KZ ZA12: dual-dynamic hybrid in-ear monitors for bass players and drummers
The KZ ZA12 are wired hybrid in-ear monitors: each earpiece combines two dynamic drivers with four balanced armatures in a metal and resin shell. They come in a standard version and a tuning-switch version, both with or without a microphone.
They are designed for musicians who want to hear themselves clearly in rehearsal and on stage. Their two dynamic drivers per side give body to the bass guitar and kick drum, and the four armatures keep vocals and cymbals clear: a good option if you play bass or drums.
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.
- 6drivers per earpiece: 2 dynamic and 4 armatures
- 45 Ωimpedance
- 103 dBsensitivity
- 2versions: standard and with switches
Sound
Sound: 2 dynamic drivers and 4 balanced armatures
Each earpiece houses two dynamic drivers, one 10 mm and one 8 mm, plus four balanced armatures: two 30019 units for the mids and treble and a dual 31736 unit for the upper treble. KZ highlights deep, clear bass and detailed treble.
With an impedance of 45 Ω and a sensitivity of 103 dB, they run straight from a phone, laptop or music player, with no amplifier needed.
Versions
Standard version and tuning-switch version
The standard version has a fixed tuning.
The tuning-switch version (“Tuning”) adds four switches on each earpiece: two adjust the bass (+1 and +2 dB) and two the mids and treble (+1 and +2 dB).
Design
Design and fit
The shell combines metal and resin.
Three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M and L) are included to get the right seal for each ear.
Connection
Detachable silver-plated cable and microphone version
The cable is silver-plated and measures 120 cm (±5 cm).
It attaches to each earpiece with a standard 0.75 mm 2-pin connector, so it can be replaced if damaged or swapped for another cable. The same connector lets you go wireless with a KZ Bluetooth adapter that is compatible.
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 adds an in-line remote to play or pause, skip tracks and take calls.
KZ ZA12 technical specifications
| Drivers | 2 dynamic (10 mm and 8 mm) + 4 balanced armatures per side |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 45 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Earphone connector | 0.75 mm 2-pin |
| Plug | 3.5 mm jack |
| Cable | Silver-plated, detachable |
| Cable length | 120 ± 5 cm |
| Shell | Metal and resin |
| Switches | 4 per earpiece (Tuning version) |
| Microphone | Optional |
| Versions | Standard and with tuning switches |
What's in the box
- 1 pair of KZ ZA12 earphones
- 1 detachable silver-plated 2-pin cable
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M and L)
- 1 tuning pin (tuning-switch version only)
- 1 user manual
KZ ZA12 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.
Do the KZ ZA12 have noise cancellation?
They have no active noise cancellation. They are in-ear earphones with silicone ear tips, which passively block outside noise by sealing the ear canal.
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 0.75 mm 2-pin Bluetooth adapter.
Can the cable be replaced?
Yes. The cable is detachable and uses a standard 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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