danish audio company AIAIAI introduce the ‘H05’, a smart headband for their ‘TMA-2’ modular headphone system. it is the first major upgrade to the ‘TMA-2’ modular–a bluetooth headband that can add wireless functionality to any configuration.

 

the ‘H05’ headband is an essential addition to the existing parts within the ‘TMA-2’ modular headphone. the smart headband works when plugged into any ‘TMA-2’ speaker unit, enabling high quality bluetooth audio transmission. by integrating bluetooth into the headband only, AIAIAI enables any type of the ‘TMA-2’ to be wireless, and thereby retains full modularity in the system. this gives users the freedom to choose, while enabling existing owners to simply upgrade the headband and keep their sound preferences, without having to spend on a completely new wireless headphone.

AIAIAI TMA-2 modular wireless headphone system designboom
H05 headband completes modular design

 

 

‘TMA-2’ is the world’s most extensive modular headphone system–with over 1000 possible configurations. this modularity means users can create their own unique, personalized AIAIAI product to suit their personal preferences, 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 can fit individual lifestyles and music tastes. the range of parts lets users find the configuration that’s right for them, and can alter it easily whenever they feel like it. life is rarely static, so ‘TMA-2’ is suitable for use whether at home, in the office or on the go. 

AIAIAI TMA-2 modular wireless headphone system designboom
playback time: 16 hours

 

 

the modularity also means that users can buy into the system without having to replace fully functional products. AIAIAI believes that obsolescence is wasteful: if its customers decide they want to try a different configuration, or if the company releases 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 an example of this in action–the modular system has made it possible for the danish headphone company to listen to its customers and go on to further develop the ‘TMA-2’ with a simple, sophisticated upgrade.

AIAIAI TMA-2 modular wireless headphone system designboom
custom ‘modeselektor’ model

 

 

the headband features 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. 

AIAIAI TMA-2 modular wireless headphone system designboom
features omnidirectional microphone

 

 

the danish audio company continues to work closely with danish design studio, kilo. founded and headed by lars larsen, the idea-driven industrial design studio is positioned among scandinavia’s most influential design companies. at the cross-section between technology and culture, it designs with a holistic approach and often explores the potential in crossbreeding content and solutions from different disciplines, resulting in new, functional and aesthetic hybrids with a self-evident character. kilo has been AIAIAI’s design partner since 2006, when both companies were founded in neighboring offices. the companies might not share workplaces any more, but it still build upon a set of shared values, aesthetics and design thinking.

larslarsen
kilo’s lars larsen wearing AIAIAI tracks

 

 

the AIAIAI ‘TMA-2’ modular wireless headphone system is currently reaching out for funding via its campaign on kickstarter, which can be viewed here.

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