KZ - AS10 (Original / V1)

KZ AS10. My guitarist swears his $$ sure iems are better but I’m not convinced. I sing so I get plenty of bleed in my vox mic to more than hear my kit. I run them through a Behringer P2.

I've been using Linsoul KZ AS10 for a couple years now, $60. For pubg, they make audio direction finding feel very precise and the game audio sounds nice otherwise. However, if I try to listen to music on them, I find them a bit lacking, especially for heavy metal. But I only really use them for pubg so that is fine. Also - I use them with a cheap headphone amplifier with bass/treble controls.

I started with the S10 Pro but ended up getting a pair of AS10 since they are more bass pronounced and I gig with them. The S10 sound better overall, I just was able to hear my bass better in the mix during gigs on the AS10. Maybe it’s out wireless packs? Oh well.

I started with the ZS10 Pro but ended up switching to the AS10 after a gig or two, they had a little more distinguished bass that helped in our old setup before we could each control our own mix. Another cheap option to check out.

These KZ’s are super standard for entry level in-ears. I know some pros who use them and actually prefer them to $$ custom molded ones, just because they don’t have to worry about babying them compared to the super high dollar stuff. I’ve used them a little and i think they’re great; it’s a great stepping stone until you can afford some real nice custom stuff from a company like 64 Audio. My daily drivers for in-ear gigs is the 64 audio A6t, and I love them - and man oh man do they sound good plugged straight in to synths too. Just be careful with that gain 😬

KZ AS10 5BA will offer slightly better isolation than ZS10s. I have some, they are excellent. Still not as good as using noise cancelling Sony XM4s though.

I know this thread is a couple of weeks old, but it's the thread that convinced me to order a pair of ND Planets, so maybe someone here can help. I have very little knowledge about the iem world because once I discovered KZ AS10s, I've just stuck with them. I've tried a couple of more expensive pairs, (I *think* Truthear Hexa was one I purchased but sent back), but they seemed inferior, so I have kept going back to the KZs. Even slightly more expensive versions of the KZs seemed a bit worse. However, I suspect I'm not getting a good seal, so I can't give them a fair chance. I'm going to order some new tips, but I'm not sure how to find the right size for them. Can anyone give me advice for that? I'm looking over the Top 10 IEM Eartips section of the sidebar, but I don't know how to know if they'll fit, although I'm sure it's obvious as hell. (I use Comply 500s for the KZs, are the Comply 600s the right size for the NDs, maybe?) Also, through this subreddit I recently discovered that I could use a FiiO KA11 audio adapter dongle to improve the sound, and maybe that would have made a difference when trying out the Hexa's? Sorry -- still learning, but grateful for all the information in this sub! (Also, one of the things I love about the KZs is that they're loud, so if anyone wants to recommend something better that's loud up to $100 I'd be happy to hear it! I use these for running and as in-ear monitors when I'm recording music at home.) edit: grammar #

Long as there isn't any click in the bleed and it's low level, yeah like everyone else is saying it won't affect the final mix. For the future though if you want to avoid it I'd just keep some iems on hand with an extension cable. KZ AS10s are cheap and surprisingly good, you could buy a bunch and just wash the earbuds before/after each session, no more track bleed

Love my HD 25's. They can get a bit clampy around the ears after a good 2 -3 hours wearning but have a great seal on the ears and amazing sound but relatively flat sounding. I have a good in ear monitors (Linsoul KZ AS10) but find they get sweaty and painful over time when mixing for 1 hour plus. What I find myself going to the most are my Audio Technica ATH-M50X closed back headphones (if I'm not using my HD 25) as they are the most comfortable of the two. The ATH M50X are close to flat, but the one up from them, the ATH M70X, has more bass and more excitement in the highs imo. Same comfort aswell. Most closed back headphones incase the whole ear (over-ear) aswell. The HD 25's are more of an on-ear then over-ear (probably why it's a bit more clampy) Something like a closed back might be something to consider. One more type you could look at are open-back headphones. I sometimes DJ with a pair of Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO'S when I just wanna have a chilled mix and not get too hot. You'll be able to hear your environment around you and you'll get some music bleeding through. But great if you want maximum comfort, airflow and to be able to hear what's around you. But probably not a transient and bassy and existing. hope this helps :)

Two unfortunate truths for you on this sub: 1. There aren't many musicians about. 2. The audiophiles and gamers that are here hate KZ. But I'm in a similar position to you. I haven't had customs or anything but I've got "better" IEMs according to these forums in the Chi-Fi market but rarely do I find any better for performing than KZ. I use the AS10 and ZS12 for different instruments. Both are cheap but give me clarity where I need it and the ZS12 are metal, so they travel around the most. Even the "crappy" cables they come with are far more comfortable to play in than any of the "better" cables from other brands. They seem more concerned with IEMs that work for the original purpose than pandering to the casual listening market. And they'd be far less worrisome to lose or break!

One: make sure you have a tight seal w your IEM. That is absolutely crucial to best low frequency response. Use different foam/flanges as everyone's ear canal is different Two: Get 5 driver IEM buds...you can get the 5 driver KZ linsoul on amazon for $50 Three: If not already, get your bassist on IEM too so he can turn his amp down. Also, make sure he is not turning up the low end EQ on his amp. One of the biggest mistakes bassists make (especiall in smaller rooms) is goosing their low end. It's already a bass guitar- he doesn't need to add more bass! Four: If using subs w your PA, make sure the bass itsnt too loud in them. Too much low end in subs especially in small rooms can muddy the stage area. Five: Have a big band meeting and make it known that playing loud is not helping your cause. If they won't be flexible, find another band:)