Rode, the audio firm finest recognized for its microphones, is debuting its first pair of headphones, the NTH-100.

The NTH-100s are wired, over-ear headphones designed for audio and video productions. In comparison with headphones made for informal listening, these ship a flatter frequency response for extra correct mixing and monitoring.

The NTH-100 goals to tackle some widespread fashions utilized in productions, like Sony’s MDR-7506, Sennheiser’s HD 280 Professional, Beyerdynamic’s DT 770 Professional, and Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x. They’re aggressive in worth, costing $149, and so they have some distinctive options, highlighting that Rode is aware of what producers and audio editors want as they edit for lengthy intervals of time.

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Photograph by Andru Marino / The Verge

I used to be in a position to check out the NTH100 over the previous month and listed below are the options that actually stand out to me:

• CoolTech gel cushions with Alcantara material on the earcups and headband: These are surprisingly snug headphones to put on — extra so than any of the headphones I discussed beforehand. After a four-hour steady session enhancing our podcast The Vergecast, there was little to no discomfort and so they didn’t get too heat on my head (I want to see how they really feel after enhancing in my scorching condominium this summer time). These are frequent points with headphones like these, and I used to be pleasantly stunned with the NTH-100.
• FitLock headband locking system: There’s a turn-lock mechanism on all sides of the headphones to regulate, then lock the peak of the place every earcup rests in your head. I recognize having the ability to put on these on and off all through the week with out having to regulate the scarf every time — and never getting my hair caught in them whereas doing so.
• Twin-sided cable attachments: The NTH-100’s cable is detachable, which is useful for each restore and for swapping the size of headphone cables. However one thing novel that these provide is having the choice to plug within the cable on both ear cup. I don’t see this fairly often on mixing headphones, and it’s been useful when utilizing these headphones in numerous setups. Rode features a black 2.4 meter/7.8 foot cable but in addition sells cables of various colours (inexperienced, orange, pink, and blue) in 7.8 ft or 3.9 ft lengths to match the coloured labels on Rode’s different audio merchandise. Like many wired headphones, experiencing microphonics (the noise that travels into your ear from the cable rubbing in opposition to itself or your garments) is typical, and also you’ll discover them in these headphones. If that type of factor bothers you, I’d recommend testing them out first before you purchase. At first, I seen it lots when utilizing the NTH-100, however I’ve since gotten used to it, to a degree the place I virtually forgot to put in writing that in right here.
• Distinctive design: The NTH-100s are smooth with the ear form of the earcups and the delicate curves of the scarf. Although these will likely be used lots behind the scenes, Rode ensuring they’ve a visible presence within the headphone house is sensible — once I watch video podcasters on YouTube, lots are utilizing Rode microphones and Rode’s audio mixer the Rodecaster Professional, however are all the time carrying Sony, Audio-Technica, or different manufacturers of headphones. Rode is filling that hole to attraction to the creators who already belief merchandise for his or her manufacturing work and who additionally could also be on the lookout for a unique look to their headphones on video.

I’ve solely been utilizing these for the previous month, however they really feel very sturdy. Rode says that its sturdiness testing ensures “a long time of use,” which is a powerful, however hard-to-test declare. There are not any creaking or rattling elements that I seen when utilizing them — one thing that a number of different headphones on this worth vary endure from (I’ve needed to ship again my very own Audio-Technica ATH-M70x for restore a number of instances as a consequence of a plastic piece breaking). The NTH-100s have a robust headband, and it could be a draw back for some that they don’t fold up in any respect. So, you could have to go away slightly additional room in your gearbag, particularly in the event you want a number of pairs for a podcast recording.

So how do they sound? They sound higher than most headphones within the $150 worth bracket. They aren’t the last word mixing headphones that can make you wish to ditch utilizing mixing screens — however nice for lots of manufacturing work. There’s no sonic ingredient that jumped out to me or stunned me when testing them out, and that’s type of the purpose. Nothing that’s of concern when relying upon them for mixing podcasts or movies.

Rode claims that the NTH-100s ship an “extraordinarily correct frequency response,” however subsequent to Sony’s MDR-7506s (a headphone that’s nicely regarded for its flat frequency response) and Audio-Technica’s widespread ATH-M50x, Rode’s NTH-100s have a bit extra presence within the low-mids, and find yourself making the opposite headphones sound screechy or tinny with extra presence within the increased frequencies. As an audio engineer, I’ve discovered that each mannequin of headphones nonetheless requires my ears to regulate and analyze how they coloration sound to correctly combine and EQ audio, and these are not any completely different. And after some time, I’ve began to favor their frequency response over my different enhancing headphones.

General, these stand out extra for his or her comfortability and sturdiness over their sound. Contemplating the ergonomics, the NHT-100s are a thoughtfully-made competitor to the crowded headphone market. They provide small, however welcome options that others within the $150 worth vary don’t, and really feel snug to put on for lengthy intervals of time. If you’re scuffling with headphone fatigue in your manufacturing, cursed with fragile headphones, or desire a cool search for your video podcast, the Rode NTH-100s could also be an ideal improve out of your present pair. For now, they’re my go-to headphones for lengthy session podcast enhancing.