TASCAM TH-02 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Wired, Over Ear — for Recording, Podcast, DJ, Music and Guitar, with 1/4 Inch Jack Adapter
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AI Verdict
A 32-ohm, wired, closed-back headphone with 50mm dynamic drivers, best for budget-conscious users needing a basic monitoring tool.
These headphones are a situational fit because their 32-ohm impedance and closed-back design are suitable for basic monitoring, but comfort issues for many users, especially those with larger ears or glasses, limit their appeal for extended use. The sound profile, while acceptable for the price, isn't neutral enough for critical listening.
If comfort and sound accuracy for longer sessions are priorities, look for headphones with larger, deeper earcups and a flatter frequency response, even if it means a higher price point.
Regret Score™
Very High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- Frequency response is fairly flat for a budget headphone, suitable for basic monitoring.
- Features a foldable design for easier transport [Product Data].
- Includes a snap-on 1/8” (3.5 millimeter) to 1/4” (6.3 millimeter) adapter for broader compatibility [Product Data].
- The 3.0m (9.8') cable offers ample length for studio or desk use.
- Many users find the sound quality surprisingly capable for its low price point.
Cons
- Earcups are small and shallow, causing discomfort for larger ears or during long sessions.
- The non-detachable 3.0m cable means a broken cable renders the headphones unusable.
- Build quality is largely plastic and prone to creaking, feeling fragile.
- Sound can be perceived as lacking top-end brightness or low-end clarity, with some muddiness in the bass and lower mids.
- The 1/4" adapter is snap-on, not screw-on, leading to potential signal loss if it moves.
Dimension Scores
The sound is described as fairly flat and clear for the price, but with a noticeable dip in treble and an overemphasized bass that can muddy the mids.
Despite being closed-back, users report these headphones do not provide significant noise isolation against ambient sounds.
Many users find the small, shallow earcups and tight fit cause discomfort and soreness, especially for larger ears or those wearing glasses, limiting wear to about an hour.
These are wired headphones and do not have a battery.
Best For
- Home studio recording for tracking vocals or instruments.
- Budget-limited DJs needing a backup or practice set.
- Casual music listening where critical audio fidelity isn't the top priority.
- Beginners looking for an entry-level wired headphone for audio work.
Not Recommended For
- Extended listening sessions due to reported discomfort after about an hour.
- Audiophiles or professional mixing/mastering engineers requiring precise sound reproduction.
- Users needing significant noise isolation in loud environments.
Watch Out For
- The earcups are small and shallow; users with larger ears often report discomfort, with ears touching the drivers.
- Wearing glasses with these headphones frequently leads to discomfort and soreness due to the tight fit.
- The non-detachable 3.0m cable is a single point of failure; if it breaks, the headphones are unusable.
- The included 1/4" adapter is a snap-on type, not screw-on, which can result in intermittent signal loss if jostled.
- The plastic construction feels brittle and prone to snapping under physical stress, with the headband often creaking.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 043774030071 |
| ASIN | B00B1N06PO |
| Brand | Tascam |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Material | Plastic |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Model Name | TH02-B |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Manufacturer | Tascam |
| Cable Feature | Retractable |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | None |
| Series Number | 2 |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Earpiece Shape | Rounded, over-ear |
| Controller Type | Touch |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Audio Driver Size | 50 Millimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | TH02 |
| Compatible Devices | Devices with 3.5 mm or 6.3 audio input |
| Frequency Response | 18 Hz |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio |
| Product Dimensions | 7 x 3.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Included Components | Cable |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Carrying Case Material | Faux Leather |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Specific Uses For Product | Music |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Music, Recording, Travel, Exercising, Running, Cycling |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | No |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Infrared |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00043774030071, 04907034122493 |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the sound quality for such an inexpensive pair of headphones, often calling them a 'killer' value. However, the recurring theme across reviews is significant discomfort during extended wear, largely due to the small, shallow earcups and tight clamping force, especially for those with glasses. The build quality is frequently criticized as cheap plastic that creaks and feels fragile, with the non-detachable cable being a common point of failure. While the sound is generally acceptable for the price, it's not considered neutral enough for critical audio work, with some bass muddiness and treble issues.
“Honestly, for like twenty bucks, these sound way better than they should, but my ears are killing me after an hour and the plastic feels like it's gonna snap if I look at it wrong.”
Common Praise
- Sound quality is surprisingly clear and flat for the low price point.
- The 3.0m cable provides plenty of length for studio use.
- They fold up for easier transport, despite being bulky [Product Data, 5].
- The included 1/4" adapter adds compatibility with various audio equipment [Product Data].
- Good for basic monitoring or reference in a home studio setting.
Common Complaints
- Earcups are too small and shallow, causing ears to press against drivers and leading to pain.
- Uncomfortable for users wearing glasses due to tight clamping force.
- The non-detachable cable is a major durability concern; if it breaks, the headphones are useless.
- Build quality feels cheap, made of brittle plastic that creaks.
- The snap-on 1/4" adapter can easily disconnect, causing signal loss.
- Sound can be boomy in the bass and lack clarity in the highs, not truly neutral.
Ownership Tips
- The earcups don't fully enclose larger ears, making them feel more like on-ear headphones for some.
- The tight fit can be somewhat alleviated by stretching the headband over time, but it doesn't solve the shallow earcup issue.
- The plastic construction means they're not built for rough handling; careful storage is a must.
- The long, non-detachable cable can be a nuisance if you only need a short connection, and a tripping hazard.
- The sound profile can vary slightly depending on how well they seal to your head, impacting bass perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these headphones comfortable for long periods?
Many users report discomfort after about an hour, especially if you have larger ears or wear glasses, due to the small, shallow earcups and tight fit.
Is the cable detachable?
No, the 3.0m cable is permanently attached to the headphones, meaning it cannot be replaced if damaged.
How is the sound quality for music production?
For the price, the sound is considered fairly flat and clear enough for basic tracking or reference. However, some users note a lack of top-end brightness and a boomy bass that can bleed into the mids, making them less ideal for critical mixing.
Do these headphones block out external noise?
While they have a closed-back design, they don't offer significant noise isolation. Users report they won't block out ambient office chatter or loud outdoor environments effectively.
What kind of adapter is included?
It comes with a snap-on 1/8” (3.5 millimeter) to 1/4” (6.3 millimeter) adapter. Be aware that this adapter type can sometimes lead to signal issues if it moves.
Buying Guide
When looking at wired over-ear headphones, you need to think about how long you'll wear them and what you're listening for. Comfort is huge; small earcups or a tight fit will make long sessions miserable. Sound quality for 'studio monitor' headphones should ideally be neutral, meaning no frequencies are boosted or cut, so you hear the audio as it truly is. Also, check if the cable is detachable, as that's often the first thing to go.
Type: Over Ear
This means the earcups are designed to fully enclose your ears. For comfort and better sound isolation, you want earcups large enough to fit your entire ear without pressing against them, like a cozy blanket for your ears.
Driver: Dynamic Driver
This is the speaker inside the headphone that produces sound. A larger driver (like the 50mm here) can often move more air, potentially leading to a fuller sound, especially in the bass, similar to how a bigger speaker cone in a stereo can produce deeper bass.
Connectivity: Wired
Wired headphones connect directly to your audio source with a cable. This means zero latency (no delay between the sound source and your ears), which is critical for recording or DJing, and you never have to worry about charging a battery.
Weight: 10.6 ounces
The weight affects how comfortable the headphones feel on your head over time. Lighter headphones are generally less fatiguing during long listening sessions, like wearing a light hat versus a heavy helmet.
Alternatives
If these don't fit, search for wired over-ear headphones with larger earcup dimensions, a detachable cable, and a frequency response explicitly marketed as 'neutral' or 'flat' for critical listening.
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