The Neumann KH 120 II is one of the brand’s most popular nearfield studio monitors, highly regarded for its accuracy, consistency, and versatility across various studio environments. However, as production needs expand and demands for sonic precision grow, many audio engineers start asking: Is it time to upgrade to the KH 310?
When Your Studio Has Proper Acoustic Treatment
The KH 120 II is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized studios where acoustic treatment may not yet be fully optimized. Thanks to its precisely engineered waveguide and flat frequency response, it delivers reliable results in a variety of listening spaces.
However, the KH 310 truly shines in acoustically treated rooms with well-controlled reflections and low-frequency resonance. Its ability to reproduce a wide and deep soundstage allows you to hear each instrument layer, the depth of reverbs, and stereo imaging with pinpoint accuracy.
If your studio has achieved professional acoustic standards, upgrading to the KH 310 is a logical next step.
When You Need More Low-End Accuracy
One of the biggest differences between the KH 120 II and the KH 310 lies in their design: 2-way versus 3-way. The KH 310 features an 8.25" woofer, a dedicated 3" midrange driver, and a 1" tweeter, offering an extended frequency range from 34 Hz to 21 kHz - significantly lower than the KH 120 II’s 44 Hz limit.
This low-end extension is crucial for genres that demand high bass accuracy, such as EDM, hip-hop, film scoring, or commercial mastering. With precise bass reproduction, you can make more accurate EQ and spectral balance decisions, reducing the need for an external subwoofer.
When You Require Greater Space and Detail Separation
The KH 310’s 3-way design provides a significant advantage in the midrange - the most critical area in any mix. With a dedicated midrange driver, the KH 310 renders vocals, guitars, pianos, and acoustic instruments with remarkable clarity and depth. The sound is no longer confined to a flat nearfield image but expands into a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage where each element occupies a precise position. This is why many professional mixing and mastering engineers rely on the KH 310 in environments where stereo imaging and layer separation are vital.
When You Need Higher Dynamics and Output Power
The KH 120 II delivers up to 111 dB SPL, which is sufficient for smaller rooms. However, in larger studios or when simulating live performance levels, the KH 310 - capable of 116 dB SPL and 290 W RMS total power per speaker - provides greater headroom, instantaneous transient response, and ultra-low distortion. This is particularly important for film mixing, advertising, or any project that demands full-range fidelity at higher volumes, allowing you to hear every nuance without pushing the gain excessively.
When You Aim for International Reference Standards
If the KH 120 II represents the “entry reference” in Neumann’s monitoring lineup, the KH 310 marks the progression to a professional reference level - a standard used in world-class studios such as Abbey Road, Metropolis, and Hans Zimmer’s facilities. Upgrading to the KH 310 not only enhances your monitoring accuracy but also aligns your workflow with the same acoustic reference environment trusted by top-tier engineers. When paired with the Neumann MT 48 audio interface and KH 750 DSP subwoofer, it forms a complete, phase-coherent signal chain that embodies Neumann’s design philosophy: Linear, Transparent, Consistent.
Conclusion
The KH 310 isn’t just more powerful - it delivers world-class precision and spatial accuracy that meet international studio standards. In Vietnam, Hoàng Bảo Khoa is the official Neumann distributor, offering the complete KH Series lineup along with expert consultation and installation services to help you build a professional-grade monitoring system.