Rode NTH-50

With their second headphone model, Rode are looking to shut out the world outside.

Rode started out making studio microphones, but when YouTube came along, they were quick to diversify into affordable sound‑for‑picture gear. From simple wireless systems and camera‑mounted mics to the superb NT‑SF1 Ambisonic microphone, there’s a Rode device to suit every scenario in which sound needs to be captured and sync’ed to visuals. And the diversification shows no sign of stopping any time soon. You can now buy Rode video switchers, audio interfaces and boom poles, and a couple of years ago, the company introduced their first pair of headphones.

Despite their modest price, the NTH‑100s incorporate numerous design innovations that make a real difference in the studio, such as locking headband adjustment, dual cable ports and ear cushions filled with a special gel that keeps your ears cool. And as a bonus, they also sound better than closed‑back headphones at the price have any right to. Since I reviewed the NTH‑100 back in May 2022, Rode have also introduced a product called the NTH‑Mic. This is a short plastic arm with a microphone at one end and a mini‑jack at the other. It plugs into whichever of the NTH‑100’s dual cable ports you’re not using, and turns them into a comms headset for streaming, online meetings and so on.

When I heard that Rode were about to introduce a second headphone model called the NTH‑50, I initially assumed that this would be an even cheaper, budget version of the NTH‑100. Not so. In fact, it’s a completely new design, developed with a slightly different user base in mind.

On‑ear cans are seldom as comfortable as over‑ear models, but they have their own strengths.

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