AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
our rating
4.5
(out of 5)
Specs
- Driver – 40mm Bio-cellulose S05 diaphragm, high-grade Neodymium magnets
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – Coiled 1.5m-3.2m black thermoplastic cable (3.5mm proprietary locking plug on the headphone side, 3.5mm TRS on the source side)
- Weight – 278 g
- Impedance – 32 Ohms
- IP Rating – None
- Battery Life – Bluetooth: 80 hours; W+ Link: 16 hours; Transmitter: 30 hours
- Bluetooth Version – 5.0
- Codecs Supported – SBC, AAC
Pros
- Best wireless studio headphone out there
- Near-zero latency allows for real-time monitoring without delay
- Lossless transmission
- Modular design allows for customizable, replaceable parts, and promotes sustainability
- Good sound for tracking and monitoring
Cons
- W+ Link has a slight noise floor
- No support for high-quality codecs
Bottom Line:
Best wireless studio headphones out there. Great for tracking, monitoring, and broad-strokes editing.
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Introducing the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
AIAIAI, a Danish audio design company, is known for its modular headphone systems that allow users to customize and upgrade components to suit their specific needs. Among their most popular products is the TMA-2 series, which includes models tailored for various applications, including the TMA-2 DJ (tailored for DJ setups) and TMA-2 Studio (tailored for mixing).
Now the company has released the TMA-2 Wireless+ Headphones, which promise ultra-low latency (16ms) wireless audio transmission via the proprietary W+ Link technology for uncompressed 16-bit, 44.1kHz audio.
This innovation promises to liberate musicians from the constraints of wired connections.
But does it all work? And do they sound good? We got our hands on a pair and put them through rigorous tests to see how they perform.
Check out our gear category page for more on headphones and audio gear.
Alternatives to the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
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Neumann NDH 20
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Neumann NDH 30
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What’s in the Box?
The AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ box arrived with the following:
- H10 Wireless+ Headband: Features W+ Link for ultra-low latency and lossless audio, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired connectivity. Includes a built-in microphone and USB-C charging cable.
- X01 Transmitter: W+ Link transmitter for wireless ultra-low latency connection; connects to any analog output via a 3.5mm jack.
- S05 Speaker Units: 40mm bio-cellulose diaphragm drivers.
- E08 Over-Ear Alcantara Earpads: Memory foam cushions covered with Alcantara for enhanced comfort during extended listening sessions.
- C02 Coiled Cable: 1.5m thermoplastic coiled cable, extendable up to 3.2m; includes a 1/4 to 1/8 inch screw-on adapter.
- A01 Protective Pouch: Soft nylon pouch.
The components arrived separately, reflecting AIAIAI’s modular design approach, allowing for customization and replacement of parts.
Build / Comfort
The AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones have a no-frills, understated look. However, the design is clearly well thought out.
Weighing just 278 grams with memory foam padding, they score a 9 out of 10 in terms of comfort. They are closed-back headphones offering very little passive noise isolation and no ANC.
Let’s dive into the details…
Drivers
The S05MKII drivers are the flagship components for AIAIAI’s modular headphones. Compared to other drivers in AIAIAI’s lineup, these 40mm bio-cellulose diaphragms are tuned for clarity and balance.
The company claims they outperform the drivers found in its more casual or DJ-focused models.
The bio-cellulose material used in the S05 diaphragms allows for sharper transient response and reduced distortion.
Headband
The H10 headband, which houses the wireless technology, is both lightweight and durable. Constructed from high-grade plastic with a rubber housing, it offers a comfortable clamp force that can be easily adjusted with the click-in-place ear cups.
The padding on the headband evenly distributes pressure, making it comfortable for extended sessions. It also features intuitive controls and a USB-C charging port.
Earcups
The earcups are equally well-designed. The Alcantara® material covering the memory foam pads not only feels luxurious but also contributes to a snug and secure fit.
This ensures a proper seal without becoming overly warm or uncomfortable during long periods of use.
X01 W+ Link Transmitter
Finally, the X01 W+ Link transmitter is a game-changer for wireless audio. Roughly the size of an average smartphone, it connects directly to your interface and can be placed on a table, allowing you to roam freely within a 12-meter radius.
The transmitter functions similarly to dongles used in gaming headsets, as both facilitate low-latency, high-quality wireless audio connections. However, the X01 is specifically engineered for professional audio applications, offering uncompressed audio transmission with a consistent 16ms latency.
While gaming headset dongles typically prioritize low latency to synchronize audio with on-screen action, they often lack the uncompressed audio or precise fidelity required for professional music environments.
Sound: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
Frequency Response Diagram AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
After testing, it is clear to me that the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones are ideal as monitors for singing and playing or for broad strokes editing of tracks. The overall sound leans towards warmth, with a subtle emphasis on the midrange.
The detail level and tuning are not that of neutral, analytical headphones like the Sennheiser HD600 or Neumann NDH30, but closer to monitoring headphones or over-ears for enjoyment.
While not perfectly neutral, the tuning feels intentional, offering a smooth listening experience.
The combination of the S05MKII drivers and Alcantara ear pads contributes to a sound profile that’s engaging and musical. The treble and sub-bass are slightly restrained, giving the headphones a laid-back and comfortable character.
Connecting via the W+ Link provided the best sound experience along with the wired connection. Although Bluetooth was inferior to the other connections, the sound quality was still quite good.
Bass
The bass has a noticeable mid-bass presence that doesn’t overpower the rest of the spectrum. While I would prefer more sub-bass, the bass from 80 Hz up is warm and controlled, offering a rounded and full-bodied sound.
This tuning provides enough energy to make the music engaging while maintaining clarity in the bass details.
Midrange
The midrange transitions smoothly from the bass, with added warmth that brings vocals and instruments to life. Vocals mostly sound natural, reacting realistically with the recording space.
There is an odd dip at 3 kHz which creates a little distance between the listener and the sound. While I don’t like this for critical listening, it makes them more attractive as a monitoring headphone with laid-back mids that don’t fatigue players.
Treble
The treble response is gentle and non-fatiguing, with a slight dip that keeps it from being overly sharp or harsh. While it doesn’t sparkle or stand out in a dramatic way, it provides enough detail to capture the nuances of a track.
The overall treble character complements the bass and midrange well, resulting in a cohesive and smooth sound.
Connectivity
W+ Link
Testing connections with the W+ Link, AIAIAI’s proprietary technology, the latency was as advertised, barely noticeable at 16ms. It feels nearly instantaneous. And the output is lossless, uncompressed audio.
For recording instruments or tracking vocals, this is a game changer. For home recordists, it offers flexibility to stand up and press stop or record or adjust your DAW without having to take off the cans first.
However, W+ Link isn’t perfect. Despite its impressive bandwidth and stability, there is an audible noise floor—just a slight hiss. The hiss can be mitigated by adjusting the volume levels on both your source and the headphones, but it’s never completely gone.
Bluetooth
Using Bluetooth 5.0, these headphones support AAC and SBC codecs, which work well, but they’re not cutting-edge by today’s standards. The connection is stable, and the sound quality is very good.
However, the lack of support for higher-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD is a bit of a miss for anyone who wants to stream high-res audio.Bluetooth allows you to control playback directly from the headphones—play, pause, skip tracks—without needing to interact with the source device.
The range, while still not as great as a traditional wired connection, is better than W+ Link, allowing you to move around the room without much interference. Bluetooth also lets you use the headphones more casually for everyday activities beyond the studio, like taking calls or listening to podcasts.
Wired Connection
Finally, the included C02 cable extends up to 3.2m works as you’d expect. With a 3.5mm connection on one end and an angled TRS male plug at the other, the cable connection provides the highest fidelity and no latency.
Controls
The controls on the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ consist of three buttons on the top right of the headband and a slide switch to switch between the W+ Link and
Bluetooth pairing modes. It is easy to forget the slide switch when pairing, but on the whole, the controls were intuitive and straightforward.
Overview of the Controls on the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
Control | Function |
---|---|
Middle Button |
– Power On/Off: Press and hold for 3 seconds – Play/Pause: Single press – Next Track: Double press – Previous Track: Triple press – Answer/End Call: Single press (Bluetooth mode only) – Reject Incoming Call: Press and hold for 1.5 seconds (Bluetooth mode only) |
Top Button |
– Volume Up: Single press – Enter Pairing Mode: Press and hold with Bottom Button for 3 seconds – Activate Assistant: Press and hold with Bottom Button for 1.5 seconds (Bluetooth mode only) |
Bottom Button |
– Volume Down: Single press – Enter Pairing Mode: Press and hold with Top Button for 3 seconds – Activate Assistant: Press and hold with Top Button for 1.5 seconds (Bluetooth mode only) |
Slide Switch | – Change Wireless Mode: Slide to select W+ Link (White) or Bluetooth (Blue) |
USB-C Port | Charging the headband |
Battery Life
We tested the battery life of the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones in all three connectivity modes, and the performance was good—just not in every mode.In
Bluetooth mode, the headphones offer up to 80 hours of playback.
Switching over to W+ Link, however, significantly reduces the battery life. With this mode, I’m looking at around 16 hours of playback before needing to recharge. Given that W+ Link is designed for ultra-low latency and lossless audio, I can accept this trade-off.
It’s worth noting that the W+ Link transmitter itself needs recharging every 30 hours. That’s another thing to consider if you’re planning on using this mode for extended periods. It’s manageable, but it adds another layer of maintenance.
Charging with USB-C, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge both the transmitter and the headphones.
Finally, using the wired connection does not drain the battery, of course. So, if you’re plugged in, you can forget about battery life altogether, making this the most reliable option for long sessions.
Calls
Calls with the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ were a little quiet but clear under normal conditions. You can hear the results of our test below.
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Mic Tests
Final Thoughts: Are the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Worth It?
If you’re looking for headphones to use wirelessly in a recording studio, these are the best out there. The AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones are a fantastic tool for music professionals and audio enthusiasts who value low-latency, lossless wireless transmission, and high-quality sound.
AIAIAI market these as a “versatile professional headphone,” which I think is an accurate description. They work well for broad-strokes editing, but I would recommend something like the Neumann NDH 30 or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro for proper mixing and critical listening.
(See our Best Headphones for Mixing buyers guide)While the slight noise floor issue with W+ Link might be a dealbreaker for some, the overall experience is incredibly solid for anyone in the studio or creative field. The battery life in Bluetooth mode is exceptional, and the wired connection ensures near-zero latency and impeccable sound.
If you’re a content creator or producer who needs the lowest latency possible and can tolerate a slight noise floor, these are a great choice. If you’re simply looking for high-quality wireless headphones for casual listening, there are more versatile options available that don’t come with the same trade-offs.
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
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FAQ
How does the low-latency W+ Link connection perform in real-world scenarios?
Very well. The low latency (16 ms) allows for tracking and playing without any delay problems.
How durable are the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones?
The headphones are built with durability in mind, featuring a modular design that allows for easy replacement of parts if needed. This design contributes to their longevity and makes them a reliable choice for both studio and general use.