Rode NTH-100 Review
With the Rode NTH-100, the Australian producer succeeds in making an attention-grabbing entry into the skilled headphones market.
These over-ears not only satisfied us with excessive wearing consolation, but in addition, they provide modern features similar to rings for color-coding or cooling gel inserts. Sound-wise, the Rode NTH-100 introduced a pure character, but audio signals appeared very quick and direct.
Rode NTH-100 Sound
The quality and response on this set of cones are very good at this price range. The 40 mm custom-matched drivers create a clear, vivid sound with low distortion.
The NTH-100 has an unimaginable frequency range that goes from 5 Hz to 35 kHz. That is an unusually daring claim contemplating human hearing ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz however it’s good to know the additional range is there all the same.
Though this set of headphones does a very good job on the low end, there isn’t any escaping the laws of physics, and all headphones are inherently restricted in this space (significantly closed-back headphones).
Having mentioned that, these headphones sound balanced and could be fairly helpful when you “learn them.” To do that, merely take some tracks or mixes that you already know rather well and play them via the NTH-100 headphones.
We discovered the response to be principally flat from the high to the mids, however, we did discover a bump around 100 Hz that will elevate some eyebrows. Nevertheless, we really felt that it aids the general sound of those cans, plus having a bump right here helps reduce muddy mixes that are extra widespread with headphones.
Rode NTH-100 Design and Usage
Rode sells the NTH-100 in a default black finish except if you wish to spend extra money on a differently colored headband, cable, and earcups. We’re all for a bit of bling around right here, as you already know, however, there’s one thing about the usual black-on-black finish of the headphones that manages to be elegant and businesslike. And anyway, there’s the customary Rode gold dot on every earcup as somewhat light relief.
The design right here is, broadly talking, predictable – these are over-ear headphones, in any case. However, there are a few minor but very welcome design prospers right here. The earpads, for instance, are triangular and so are extra ear-shaped than most, which helps with each match and luxury. The Alcantara that covers the earpads and the contact space of the headband is gentle, tactile, and cozy.
And Rode’s ‘FitLock’ system of locking the headband into place is a type of ‘so easy and apparent that it’s genius’ options we expect will likely be adopted/ripped off by any variety of rival manufacturers sooner rather than later.
As far as usability is concerned, there’s actually very little that may go wrong in a product like this. At 350g, the NTH-100 isn’t particularly light, however, the rigorously ergonomic headband/hanger arrangement – together with the properly designed earcups and pads – imply they’ll keep comfy for an hour after.
The 2.4m cable (a size that’s each sensible and inconvenient all at once; a 1.2m alternative is a cost possibility) clicks and locks into both earcups, which is a helpful touch.
Rode NTH-100 Frequency Response
The Rode NTH-100 has differences between the left and the right driver, so some frequencies are affected extra prominently in a single driver than the opposite. The left driver is overemphasized within the low bass, and mixes have additional thump and rumble in comparison with the right driver, which is missing in this regard.
The overemphasis continues within the left driver through to the mid-bass, including extra punch to your audio. The right driver has a peak within the low-mid, which muddies vocals and lead instruments. The left driver then dips within the mid to high-mid vary, so vocals and lead instruments are nudged to the back of the mix and lack readability.
Both the left and right drivers have peaked within the low treble, so the higher harmonics of vocals and lead instruments sound somewhat harsh. Nevertheless, a dip within the mid-treble impacts the left driver, dulling sibilants like S and T sounds.
Rode NTH-100 Design
- Additional measures for comfort
- Stylish and professional look
- Premium materials for the worth
The NTH-100 are cabled over-ear headphones, and from the outset, you’ll discover they lack options discovered on many wireless counterparts. There’s no microphone, transport or quantity controls, voice assistant, noise-cancellation, or (clearly) any type of wireless connectivity. This, nevertheless, is by design.
These Rode headphones are aimed toward studio use and centered listening, which implies they’re not making an attempt to fill the role of regular basis cans in your commute or stroll (though they nonetheless handle this rather well, regardless of their intention in any other case). Taking this into regard, the NTH-100’s design is remarkable.
Aesthetically, the headphones undoubtedly seem like professional equipment – they’re not as smooth and minimal as some of the Bluetooth cans on the market with their visible cabling and considerably techy look, however, their pure black palette is extra sophisticated than most gaming headsets and different such elaborate layouts.
With that mentioned, there’s a choice to swap out the earcups, headband, and cable for four completely different colors (all of that are offered individually) in the event you’d desire some personalization.
Rode NTH-100 Bundle
The Rode NTH-100 is available in a classy-looking box with a shiny gold “100” along with a removable straight cable. It measures 2.40m and has a 3.5mm jack plug with a bayonet becoming and a standard 3.5mm TRS jack on the ends. In order to have the ability to operate the headphones with a big jack socket, a 6.35mm jack adapter with screw thread is included.
A carrying bag ensures that all the equipment could be transported from A to B along with the headphones without getting misplaced. The pouch additionally accommodates a set of identification rings that can be utilized to customize as many as four pairs of this model for higher differentiation. The enclosed rings come in the colors blue, green, orange, and pink. A small rubber plug can be used to shut 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
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Why You Need the Rode NTH-100
If you are after the latest of one of the greatest developers out there, then these are the headphones that you want to try out. Do not overlook their quality when you compare them to the price tag – because that can deceive you into not testing them.
Like all the equipment from Rode, this too is one high-quality product that will not disappoint you and you will stick to them for a long time. Maybe they are not the best for mixing and mastering purposes, but will definitively give you another set where you can check your progress.
Conclusion
Rode’s NTH-100s are loaded with customizable options with practicable functions. The sound is evident and correct even on lower than stellar headphone amps. Rode continues to prepare the ground in affordable, but high-quality gear for all.
The value level isn’t a steep one, (although there are loads of high-quality cheaper headphones in the marketplace) so that is nice for a podcaster that additionally does their very own editing. The one “gripe” we have is that they really feel a tad heavy however that’s most probably due to the strong construct.
