You is likely to be mistaken for considering Rode already made headphones. And that’s truthful sufficient, it appears like one thing the corporate would already be doing. Yet, right here we’re with the primary set from the Australian model, the NTH-100. The $150 over-ear headphones might need been a very long time coming, however should you’ve been following the corporate during the last couple of years, you’ll comprehend it’s making a acutely aware effort to dominate the podcast and streaming world, and that’s who these headphones are aimed toward.
At a look, the NTH-100 appear fairly easy. An all-black pair of studio headphones with no Bluetooth or noise cancellation frills. Just a snug set of wired cans designed for house studio use. And for essentially the most half, that’s precisely what they’re, however Rode has tried so as to add sufficient particulars right here to make them stand out in an in any other case busy section.
Rode states that the drivers within the NTH-100 have been designed for correct frequency response which is smart if you’re pitching these to streamers and creators. They actually don’t sound overly loaded on the decrease finish and the mid-highs don’t artificially stand out which may typically be the case on this class.
In truth, the NTH-100 sound surprisingly impartial. I used to be anticipating them to be weighted towards… one thing, however they don’t appear to be doing a lot to the supply materials in any respect. I’ve worn them for every thing from Zoom calls to Podcast recording and naturally infinite music listening they usually serve every of those functions nicely. I significantly like them for monitoring. I’m unsure why, however my boring voice appears to be precisely boring after I pay attention by these and I recognize their honesty (it permits me to higher spice it up on the edit stage, which is the entire level).
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They additionally aren’t distracting to take a look at and that’s no dangerous factor. Bar the small round gold Rode brand the one different aesthetic element is the overly massive “Ø” debossed into the facet of every matte earcup (in gloss). It’s a bit too massive for my style and feels a bit conspicuous in an in any other case understated design however given it’s additionally black it doesn’t spoil their discreet look an excessive amount of.
Neutral and discreet is cool and all however certainly there’s a bit seasoning right here to make them fascinating? And there may be, principally of their consolation. The Alcantara masking on the earpads feels luxurious, but it surely’s the “CoolTech” gel beneath that’s the actual deal with. Rode states that this makes them colder on the ears and thus reduces carrying fatigue. I used to be skeptical, however after I put them on they actually do really feel noticeably chilly and that makes an enormous distinction. Given these are aimed toward editors, creators and streamers it’s totally attainable you’ll be carrying them for longer stretches so particulars like this may make a distinction.
Likewise, a intelligent element referred to as “FitLock” removes the necessity to alter them each time you place them on. Once you’ve them set good, there’s a locking clip that may stop them from unintentionally re-adjusting them each time you deal with them. It truly took me a bit bit to get used to the concept I won’t should examine if they’re positioned proper each time I put them on.
Given that you simply’ll possible be carrying these at a desk, Rode noticed match to be sure you can connect the cable on both facet. It’s a small element, however one that may rapidly induce purchaser’s regret if you need to determine between reorganizing your desk to have your audio interface on the opposite facet or coping with awkward cable spaghetti.
What’s much less of a shock is that Rode has designed the NTH-100 to fit proper into its present creator ecosystem. If you personal a Rodecaster Pro or use Rode Connect or possibly simply purchased the “Colors” accent on your NT-USB Mini you’ll know that the corporate is centering a whole lot of its merchandise round multi-person podcasting and streaming and together with colourful methods to mark which microphone (or headphones) belong to which audio channel and/or host . The NTH-100 are not any exception with coloration tags included within the field.
If you need to take {that a} step additional, or merely need to customise them a bit in order that they’re not totally black additionally, you will be capable of purchase substitute cables in every of Rode’s 4 brilliant chosen colours. That’s an additional spend although in fact.
All in all for $150 every thing feels decidedly costlier. The plastic materials on the earcups won’t be essentially the most luxurious, however the total construct and sound high quality ought to make them an interesting selection for these searching for one thing snug whereas getting some work executed.
The NTH-100 can be found beginning at the moment.
