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An introduction to Neumann NDH 20 / NDH 30, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
the NDH 30 is an open-back headphone, which means that its dynamic 38 mm transducers work as acoustic dipoles
— Neumann official site
What is NDH 20 / NDH 30?
The NDH 20 and NDH 30 are studio headphones from Neumann, known for its studio monitors. The NDH 20 is closed-back and the NDH 30 is open-back; both use 38 mm dynamic drivers.
Neumann describes the NDH 30 as a portable version of the reference sound of a Neumann monitor setup calibrated with MA 1, intended for mixing and mastering.
Neumann says the NDH 20 suits situations that need high isolation, such as monitoring for musicians and engineers in the tracking room, FOH work and working on the road.
Both fold for transport and have detachable cables and replaceable ear pads. They are built mainly of spring steel and aluminium, and several colour combinations are offered.
NDH 20: closed-back isolation
The closed-back NDH 20 lists sound isolation above 34 dB (above 4 kHz). It may suit performers in a booth or work in noisy environments.
NDH 30: open-back with wide range
The open-back NDH 30 lists 12 Hz to 34 kHz and is presented for mixing and mastering where stereo position and depth matter.
38 mm drivers with neodymium magnets
Both use 38 mm neodymium drivers aimed at high sensitivity and low distortion: 114 dB SPL for the NDH 20 and 104 dB SPL for the NDH 30 (1 kHz, 1 Vrms).
Detachable cables
The NDH 20 includes straight and coiled cables, and the NDH 30 an internally balanced cloth-covered straight cable (3 m). Cables can be swapped for your use.
Comfort for long sessions
Memory-foam ear pads and a spring-steel headband are intended to reduce fatigue. Weight excluding cable is 390 g for the NDH 20 and 352 g for the NDH 30.
Foldable with pouch
Both fold and fit in the included cloth pouch for travel.
RIME software
Neumann's site lists the RIME software as a related product for these headphones.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| NDH 20 type | Dynamic, closed |
| NDH 20 frequency range | 5 Hz to 30 kHz |
| NDH 20 impedance | 150 ohms |
| NDH 20 sensitivity | 114 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
| NDH 20 weight (excluding cable) | 390 g |
| NDH 20 cables | Spiral 1.5 to 3.0 m / straight 3.0 m |
| NDH 30 type | Dynamic, open |
| NDH 30 frequency range | 12 Hz to 34 kHz |
| NDH 30 impedance | 120 ohms |
| NDH 30 sensitivity | 104 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms) |
| NDH 30 weight (excluding cable) | 352 g |
| NDH 30 cable | Straight 3.0 m (balanced wiring) |
| Common | 38 mm drivers, 3.5 mm TRS (6.3 mm adapter included), foldable, detachable cable, replaceable ear pads |
What is included and system requirements
- NDH 20: headphones, straight cable, coiled cable, 6.3 mm adapter, cloth pouch, quick guide, safety guide
- NDH 30: headphones, balanced straight cable, 6.3 mm adapter, cloth pouch, quick guide, safety guide
- Colours: silver, anthracite, orange; Black Editions are listed separately
How to use it
- Take the headphones from the cloth pouch and open the headband.
- Choose the cable you want and plug it into the right ear cup.
- Plug the 3.5 mm plug into your interface's headphone output, using the supplied adapter if the jack is 6.3 mm.
- Turn the level down, start playback and raise slowly.
- Adjust the headband to fit.
- Wind up the longer cable when travelling or when it gets in the way.
- Check the optional replacement ear pads and cables if parts wear.
Tracking monitors (NDH 20)
Being closed-back, it may help performers hear themselves while limiting bleed into the microphone.
Mixing and mastering checks (NDH 30)
The open-back, wide-range design may be used to check position and depth.
Working on the road
Folding and the pouch make it portable for mixing away from home.
FOH and field recording (NDH 20)
Higher isolation may make checking easier in noisy places.
Who it may suit
- People who want separate tracking and mixing headphones
- People who want headphones from a maker known for studio monitors
- People who work away from home
- People who want detachable cables and replaceable pads
Good to know before you buy
- The NDH 20 is closed-back and the NDH 30 open-back; open-back leaks sound, so it is not suited to tracking.
- Impedance is 150 ohms (NDH 20) and 120 ohms (NDH 30); low-output devices such as phones may not drive them loudly.
- The official price shown is the UK page, in pounds.
- Colour variants and Black Editions have different order numbers.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
NDH 20 NDH 30
The NDH 20 is listed as closed, 5 Hz to 30 kHz, 150 ohms, 114 dB SPL, 390 g; the NDH 30 as open, 12 Hz to 34 kHz, 120 ohms, 104 dB SPL, 352 g.
Price
about $654 (converted from £489.00) (Neumann official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See NDH 20 / NDH 30 on the product page
Sources: neumann.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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