When then first incarnation of AIAIAI’s spin on DJ headphones first hit the scene, the TMA-1s became an instant hit. And following those came the TMA-2s, a unique modular approach that essentially was a menu of parts to make a whole. But now the final part of the puzzle is here in them shape of the TMA-2 wireless H05 headband.
TMA-2 Modular Headphone System Goes Wireless.
Danish audio company AIAIAI will now launch the H05, a new smart head- band for their TMA-2 Modular Headphone System, on Kickstarter. It is the first major upgrade to the TMA-2 Modular – a Bluetooth headband that adds wireless functionality to any configuration of the system.
The New Smart Headband
The H05 headband is an essential addition to the parts already existing within the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System. The H05 headband works simply when plugged into any TMA-2 speaker unit, enabling high quality Bluetooth audio transmission.
By integrating the Bluetooth technology into the headband only, AIAIAI enable any configuration of the TMA-2 to be wireless, and thereby retain full modularity in the system.
This gives new users the full freedom to choose, while allowing existing customers to simply upgrade the headband and keep their sound preferences, without having to spend money on a whole new wireless headphone.
“At first, we intuitively focused on creating a new speaker to introduce wireless technology to the system. But that felt wrong somehow, as it would be limiting to have only a few wireless sound configurations. That’s why we came up with this idea of integrating the Bluetooth module into the headband, to maintain that 100% modularity.” – Head of New Product Development, Christian B. Lorentzen
About TMA-2 Modular
TMA-2 is the world’s most extensive modular headphone system – with more than 1000 possible configurations. This modularity means users can create their own unique, personalized AIAIAI product that fits their specific needs, while enabling a quick and easy change of individual parts along the way.
For music professionals, this means the opportunity to adapt and tailor the system to a creative context; from studio production and audio editing to DJing or listening on the move.
For everyone else, it means the subtle dissolution of categories; a headphone that fits individual lifestyles and music tastes. Life is rarely static, so TMA-2 is suitable for use whether at home, in the office or on the go. The range of parts lets users find the configuration that’s right for them, and alter that configuration easily when they feel like it.
When the system was launched, Frederik Jørgensen, Co-Founder, AIAIAI said:
“The modular system creates the ultimate flexibility for our business and our customers, as well as a more creative way of interacting with our products. This adaptable, versatile approach to our headphones offers radical new opportunities for future product development, enabling us to expand the system to create better options for our users.”
This is especially important for us as a small company. It means we can make our development more specific, more incremental, and financially easier at the same time. Reacting to input and feedback from our customers at a completely different level and pace than with conventional headphone design. We have a fantastic network of professional partners and a very engaging user group, so our ability to interact and respond to them is invaluable to our development.
The modularity also means that users can buy into the system without having to d isplace and replace complete fully functional products. Obsolescence is wasteful: If our customers decide they want to try a different configuration, or if we release a new part, it’s easy to upgrade to the desired configuration without having to spend money on a whole new headphone. The result is less investment from the consumer, and much less waste for the environment.
The H05 headband is a great example of this in action. The modular system has made it possible for us to listen to our customers and go on to further develop the TMA-2 to reflect their input with a simple upgrade.
The Kickstarter Campaign
Backers can receive up to 50% off either the headband alone or a complete wireless TMA-2 configuration when they support the project.
Pricing
Expected price for the H05 smart headband is $125 / 125€
Specs
The headband has the following controls: Play, Pause, Skip, Volume, and Answer Call.
Any cable from the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System can be inserted into the speaker unit for cabled audio, bypassing the Bluetooth in the H05 headband when required.
The integrated CSR 8675 Bluetooth chip is ready for software implementation, facilitating further future upgrades.
- Bluetooth 4.2, AptX-HD codec, Op-Amp
- USB-C port
- 16h playback time
- 2h charging time
- Omnidirectional microphone, standard power: 2.0V, Frequency range 300~5KHz
- Durable EMS TR90 nylon material
- USB-C to USB charging/connecting cable
KICKSTARTER LINK
TMA-2 — wired or wireless
Obviously, the first thing that came into my mind was the usefulness of wireless headphones for DJing. “Of little use at all” was my initial response. But the important thing to note here is how you can bypass the whole wireless aspect of these and make them wired by simply plugging the cable into the earpiece. So you can use these for DJing or when you don’t wish to be tethered to hardware at all. Smart.
We never got our hands on the TMA-2, perhaps because my original TMA-1 review didn’t gush effusively enough. So my chances of testing out the TMA-2 wirelessly are pretty slim. I do however rate the concept very highly indeed. Wired or wireless is a smart move in today’s technological climate, as is the ability to swap, change, and repair your not inconsiderable investment modularly. And that wireless headband does look very comfortable, which was one of the issues I had with the original.
If you’re a TMA-2 owner and want a cheap H05, get yourself to the already way oversubscribed Kickstarter campaign and pick up one of the remaining rewards.
GALLERY