The drum kit is the loudest instrument in a rehearsal room or on stage, and the drummer sits closest to it. IEMs solve two things at once: they isolate you from that volume and let you hear the click, the backing tracks or the rest of the band without turning everything up.
Quick answer
- First comes isolation: the right ear tip size, or foam ear tips if you want more.
- Cable over the ear and the version without microphone.
- To hear the kick and the bass with body, a model with a dynamic driver; for more definition, one with balanced armatures.
What IEMs need for playing drums
- Isolation. The better they seal, the less volume you need to hear the click over the kit.
- Secure fit. With the cable behind the ear, the earpiece does not move while you play.
- Bass. The kick and the bass are your reference. A dynamic driver gives more weight in that region.
- Replaceable cable. Between sticks and hardware, the cable takes a beating. On a KZ you replace it without throwing away the earphones.
- No microphone. An in-line remote is no use behind a drum kit.
Recommended models
| Model | Drivers per side | Who for |
|---|---|---|
| KZ EDX Pro | 1 × 10 mm dynamic | For starting out and rehearsing |
| KZ Castor Pro | 2 × 10 mm dynamic, with switches | Those who want more kick and bass, and to be able to adjust it |
| KZ AS16 Pro | 8 balanced armatures | Those who put mix definition first |
| KZ ZAR | 1 dynamic + 7 balanced armatures | The most complete |
Everyday earphones, Dynamic drivers, KZ, Musicians & stage
44,95 €34,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, Dynamic drivers, KZ, Musicians & stage
61,95 €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
The Castor Pro is sold in two versions: the silver one follows the Harman curve and the black one starts with enhanced bass. On both, two of the four switches raise the bass. For the AS16 Pro, KZ states passive isolation of more than 26 dB.
How to connect them
- Electronic drums: into the headphone output of the module. If it is 6.3 mm, with a jack adapter.
- Acoustic drums with a band: into the monitor mix, wired or with a bodypack. We explain it in in-ear monitors for live use.
- To practice with a metronome or backing tracks: straight into your phone or tablet. If it has no headphone output, see how to connect IEMs to a phone without a headphone jack.
If the cable doesn't reach the module or the desk, a 3.5 mm extension cable adds 1, 2 or 3 metres.
Silicone or foam
KZ earphones come with silicone ear tips in several sizes. If you still hear too much of the drums with the right size, try foam ear tips: they compress, expand inside the ear and seal better. How to fit them and how to tell if they seal: how to wear in-ear earphones properly.
Look after your hearing
IEMs attenuate noise passively, but they are not certified hearing protection. Their advantage is that, by isolating, they let you listen to the click and the tracks at a lower volume. Start low and turn up only as much as you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do they isolate enough for an acoustic kit?
They attenuate a good deal if the ear tip seals well, and more with foam ear tips. Custom-molded IEMs isolate more.
Do they fall out while playing?
They should not. The cable runs over the ear and the shell rests in the hollow of the ear. If they move, it is almost always the ear tip size.
With or without microphone?
Without. It adds nothing for playing and the remote adds weight to the cable.
Do they work with electronic drums?
Yes. They plug into the headphone output of the module.
Do they need an amplifier?
No. The models on this list work from the headphone output of a module, a mixer or a phone.
Keep reading
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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