AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4

Intro

AiAiAi’s TMA-2 MFG4 on-ear USB-C headphones are significant since they are the first of their kind. The USB-C audio accessory industry has been awful, but the TMA-2MFG4 brings a unique feature that is second to none. It is the first known headset with an on-ear USB-C. It has a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that allows you to use it with any USB-C device.

Who needs this headset?

• Those who like the option of listening to music without using a proprietary adapter.
• Owners of newer computers can use their headphones without needing additional software.

Using the AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4

The TMA-2 MFG4 is disassemblable, allowing you to switch out individual parts. To put it simply, the TMA-2 MFG4 from AiAiAi is the first pair of on-ear USB-C headphones to be made for Google. A standard headband, S01 speaker units, E01 earpads, and the C60 USB-C to 3.5mm cable are all included in the AiAiAi TMA-2 series. This headset has a modular design so that you can switch out pieces. Because of their modular design, the TMA-2 headphones are also among the most environmentally friendly.

Repair or replace any component without sacrificing the AiAiAi TMA-2 if you’re dissatisfied with it or just hard on your peripherals. Most headphones are destroyed when the band or cord breaks. Not with these headphones. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic deal. However,  the housings are constructed from cheap polymers, making them susceptible to minor bumps and bruises.

A standard USB-C connector is required to connect this headset to the DAC. This, of course, isn’t always the case on gadgets, so you could be in for a rude awakening if you’re using headphones that don’t work with your smartphone. On the other hand, modern smartphones benefit significantly from the digital audio processing of these headphones. Since only very few headphones support USB-C audio, consider the TMA-2 MFG4 worth every penny.

This headphone must be given some credit for its modest quality. The textile padding can be removed from the ear cups for cleaning purposes. Aside from that, the band delivers a steady but not overbearing clamping force to hold it on your head. After an hour and a half, you may start feeling uneasy, but you will be pleasantly surprised by how comfy they can be once they break. However, compared to other headsets, like the Jabra Elite 45h, the TMA-2 is a little hefty.

TMA-2 MFG4 Design

On top of the TMA-2 headband are three buttons – playback, call management, voice help, and track navigation are controlled by repeatedly pressing the center button. The headphones are powered on and in pairing mode through the center button. The buttons are straightforward, and the control layout is typical, aside from the odd power-up/down function.

The microphone provides excellent clarity. We heard and understood every word recorded using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone 6s with absolutely no sign of audio distortions and even some enhanced bass depth. In terms of sound quality, the mic sounds better than the normal Bluetooth headset mic, despite its significantly farther distance.

Aiaiai states that the H05 headband has a battery life of around 16 hours when linked to the S04 drivers, although your results may vary depending on your volume settings. The headband’s status LED illuminates when it is charging. Although plugging in your headphones will turn them off and save your battery life, this shouldn’t be how you unpair or shut off the headphones. Furthermore, we don’t advocate using the headphones in passive mode since the audio quality was really bad and somewhat louder in one of the ears than the other during testing.

Consider our review of the Razer Nari Ultimate Headset

Connecting the headset with the cable

The 3.5mm connector is my major problem with any AiAiAi TMA-2 model. Despite its positives, I wouldn’t say I like the proprietary method of twisting and locking the connections into place so that you can’t use generic components should anything go wrong with them. Having a detachable cable that can’t be connected to your headphones because little plastic pieces can break.

At first, the connections may be a bit shaky, but they’ll become better with practice. Re-twisting the connectors may be necessary if just one channel is functional. Once you’ve installed them, you won’t have to remove them unless you replace a component.

Is the AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4 effective at reducing outside noise?

Popular because of their comfort, on-ear headphones have one major flaw: they aren’t very good at blocking external noise. It’s nice when everything works perfectly, but that’s not always the case with the AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4.

On-ear headphones sound better if you can get them to fit comfortably around your ears. The AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4 has a decent sound if you get it just right, with just a few minor flaws. Incredibly, for every pair of headphones, no notes are more than 10 decibels below the others. This gives you the ability to fine-tune your mixes and hear them as they were meant to be heard.

On the other hand, since on-ear headphones are notoriously tricky to fit, you’re likely to have difficulties with the TMA-2 MFG4. You can lose bass notes due to a bad fit if you receive an unsatisfactory seal.

As with other on-ear headphones, you’ll probably have some trouble getting a great fit. If you’re having trouble hearing the bass in your music, it’s probably because your speakers aren’t blocking out external noise in the lower frequency bands. Any noise (masker) in those frequencies that is almost as loud as the music you’re listening to will be masked if it is there. AiAiAi is not to blame if you don’t enjoy the headphones’ sound. The AiAiAi shop may have larger pads for you in case you need to shop for another

The lows, Mids, and Highs

If they like a more pronounced bass sound, bass enthusiasts may wish to experiment with one of AiAiAi’s other headphone modules on the TMA-2. The benefit of a muted reaction, on the other hand, is its simplicity. If you’re a lover of classic rock, as I am, you’ll appreciate being able to pick up on details you may have missed in the original mixes. Barry White’s Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up has audible bass and lowest piano octaves.

The mids get a little more attention than the other notes, but that’s not always a negative thing. For starters, it enhances some of the most crucial aspects of a character’s voice. For vocal-heavy mixes, like Suzanne Vega’s Tom’s Diner, the TMA-2’s reaction is ideal.

High frequencies are crucial for the clarity of a guitar, violin, or snare drum. For what it was meant to be, Lump by The Presidents Of The United States Of America has clarity. AiAiAi, congratulations!

Is it worth buying a pair of AiAiAi TMA-2 MFG4?

This is the best pair of headphones presently on the market for those who prefer USB-C audio over Bluetooth. Although it costs between $150 and $250, the AiAiAi TMA-2 series isn’t impressive. However, it works pretty well on Android and Windows without an app. As far as USB-C devices go, that’s more than enough for this headset.

These headphones are a good pick if you’re looking for an excellent middle ground between crisp consumer and bass-heavy studio. Because of the very flat response, EQing is a cinch, so feel free to experiment with the equalization in your music player or on your computer.

Does this pair of headphones outperform others in this price range? Honestly, I don’t think so. It’s an excellent alternative for those on a tight budget, but there are better ones for less than $100. TMA-2 does not excuse the demise of headphone jacks, but USB-C may have a great audio device in store for us in the future.