Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Rode NTH-100M
Technical assessment of Rode’s NTH-100M closed-back headphones with boom mic
Rode
- Over-Ear Headset
- A feast for the ears and voice
- Perfect for gaming and on stage
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Spec Sheet
- Studio headphones Rode NTH-100 with boom microphone Rode NTH-MIC
- Robust headphones ideal for musicians, sound engineers, podcasters, filmmakers etc.
- Dynamic
- Closed design
- Circumaural
- Passive noise cancelling
- 40 mm Neodymium drivers selected in pairs
- Robust spring steel headband
- Adjustable ear cups with FitLok closure system
- Memory foam ear and head pads covered with Alcantara
- Ear pads with cooling CoolTech gel
- Frequency response: 5 – 35,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Jack sockets with bayonet locking mechanism
- Rode NTH-MIC with condenser microphone capsule
- Clear speech transmission with natural sound character
- Max. SPL (sound pressure level): 106 dB
- Microphone frequency range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Weight: 349 g
- Includes detachable 2.4 m straight connection cable (3.5 mm TRRS jack), splitter cable (TRRS coupling to 2x TRS jack), jack adapter (3.5 mm to 6.3 mm jack), carrying bag and cable identification rings (blue, green, orange, pink)
Studio Log
| Available since | February 2023 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 555722 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 35000 Hz |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Frequency range headphones min. | 5 Hz |
| Frequency range headphones max. | 35000 Hz |
| Weight | 344 g |
| Type Of Microphone | Condenser |
| Max. SPL | 126 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Frequency range microphone min. | 20 Hz |
| Frequency range microphone max. | 20000 Hz |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction
The Rode NTH-100M studio headphones pair a closed-back, over-ear design with a detachable condenser boom microphone, aiming to serve musicians, podcasters, and audio professionals. Priced at £139 and released in February 2023, these headphones promise durability, clarity, and comfort. This review evaluates the build quality, audio performance, microphone capabilities, and user experience based on real-world use.
Design and Build Quality
The NTH-100M sports a predominantly metal construction, including a robust spring steel headband, contrasted by a single plastic component joining the ear cups to the frame. This plastic joint is a known weak point, reported to fail under typical handling, such as lifting the headphones by the ear cups. However, Rode has revised this issue in the latest iteration.
Weighting 344 grams, these headphones balance sturdiness and wearing comfort. Memory foam ear pads with Alcantara covering combine with cooling CoolTech gel inserts, which effectively reduce heat build-up, maintaining comfort during extended sessions. Adjustable ear cups use a FitLok closure system which contributes to a secure, circumaural fit.
The jack sockets feature a bayonet locking mechanism, enhancing reliability. A 2.4-metre detachable straight cable (3.5 mm TRRS) is supplied along with a splitter, 6.3 mm adapter, and colour-coded cable rings for identification. The microphone connects only on the right side and is not adjustable, fixed in place by design, which limits user customization.
Audio Performance
The headphones employ 40 mm neodymium drivers carefully selected in matched pairs. The frequency response extends impressively from 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz, delivering deep bass and detailed highs. With an impedance of 32 Ohms, the headphones require moderate power to reach optimal loudness, as some users noted needing robust output from their audio sources for full engagement.
Sound reproduction is described as clear and balanced across the spectrum. The closed-back system provides passive noise cancelling, isolating external sounds effectively, which benefits mixing and monitoring tasks. Users report excellent clarity in mid and high frequencies, although individual ear shape may affect high-frequency perception due to the uniquely shaped ear cups.
The bass response is adequate but not overwhelming, catering well to vocal and guitar-centric mixes. While not reaching the pinnacle of high-end studio headphones, the NTH-100M consistently delivers professional-grade sound quality for the price category.
Microphone Quality
The included Rode NTH-MIC is a fixed, condenser boom microphone with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and a maximum sound pressure level of 106 dB. While not matching the performance of dedicated studio microphones like the Rode Procaster, it offers clear speech transmission with a natural tonal character suitable for meetings, streaming, and casual voice recording.
The microphone can be detached, and when removed, the microphone jack port can be sealed with a rubber cap to prevent contamination. However, the limitation of mounting only on the right side may be inconvenient for some users, and the lack of adjustability in microphone positioning restricts optimal placement.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The combination of memory foam, Alcantara, and cooling gel results in a comfortable fit for lengthy sessions. Users have noted minimal heat retention and no significant ear fatigue, even after over ten hours of use. The headphones clamp firmly but do not apply excessive pressure, although some prefer a slightly tighter fit for added security.
The unique triangular ear cup shape enhances isolation but may compromise comfort on certain head shapes. The lack of ear cup rotation or folding mechanisms limits portability and on-ear listening options. The supplied carrying bag offers basic protection but not the rigidity preferred for travel.
Reliability and Support
Some early units of the NTH-100 experienced failures at the ear cup attachment joint, but Rode appears to have addressed this in the production of the NTH-100M variant. Users report a lifetime warranty, which has facilitated swift support and repair or replacement options. Despite robust overall build quality, there are reports of repeated cable failures near connection points demanding cautious handling.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Full metal frame except for one plastic part; high clarity sound with wide frequency range; comfortable memory foam and cooling gel ear pads; detachable and replaceable cable with locking connectors; passive noise isolation; lifetime warranty; clear and usable condenser microphone.
- Cons: Initial plastic joint vulnerability (now improved); microphone only mounts on right ear cup and is fixed; ear cups do not swivel or fold; cable durability concerns over long-term use; may require powerful source to reach loud volumes; ergonomics affected by ear shape causing high-frequency response variation.
Conclusion
The Rode NTH-100M stands out as a thoughtfully designed, professional-calibre headset aimed at creators who need dependable sound reproduction combined with a functional boom microphone. Despite minor ergonomic quirks and some durability concerns addressed by the manufacturer, the overall package offers excellent value for its £139 price point.
The inclusion of a lifetime warranty and replaceable parts encourages confidence in longevity. Clear vocal capture via the condenser mic complements the headphones’ audio fidelity, suiting podcasters, musicians, and engineers seeking an integrated audio solution. Those sensitive to fit and ear shape should pilot the headphones first, while users needing portable or folded designs may look elsewhere. Overall, the NTH-100M delivers on Rode’s promise of quality and durability with only small compromises.
