Neumann Studio Headphones NDH 20
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Neumann Studio Headphones NDH 20 |
Neumann has solved a problem with closed-back headphones having "nasty resonances in the mid-band, making it difficult to come to reliable mix decisions...." So clearly these new NDH 20 headphones were conceived and designed not only for studio monitoring and editing but also for mixing music as well.
Neumann NDH 20 |
A crucial specification is sound isolation; it is greater than 34dB (@ 1kHz) and I did find external sounds in the studio reduced. Plus, when the ND 20s are played loud, they seal well around a player or singer's head and prevents leakage or spill into the recording microphones.
One of reasons they are so comfortable to wear on my head is because of the plush (and replaceable) ear cushions made from soft memory foam. It also helps that a pair of ND 20s weighs just 388-grams.
I put the NDH 20s to work in my studio with tests plugged into either of my two cue systems. I have a 100-watt Hafler power amp driving a Simons Systems CB-4 passive box for the studio headphones plus, at the mixer's listening position, an Aphex Headpod 4 powered headphone box.
Unlike most headphones, the cable on the NDH 20 comes out the right ear cup not the left. I'm right handed so thumbs up for me! (I actually mounted the Aphex Headpod amp underneath the right side of my desktop and so all good for me!)
I started listening to past mixes I had done and compared the sound I had arrived at using just my main monitors in my acoustically treated mix room. It is remarkable how close the sound of these mixes playing on the NDH 20s compared to my monitors! In fact, I could hear deeper into the mix revealing detail that I knew was there but found it difficult to discern on many outside monitor systems at other professional studios.
Folded NDH 20 |
In conclusion, I think Neumann has developed an excellent new tool with the NDH 20s; they offer a new level of scrutiny and referencing in my mix process with their accurate (non-hyped) sound. They are easy to wear, look handsome and are portable enough to become part of my kit when traveling. I am highly recommending them to anyone relying on headphones for song writing, music recording and production and/or mixing work! They sell for $499 MSRP.
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