When theNDH20 studio headphoneswere announced at NAMM this year I was quite surprised.
Neumanns known for two things: making kick ass microphones, and making kick ass microphones.
I know thats the same thing twice thats how good the companys microphones are.
Credit: Nicole Gray
I wont play coy here though.
Ive used the NDH20s in my studio for a few months now and Im head-over-heels in love.
Lets get the specifications out of the way:
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These are not your typical studio cans.
Theyre built using the sound profile of thelegendarySennheiser HD 650 cans and the closed-back design of theSennheiser 630VBs.
Unlikethe 650s, theyre biased ever-so-slightly towards a sweet, warm sound.
This bias, plus the extra isolation makes them a little better for listening.
Im a huge fan of the NDH20s aesthetic appearance.
I certainly dont mind being seen wearing them.
This distinction makes them less suited for production work but better suited for post-mix listening.
Listening to Black Sabbaths Planet Caravan or Miles Davis Blue in Green with the NDH20s is a transcendent experience.
Both tracks create a soft soundscape that, on lesser headphones, sounds almost like ambient noise.
Dont get me wrong, the NDH20s can also jam with the volume cranked.
At maximum-safe decibel levels theres absolutely no discernible distortion and highs remain crisp without cracking.
I have almost no gripes with the NDH20s, but I imagine others wont be so kind.
I like big, solid headphones and these fit the bill.
Theyre fairly heavy and they hug my head with enough force to verify I never forget Im wearing them.
They also squeeze your ears a bit because theyre perfectly round.
They are, however, absolutely perfect for me.
Neumanns NDH20s are the best hybrid studio/listening cans Ive ever used.
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