KZ - ZS10 (Original)

The Xvive wireless system is currently £180 on Amazon in the UK. £50 for some KZ ZS 10 iem’s and you’re good to go with a reliable system.

IEM’s on a budget Linsoul KZ ZS10’s. 5 drivers with good bass response. They punch well above the price of under $50 on Amazon and are widely used by gigging bassists. Wireless system go for the Xvive U4, again way better than the price would suggest and very popular with gigging musos. For pedals your on your own, it’s a saturated market and your favourite probably doesn’t match the guy in the other band on the bill.

Get the Behringer HP1 and KZ ZS10s. Both are super cheap. When you’re at rehearsal or a gig plug the HP1 into the sound board where you usually get your wedge mix. Now just adjust your mix like you would a wedge. If you really like it then you can spend the money on a wireless transmitter (keep the wired one as a backup). As people have mentioned lots of bands own their own tablet controlled mixed with a split snake, so they can adjust their own mixes. But a half decent setup runs 5-10k and you really need to know how to do your own soldering, metalworking etc. and I don’t recommend spending $8000 and 2 weekends soldering and teaching yourself a new software just to see if you like it or not.

I have the Westones. They sound alright, and you can hear a lot of definition in your bass, but I struggled to be able to hear my bass AND the rest of the band, there wasn’t a lot of separation. Also I’ve had 2 westone cables break and replaced them for $60 a pop. Then I tried the KZs and holy they blow Westone out of the water. They have so much low end that even with my amp off it still feels like I’m playing with an amp. There’s much better separation and I can hear vocals and guitar super clear alongside my bass. Add on that they cost less than a Westone replacement cable and I’m sold.

Zs10

If you can afford to get custom molds go for it, if not KZ is the way to go. I would put the ZS10s up against any of the name brand. I've tried the westone, ultimate ears, and sure all in triple driver configurations and the KZ ZS10s keep up with or outpace all of them at a significantly lower price.

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.

Just an observation, when I see budget IEM rigs by musicians for live performances, they usually use KZ IEMs, particularly the ZS10/ZS10 Pro. Meanwhile, in the audiophile world, they find the smoother/neutral tuning preferable. I just find the difference of preferences interesting. Maybe some musicians might find neutral tuning good if they knew about it? Maybe because KZ is just the default recommendation for IEM normies? Or is the ZS10 better for live monitoring for its tuning? Personally, I find the ZS10 a bit hyped/harsh in several frequencies, and FR graphs confirm that it is, but maybe musicians have a different perspective. What do you guys think? Edit: syntax for clarity. I wrote this while commuting lol, so grammatical mistakes were made

KZ-10’s. I just love them.

KZ10’s all day. Affordable and legit for regular gigging use. I’m on year 2 of mine and they’re great.

Shure’s cut out the highs? What model were they and where did you find a pair of that brand for $100? 🤔 When I looked into getting a set, they were the full ear mold pro models and started at $280. I use the KZ-10’s and they give me the full monty of frequency response as well as hearing protection. All for under $50.

I have a td27. Lots of recs on this sub for KZ ZS10s which made me buy them. No regrets at all and save yourself $150. You’ll probably need an extension as the lead is too short to comfortably reach the module.

Moondrop Chu IIs, KZ ZS10s and Apple earpods..

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:)

There are two parts. One, you get a transmitter and receiver. You buy them together, I like the XVive system. Plug your transmitter into the monitor send from your board. The receiver you’ll wear on your belt or your strap, and you’ll plug in ear monitors into it. These can be basic wired earbuds but good ones both block noise from other instruments and provide clear sound. I like the KZs you get on Amazon that have 5 drivers, I think they were $50 last time I checked. At that point you’re protecting your hearing and getting a mix you can hear really well.

I disagree that everyone needs to be on IEM to be worthwhile. That would be ideal, but I’m the only one using them in a loud rock band. Even with cheap IEM (KZ ZS10) and Comply foam tips, I get some attenuation of the stage volume and don’t need a loud vocal wedge.

Another recommendation for the ZS-10s. Excellent performance for the price, I wouldn't consider spending more after having these in hand to be honest.

As others have suggested, KZ has several models (I recommend ZS10 or ZS12 Pro X) that cost peanuts and they outdo most big brand IEMs up to like.. 500usd price range. You might need to get better foams for them, as depending on model they may not come with any.

Another vote for the same. Try out the different tips that come with it, and if you want more isolation than the stock tips do, try some foam (Comply or generic) tips. They definitely make a difference, but to me, are less comfortable. Still worth it for what I do (on acoustic drums; I use other IEMs that I've got for my ekit at home - not as good, but good enough for practicing).

DT 770 pro’s imo are the best over ear headphones. If you want something with better noise cancelling, you can also try the Vic Firth SIH3’s. I’ve yet to find a good pair of IEM’s under $200. I tried several. I guess if I had to choose one it would be the KZ ZS10’s but the sound quality is nowhere near the DT 770 pro’s. But the KZ’s will also offer better sound isolation if that is important to you. I would put the Vic Firths in the middle. Isolation not as good as the KZ’s, but better sound quality for sure just not as good as the DT’s.

I think this is highly personal and depends on what kind of sound you prefer, as an anecdote, I had the KZ ZSX (Terminator) and loved them, then I lost them during a business trip and I saw many reviews claiming that the ZS10 pro where even better, so I replaced my ZSX with the ZS10 and felt disappointed as those had a less analytical sound and I felt I was missing a lot of detail on the high frequencies, but many people feel that the ZSX are harsh and sibilant on the higher frequencies, so again, depends on your taste.

My first experience that got me REALLY into music was the kz zs10. I could hear all the drivers and the music had seemed so much fuller, but now when I compare them to a better iem like the dunu davinci which isn't considered highly technical the zs10 just sound like a handful of speakers all playing the same song where on the davinci the crossover is done so well that it sounds like there are very special drivers for each instrument all played together like an orchestra. Not just a lot of noise on top of each other. Had I never upgraded I could have died happy with my 50$ iems instead of having spent 1000's of dollars on audio Too late though

I have those as well, the 425s are more natural/neutral, closer to the source. The ZS10s definitely add a lot of bass which sounds great and helps especially for us drummers. 

I practice with my 425s with earmuffs over them so I don’t really notice the lacking bass honestly. If I ever start playing live again I’ll probably buy a new pair of KZs

I considered those just bc of that as well, but ended up going with the KZ ZS10. Curious, is the case the only anime graphic they have on them?

First, you need some proper ear protection- ANC headphones or earbuds like Air Pods are better than nothing but the general consensus is that they should be used with either protective earbuds or cans. Adding even the cheap little foam buds to your current setup will help protect your hearing. Steps 1 & 2- get yourself some IEMs like Shure 215s or ZS10s (or whatever you find and like) with foam tips- they will provide protection even unplugged for practicing or whatever and you can connect these to your phone to listen to tracks or a click while you're practicing or to a computer or mixing board to monitor yourself while recording. You'll likely need a headphone adapter since phones no longer have headphone jacks. Steps 3 & 4- I have a Behringer P2 which allows you to pull the XLR cable from your stage monitor and put that signal directly into your ears. It has an amplifier in it so you can adjust the volume as you need. I use this for rehearsals and gigs where our usual wireless IEM system is unavailable. There are other models that do the same thing at other price points. Beyond that you're looking at wireless IEM systems which are a way more expensive and complicated bag of worms.

I've listened to Band-Maid on my Westone UM Pro 50. They're 5 driver IEMs and cost almost $600. They're what I use when touring or playing live. I also have a pair of KZ but model ZS10. They're my backup if the Westones go out. Actually very good for the price. I've listened as I do with all music on various things depending where I am or what's close by. I have several sets of studio monitors with one pair costing over $3000. Plus Various headphones. IEM's and studio monitors are okay to listen to music but are really not the best for that. They're designed for different purposes. Monitors are for getting a mix to sound good on a variety of speakers, headphones, earplugs & even devices like TV, phones, cars, etc. The best for me is regular speakers. I have some Epicure Model 180 made I think in the 1970's. High-end Hi-fi speakers. Everything sounds better on them. The IEM's have better instrument separation.

If you're not getting custom moulded, use foam tips for better insulation (and bass). Shure 215 or KZ ZS10 are commonly recommended IEM's - but equally important is what you connect them to. Your pack MUST have a limiter built in. That will make a sound mishap be a wow - that was unpleasant, instead of WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, and ringing ears for hours/days/life. I use a Behringer Powerplay P1 (and KZ ZS10), but would prefer something like the LD Systems HPA 1 pack who has an extra 3.5mm aux input for a click/other you don't want to go into the mixer.

KZ ZS10 for me. I’ve never used more expensive ones. They sound great to me and I have zero plans on upgrading/swapping for the foreseeable future

I have both the ZS10 and ZS12 Pro X, also significantly cheaper than the hydro but trust me it’s a significant upgrade over the ZS10, and the ZS12 also has 1 BA driver inside the nozzle, dedicated solely for the mids which even the hydro lacks

KZ all the way. I own a paire of Shure 425 which are much better than the 215. I also own a pair of KZ ZS10 which are cheaper than the 215 (not to mention much much cheaper than the 425). The KZ sounds MUCH better with more bass than my 425. The Shure are back ups now.

Yeah from a Hi Fi perspective the 425 are probably better but as you say, for us drummer, having bottom make so much sense. I love my KZ but after maybe 6 or 7 years, I feel they just lost some bottoms, I'll order a new pair soon.

Hey everyone! I'm currently using the Sony WF-1000XM4 TWS, but I've been facing battery drain issues lately. Before this, I had the KZ ZS10, which I absolutely loved, but unfortunately, it got damaged a year ago. I'm now looking to purchase a new **IEM under ₹10,000**, and here are my preferences: 🔹 Type-C with DAC support (My phone doesn't' support earphones without DAC) 🔹 Microphones 🔹 Multiple sound drivers 🔹 Balanced sound signature 🔹 Good build quality and minimal size (something like in the attached image) Would really appreciate your recommendations! Thanks in advance 🙌

The sound quality of KZ zs10 is better compared to wf-1000xm4. xm4 sound is bass focused and it has recessed mids and treble. The KZ has a v shaped signature with decent details on mids. However, the treble in KZ is a little harsh on the ears(at least on my ears), you might need to EQ it a bit or you will feel ear fatigue. PS: I was using a KZ ZS10 old model, don't confuse it with the ZS10 pro.

currently using the KZ zs10, its pretty good for the price

KZ ZS10 (or AS10 if you want more bass) are among the best budget IEMs. Get aftermarket foam tips for them and you're good to go!

Absolutely worth it. For not only live but also recording and practicing. Here's an amazing 5 min video that'll explain it all: [https://youtu.be/ihif-XEL6XQ](https://youtu.be/ihif-XEL6XQ) . Two very important things to know about these are: 1. Drivers is what you're looking for. The more drivers the better the sound. Most people here are recommending the ZS10s and I'll echo that; they have 5 drivers and cost \~$45. 2. You will then need a Personal in-Ear Monitor Amplifier to power them. You connect a TRS cable to the main source and you're set. I use the Donner EM1. There's tons out there for \~$45 as well.

[KZ ZAX](https://a.co/d/g0fbtrr). I started with the Shure 215 and it had NO bottom end (atleast not to my taste). I even tried our keys player's Shure 425s, and still meh. The KZ ZS10 were so-so, and probably get the job done for vocalists or guitarists, but I still wanted more bottom end. Once I bought my ZAX, I knew I was in my happy place (short of spending a boatload for custom IEMs). I also added the [Linsoul IEM cable](https://a.co/d/fjRmnac) to upgrade the cable. I greatly prefer the feel of silicon, but if you want the best seal just add some foam tips, and you have some *killer* IEMs that will tickle your eardrums at an appreciable cost.

Admittedly from Chifi - got into them during E1001, Whizzer, KZ ZS days and started going down the rabbit hole of "oh this sounds rich, that sounds smooth this neutral that soundstage". 15-20 pairs in, I just got tired of 'chasing' the best sound for the best price because there is always something new and new =/= better. I also worked through dozens of DAC dongles and finally just went TWS for practicality. In hindsight, nothing got me feeling as pleased as my bl03 with foam tips. They sure aren't the the universal best, but to me the sound was so smooth and relaxing. Occassionally I take them out and listen to them at home. But when I'm out and about, I just use my Nothing Ears. But secretly waiting for them to die on me so I can justify a pair of Technics. By the way it's like this with a lot of different hobbies. It's a tiresome cycle but the joys must be worth it for people to do it over n over.

I'd be surprised if the transmitter/receiver would make a huge difference--then again, I run mine wired so I'm just guessing. I used Shure 215s as my earbuds for a couple hundred gigs--they were fine. I see these often put down, as they are single driver and relatively cheap, but I had no complaints. I play keys and sing and while I don't need super clear bass (which may require more drivers), I do appreciate clarity. The fit of your earbuds makes a big difference in quality and how much isolation you get. I've had to try different types and sizes of tips until I was happy with them. I tried a custom IEM pair, didn't like them unfortunately. Bulky and singing with them was terrible. Tried 5 driver KZs, didn't like them (too harsh and bright). Now I use Sennheiser IE 400 pros, they are single driver but it's some kind of different tech from traditional. Sounds great, small and light. I use the largest size comply foam tips that fit on them. Another thing that improved my monitor mix was being able to go stereo. That way I can pan guitar more to one side, keys more to the other, and have vocals in the center (these are all mid-range channels that tend to obscure each other).