Don't buy AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones before watching this

Before you buy AIAIAI's famous TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones, watch this. Because in this video, I go through several alternative products—all of which are cheaper and high-performance.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:47 Why I Haven't Bought Them
1:33 Alternatives
2:02 1: TV Headphones
2:31 2: Gaming Headphones
3:12 3: Various BOSS Products
3:34 4: Røde Wireless GO ii
4:46 Why It's Better
5:00 1: Latency
7:14 2: Practicality
9:31 3: Cost & Closing Thoughts

P R O D U C T S M E N T I O N E D

KEY PRODUCTS

GAMING HEADPHONES

TV HEADPHONES

BOSS PRODUCTS

HEADPHONES I USE

[synth-studio]

⚠BIG DISCLAIMER, team.
My main recommendation in this video, the Røde Wireless GO ii, is NOT a stereo solution. It is mono only. Apologies for this significant oversight on my part. I should have done more trials on this. I'm sorry. (My other alertnative product recommendations in this video are still good, though.)

I had some weird stars align that made me think that it was stereo, when it wasn't. The Røde Wireless GO ii has a feature which auto-detects TRS vs TRRS cables, and I misread the technical documentation and came away thinking it meant stereo support. In addition to this, a pan-phasing effect I had on my MPC One kinda duped me into 'confirming' it was in stereo when I first tried it.

Here's the truth: The Røde Wireless GO ii only supports true stereo wireless audio if you buy the 2-transmitter variant, not the single-transmitter variant that I have. While the single transmitter Røde variant is about half the price of the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones, their dual-transmitter version is only slightly cheaper. It would still work great for wireless low-latency audio to speakers, although it's just another $300 wireless solution at this point, sadly.

Thanks to those who helped me get to the bottom of this.

[WhoIsKryp]

I personally have the TMA-2's, and I just want to say that I do appreciate you making a video like this. I love my TMA-2's, and I'd buy them again if I had to, but I fit into a very specific niche where they were particularly beneficial to me. I needed something that was low latency, was able to take audio via a 3.5mm plug, fit my enormous noggin, and be a bit of an "all in one" package. There were so many positive reviews for these headphones when I initially got them, but I do see them as being the best fit only for specific circumstances. Thank you for a critical but fair take!

[TheLordGU]

Even though the dual transmitter set is needed to use this solution for stereo signals, at least for me there are some points made that made me seriously consider getting said (somewhat more expensive) set. First and foremost: the latency. I checked with RØDE and the replied, that for the Wireless GO II one can expect a latency of 6ms between the TX and RX. And second, just as mentioned in the video, I already have headphones (sets for different purposes) that totally meet my needs – and all of them can be used when combined with the Wireless GO II.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with AIAIAI’s product … I guess. But even though the points re size of the transmitter and price tag aren’t exactly relevant/“accurate” in this case any more, this video helped me a lot. That said: Thank you very much!

[PatternMusic]

So I discovered a hack with the AIAIAI Wireless+ headphones. I recently bought a pair on sale. Unfortunately, I think the sound quality is not so great. But the low-latency wireless works quite well and runs for 16 hours. So I discovered that if I remove the AIAIAI speaker cans from the headband and using a TRS-socket-to-TRS-socket adapter I can connect other headphones (such as my much preferred Grado SR80s) to the AIAIAI wireless headband. Mileage may vary based on headphone impedance and efficiency. I use a velcro cable wrap to tie up the Grado cable. I put the AIAIAI headband around my neck. Grados on my ears. VOILA! Low-latency wireless Grados. As an added bonus, I find the AIAIAI noise floor problem is actually much reduced with the Grados. (Optional: get a socket/plug headphone plug repair set and splice those into the Grado cable so I don't have to carry that around. My OG Grado SR80s have a plastic cable, but new Grados have a woven 4-wire cable that might not splice as easily.)

[IAmDanielJohann]

i really like the clear style of presentation in this video, extremely well spoken, no nonsense and spoken from a users perspective. thanks a lot :)

[tedjohansen]

The Røde is 6 ms at the transmit stage - not the whole pathway from signal to movement of the driver (which is how the Aiaiai is meassuring).

[mathiaslind]

I was actually planning on buying the go 2 to try this exact scenario before, but didn't feel like taking the risk since I hadn't seen anyone else try it :) Thank you for sharing! Now I might go that route. I have a digital drumset at home that I play VSTi's in my daw with, every ms counts there!

[vovkandreev]

Thanks for the review and idea. I also tried this option, but I want to add information. It will not be possible to use RODE correctly, since by default the system is designed to transmit a signal from a lavalier microphone, and a low-pass filter up to 100 Hz is built into the path. I have contacted support and this cannot be disabled. I really look forward to when there will be at least one system for transmitting a stereo signal to headphones. So far only professional and expensive - like sennheiser iem

[colhutchins]

Thanks mate, great video. I have the Sennheiser AVX wireless audio system for making videos as well but a cheap XLR to 1/4 adaptor and I can now use whatever headphones I like to play guitar basically wireless minus a small connector to the transmitter 🙂 Much appreciated.

[questionyourbeliefs]

Amazing video. Did not know about all of these other options and the 4ms vs 16ms is huge.

[djsolangeessence]

Great to present the Rode wireless GO ii product ! Haven't heard of it and very versatile indeed. Wouldn't replace the AIAIAI for me as what I am looking for, but it might suit a lot a of people and it's great to know it exists.

[DjMartiniMidwest]

Great video ! Yes I have been looking for alternatives due to cost of AiAiAi too and this is a great idea . Thanks .

[lucasshije]

4ms latency is nice.. cool workaround.. I just got some aiaiai going to test them out early 2023. Hope they dont suck.

[rblack]

Awesome vid. I was skeptical at first before I hit play, but I am glad I did!
And it makes perfect sense!

[bodymechanics]

I was looking for a different solution researching the TM2s. Glad I saw this vid. Definitely trying the rode set up for a lot of things.

[jeffhigh]

For me, using it for studio practice with Guitar, Vocals, and kick and snare pedals the AIAIAI has been perfect. I don't perceive latency on kick/snare or on guitar even though I an stacking the wireless from the guitar on top of the wireless to the headphones. Before them I tried the wireless tv headphones which were too noisy, The alctron wireless likewise but also with a noise gate which cut the signal in an annoying way. Also tried some IEM units but they did not have the strength to drive my headphones. Yes the AIAIAI have some limitations, for one output is limited to protect hearing and I would not use them in a loud live situation. They are not sold as live DJ headphones, but as a studio solution and for that they are good

[jaywills]

I went for the Subzero Voxlink in-ear-headphone set. Fraction of the price, integral, usb charged, battery, and compatible with my DT770s 🥰

[StephenMcLeod]

You must have read my mind as I have been debating these recently. I too don't love the giant transmitter, and don't need any other headphones. I had no idea that the Rode Wireless Go II would work for this. Top tip!

[SagunManandhar]

HAHHAHAHAHHAHAH I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU MUCH ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
it's been years and years trying to find bluetooth solution for low latency and today I stumbled upon AIAIAI TMA-2 and I said WOW. BUT NO.... THIS IS WOW !!! THANKS AGAIN !!

[davedraws]

Bro. Right off the bat I have two issues hurting my trust in what you’re about to present 1. That transmitter is the size of a phone. Couldn’t be more portable 2. You make most of your music away from the studio. What?