TaoTronics TT-BH036

The TT-BH036 is just one example of how TaoTronics are mixing up the Bluetooth headphone market. With these headphones, the Chinese manufacturer once again delivers active noise control as well as effective Bluetooth, volume control and an integrated microphone.

Package Contents

TaoTronics ship the over-ear TT-BH036 for relatively little cost, with generous accessories to go along with main product itself. In addition to the headphones, you’ll find an audio cable with 3.5 mm jacks, a USB charging cable and an aeroplane adapter. What I like best is the zip-fasten case, meaning all of these little extras can be safely stored along with the headphones.

From a design standpoint, the manufacture doesn’t aim for too left-field an approach. There’s an attractive aesthetic where all of the individual components of the headphones merge seamlessly. The design style is typical of TaoTronics and has consistently proved a crowd-pleaser.

Technology and Functions

The manufacturer is largely silent when it comes to outlining the specifications of the TT-BH036. However, it is established that the aptX codec is used for the decoding of audio received via Bluetooth. Compared to the SBC codec, it offers a much better sound that comes close to matching to CD playback quality.

The wireless headphones should be able to operate for 22 hours after a full charge. I also measured the headphones and found them to weigh only 238 grams. That makes them a very lightweight option.

In addition to wireless transmission, the active noise control of these headphones is its core feature. Last but not least, the TT-BH036 can also be used to accept and make telephone calls. In addition to the corresponding key functions, the TT-BH036 has an integrated microphone for this purpose. These TaoTronics headphones rely on cVc-6.0 technology, developed by market leader Qualcomm. Among other things, this technology can be used to adjust microphone gain and optimise vocal sound with automatic equalising, preventing unwanted feedback.

Processing and Handling

An ultra-soft leather has been used for the construction of the ear pads. Otherwise, most parts of these headphones are made from plastic. At least in regard to the headband, most components are screwed together in a service-friendly manner.

The TT-BH036 lacks a folding mechanism, but its ear cups can be turned inward so they can be stowed relatively flat. A headband adjustment ensures the correct size adjustment, while optimal adjustment to head shape is achieved thanks to the ear cups being flexible in both horizontal and vertical directions. Both cushions are very soft and comfortable. Contact pressure, however, is relatively weak. On smaller heads, this might cause a poor fit.

The control knobs and sockets are all clearly organised on the left earpiece. The microphone and USB charging socket can also be found here. That doesn’t mean operation is a breeze right off the bat, although you’ll become familiar with things soon enough. It’s worth taking some time to memorise where everything is, however, particularly when it comes to telephone functionality.

Sound Characteristics and Applications

First, I’ll focus on noise cancellation. Even when sat right next to a PC, these TaoTronics headphones manage to phase out the whirring of a computer. Because the TT-BH036 is a closed design and covers the ears, outside noise is always at least partially kept out. However, you shouldn’t expect too much more from these headphones beyond that.

In Bluetooth mode, these headphones are well-balanced in terms of sound quality. There’s sufficient bass, a mid-range presence and unobtrusive treble. But what bothered me specifically was that when noise reduction and wireless connections are both turned on, there are clear distortions. They become noticeable at medium volume, with an almost constant buzzing sound. Worse still, these headphones don’t deliver consistent sound output. In cable mode, the bass, mid-range and treble sound incredibly overemphasised. The comparatively silky sound of Bluetooth operation is then no longer audible. Instead, the signal is both too heavy with bass and mid-range, while also presenting sharp trebles.