Neumann MA 1 – monitor alignment from Neumann; jointly developed with Fraunhofer IIS

German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin presents the MA 1, an integrated hard/software tool for acoustic calibration and room correction, tailor-made for Neumann studio monitors. Calibration algorithms, jointly developed with the world’s leading institute for audio signal processing, the Fraunhofer IIS, ensure best possible monitoring quality in any environment – from acoustically untreated bedroom studios to professional control rooms.

According to Vipin Pungalia, Director, Professional Segment, Sennheiser India, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Neumann MA 1 automatic monitor alignment in India. As the world is recovering from the pandemic, many professionals are looking for solutions that will enhance their recording quality whether recording from home or large control rooms. For this, we introduced Neumann MA 1 automatic monitor alignment which uses calibration algorithms to rectify the acoustic issues. We are looking forward to seeing how our customers respond to this.”

According to Ralf Oehl, CEO of Neumann.Berlin, “The Neumann studio monitor portfolio is experiencing an enormous increase in demand; in some cases, more than 60% compared to the previous year. According to user feedback, one of the main reasons is that our monitors have the highest acoustic consistency on the market; i.e. different models deliver identical mixing results in varying listening environments. This is of crucial importance, especially when different decentralized monitoring processes are involved. To further perfect this advantage for our customers, automatic room correction is the next logical step. Together with our partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS), we want to create our own absolute reference for room correction in studio monitors, regardless of whether it is for small home studios or large control rooms of the highest professional standards.”

The system consists of an individually calibrated Neumann measurement microphone and the corresponding software for Mac and PC.

Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment is available for all DSP-controlled stereo systems of the KH line, i.e. currently the KH 80 DSP as well as the analog studio monitors KH 120, KH 310, and KH 420 in combination with the subwoofer KH 750 DSP.

Neumann’s room correction: a simple solution to complex problems
Neumann’s decades of experience in the calibration of studio monitoring systems has been incorporated into the software. Like a personal assistant, it guides the user step by step through the measurements and analyses the respective listening environment; unnecessary “eye candy” has been deliberately omitted. The resulting correction data is stored and processed directly in the DSP-controlled monitors.

KH 80 DSP stereo pairs can be controlled directly by the software. All other ­– non-DSP-equipped – stereo pairs of the KH Line can be aligned by connecting them to the analog outputs of the KH 750 DSP subwoofer. Owners of KH 120, KH 310 and KH 420 monitors thus benefit not only from an extended bass response, but also from the room correction and – this is unique – the phase linearization of the analog speakers.

In addition, Neumann is offering attractive kits consisting of KH Line Monitors and the MA 1 package for the market launch:

Monitor Alignment Kit 1 (1x KH 750 DSP + MA 1 package)

Monitor Alignment Kit 2 (2x KH 80 DSP + MA 1 package)

Monitor Alignment Kit 3 (2 x KH 80 DSP + 1x KH 750 DSP + MA 1 package)

Priced at INR 19,990, the Neumann MA 1 will be available from today via offline trade at dealer & distributor outlet. BCS Bureau