⚠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.
I've spent almost an hour trying to figure out whether the Single was true stereo or two merged mono signals and came here to ask. Found this disclaimer and... well... you saved me €240 for now, but I might still take the leap for the TMA-2 Wireless+. I rarely travel and I'll use my Focal Clear Mg when I'm mixing. So, the TMA-2 would be used for sound design and to freely move around in my studio. Appreciate this video. Thanks for taking the time to record and publish it.
Does it mean if I get the 2-transmitter variant but only use one transmitter, it is still stereo? or have to use two 2-transmitters at the same time? Thanks for the video! I cannot wait to buy the Rode if the stereo functionality is true!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.)
Ha! What a great hack! I have also wondered whether you could use the headband as just a receiver, adapting its TRS ends into an audio interface, connected to speakers.
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
Yes, good callout. A lot of the modern interfaces, like my Audient EVO4, have software to bypass DAW latency, though, which I've found really useful for vocal recording.
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!
Hey thank you for your video. I have a question. What about wireless in ear Monitor Systems ? arent they also an Option or what Are the diffrences? There Are some pretty cheap ones out there
Good question. I haven't tried dedicated wireless IEMs, but you can plug a set of headphones into the receiver to monitor the signal with the Rode Wireless Go II - basically creating wireless IEMs from a wired set.
[edited] Also the list price for the RODE Wireless Go 2 is $299. (Black Friday sale for $232 through Dec 2022). Then you still need to buy some headphones. That doesn't seem much cheaper to me. (The AIAIAI was $280 over Black Friday last week, but that deal probably expired.)
I've used them a bit, Richard. I did buy them once, but returned them soon after because of the latency. I've used them handful of time at shows and at friends' but you-re right-I haven't had extended time with them. Personally, I didn't need it. You're right about the pricing, but in my video, I'm referring to the single-transmitter variant of the Røde Wireless GO ii, which is $179 USD MSRP. However, please see my latest pinned comment, in which I explain how it's really a moot point, because you can only get stereo sound with the dual-transmitter version, which kind of defeats the point unless you want to spend $300 USD for wireless low-latency audio to a set of speakers (like I often do). But it completely changes the value proposition, which I understand. Thanks for pointing it out.
@@synth-studio Fair enough about the AIAIAI since you tried them. Yeah. You would definitely want stereo thus 2 channels for many studio applications. I have an older single channel Rode Wireless Go (model 1), and I tried it monitoring a synth keyboard. It was a bit fussy to get the gain staging right. I had to set the Rode to Hi "dB" and turn the headphone out of the synth down to avoid clipping and distortion, but once I worked that out it was quite ok. Latency was very low. But one potential problem, (with the Rode WG1 a least) the receiver has no separate output level control (there is only the "dB" setting which adjusts output) and "dB" is tied to proper gain staging. So there's no ability to adjust the headphone volume unless your headphones have an adjustable amp. I was using Grado SR80s which are pretty efficient and volume was good. But it might not be loud enough or too loud for some other headphones or a noisier environment.
@@PatternMusic That's a good point - I wish I had touched more on the gain staging in the video, but for all of my applications, controlling on the box works. For less convenient setups, it could become an issue.
Hi, Thanks for the video and the tip. Thinking about buying Rode GO II dual but have two important questions. Maybe you could answer. 1. As I know a Rode transmitter has no dedicated line input only a mic one. As I know the mic input is for way low signal than a line one. So it might be overdriven by headphone output. Couldn’t be a problem? As I know another wireless mic solution Saramonic has a line input in a transmitter so it could matter. 2. What impedance headphones could Rode receiver drive? It aimed for a mic input so its output level should be rather low. Could it drive 120 or 250 Ohm headphones with acceptable volume? Has anybody tried?
Hi Evgeny, 1. It has never been an issue for me after testing across several grooveboxes 2. This should be in the spec sheet on their website. I don’t have any super fancy headphones, myself. But let us know what you find out!
But... uh... should you be reviewing a product you don't have or use? I have a problem with that concept. If you want to theorycraft a reason not to purchase a new product, fair enough, by all means... but, should you platform your theory crafting as a sort of review? I really don't agree with that. I feel like it's a sort of hubris to assume that you can truly know what it is to use and apply that product to your workflow, and then state opinions about it (either way) without actually having done it.
Thanks for your feedback. I'm getting a lot of messages like this because I wasn't clear in the video that I did actually purchase and use the product, just not for long, because immediately after using it I knew the latency would be too much for me to use for making music. (In my case, finger-drumming specifically was a problem... melodies and things like that weren't too bad.) Either way, I stand by my video, that for me, it was too much of an issue to justify the high cost of this product. I look forward to see what then next version has in-store.
So. You review product based on initial impression of selling points? Interesting. I ordered pair of AIAIAI just because they have 3 connection types in one for any and all needs. Had enough of 1 trick ponies that fail in other aspects in desperate attempt to save up some cash. This is something that most of reviews oversight, versatility. Might be an adiophile thing to have mindset of "there is only one truth"
Why!? make a video on why to not buy a pair if you haven´t even tried them? And why dont you even mention anything thats good with AIAIAI. You just mention the "pros" and not the "cons" on other brands than the AIAIAI. Im not pro or against the product but there is a reason that a lot of pro producers and DJs use them, i think you´re kinda biased. And the fact that you actually recommend gaming headsets instead of this AIAIAI its beyond me. We are talking about STUDIO HEADSETS aren´t we? like professional quality studio, not listening to mp3 on your phone... Have fun with your cheap Razor headset as a producer buddy. Sorry man, you have no grounds to downwote the AIAIAI brand. Weird review.
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!
Appreciate that, Kryp! Last thing I want to do is negatively review anything, but my hope is that my feedback helps product companies make better products for us producers : )
curious fact, latency also affect gamers, in rhythm games, even before you know there is latency it makes your scores go way down! im looking at you logitech G733
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?
I don’t know what you’re talking about but this video is the best I’ve seen on wireless, latency free setup. Been sending to all my friends so they don’t buy overpriced shit like the Wave Eight speaker that just got released.
HAHHAHAHAHHAHAH I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU SOOOOOO 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 !!
The transmitter of the Aiaiai isn‘t that big but what annoys me that it doesn‘t accept digital signals (one DA-AD conversion too much in a lot of setups) otherwise neat solution for 240£
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.
I have a question: I have an ammoon Am 5G Wireless Guitar system, which has 5.6ms Latency. When I would use the RODE wireless GO 2 for my headphones simultaniously, will i then have 9.6ms latency? And is that not hearable by the human ear?
Isn't it also about the neutrality of real studio headphones that set them apart from the alternatives you listed? While making a mix or master, I feel like you need the clean nuances of what you are doing and not what other headphones "mix in" on their own.
That's correct, IF you're using them for mixing & mastering. But as far as I understand, mix & master engineers wouldn't touch the AIAIAI TMA-2's at all because they're nowhere near the quality they'd be looking for in a headphone. The TMA-2's aren't designed for mixing or mastering, but for producing. In my opinion and experience, producing is an entirely different ballgame when it comes to selecting headphones (or speakers).
Hi thanks for the video. I bought the Wireless Go 2 and connected to my headphones from a line out of my guitar pedal board and the sound comes out way too distorted or too soft when I turn the volume down at the source to clean up the sound. Are you having the same experience?
You need a preamp between your pedal board and your headphones/speakers....a guitar amp will have one built in....thats why its a super low signal. You can buy a preamp or an audio interface like a focusright scarlet
It really just depends on the person. For me, the TMA-2’s latency is really noticeable. And I’ve heard that from some other reviewers as well. But there are also many who don’t seem to notice at all. If they’re in your price range, I’d say to double-check the return policy and give them a try.
I stopped taking you seriously when you started talking about headphones for watching TV because it tells me you don't understand sound colourisation, why TV listening listening would have it and why studio monitoring equipment doesn't.
I've tried wireless gaming and tv headsets and have had too much latency with both of them. Sennheiser does make some RF wireless studio headphones that I liked with no latency and had for a few years but they gave out. I tried a lower cost version and they had too much latency for recording. Tracks would always end up just enough milliseconds behind the click track to make it annoying to adjust.
