What is the primary difference between the KH 310 A Left and Right models?

The models are physically mirrored to ensure the tweeter and midrange drivers are positioned correctly relative to the woofer. This symmetry is essential for creating an accurate stereo image and consistent off-axis response.

What type of amplification does the KH 310 A use?

The monitor utilises Class AB amplifiers. These are known for providing high fidelity and low distortion, which contributes to the unit's neutral and transparent sound character.

Is the KH 310 A suitable for mixing vocals?

Yes, it is specifically designed to excel in midrange reproduction. This makes it an ideal choice for critical tasks involving vocals and guitars where frequency clarity is vital.

Can the KH 310 A be adjusted for different room acoustics?

Yes, it features flexible acoustic controls. These settings allow users to adjust the bass, low-mid, and treble frequencies to compensate for the monitor's placement in a room.

What are the input options for this monitor?

The KH 310 A features a balanced XLR input. This ensures compatibility with professional studio equipment and minimises noise over long cable runs.

Is this monitor considered a nearfield or midfield speaker?

It is primarily classified as a nearfield studio monitor. However, its three-way design and power allow it to perform effectively in a variety of small to medium-sized control rooms.

How does a three-way monitor differ from a two-way monitor?

A three-way monitor uses three separate drivers for low, mid, and high frequencies, whereas a two-way uses two. This typically results in better midrange detail and less distortion at higher volumes.

What is the typical price for a single KH 310 A unit?

The typical price for a single unit is approximately £1,865. This reflects its position as a high-end professional audio tool.

Does the KH 310 A include built-in DSP for room correction?

The KH 310 A is an analogue-controlled monitor rather than a DSP-based one. For DSP room correction, users often look to newer models like the KH 120-II or external interfaces like the PreSonus Central Station Plus.

What brand manufactures the KH 310 A?

The KH 310 A is manufactured by Neumann, a company renowned for high-quality studio microphones and monitoring systems.

What materials are used for the cabinet and drivers?

The monitor uses the latest acoustic components and speaker research to ensure minimal resonance. It is built to high mechanical standards to maintain accuracy over time.

Can the KH 310 A be used for producing entire tracks?

Yes, while it excels in the midrange, its wide frequency spectrum coverage makes it more than capable of handling full-range production, including bass-heavy electronic music or orchestral scores.

Gear article

Neumann KH 310 A Active Three-Way Studio Monitor

The Neumann KH 310 A is a professional active three-way nearfield studio monitor designed for high-resolution audio reproduction and neutral frequency response. It features a tri-amplified Class AB design and is specifically engineered for accuracy in critical listening environments, particularly for midrange-heavy tasks like vocal and guitar tracking.

Neumann KH310A Active Three Way Nearfield Studio Monitor Left

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Overview and Technical Design

The Neumann KH 310 A is an active studio monitor that utilises a three-way architecture to provide precise sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. By dedicating separate drivers to low, mid, and high frequencies, the system reduces intermodulation distortion and allows each component to operate within its optimal range. The monitor is powered by integrated Class AB amplifiers, which are chosen for their linear performance and ability to drive the transducers with high fidelity.

Designed as a mirrored system, the KH 310 A is available in specific 'Left' and 'Right' versions to ensure symmetrical imaging and optimal dispersion when placed in a stereo configuration. The cabinet design incorporates acoustic research to minimise diffraction and provide a wide sweet spot.

Sonic Character and Performance

The primary characteristic of the KH 310 A is its sonic accuracy and neutrality. It is particularly noted for its performance in the midrange, making it a preferred tool for mixing instruments such as guitars and vocals where detail and clarity are paramount. Despite its nearfield designation, the three-way design ensures that the low-end remains articulate and the high-end remains transparent without being fatiguing. The use of high-resolution acoustic components ensures that the monitor provides a faithful representation of the source material without artificial coloration.

Genelec 8050B Bi-Amped Studio Monitor Dark Grey (Single)

Acoustic Controls and Integration

To ensure compatibility with diverse acoustic environments, the KH 310 A features a suite of flexible acoustic controls. These allow the user to compensate for room placement—such as proximity to walls or corners—by adjusting the frequency response. The unit includes:

Multi-stage acoustic filters for bass, low-mid, and high frequencies.
Various input options for seamless integration into existing studio signal chains.
Multiple mounting points for fixed installations or specialized stands.
XLR connectivity for professional-grade balanced audio input.

Market Comparison

When compared to other professional monitors, the KH 310 A sits as a high-end alternative to two-way systems like the Neumann KH 120-II or the Focal Shape 65. While two-way monitors are often more compact, the three-way design of the KH 310 A offers superior midrange separation. In the high-end segment, it competes with the Genelec 8050B and the DSP-enabled Genelec 8341A. While budget alternatives like the Yamaha HS5 or M-Audio Forty Eighty exist for home enthusiasts, the KH 310 A is aimed at professional environments requiring exacting standards of precision.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between the KH 310 A Left and Right models?: The models are physically mirrored to ensure the tweeter and midrange drivers are positioned correctly relative to the woofer. This symmetry is essential for creating an accurate stereo image and consistent off-axis response.
What type of amplification does the KH 310 A use?: The monitor utilises Class AB amplifiers. These are known for providing high fidelity and low distortion, which contributes to the unit's neutral and transparent sound character.
Is the KH 310 A suitable for mixing vocals?: Yes, it is specifically designed to excel in midrange reproduction. This makes it an ideal choice for critical tasks involving vocals and guitars where frequency clarity is vital.
Can the KH 310 A be adjusted for different room acoustics?: Yes, it features flexible acoustic controls. These settings allow users to adjust the bass, low-mid, and treble frequencies to compensate for the monitor's placement in a room.
What are the input options for this monitor?: The KH 310 A features a balanced XLR input. This ensures compatibility with professional studio equipment and minimises noise over long cable runs.
Is this monitor considered a nearfield or midfield speaker?: It is primarily classified as a nearfield studio monitor. However, its three-way design and power allow it to perform effectively in a variety of small to medium-sized control rooms.
How does a three-way monitor differ from a two-way monitor?: A three-way monitor uses three separate drivers for low, mid, and high frequencies, whereas a two-way uses two. This typically results in better midrange detail and less distortion at higher volumes.
What is the typical price for a single KH 310 A unit?: The typical price for a single unit is approximately £1,865. This reflects its position as a high-end professional audio tool.
Does the KH 310 A include built-in DSP for room correction?: The KH 310 A is an analogue-controlled monitor rather than a DSP-based one. For DSP room correction, users often look to newer models like the KH 120-II or external interfaces like the PreSonus Central Station Plus.
What brand manufactures the KH 310 A?: The KH 310 A is manufactured by Neumann, a company renowned for high-quality studio microphones and monitoring systems.
What materials are used for the cabinet and drivers?: The monitor uses the latest acoustic components and speaker research to ensure minimal resonance. It is built to high mechanical standards to maintain accuracy over time.
Can the KH 310 A be used for producing entire tracks?: Yes, while it excels in the midrange, its wide frequency spectrum coverage makes it more than capable of handling full-range production, including bass-heavy electronic music or orchestral scores.