RØDE Unveils New NTH-50 On-Ear Headphones For Podcasters And DJs

Australian mega microphone and audio brand RØDE has launched a new and affordable pair of on-ear headphones designed with DJs, podcasters and audio engineers in mind. The brand-new RØDE NTH-50 headphones join the company’s award-winning headphone lineup which includes the RØDE NTH-100.

These new headphones have an uncanny resemblance to the classic and much-loved Sennheiser HD25 Pro; a classic pair of headphones that has been a firm favorite with sound engineers and DJs over the years.

The RØDE NTH-50 headphones are aimed at audio professionals who need precision sound, a comfortable fit and a high level of passive noise isolation. The NTH-50’s lightweight design feels more durable than the HD25 Pro but is still light enough to wear while operating a news-gathering camera or DJing.

RØDE describes the sound quality produced by the NTH-50 as “Natural and balanced with ultra-low distortion and effective passive noise isolation.” It’s a sonic signature that’s been tailored for DJs, sound engineers and content creators who need premium sound as well as all-day comfort and rugged durability.

To create the new NTH-50, RØDE developed custom-matched 40mm drivers and then housed them in a resonant chamber that provides a deep and balanced bass while still keeping hold of a detailed midrange and clear treble. There’s very little coloration in the overall tone.

The innovative acoustic design serves up an accurate frequency response alongside ultra-low distortion. The frequency range encompasses an impressive 5Hz – 35KHz. The effective passive noise isolation of -21dB cuts out a lot of unwanted noise, almost as much as some headphones with Active Noise Cancelation on board.

Unlike Sennheiser’s HD25 Pro, the new RØDE NTH-50 headphones don’t have the split headband. Instead, RØDE opted for a more durable single-contoured headband that reduces wearing fatigue, particularly during extended mixing and listening sessions.

Despite the robust build quality, which addresses some of the criticisms of early versions of RØDE’s NTH-100, these lightweight headphones have a contemporary look but they are solid enough to endure the kind of punishment studio headphones often receive.

The NTH-50’s cable is detachable and features a custom-lock fitting that can be slotted into either the left or right ear cup, depending on the user’s preference. The cable is partly straight and partially coiled, measuing 1.7m, which is long enough for working at a large mixing desk.

Designed and manufactured at RØDE’s factory in Sydney, Australia, the NTH-50 come with a lifetime warranty, which is a measure of the company’s confidence in its new headphones, especially for those of us who know how much abuse the average pair of cans suffer. The ear pads for the NTH-50 are fully wipeable, offering a more hygienic solution than velour material, an important factor where a single pair of headphones could be worn by many people and liable to pick up sweat, grease and makeup.

“At RØDE, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators,” says Damien Wilson, RØDE’s CEO. “The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones.”

“Engineered from the ground up by our dedicated headphone innovation team in Germany, we’ve crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that delivers an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment. Once again, RØDE has over-achieved in the pursuit of delivering world-class monitoring technology.”

At the heart of the NTH-50s are the custom-engineered 40mm dynamic drivers which are housed inside an innovative resonant chamber. The chamber provides clarity and an accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion and a balanced sound with a natural bass and detailed midrange while keeping crisp highs.

The RØDE NTH-50s come with a passive noise isolation rating of -21 dBA, enough to reduce external distractions and, more importantly, stop any sound from bleeding out during recording and being picked up by the microphone. The high SPL capabilities and sensitivity of the headphones make them particularly suitable for live performances and studio monitoring.

Anyone who uses a pair of studio headphones for more than a few minutes knows that comfort is every bit as important as the sound quality The RØDE NTH-50’s contoured headband, with its integrated fontanel recess, relieve pressure on the wearer’s skull, reducing fatigue during extended listening times in the studio, on stage or when recording on location.

Although they are lightweight and fully adjustable, the NTH-50s are designed to distribute pressure evenly no matter the size of the wearer’s head. The headphones also better accommodate glasses wearers.

The on-ear design has ear pads lined with memory foam padding that conforms to the contours of the ears. The fit is snug but still breathable, promoting an airflow that reduces the chance of heat buildup while still providing high levels of passive noise dampening.

The NTH-50s are made from lightweight and durable materials including aluminum faceplates that can withstand daily punishment in the studio. The modular design has replaceable components such as the headband, ear cushions and cables for a longer service life. The ear cups are color-coded for left and right channels so users can quickly and easily orientate them in low light, a nice touch.

Finally, the headphones have a scratch-resistant and matte black coating. They ship with a 1.7m double coiled cable, storage pouch plus 3.5mm to ¼-inch adapter. RØDE has also included color-coded ID rings for simplified cable management and full compatibility with the existing accessories for RØDE’s NTH-100 headphones, including modular cable options. For greater versatility, RØDE’s optional NTHMic can turn the NTH-50 into a broadcast-quality headset that’s suitable for podcasting, streaming, sports commentary and content creation.

Pricing and Availability:

The new RØDE NTH-50 on-ear headphones will be available from RØDE distributors from May 20, 2025, priced at $99.

Tech Specs:

• Transducer diameter: 40mm
• Transducer type: Dynamic.
• Operating principle: Closed.
• Ear coupling: Supra-Aural/On-Ear.
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 35KHz.
• Impedance: 32Ω.
• Sensitivity @1mW / 500Hz: 102dB SPL.
• Sensitivity @1V (RMS) / 500Hz: 117dB SPL.
• Total Harmonic Distortion @1mW: < 0.2 % @100Hz / < 0.03% @500Hz.
• Total Harmonic Distortion @100Hz: 0.05% @100dB SPL / 0.5% @120dB SPL.
• Short-term max input power: 100mW.
• Long-term max input power: 50mW.
• Max SPL: 124dB SPL.
• Ambient Noise Attenuation: 21dBA.
• Connection type: Dual TRRS cable attachments.