Neumann NDH 30 Reference Open-Back Studio Headphones
The Neumann NDH 30 are professional open-back reference headphones developed for critical monitoring, mixing and mastering. Designed as part of Neumann’s studio monitoring ecosystem, they aim to translate the controlled, linear presentation associated with the company’s KH-series studio monitors into a compact headphone format.
The open-back circumaural architecture allows the dynamic drivers to operate as acoustic dipoles, creating a spacious and natural presentation while reducing the enclosed acoustic effects associated with closed-back headphones. This makes the NDH 30 particularly suitable for detailed mix decisions and extended critical listening.
A major focus of the design is high linearity and fast transient response. Neumann employs frequency-selective absorbers to control unwanted high-frequency emphasis and maintain a more neutral tonal balance. This helps engineers evaluate EQ, compression and other processing decisions without compensating for excessive coloration from the headphones themselves.
The NDH 30 reproduce frequencies from 12 Hz to 34 kHz, providing substantial extension at both ends of the spectrum. Their low distortion specification of less than 0.03% at 1 kHz supports clean reproduction of fine details, transients and complex material during professional production work.
Spatial reproduction is another important aspect of the design. The open construction is engineered to provide precise localization and separation of individual elements within the stereo image, helping with decisions involving panorama, depth, ambience and placement within a mix.
With an impedance of 120 ohms and a specified sound-pressure level of 104 dB, the NDH 30 are designed primarily for professional monitoring equipment, high-quality audio interfaces and dedicated headphone amplification. Their acoustic performance can therefore be integrated naturally into demanding studio workflows.
A detachable balanced cable with fabric braiding is used to minimize crosstalk between the left and right channels. This supports the headphone’s focus on spatial precision and clean stereo reproduction during critical monitoring.
The construction combines high-grade steel and aluminium, providing a robust professional chassis while maintaining the refined industrial design associated with Neumann equipment. Fully circumaural ear pads and a carefully engineered headband support comfortable use during long mixing and mastering sessions.
A foldable mechanism makes the NDH 30 easier to store and transport between different working environments. The package also includes a 6.3 mm adapter and a fabric storage pouch, allowing the headphones to move conveniently between studio and mobile production setups.
The NDH 30 are designed to work as part of the broader Neumann monitoring ecosystem, complementing KH-series monitors and workflows calibrated with the MA 1 system. They are also suitable for binaural production, immersive-audio work and compatibility checks where precise headphone monitoring is required.
Manufactured in Germany to controlled production tolerances, the Neumann NDH 30 provide a reference-oriented monitoring solution for engineers and producers who require linear response, low distortion and accurate spatial representation for professional mixing and mastering.
Specifications
- Brand: Neumann
- Model: NDH 30
- Type: professional reference studio headphones
- Acoustic design: open-back
- Form factor: over-ear / circumaural
- Transducer type: dynamic
- Frequency response: 12 Hz – 34 kHz
- Impedance: 120 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 104 dB SPL
- Maximum power handling: 1,000 mW
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.03% at 1 kHz
- Frequency-selective absorbers: integrated
- Spatial monitoring: high-resolution stereo reproduction
- Cable system: detachable
- Cable type: balanced, fabric-braided
- Connection: 3.5 mm
- 6.3 mm adapter: included
- Construction materials: high-grade steel and aluminium
- Foldable construction: yes
- Compatibility: Neumann KH monitoring ecosystem
- Primary applications: critical monitoring, mixing and mastering
- Manufacturing: Germany
- Fabric storage pouch: included