Neumann NDH 30 Open-Back Studio Headphones | Silver

The Neumann NDH 30 is a circumaural, open-back headphone with outstanding detail resolution and high-precision stereo imaging with razor-sharp localization. Its linear soundstage and superior transient response recommend it for the most demanding applications such as mixing and mastering. The NDH 30 was developed with the aim of making the reference sound of a Neumann studio monitor setup, perfectly calibrated via MA-1, available everywhere in the form of an easily transportable headphone. At the same time, the NDH 30 forms its own sound reference in terms of headphone reproduction, which has become a key to success with the consumer. Its superior sound characteristics make the NDH 30 the first choice for mixing and mastering. Thanks to its high long-term comfort, it is just as excellently suited to high-precision editing. Its high-quality construction of spring steel and aluminum as well as its pleasant handling properties are largely the same as those of the NDH 20. However, the NDH 30 is an open-back headphone, which means that its dynamic 38 mm transducers work as acoustic dipoles. This allows their highly refined sound characteristics to unfold optimally: extremely fast transient response, dry bass, uncolored mids and transparent highs. In other words, the NDH 30 has no sound coloration, but reproduces the signal 1:1.

Uncompromising Precision

The NDH 30 headphones are designed with exceptional attention to detail to ensure superior linearity which is crucial for accurate sound reproduction. One of the standout features contributing to this high level of performance is the inclusion of frequency-selective absorbers. These absorbers play a critical role in managing and attenuating high-frequency overemphasis, a common issue that can lead to poor mixing decisions in many other headphone models.

By effectively controlling these frequencies, the NDH 30 ensures that audio professionals can make precise and reliable judgments about their mixes. For instance, these headphones can accurately reveal subtle details in vocal recordings, such as whether a voice sounds muffled, indicating the need for EQ adjustments, or if it requires a de-esser to address sibilance issues. This level of detail and accuracy is essential for achieving a balanced and well-defined mix, making the NDH 30 a valuable tool for sound engineers and producers.

The Neumann NDH 30 headphones indeed offer remarkable spatial resolution, allowing for precise localization in the stereo field and a clear sense of depth within the mix. This level of detail is crucial for professional audio work, such as mixing and mastering, where the ability to discern fine nuances can significantly impact the final product.

The high-quality, internally balanced cable provided with the NDH 30 plays a key role in minimizing channel crosstalk. Channel crosstalk can blur the stereo image and reduce the clarity of the mix, so addressing this issue with a balanced cable helps maintain the integrity of the audio signal. By reducing interference and preserving the separation between the left and right channels, the NDH 30 ensures that the audio remains clean and precise, which is essential for critical listening environments.

Overall, the combination of excellent spatial resolution and minimized channel crosstalk makes the NDH 30 a valuable tool for audio professionals seeking to achieve the highest standards in their work.