A full, factual review of the Rode NTH100 headphones covering studio performance, comfort, features, and build quality. Ideal for music production and content creators.

Rode NTH100 Detailed Headphone Review

Introduction

Rode has entered the headphone market with the NTH100, a model aiming for a sweet spot between affordability and professional audio performance. Promising accuracy for music production, mixing, remote recording, and podcasting, are these headphones a true studio staple or simply another consumer option? This detailed editorial review breaks down their sound, comfort, build, and feature set through objective measurement and real-world testing.

Unboxing and Features

Unboxing the NTH100 is a positive experience: an attractive, sturdy sleeve reveals well-padded headphones inside a canvas bag, a high-quality locking cable (detachable and reversible for left/right wear), and a pouch of color-coding ID rings plus a quarter-inch adapter. The overall presentation balances function and style.

Build Quality and Design

These headphones favor durability with a spring-steel headband, robust earcup mounting, and plush Alcantara memory-foam pads. While the headband is comfortable for longer sessions, adjustment is via a twist-lock mechanism that holds its setting firmly. There is limited articulation in the earcups, so they mold to most heads but may not satisfy everyone’s fit preferences. The exposed cable is functional for repair but could catch in studio environments.

Comfort

The NTH100 aims for comfort in long sessions, offering soft pads and moderate clamping force. Over lengthy work hours, the headphones rest comfortably, with padding minimizing fatigue. The proprietary “CoolTech” gel helps reduce heat buildup, a notable feature during multi-hour usage—though not as cool as open-backs.

Sound Quality

Frequency Response and Subjective Listening

Frequency analysis reveals a modest dip in the mid-high “presence” region and missing information in some upper frequencies. In actual use, this translates to a slightly “scooped” sound that is less fatiguing over long periods. Bass is detailed and controlled—not overemphasized. Midrange is articulate for both music and voice, but some presence is sacrificed for a smoother signature. The NTH100 is neither overly clinical nor hyped; its tuning is more pleasant than reference.

Music, Dialogue, and Gaming

Music playback reflects the balanced tuning, providing accurate and enjoyable reproduction for both mixing and casual listening. Bass is never muddy or boomy. For spoken word or podcast editing, the slight scoop in presence and highs means dialog is clear but not razor-sharp. Gaming performance is serviceable with decent spatial attributes, though competitive gamers may want additional detail and width.

Specifications

• Closed-back, over-ear format with custom-shaped cups
• 32 Ohm impedance, 5–35,000Hz frequency response
• 40mm dynamic drivers, 110dB sensitivity
• 2.4m straight locking cable, single-side reversible
• Weight: 350g

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Balanced, non-fatiguing tuning for all-day use
• Durable build and comfortable ear pads
• Reversible, detachable cable with color-coding
• Good isolation for closed-back design

Cons:

• Slightly “scooped” mids and highs—not true reference flat
• Exposed cable may snag in cluttered studios
• Not as “airy” as premium open headphones

Final Verdict

The Rode NTH100 excels as a studio all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank. It’s best suited to music production, voice editing, and content creation where comfort and reliable sound matter more than absolute neutrality. While alternative options offer flatter frequency responses, few match the NTH100’s combination of practical design, robust build, and long-session comfort at this price point.