KZ ZAX: 16-driver hybrid in-ear monitors with a metal shell for the rehearsal room and the stage
The KZ ZAX are hybrid in-ear earphones with eight drivers per side, 16 in total: one dynamic driver and seven balanced armatures, split into four bands (bass, mids, treble and upper treble). They have a zinc alloy shell and a detachable silver-plated cable. They come in black or silver, with or without microphone.
They are designed for musicians who want to hear themselves clearly in rehearsal and on stage. With eight drivers per side split across four bands and a zinc alloy shell, they are a sturdy mid-range option for rehearsing and playing.
They are worn with the cable over the ear so they stay put while you play, and the 2-pin cable is detachable: if it breaks, you replace the cable, not the earphones. By sealing the ear canal with the ear tips they reduce the noise of the rehearsal room, so you don't have to turn the volume up as much to hear your part. They plug into an IEM bodypack, the headphone output of the mixing desk or your phone through a 3.5 mm jack.
- 8drivers per earpiece: 1 dynamic and 7 armatures
- 24 Ωimpedance
- 113 dBsensitivity
- Zinczinc alloy shell
Sound
10 mm dynamic driver with PEK diaphragm
The bass is handled by a composite dual-magnetic-circuit dynamic driver with a 10 mm PEK diaphragm, which according to KZ delivers deep, natural bass.
The response goes from 10 Hz to 40 kHz, with 24 Ω impedance and 113 dB sensitivity.
Sound
Seven balanced armatures per side
- Two 30019 armatures for vocal detail.
- A 50024 armature group for mids and treble, with a wide soundstage.
- One 30095 armature for the upper treble.
Electronic and physical tuning splits each band.
Design
Zinc alloy shell
The shell is cast zinc alloy with a pearl chrome finish that prevents the metal from oxidising. It is worn with the cable over the ear and shaped for a comfortable fit.
Connection
Silver-plated cable and microphone
The high-purity silver-plated copper cable has 4 strands of 25 cores, is 125 cm long (±5 cm) and connects with a 0.75 mm 2-pin connector, so it can be replaced or swapped for a KZ Bluetooth adapter.
Wireless mode with a Bluetooth adapter is for listening to music; to monitor yourself while you play, use the cable, which has no latency.
The microphone version uses a dual condenser microphone for calls.
KZ ZAX technical specifications
| Drivers | 1 × 10 mm dynamic + 7 balanced armatures per earpiece |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 24 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB |
| Earphone connector | 0.75 mm 2-pin |
| Plug | 3.5 mm jack |
| Cable | Silver-plated copper, detachable |
| Cable length | 125 ± 5 cm |
| Shell | Zinc alloy with chrome finish |
| Microphone | Optional |
| Colors | Black and silver |
What's in the box
- 1 pair of KZ ZAX earphones
- 1 detachable silver-plated cable
- Silicone ear tips
KZ ZAX frequently asked questions
Can they be used as in-ear monitors for playing live or in the rehearsal room?
Yes. Worn with the cable over the ear and with the right ear tip size, they reduce the noise of the rehearsal room. The usual setup is to plug them into an IEM bodypack that receives a send from the mixing desk, so each musician gets their own mix; you can also plug them into the headphone output of the desk.
And for listening to music or gaming?
Yes. Although we recommend them mainly for playing, they work just as well for listening to music on your phone or computer and for gaming. Wired, there is no latency.
How many drivers does each earpiece have?
Eight: one 10 mm dynamic driver and seven balanced armatures. 16 in total.
How does it differ from the KZ ZAS?
Both are hybrids with 1 dynamic driver and 7 armatures per side. The ZAX has a zinc alloy metal shell; the ZAS, a resin shell with a metal frame.
Do they have noise cancellation?
They do not have active noise cancellation. By sealing the ear canal with the ear tips they block outside noise passively.
Do they work with phones that have no headphone jack?
Yes, with a USB-C or Lightning to 3.5 mm jack adapter, or with a KZ Bluetooth adapter with a 0.75 mm 2-pin connector.
What warranty do they come with?
3-year warranty against manufacturing defects, handled from Spain.
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