IEMs began as a tool for musicians: they let you hear yourself on stage without relying on floor monitors and protect your hearing by isolating you from outside volume. KZ have become popular with bands, drummers and engineers for a simple reason: they do that job for a fraction of the cost of a professional monitor.
Quick answer
- To start: KZ EDX Pro either KZ Krila.
- Reference for accuracy: KZ AS16 Pro and KZ AS16 Pro X, with 16 balanced armatures.
- High end: KZ ZAR.
What a musician needs from IEMs
- Isolation. The better they seal, the less volume you need to hear yourself.
- Staying put. KZ are worn with the cable over the ear.
- Clear mids. That is where vocals and most instruments sit.
- Replaceable cable. Cables take a beating live; on a KZ you swap it without binning the earphone.
Recommended models
| Model | Drivers | Who for |
|---|---|---|
| KZ EDX Pro | 1 × 10 mm dynamic | Rehearsals and first IEMs |
| KZ Krila | 1DD + 1BA, with switches | Anyone who wants to adjust bass and treble |
| KZ Castor Pro | 2 dynamic drivers, with switches | Bassists and drummers who want low end |
| KZ AS16 Pro | 8 BAs per side | Vocals, keys and mixing |
| KZ AS16 Pro X | 8 BAs per side | The latest revision of the AS16 |
| KZ PRX | Planar | Maximum detail; needs more volume |
| KZ ZAR | 1DD + 7BA | The most complete |
Everyday earphones, Hybrids, KZ, Musicians & stage
43,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, KZ, Multi-BA, Musicians & stage
87,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Gaming & movie earphones, Hybrids, KZ, Musicians & stage
112,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
KZ states passive isolation of more than 26 dB for the AS16 Pro.
Dynamic or balanced armature for playing
Balanced armature models, like the AS16, give a very defined sound in the mids and treble, useful for vocals and mixing. Those with a dynamic driver have more punch in the bass, which bassists and drummers tend to prefer.
How to connect them
They connect to the headphone output of your wireless bodypack, mixer or headphone amp via the 3.5 mm plug. For most 6.3 mm outputs a simple jack adapter is enough. On stage, the version without a mic is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
Do they replace custom monitors?
They do not isolate as much as monitors molded to your ear, but they are a very affordable way to start.
Do they need a lot of power?
No, except the planar PRX, which has low sensitivity.
How do I get more isolation?
With the right ear tip size or with foam tips.
Keep reading
- How to wear in-ear earphones properly and choose the right ear tip
- Dynamic, balanced armature, planar and hybrid drivers: what each one means
- KZ AS16 Pro vs AS16 Pro X: differences and which to choose
- Which KZ earphones to buy: the complete guide by use and budget
- In-ear monitors for live use: what you need to get started
- IEMs for drummers: how to choose them and which KZ to use
Every KZ Componentes order comes with a 3-year warranty, 30-day returns and support from our team in Spain. Torn between models? Write to us and we will help you choose.
Your next step
Still not sure which to choose?
Five questions about what you need them for, your budget and how you will plug them in. We tell you which model fits and why.
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