassis
ground (see table onpage 8):
X
Set the DIP switch [4] (“ground lift”) to “Lift”.
For safety reasons, the electronics chassis ground is always connected to the mains
power earth pin.
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, 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
KH 120 | 11
Page 14
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
ProblemCauseSolution
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
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.
The KH 120’s main fuse
has blown.
The Neumann logo is
switched o or dimmed.
Bad cabling or ground
loop in the installation.
Have the product checked by an
authorized Neumann service partner.
Switch on the Neumann logo
and switch o the dimming (see page 11) .
Check all cabling to eliminate the cause
of the problem, change from unbalanced
to balanced cabling, or use the ground lift
switch (see page 11).
EN
Specifications
Acoustics
-3 dB free field frequency response52 Hz to 21 kHz, ±3 dB
Pass band free field frequency response54 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 power50 W (80 W), THD and noise < 0.1 %
Tweeter amplifier, continuous (peak) output power50 W (80 W), THD and noise < 0.1 %
Ambient temperature+10 °C to +40 °C (+50 °F to +104 °F)
Relative humiditymax. 90 % (non-condensing)
Power supply100 to 240 V~, 50/60 Hz
Transport/storage conditions
Ambient temperature–25 °C to +70 °C (–13 °F to +158 °F)
Relative humiditymax. 90 %
In compliance with
Europe
EMC EN 55103-1/-2,
Electromagnetic Environment: Class E4
Safety EN 60065
USA47 CFR 15 subpart B
CanadaICES-003
Acoustical measurements, block diagram and pin assignment
Additional technical data such as acoustical measurements, a block diagram of the KH 120 and the pin assignment
of the XLR socket can be found at the end of this operating manual.
KH 120 | 13
EN
Page 16
Accessories
ProductDescription
BKH 120Soft carry bag for 1 pair of KH 120
FKH 120 Flight case for 1 pair of KH 120
LH 28Tripod stand adapter
LH 29TV spigot (lighting stand adapter)
LH 32Wall L-bracket
LH 43Surface mounting plate
LH 45Wall bracket
LH 46Adjustable ceiling drop adapter
LH 47Mounting adapter plate
LH 48Tripod adapter plate
LH 61Adjustable L-bracket
LH 64Omnimount/VESA adapter
LH 65Table stand
EN
14 | KH 120
Page 17
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 (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 (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.
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.
EN
KH 120 | 15
Page 18
Page 19
System Block Diagram/System-Blockdiagramm/
Synoptique Système/Diagrama de Bloques del Sistema
Power on
Mute
XLR: Analog
GND Lift
Display Dimmer On/Off
and Bright/Dim
Cross-
Production
Trimmers
Coarse
Fine
Gain
0
0
-2.5
-5.0
-7.5
Bass
+1
-1.5
0
-3.0
-1
-4.5
-2
TrebleLow Mid
Over
(24 dB/
oct)
Limiters
Power
Amps
Treble
Bass
Pin assignment of the XLR socket/Buchsenbelegung XLR/
Brochage de la prise XLR/Asignación de la hembra XLR
1Audio ground/Audio-Erdung/Masse audio/Toma de tierra de audio
2Signal +/Signal +/Signal +/Señal +
3Signal −/Signal −/Signal −/Señal −
ENBelow are acoustical measurements conducted in anechoic conditions at 1 m.
Color versions of these graphs can be found on the appropriate product page of
the web site.
DEDie folgenden akustischen Messungen wurden unter reflexionsarmen Bedingungen
bei 1 m Abstand durchgeführt. Farbversionen dieser Diagramme finden Sie auf den
entsprechenden Produktseiten der Neumann Website.
FRVous trouverez ci après les courbes correspondant aux mesures acoustiques eec-
tuées en chambre sourde, à une distance de 1 mètre du moniteur. Vous retrouverez ces courbes, en couleur, dans la section appropriée de notre site Web.
ESLas siguientes mediciones acústicas se han realizado bajo condiciones de baja
reflexión a una distancia de 1 m. Encontrará versiones a color de estos diagramas
en las páginas correspondientes de los productos en la página web de Neumann.
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
EN
FR
DE
KH 120 | I
ES
Page 20
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 %)
Acoustical Controls
Akustikregler
Eet des correcteurs
de compensation acoustiques
Regulador acústico