Rode NTH-100 Over-Ear Headphones
- Ideal for musicians, sound engineers, podcasters, etc.
- Closed-back
- 5Hz to 35kHz
Rode NTH-100 Review
With the Rode NTH-100, the Australian manufacturer makes an impressive debut in the professional headphones market.
These over-ear headphones not only impressed us with their exceptional comfort, but also feature innovative details like color-coded rings and cooling gel inserts. In terms of sound, the Rode NTH-100 delivers a natural character, with audio signals that feel fast and direct.
Rode NTH-100 Sound
The quality and response of these cones are excellent for this price range. The 40 mm custom-matched drivers deliver a clear, vivid sound with low distortion.
The NTH-100 boasts an impressive frequency range from 5 Hz to 35 kHz. While this is a bold claim—considering human hearing typically ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz—it’s still reassuring to have the extra range, even if you can’t hear it all.
Although these headphones handle low-end frequencies well, there’s no escaping the laws of physics; all headphones, especially closed-back ones, have some limitations in this area.
That said, these headphones sound balanced and can be very useful once you “learn” their character. To do this, simply play some tracks or mixes you know well through the NTH-100 headphones.
We found the response to be mostly flat from the highs to the mids, but there is a noticeable bump around 100 Hz that might catch your attention. However, we found that this actually enhances the overall sound of the headphones, and a boost in this range can help reduce muddiness that’s often more common with headphones.
Rode NTH-100 Design and Usage
Rode sells the NTH-100 in a classic black finish by default, unless you want to spend extra for a different colored headband, cable, or earcups. We’re all for a bit of flair now and then, but there’s something about the standard black-on-black look that feels both elegant and professional. Plus, each earcup features the signature Rode gold dot for a subtle touch of style.
The overall design here is, broadly speaking, what you’d expect—these are over-ear headphones, after all. Still, there are a few small but very welcome design touches. For example, the ear pads are triangular and shaped more like real ears than most, improving both fit and comfort. The Alcantara material covering the ear pads and headband feels soft, tactile, and comfortable.
Rode’s ‘FitLock’ system, which locks the headband into place, is one of those ‘so simple it’s genius’ features that we expect many competitors will soon copy.
When it comes to usability, there’s very little that can go wrong with a product like this. At 350g, the NTH-100 isn’t exactly lightweight, but thanks to the carefully designed headband, hanger, and ear pads, they stay comfortable even after hours of use.
The 2.4m cable—which is both practical and a bit unwieldy at the same time—clicks and locks securely into either earcup, which is a handy feature. If you prefer, there’s also a 1.2m cable option available for an extra cost.
Rode NTH-100 Frequency Response
The Rode NTH-100 has some differences between the left and right drivers, which means that certain frequencies stand out more in one ear than the other. The left driver is overemphasized in the low bass, so mixes have extra thump and rumble compared to the right driver, which is lacking in this area.
This overemphasis in the left driver continues into the mid-bass, adding more punch to your audio. Meanwhile, the right driver has a peak in the low-mids, which makes vocals and lead instruments sound muddier. The left driver then dips in the mid to high-mid range, which pushes vocals and lead instruments to the back of the mix and makes them less clear.
Both the left and right drivers have a peak in the low treble, so the higher harmonics of vocals and lead instruments can sound a bit harsh. However, a dip in the mid-treble affects the left driver, dulling sounds like S and T.
Rode NTH-100 Design
- Extra comfort features
- Stylish and professional appearance
- Premium materials that justify the price
The NTH-100 are wired, over-ear headphones, and right away, you’ll notice they don’t include the features found on many wireless options. There’s no microphone, transport or volume controls, voice assistant, noise cancellation, or (naturally) any form of wireless connectivity. This is intentional by design.
These Rode headphones are made for studio use and focused listening, so they’re not meant to be your everyday headphones for commuting or walking around (though they actually perform well in those roles, even if that’s not their main purpose). With this in mind, the NTH-100’s design stands out.
Visually, these headphones definitely look like professional gear. They may not be as sleek and minimal as some Bluetooth headphones because of their visible cables and slightly technical appearance, but their all-black color scheme is much more refined than most gaming headsets or other flashy designs.
On top of that, you can personalize your headphones by swapping out the earcups, headband, and cable with four different colors (sold separately) if you want a custom look.
Rode NTH-100 Bundle
The Rode NTH-100 comes in a stylish box, featuring a shiny gold “100.” Inside, you’ll find a removable straight cable that measures 2.40 meters, with a 3.5mm jack plug and a bayonet fitting on one end, and a standard 3.5mm TRS jack on the other. To make sure you can use the headphones with larger audio equipment, a 6.35mm jack adapter with a screw thread is also included.
A carrying bag is provided so you can transport the headphones and all accessories easily without worrying about losing anything. The pouch also contains a set of identification rings, allowing you to customize up to four pairs of this model for easy differentiation. The included rings come in blue, green, orange, and pink. There’s also a small rubber plug to close any unused feed sockets.
- Custom-matched drivers deliver an incredibly accurate frequency response and low distortion – ideal for monitoring and mixing
- Precision-engineered acoustic construction optimised for exceptional detail, clarity and a very natural sound
- Alcantara earcup and headband cushions for superior comfort
- Revolutionary CoolTech gel reduces wearing fatigue
- Fully adjustable headband with FitLok locking system
- Unique contoured earcups for superior acoustic performance and comfort, with memory foam cushions for excellent noise isolation
- Removable cable with locking connector that can be connected to either earcup for maximum flexibility and convenience
- Designed and made using high-grade components in Rode’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia
Why You Need the Rode NTH-100
If you’re looking for the latest from one of the greatest developers out there, these are the headphones you’ll want to try. Don’t let the price tag fool you—these deliver quality that’s worth every penny, so don’t miss out on giving them a test.
Like all of Rode’s equipment, this is a high-quality product that won’t disappoint. While they may not be the absolute best for mixing and mastering, they’re a solid choice for checking your progress and are sure to become a reliable part of your setup.
Conclusion
Rode’s NTH-100 headphones come packed with customizable options and practical features. The sound is clear and accurate, even when used with less-than-ideal headphone amps. Rode continues to lead the way in offering affordable, high-quality gear for everyone.
The price point isn’t too steep (even though there are plenty of other high-quality, budget-friendly headphones out there), making these a great choice for podcasters who also handle their own editing. Our only minor complaint is that they feel a bit heavy, but that’s likely because of their sturdy build.
