Which Headphones Are Best for Podcasts, Streaming, and Video?

[@stowgood]

Love how you customise everything with your blue.

[@ZachMRutledge]

Rode did update that latch. When they sent me replacements after mine broke, the design was adjusted.

[@ayoubthegreat]

When you're talking about the openness or the noise canceling of the headphones, it's the difference between open back and closed back headphones. Open back, allow air and sound to come through, making you feel more in the environment. While closed back, isolates you into the headphones.

[@tombuck]

So even though the backs are solid plastic they could still be "open back"?

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@tombuckhe’s saying that there’s open back headphones like a famous one if the sennheiser hd600 that literally are open on the cans. So they sound more airy and you can hear your environment better. If you want to save some cash on an inexpensive set the sennheiser drop 58x is a great inexpensive set, or even cheaper the Phillips SHP9500 is a great entry level option.

[@nicktayloriv310]

@@tombuck If the backs are solid they're closed back.

[@schultzeworks]

Congrats on getting a sponsor! Maybe that income will fund more headphone purchases. Seriously, I have 4 or 5 myself. I’ll stop typing now.

[@onocoffee]

I'm kinda old school and prefer wired headphones, but I think that headphones are a very personal thing. Fit, comfort, sound are all going to sway a preference. My longtime go-to for location recording has been the Sony MDR-V6. I also have a pair of Sony MDR-V600 and that's okay. For not too critical listening, I like the very reasonably priced line of headphones from Halter Technical (their Elite Monitor is quite surprising for the price point). Not too long ago, I got the Beyer DT990 Pro and have been enjoying those. For editing KZbin videos, I prefer to use near-field reference monitors to "hear" the tracks. But I have been curious as to what the really high-end headphones are like - like the Focal Utopia. I've been reticent to audition them because I don't want to put myself in a position where I "need" them!

[@kyleethekelt]

And the Rode's left and right markings are also in braille. Cool.

[@DaivG]

I picked up the Sony MDR7506 in 2020 and they've held up really well and been really comfortable after wearing them for up to 6 hours at a time. Sounds like these are good options as well.

[@tombuck]

They should honestly last a lifetime with a few cup replacements here and there.

[@SLSMusic]

Been using ATH-M50x for almost 10 years (have you ever tried it before?), recently I’m thinking about maybe it’s time to try another one. The Rode looks so nice, especially being able to connect to both sides is so impressive.

[@selw0nk]

Same I had them for so long and just replaced the ear pads because they were peeling off.

[@Dracomies]

That's actually why I don't like the RODE headphones. There's a lot of people in Discord who had broken ones too. I mean even if we do the math, you're 2 for 5. 2 are broken out of your 5. Boothjunkie had to put in a request to get his fixed. So my overall takeway is that if these headphones are having these problems at just 2 years upon release that's not a worthwhile thing to buy.

[@PawFromTheBroons]

Apparently they updated the design of the new latches.

[@tombuck]

It's definitely a bummer, but they handle repairs under warranty and seem to have updated the design, so there's not much more I could ask for form a customer POV. And even though two of mine are broken, I will totally take the blame for one since I really think it was my fault.

[@DougHewsonYT]

My latch fault happened exactly how Tom described - taking the, off one-handed, in a rush and contorting the headphones in a way they weren’t designed to be handled. That said, Rode’s warranty replacement process and subsequent replacement pair was superb. I’ve since upgraded mine with the NTH-MIC for additional broadcast applications.

[@AudioHotline]

I like the way you involved the artist sponsor! That was awesome!

[@tombuck]

Thanks man! It's always fun to be roasted by my AI friends 😁

[@AudioHotline]

@@tombuck that’s what I would do too… but probably with a lot more “bad” words 🤣

[@MarkWhitby]

Great timing... I was just about to order the Rode ones, however was a little "unsure" if they were the right choice.... then you showed the clip on mic... and now I am sure... err I mean Rode! Here comes my order! Thanks a million!

[@tombuck]

Hope you like them! I’m impressed with the overall sound of the little mic 👍

[@dwylhq874]

Tom, thanks for the recommendation of the rhe Rode NTH100. Got them specifically for video/audio editing and they are superb. Balanced sound, comfortable and affordable. No regrets. Thanks. 🙏

[@tombuck]

Glad you like them!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The Rode are so crazy comfy.

[@tombuck]

I want my bed to be made out of that material. Cool and comfy.

[@panchoestebanbr]

Hi Tom. I just wanted to say Hello from Chile! Love your content and your Dad jokes!!

[@tombuck]

Hello from California!

[@DougHewsonYT]

Rode sent me a set of Tom Buck blue pads for my NTH-100 as part of a giveaway. Love the look!

[@tombuck]

Glad you got some! They're hot commodities it seems!

[@DjMike-L]

How do you get the colors on the NTH

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@leadershiplife]

I want a blue set and a red set!

[@Sonicorp]

@@leadershiplife Like he said they are one offs that RODE made and sent to Tom cannot buy them on the RODE site

[@Kanevizualz]

Love the rode headsets especially when we had a guest on our podcast the mic came in handy on my rode caster duo

[@stupid5pin]

Would 100% buy the custom color pads for the NTH-100s. Especially if they put them out in red.

[@an_o_ia]

I have the NTH100 (M (I dont´use the Microphone)) and I really like it and think they look great and not ugly like the Shure.

[@HomesickMac]

Those pad colours on Rødes haha, crazy! I'll be getting these very soon since the pair I'm using now (Status Audio's CB-1) isn't that comfortable for longer sessions, my ears are cookin' after about an hour.. And you made it again --> with the sponsor mention haha, so cool with the Tom + AI conversation, as well as that cool outro by AI 🙂 Great job!

[@tombuck]

I want to create the AI Voiceover Cinematic Universe 😅

[@Pumpyaa]

Tom, I don’t know if you tried it, I think you didn’t, trust me you have to grab yourself EPOS H6 Pro as soon as they don’t dissapear forever as Sennheiser closed their EPOS branded category of products. You will be amazed with the build and sound quality. They come both in open and closed back version, I recommend the closed back, not that open back are not good, but you know it’s kinda disturbing in calls and chat as the sound that comes out can be picked by the microphone.

[@tombuck]

Haven't heard of the EPOS lineup before, but seems like a bummer that it's discontinued!

[@Pumpyaa]

@@tombuckomg, man those headphones are just amazing, great cables, wont get any noise from them, build quality is just amazing as I just said, magnetic detachable mic, mic also is very good and the sound… The only downside they used to sell the earpads separately but no longer do them as expected after closing the lineup :( can still be found on amazon for less than 100. I didn’t have any of yours, so I can’t say anything about the sound but I can just say from the way they are made epos h6pro are just another league.

[@t3dotgg]

Fwiw, I baby my headphones and also managed to break the hinge on my NTH’s. They’re uniquely fragile

[@tombuck]

Yeah, that really sucks. Hopefully you were/are able to get them taken care of and repaired under warranty.

[@t3dotgg]

@@tombuck haven’t even tried (my RODE connection left recently) but I’ll give it a shot if you had good luck with them

[@Bruces-Garage]

I just had my Rode headphones break as you mentioned. I received mine in April of this year and I wouldn’t consider myself a heavy user. I have filed a warranty claim, but waiting to hear back from them.

[@tombuck]

I hope you get taken care of! It's definitely a bummer.

[@Bruces-Garage]

@@tombuck Just got an email from them - no need to send it back to them and they will send me a new pair. Solid customer service.

[@cresshead]

cool video I've had Shure SRH440 (not 'A') for recording songs and mixing with my MPC. lots of people have commented my mixes are well balanced so it thinks it works well for me and my music. re R/L marker on the sets they have L and R in red and blue also the hinges are marked with L and R on them also you 'know' just by where the cord is where the left is. RODE headphones do also looks rather neat have to say also. re sony - curly leads are NOT my thing..too heavy feeling, i bought a braided straight cable for the SRH-440 right away as it shipped with a curly lead. other headphones on my maybe soon list are: austrian audio hi-x15 avantone mp-1

[@AlHawaniTV]

Tom, you have to swap the names on the thumbnail. 'Shure' should be on the right, and 'Rode' on the left, haha!

[@tombuck]

Fixed 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jphdznr]

I'm on my third pair Rode's now due to the clip breaking. Rode has been great and replaced them both times under warranty though. 👍🏻

[@tombuck]

I'm glad they're taking care of you, but man what a bummer!

[@ww1www]

Great review again. I just got a cheap pair of the NTH-100 on marketplace and I found an NTH-Mic for half price brand new in an online store. I am quite happy with it, especially at around 50% of the RRP :) The NtH-Mic sounds super good compared to any of my other headsets, 😊 more expensive gamer headsets. I tried to use this Rode headset with my Zoom Field recorder for an interview, and I am impressed. The handheld mic was recording the interviewee, the headset mic was recording me asking the questions from behind the camera.. Both sides of the conversation was pro level quality. Only real gripe is that you cannot fold it up, and it takes a bit to connect/disconnect cables, adapters, so it is more convenient for studio than for field use. I think that the cable lock is proprietary... I wish Rode sold that connector separately, I would make a special cable for my use case.

[@DanandNato]

Just noticed in the video that rode has markings for each side so blind people can know which side is which. Had to check it on my rode headphones and they were there too. Qute detail.

[@tombuck]

Yes! I forgot to mention it, but it's a really nice touch.

[@schultzeworks]

I record in an audio booth and found the full but open ear headphones more comfortable, specifically the AKG K 702. They have excellent neutral sound with minimal distortion. I decided that if I could hear myself a little better (no noise cancelling) it was easier on my brain after hours of recording.

[@MortyMizrahi]

"more precise = more prrrice" caught me by surprise and put a huge smile on my face! also for SHUREter sessions :):) Har har har :D

[@playeronthebeat]

beyerdynamics, anyone? :D Love my DT700 PRO X. I'm probably also going to buy the DT900 PRO X. The only thing that they're lacking in my opinion is RØDE's feature, where you can choose on which cup the cable attaches to.

[@alexander-renner]

I love my Beyerdynamic 990 Pro 250. They are sooo comfortable;-)

[@naormeningher]

I just got the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO. They're expensive, but worth it. Highly recommended!

[@tombuck]

Sennheiser makes such nice stuff!

[@ykhemani]

We love the NTH100's -- super comfortable for extended use, and they sound great! Do you have a source you can share for the colored ear pads? Thanks as always for your amazing videos!

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@chillywilli]

I have the more expensive SR840A, with the gold plated screws, and in general I like this headphone, but it has a few minors. The sound is awesome and a little bit bass heavy, but I don’t use them for content creation, only for listening, recording and editing videos will be fine, but mixing and mastering is a bridge too far for these headphones. I don’t like the proprietary plug on the headphone side, just like Sennheiser and Røde you are dependent on the factory offerings, I like the micro XLR on several AKG’s and the DT700Pro much more as it is universal. My headband doesn’t click properly on one side any more, so it is not as durable as I hoped, I can still use it though. And the last thing, the cushions. The original PU ones get sticky and sweaty very quickly but they seal the noise much more. I replaced them for the velour ones from the Shure 940, which has the same shape and size. As a matter of fact, all the Shure models are the same, you can also use the Alcantara leather ones from the 1540, although these cushions are a bit pricey for these headphones. This is immediately a complaint to Shure, why don’t they just advertise these cushions as replacables for all their models, velour is standard for practically every BeierDynamic user and a lot of other brands have these as an option as well. Overall a nice headphone but I won’t replace it with the same one when it breakes, if the Beier Dynamic DT700PRO sounds good it probably will be the next one, service and comfort are second to none with BD.

[@tombuck]

Thanks for this in-depth review!

[@GerhardRettenegger]

I frequently use Rhode's NTH100 both as headphone and as professional headset. But actually I prefer Beyerdynamic's DT 770 Pro for editing.

[@tombuck]

Lots of people really seem to love the Beyers!

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

Just to let you know, ResolveCon 2024, is happening now, until Sunday, i think.. info on official website, but also there have been streams on youtube as well, in channels like " Casey Faris "..and giveaways..some streams on coloring, others about workflow, editing, etc.. Have a great weekend, Tom, and everyone!

[@knowyourjoe8826]

Ok... the intended double entendre names comment in the closing remark/opinion, you know the one, was pure mastery. LOL. I literally busted out laughing out loud. Nice work. Did you have to work to come up with that or? I have the Sennheiser Pro 280's and they are good but fit a bit sung. Looking for something more comfortable to wear for extended sessions. Do you know if the mic as well as the connection cable are Left and Right side interchangeable on the Rode NTH100M? Thanks

[@tombuck]

I wish I could say it was an intelligent effort, but my brain is just broken sometimes and can't help but think that way haha. Glad you appreciated it! 😁 The mic is angles for the right ear cup, so unfortunately it's not interchangeable.

[@Lochlens]

Lovely video as always. Mine a year ago broke after 2 months of usage on the right “clip” and last month also the second gone. Happy to know that is something that they cover under warranty!

[@tombuck]

I hope you're able to get it taken care of!

[@Lochlens]

@@tombuck I need to find the box apparently to register the product =) I’m so bad at registering products for warranty! thanks Tom

[@aroyaliota]

My headphones of choice are Bose. Apart from the smooth sound, the headset suits my head. When my sons eye your headsets with envy m, you know you’re a winner. 😂🎉

[@samfraulino]

I think Rode needs to do an official recal for folks who have the first wave of those NT-100s that are cracking on that clip. Or offer a full replacement when they do crack at no charge. That is not a normal lack of quality coming from Rode. I have 3 pairs, but I will check for cracks.

[@ItsRyukin]

Video editing? Well guess what! I use the speakers to listen to the audio and everything! 😅 Headphones are for musics! (In my opinion, and sometimes I use them to edit the BGMs)

[@OrangeNomad]

I LOVE the NTH-100s. Have 2 pair myself. I would buy every single color ear pads if you want to pass that along to Rode 😬

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I use the Audio technica ath m20x wireless and I use a 30 dollar wireless gaming headphones

[@DigiDriftZone]

I still use my ancient Sennheiser HD600 which are more than adequate :)

[@marqusee]

Audeze MM-500 are the best! Granted they are $1600, and you need a dac / preamp, but they blow all these other cheapos away.

[@tombuck]

Oh the world of premium headphones is definitely a different universe! For this video, I wanted to stay in this "creator-centric" price range.

[@MikeFaraci]

I only have one set of Rode headphones, and I’d buy a set of blue, green, and orange pads/earcups the day they start selling them. 😂

[@tombuck]

I really want them to see this 😁

[@MikeFaraci]

@@tombuck C’mon Rode… give the colorful people what they want. Save us from our boring black headphones!

[@safetyhomeloans950]

You got to be kidding me, I was literally looking at this last night. so funny.. thanks for the video! Question: How long can the cable run, meaning I have my set up to my rode about a good 30 feet away from my stage, if the cable that comes with it is Not long enough can you add extenders without affecting the audio quality, if so which extenders do you recommend? thanks

[@tombuck]

Perfect timing! As for cable runs, I don't really know. I regularly use some pretty long 3.5 extensions with no real issues but I'm definitely not an expert in that sort of thing.

[@AllButGlory]

Hey Tom, have you ever checked out the Beacn usb mic? I recommend!

[@tombuck]

I haven't! I know it's popular, but I thought it was for Windows only, so I never really looked into it.

[@AllButGlory]

@@tombuck highly recommend checking out solely based on the included software, and the beacn create!

[@kissu_io]

Surprised you have not talked about the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro. 🤗

[@tombuck]

HAven't used them! But lots of people in the comments here seem to have good things to say about Beyerdynamic 👍

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

Oh Snappers!!!

[@spatialoptic]

The third pair I received when they saw me talking to them during a session and I told them that I hold mine together a screw and wing nuts.

[@tombuck]

Mad Max style headphones 😅

[@spatialoptic]

@@tombuck I was definitely feeling like Furiosa when the third pair broke! LOL! I’m using the Sony MDR-7506 with my live broadcasts. I hear what I create. I use my wingnut headphones when listening to a movie.

[@simaskaciusis3246]

I had the Rode NTH100 and they weren't great in my opinion. The build quality is meh, they broke on me after like 9 months of using them (specifically the plasticky bit that let's you adjust the headband broke). Sound quality is good but a bit basy in my opinion. Cable noise is BAD, I thought I had a faulty unit, it felt like the sound was being altered or quieter in one ear. Meanwhile my Audiotechnica m40x are going strong for like 8 years and have taken multiple hard drops, I feel like the quality of plastic is much better on the m40x in addition to a more robust overall construction. I liked the pads on the NTH100 but they can get quite nasty after a while.

[@stowgood]

nice

[@backtoashes2.0]

Where can I buy Red for the RODE-NTH 100s?!

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@backtoashes2.0]

@@tombuck Oops! Sorry about that. Thank you for the info! Looking forward to your review on the new SHURE SM4!

[@TristanThomas]

How come earphones aren't more popular for streaming and podcast? Isn't it better to have something discrete?

[@Clickworker101]

Tried beyerdynamic

[@schultzeworks]

And … you lived to tell this compelling tale?

[@ignaciocavazos567]

Shure and rode names are inverted on the thumbnail

[@tombuck]

Fixed 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ralphaelayala8884]

@rodemic listen to Tom!!

[@jamestiller]

I'm a Rode NTH100 user as well, did we ever get a link or info to where to get those colored ear pads ?

[@BertBrussen]

Indeed. How did you get those coloured pads, Tom?

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@jamestiller]

@@tombuck I saw that as I got towards then end of the video. Thank You Tom. Now I know it's Rode and not you trying to keep it a secret for yourself 🤣

[@hackinghifi4247]

Hi Tom, what did you think of the quality of that headphone mic? When I reviewed those Rode headphones I found the little circular plug they give you for whichever side you aren’t using for the cable does change the sound a tiny bit, it seems to tighten up the bass. I don’t see any mention of that or didn’t anyway when I bought them, so just fyi. Thanks for all you do!

[@tombuck]

I'm pretty impressed with the sound of the headphone mic overall! I had very low expectations and it's quite good! Haven't noticed any issues with the sound changing though, that's interesting 🤔

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

Man, my rode headphones keep breaking on me. I had to switch over to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 and I also picked up the DT 990 Pro X. Both are those are really good despite the different use case.

[@tombuck]

That sucks to hear, but I'm glad you found a pair you like! So many people in the comments here mentioned Beyerdynamic, I feel like I need to check them out.

[@wfhitservices]

Tom seriously where you get your custom covers ….need it in green

[@tombuck]

I talk about them in the video, but they seem to just be a random limited thing Rode sent out last year and sadly aren't available for sale. I'm hopeful that if people keep asking for them, maybe Rode will change their mind!

[@spatialoptic]

RØDE has replaced mine with the newer type and it still broke

[@erenocanero]

What to say comparing Rode and Shure 840A which I already have? For creating, better to move to Rode headphone?🎉

[@tombuck]

I haven't used those myself, but if they're working for you then there's no need to change!

[@erenocanero]

@@tombuck yes thank you

[@martinausterfield8597]

Random question given the topic, but a bit of B-roll reminded me. Would the Rode DS2 be any good as a desktop mount for the elgato prompter? Assuming you’re using a face cam, not a DSLR…

[@tombuck]

Yeah, it can definitely work, especially with a lighter camera like the Facecam 👍

[@martinausterfield8597]

@@tombuck thanks!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

Rode why dont you just sell the most interesting design instead of the regular boring black headphones

[@coreyphillips2690]

Do the Rode’s with the mic have live audio monitoring so you can hear yourself speaking?

[@tombuck]

That depends on which interface you connect it to, but yes.

[@coreyphillips2690]

@@tombuck cool thanks!

[@spatialoptic]

RØDE has to replace the NTH-100. Great feel and sound but horrible design. I went through three (3) in 15 months that broke in the same please after 3 months

[@derekhorsburgh6238]

Hi Tom, PLEASE HELP. I own a pair of Audioengine +2 speakers and I'm "contemplating" purchasing the Lewitt Connect 6 Audio Interface. My Q. will they work together or not? Thank you in advance.

[@tombuck]

To be honest, I don't know as this is a bit beyond my area of expertise. The Lewitt does have 1/4" monitor outputs for what it's worth, but I'm not sure what its limitations are when running monitors.

[@IanBoyte]

I gotta say 👎 to the Rode headphones, just due to some extra noise I was getting, the not that amazing (to me) comfort, and of course my snapped latch on the adjustment doodad.

[@tombuck]

Intersting- several people in the comments here have mentioned noise, but it's not anything I've ever noticed. I wonder what that's about?

[@PhoenixAnthem]

I hate headphones with the rubber cups. Cloth or bust. RODE all the way.

[@tombuck]

They’re so comfy!

[@spezialzt]

12:58 i really love the nth-100, its so sad that rode doesnt sell the straps and pads as replacement units... i have 4 pairs and im looking like an madman all over the interwebs for theese colorful pieces, tom i envy you! @rodemic let me buy the lovely colorful cusions and i sent you guys some german lager :)