KZ Vader: in-ear monitors with 6 dynamic drivers for rehearsing and playing
The KZ VADER are in-ear earphones with three 8 mm dynamic drivers per side, an electronic crossover and four tuning switches. They have a detachable flat silver-plated cable and come in two tunings, Balanced and Hi-Res, with or without microphone.
Although many people use them to listen to music, they also suit musicians who want to hear themselves clearly in rehearsal. Their three dynamic drivers per side and four tuning switches let you adjust the sound to what you play.
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.
- 38 mm dynamic drivers per earpiece
- 2tunings: Balanced and Hi-Res
- 4switches per earpiece
- 2-pinflat silver-plated cable, 120 cm
Sound
Sound: three 8 mm drivers per side
Each earpiece has three 8 mm super-linear dynamic drivers developed by KZ, each tuned for part of the spectrum and split by an electronic crossover. The frequency response goes from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, with 15–20 Ω impedance and 101–103 dB sensitivity.
Versions
Two tunings: Balanced or Hi-Res
The Balanced has balanced bass, mids and treble, for pop, classical music or vocals.
The Hi-Res is tuned to bring out more detail: decays, dynamic range and complex symphonic works.
Versions
Four switches on both versions
- Switch 1: raises the bass by 1 dB.
- Switches 1 and 2: raise the bass by 2 dB.
- Switch 3: raises the mids and treble by 1 dB.
- Switches 3 and 4: raise the mids and treble by 2 dB.
With all switches off it plays its base curve.
Connection
Flat, detachable silver-plated cable
The silver-plated cable is flat, 120 cm long 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 shell has an ergonomic shape and is worn with the cable over the ear.
KZ VADER technical specifications
| Drivers | 3 × 8 mm dynamic per earpiece |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 15–20 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101–103 dB |
| Earphone connector | 0.75 mm 2-pin |
| Plug | 3.5 mm jack |
| Cable | Flat silver-plated, detachable |
| Cable length | 120 cm |
| Switches | 4 per earpiece |
| Microphone | Optional |
| Versions | Balanced and Hi-Res |
What's in the box
- 1 pair of KZ VADER earphones
- 1 detachable silver-plated cable
- Silicone ear tips
KZ VADER 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.
What is the difference between the Balanced and the Hi-Res version?
The Balanced version has an even, versatile sound. The Hi-Res version is tuned to bring out more detail. Both have the same switches.
How does it differ from the KZ VADER PRO?
Both have three dynamic drivers per side. The VADER PRO dedicates one driver to each band, with a long-excursion bass driver and a treble driver that reaches about 45 kHz.
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.
Español
English
