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Neumann NDH 30 Open-back Studio Headphones

Open-back Circumaural Headphones
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Item ID: NDH30
Neumann NDH 30 Open-back Studio Headphones
Price:$675 and 36 cents
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Neumann NDH 30 Open-back Studio Headphones
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Neumann NDH 30 Open-back Studio Headphones
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Price:$675 and 36 cents
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High-precision Headphones from Neumann

If you're making critical sonic decisions, you need high-precision monitoring. Neumann's NDH 30 open-back headphones arm you with just that, yielding outstanding linearity and transient response, in addition to solid stereo imaging and unparalleled resolution. Circumaural memory foam ear pads provide exceptional comfort during long listening sessions, and you get sound and mixing compatibility with calibrated Neumann KH Line studio monitors. NDH 30 headphones come with a detachable, internally balanced cable and a 1/4-inch adapter, plus they're foldable for easy transport. A top choice for producers, broadcast professionals, mixing engineers, and mastering engineers alike, NDH 30s take the physical potential of open-back headphones to an entire new level of sonic accuracy.

Designed to Neumann’s high standards

The NDH 30s incorporate state-of-the-art 1.5-inch drivers with high-gauss neodymium magnets for high sensitivity and minimal distortion, allowing you to hear the pure audio signal without coloration. Neumann made sure the mechanical construction of NDH 30 headphones meets the company’s high standards. The adjustable headband is made of flexible steel, while the earcup covers are machined from lightweight aluminum. For ease of transportation, the headphones are foldable for a snug fit in the included cloth bag. Plus, a 10-foot detachable, internally balanced cable and a 1/4-inch adapter are also included.

Perfect for mission-critical listening

At Sweetwater, we find Neumann NDH 30 headphones ideal for applications that require a high degree of precise detail, such as mixing and mastering. Thanks to their extended 12Hz–34kHz frequency response, NDH 30s are particularly helpful for checking the upper and lower extremes of the audio band. Beyond that, their unusually flat frequency response and natural stereo image allow for mixing with confidence and ensuring that your mixes will translate to all playback systems. Last but not least, NDH 30s are also excellent headphones for audiophile entertainment.

Neumann NDH 30 Open-back Studio Headphones Features:

  • Linear sound balance, like Neumann’s acclaimed studio monitors
  • 1.5-inch drivers with high-gauss neodymium magnets
  • Extended 12Hz–34kHz frequency response
  • Transparent sound with high resolution
  • Sound and mixing compatibility with calibrated Neumann KH Line studio monitors
  • Long-term comfort, easy transportation
  • Includes a 10-foot detachable, internally balanced cable and a 1/4-inch adapter

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Wired
  • Open/Closed: Open
  • Fit Style: Circumaural (Around the Ear)
  • Driver Size: 38mm
  • Frequency Response: 12Hz-34kHz
  • Impedance: 120 ohms
  • Connectivity: 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter
  • Cable Type: Straight
  • Cable Length: 9.8 ft.
  • Detachable Cable: Yes
  • Foldable: Yes
  • Color: White Aluminum, Gray Headband and Earcups
  • Material: Memory Foam Earpads
  • Weight: 0.77 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 509111

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Reviews

Detailed and neutral

I just purchased these headphones from Sweetwater and binged listened to them last night for a few hours, checking them on different genres of music. My experience prior to this is with $ in cans, to give some context to my experience. I own Blue MoFi and AKG K702s. Here are my observations...


1. There is a sense that the sound source is coming a bit from the front of the head vs inside the head or right next the the ears. This happens more with classical vs studio pop/rock recordings.

2. To my ears, they have a very neutral quality. The highs, such as high hats and cymbals, sound very natural and unhyped. The mids also sound quite natural and not too forward nor too thick in the lower mids.

3. IMO they have VERY decent deep bass, more than my closed back Blue MoFi or open back AKG K702. Anyone who doubts this check Tierney Sutton's jazz tune What'll I Do? from her Telarc CD Dancing in the Dark (on YouTube under her channel). Moreover, these cans seemed quite able to reach down to the lows in pipe organ recordings.

4. These headphones really shine when listening to recordings that require a lots of clarity, such as finger picking of guitars, various percussion instruments or complex textures made up of instruments that produce a lot of fast transients. Delicate jazz drumming was reproduced well.

5. It's really a pleasure to be able to effortlessly distinguish the separate instruments within ensembles vs my other cans where instruments sound crowded together, for lack of a better term.

6. Well recorded pipe organ audio sounds extraordinarily realistic, stunning even, like I was listening in person. They have a special way of capturing the massive room acoustics together with a sparkling clarity that my other cans just cannot match.

7. I would never describe these headphones as lush sounding. If the recording is lush, such as the Tierney Sutton CD mentioned above, it will be there.

8. The only downside was getting the plug in the headphones correct. Look closely for a grove in the plug and face it up towards the flat side of the ear piece. Push in until it clicks and give it a little clockwise turn.

9. I highly recommend these headphones.

Music background: Professional cellist and recordist of classical music.
NDH 30
These headphones are a great tracking/mixing tool.
Most of my tracking is electric guitar overdubs so bleed isn't really an issue.
They are also very accurate when it comes to mixing, probably the most accurate dynamic headphones I have ever owned.
Also they sound great and they are very light so working with them for long sessions is not an issue.
Very enjoyable all around!
The best HP's out there
If you are serious about music get them and don't look back. These changed how I mix and they really help your music translate.
Finally

TLDR: If you struggle with knowing what monitoring to believe in, or your room is lacking, the NDH30s with Sonarworks will get you a very long way down the road of high quality mixes that translate.


I have been recording and mixing music in my own studio for a little over 25 years.


I've been mixing on Focal Alpha 80s, with Mixcubes I use for mono down mix and small speaker checks, along with a pair of DT770 Pros as my main cans for about 15 years. For the past 2 years or so using Sonarworks Sound ID for eq flattening. My room isn't terrible but isn't what I'd call amazing either, but I am familiar with it. And to be honest, the Focals can be a little challenging. Not bad, just a little challenging.


Ok, enough about me. Here's the deal. The NDH30s are nearly completely agnostic. They are not made to be flattering, at all. They are not your friend who is going to make you feel good if you are having a rough day. But if you get your mix to sound good on them, you have yourself a good mix. Period.


No single piece of gear has helped me make better mixes than these headphones, seriously. And it is weird to write that sentence because I have been doing this for a long time, but I've only had these for a short time.


All I can say is if you have a less than perfect room and you want to get a highly repeatable and believable monitoring solution, grab the NDH30s, I also recommend Sonarworks, and get busy mixing. If you have struggled with translation issues, these will leave you in a place--about 96% I'd say--where it truly is your skill and not your gear or your room that is determining the outcome.


Also, great build quality and totally comfortable. I think reviews stating otherwise might be a little biased, just my opinion.


Look, is a $ pair of headphones cheaper than a pro room and high dollar monitors? Yes, it is. If you are in a pro room with high dollar monitors you probably aren't buying these for the reasons many other people are.


My money says if you are serious about making mixes that sound good everywhere you play them, and you have a room that is challenging, or less than amazing monitors, you will be happy with these Neumann's. Great mix translation, especially with Sonarworks running.

Music background: Semi-pro musician and mixer for 30 years
The Best Studio Headphones I've Tried
The NDH30 are closest to my barefoot monitors that I've ever gotten to on a pair of headphones. They sound incredible. They give me the confidence to mix on headphones and they're so well balanced that I feel like I don't need to increase the volume to hear small details in my mixes. It's bit pricier, but well worth it. The comfort is also unbeatable.

The one thing I did have to buy from a 3rd party site is the "Neumann Coiled Cable with Adapter for NDH 20 & NDH 30 Studio Headphones". I wish Sweetwater would carry them, but I could not find it on the site. I hate the extra long straight cable for sitting at the desk. I can also see having to replace the ear pads after a year or so, given that I wear these headphones nearly every day.
Music background: Audio Engineer, Drummer