2
The Australian manufacturer Røde takes a new step by presenting its very first headphones, the NTH-100. These €180 closed-back monitoring headphones boast sound performance, comfort and robustness.
Rode NTH-100
Introductory price 180 €
Well-known manufacturer of diverse and varied recording solutions (microphones, audio interfaces), Røde will take its first steps in sound reproduction with a new and first monitoring headset called NTH-100. The tone is immediately set by the Australian brand: “outstanding sound performance”, “very precise, detailed, natural sound reproduction”, “ultra low distortion”, “the most comfortable helmet ever, period”and so on, Røde clearly does not mince words to praise the merits of his new helmet…
The shell of the earphones very proudly displays the letter ø present in the brand name. Even on an exclusively black coating, difficult to miss… © Røde
As for the more concrete elements, the NTH-100 counts on two 40 mm dynamic drivers designed specifically by Røde, each incorporating a Mylar membrane, an aluminum alloy voice coil and a neodymium magnet – a recipe altogether quite classic on paper. Røde advertises a frequency response of between 5 Hz and 35 kHz, an impedance of 32 Ω and a sensitivity of 110 dB (V). The manufacturer is also advancing on the insulation provided by its new helmet, reaching 20 dB (A) if we are to believe the technical sheet.
The visuals presented by Røde reveal headphones with a relatively unique design, with some features that are rather rare on monitoring models. The NTH-100 indeed opts for memory foam pads covered with alcantara, the ear cups (removable) having a heat dissipation system thanks to a gel, in order to optimize comfort. The steel hoop has a FitLok locking system on its side and the headphones can be connected to both the right and left ear cups, again with a locking system to secure the connection. However, the design of the NTH-100 does not allow it to be folded up, which could have been very practical for easy transport.
The NTH-100 highlights its versatility for use in sound recording, musical recording, podcasting or mixing situations. © Rode
Røde’s new monitoring headphones come with a 2.4m mini-jack cable, carrying pouch and mini-jack to 6.35mm jack adapter. Different colored (pink, green, blue and orange) and shorter (1.2m) cables are available for separate purchase. The NTH-100 hits the market at a price of €180, a placement that pits it against very popular benchmarks from Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, AKG and Sony.