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Rode has long been the go-to microphone brand for DJs, musicians, and audiophiles, but now the revered Australian audio company is diving headfirst into affordable hi-fi headphones.
Rode NTH-50
The NTH-50 are on-ear closed-backed headphones that are designed for music professionals and audiophiles. Rode
Less than $100
The Rode NTH-50 is a wired on-ear, closed-back headphone that, according to the brand, is “tailor-made for DJs, sound engineers and creators who require premium sound reproduction, all-day comfort, and rugged durability.”
At $99, they’re also the company’s most affordable headphones to date.
At $99, they are Rode’s most affordable pair of headphones to date. Rode
Custom 40mm drivers
Rode’s NTH-50s pack custom-engineered 40mm dynamic drivers that are housed within an innovative resonant chamber.
According to the brand, this design enables them to deliver “impeccable sound clarity, offering incredibly accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion, and a perfectly balanced sound signature.”
The NTH-50 are better at passively blocking out ambient sounds than similar on-ear headphones. Rode
Comfort and silence
The headphones are meant to be super comfortable. They have a contoured headband that’s been specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the top of the head. Their ear cups are made of premium memory foam padding. And they’re very lightweight.
Also, the Rode NTH-50 are designed to better block out ambient sounds from seeping in than your typical on-ear passive headphones. According to the brand, they’re able to “generate pristine audio even in the noisiest settings, making them ideal for live performances and studio monitoring.”
The Rode NTH-50 are versatile headphones that, thanks to a low impedance (32 ohms), are easy to drive. Rode
Rugged, modularity
Rode built the NTH-50 to be tough. The outside of the headphones has a matte black finish, which the company claims is scratch-resistant. A lifetime warranty also backs them.
Additionally, they have a modular design that makes them versatile, travel-friendly and, if needed, repairable. The head cushion and ear pads come off and can be replaced. The 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable is detachable, too.
The Rode NTH-50 are available now. Rode
Price and availability
The Rode NTH-50 is available now from most online retailers. They come in one color — black — and cost $99.
Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
