RODE NTH-50 Combines DJ-Friendly Design with Studio Clarity
RODE just dropped its newest headphone, the NTH-50, and it’s not what you’d expect. Known mostly for their studio mics and creator-focused gear, RODE has been steadily expanding into headphones over the past few years. But the NTH-50 marks a first: a lightweight, on-ear design that clearly nods to DJ classics like the Sennheiser HD-25, while promising studio-level clarity and comfort. It’s a bold move for a company better known for broadcast and podcast tools—but a smart one, given the rise of hybrid producers and creators who need gear that works across multiple setups. At first glance, the NTH-50 looks like something you’d see in a DJ booth. But beyond it’s design, RODE has packed in a custom 40mm dynamic driver, a low-distortion chamber design, modular parts, and dual-sided cable inputs. It’s designed to hold up in loud environments while still delivering detailed audio that stands up to critical listening. In other words, it’s not just a re-skin of a classic—it’s a rethink. And with RODE’s growing presence in content creation and electronic music circles, this could be a sleeper hit for DJs, livestreamers, and producers alike.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
TL;DR — RØDE NTH-50 at a Glance
What it is – A modular, on-ear headphone built for DJs, producers, and hybrid creators.
What it’s for – Monitoring, live sets, livestreams, content creation, and everyday studio use.
What’s new – Custom dynamic drivers, dual cable inputs, USB-C headband cable, replaceable parts.
Why it’s different – On-ear form factor with studio-level clarity and comfort—rare at this level.
Who it’s for – DJs who want detail, creators who want modularity, producers who want flexibility.
Alternatives – Sennheiser HD-25, AIAIAI TMA-2, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
Click here to check availability and specs.
Studio Sound, On-Ear Fit
Most on-ear headphones are designed with one thing in mind: isolation. Whether it’s DJ booths, loud stages, or mobile environments, they’re built to block out the world and take a beating—not necessarily to sound incredible. That’s where the RODE NTH-50 breaks the mold. It takes the on-ear format and gives it the kind of sonic tuning you’d expect from a pair of studio cans. With a custom 40mm driver and a uniquely engineered chamber, the NTH-50 promises punchy low-end and crisp highs even at higher volumes—ideal for DJing, but clean enough for mixing and content review too.
What makes this especially notable is that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to get that detail. The NTH-50 is lightweight, with a form-fitting headband and memory foam ear pads that sit on—not over—your ears. That makes it less fatiguing for long sessions, whether you’re on your third hour of livestreaming or laying down edits in Ableton. And because it’s not trying to isolate you from your surroundings completely, it works well in hybrid setups where you need to hear both the music and the room.
Built for Hybrid Creators
The NTH-50 isn’t just a headphone for DJs—it’s clearly designed for people who bounce between roles. Whether you're streaming, recording, mixing, or just listening, the modular approach makes a big difference. The dual-sided cable input means you can plug in on either side depending on your setup—ideal for left-handed DJs or tight desk spaces. And the addition of a USB-C headband cable option brings it into modern territory, letting you tidy up your routing or integrate with newer mobile devices and audio interfaces.
What also sets it apart is how easy it is to maintain. The earpads, headband cushion, aux cables, and USB-C cables are all swappable. So if you're using these every day for gigs or content creation, wear and tear isn’t the end of the line—you can just replace what’s worn out. And for those who want a mic in the mix, the NTH-50 is compatible with the RODE NTH-Mic, instantly turning it into a broadcast-ready headset. That modularity is a big deal if your studio setup is also your stream setup and your DJ rig.
Who It Competes With
At a glance, the RODE NTH-50 looks a lot like the Sennheiser HD-25, and that’s no accident. The compact on-ear design, the headband shape, even the way the cups swivel—RODE is clearly taking aim at the DJ standard. But where the HD-25 is all about isolation and durability, the NTH-50 leans into comfort and sound quality. You get a wider, more open frequency response that’s less fatiguing for long sessions, and the memory foam pads feel like they’re built for hours—not just quick monitoring. DJs might still prefer the clamp and isolation of the HD-25 in loud booths, but for hybrid users, the NTH-50 offers more flexibility.
Other competitors come into play too. The AIAIAI TMA-2 is known for its modularity and eco-conscious design, but the NTH-50 arguably delivers a more refined out-of-the-box sound. And while not an on-ear model, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a staple for creators looking for punch and clarity—though it doesn’t offer the same modularity or USB-C routing. If you’re looking for more options across all use cases, check out our post on the best headphones for DJs.
Final Thoughts: Who Is It For?
The RODE NTH-50 is a smart choice for anyone who works across multiple creative roles. If you're a DJ who also produces, a livestreamer who edits their own clips, or just someone tired of switching headphones for different setups, this covers a lot of ground. It’s portable enough to throw in a gig bag, detailed enough for mixdowns, and comfortable enough to wear all day. It’s not trying to out-muscle classic DJ models like the HD-25—it’s offering a more versatile, modern take on what a good on-ear headphone can be.
It’s also one of the few headphones at this level that embraces modularity without feeling like a tech experiment. Swappable parts, USB-C integration, and the NTH-Mic compatibility make it feel like part of a broader creative system. If you’ve already got RODE gear in your workflow, the NTH-50 slots in naturally—but even if you don’t, it’s a well-thought-out headphone that doesn’t lock you into a single use case.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.