• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

IEM for Bass Players

Las gig I wasn't hearing myself well so I decided to join the forces of progress and go IEM. Since my bass is already wireless, IEM should be wireless as well. As is the custom, my first attempt is for the cheapest solution possible, so I've got Takstar WP-202 wireless system, TRN-MT1 headphones and a set of memory foam tips. Total cost around $50.
Hadn't try this onstage yet, only at home. Well... transmitter and receiver work OK, foam tips too. The earphones not so much. Definitely not enough lows. Gonna try some KZ or CCA next time.

The key for getting enough lows is good fit of IEMs in the ear, with no leakage. While not everyone wants to get custom molded ones, I can't recommend them enough. Not only does it fit your ear better than anything else will, but you'll get the most lows from them, not to mention the rest of the frequencies. I've said this before, but why people will spend quite a bit of money on a bass, amp, pedals, etc., and not invest in quality IEMs is beyond me. This is not meant to be mean-spirited, just friendly advice.
 
The key for getting enough lows is good fit of IEMs in the ear, with no leakage. While not everyone wants to get custom molded ones, I can't recommend them enough. Not only does it fit your ear better than anything else will, but you'll get the most lows from them, not to mention the rest of the frequencies. I've said this before, but why people will spend quite a bit of money on a bass, amp, pedals, etc., and not invest in quality IEMs is beyond me. This is not meant to be mean-spirited, just friendly advice.
Custom molds of course are good, but a little pricey for now. Maybe later...
I'm quite a frugal guy, so each of my three basses cost me between $250 and $300, and my Zoom B3n - $150 used. I don't have any amp at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: morrisonhendrix
Custom molds of course are good, but a little pricey for now. Maybe later...
I'm quite a frugal guy, so each of my three basses cost me between $250 and $300, and my Zoom B3n - $150 used. I don't have any amp at all.

I knew I should've qualified my post with the "if you can afford it", but I thought it was implied. I understand some folks can't afford it. However, considering that custom molded ones can also protect your hearing better in the long run, I'd say they're indispensable. I'd say that everyone should get them, if they can afford them and consider the musical and health benefits when comparing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eli_Kyiv
Custom molds of course are good, but a little pricey for now. Maybe later...
I'm quite a frugal guy, so each of my three basses cost me between $250 and $300, and my Zoom B3n - $150 used. I don't have any amp at all.
A set of hybrid dual driver Anthem Five E2 custom mold iem's are about $200 that to me is beyond worth it. Not really much of a excuse not to save for them and maybe sell one bass or two if you got a bunch to help fund a set even for those on a really tight budget you are investing in your hearing that should be a top priority.
 
A set of hybrid dual driver Anthem Five E2 custom mold iem's are about $200 that to me is beyond worth it. Not really much of a excuse not to save for them and maybe sell one bass or two if you got a bunch to help fund a set even for those on a really tight budget you are investing in your hearing that should be a top priority.
Thank you for this information. Maybe I'll give it a try.
 
So.

Bought KZ AO12, better wire, Comply tips, and a nice case from the big A for ~$125

They're hear already!

I like them.

Still need to figure out how to wear them and which size tips will give me the best seal, then get used to them but I'm glad I did.

Hopefully I can get used to these without needing custom fit ones.

Thanks again to all who recommended these...

Still searching for the proper tips.

I have a strange ear canal

Can someone tell me the stem diameter and length of the KZ AO12 so I can go tip shopping?
Asked that on Amazon but only got "there are 4 in a pack" for an answer...

Is there such a thing as semi-custom molds that would properly fit my ear and allow me to use these?


TIA!
 
I purchased some cca’s which are made by KZ. These tips fit the cca’s and I think they would also fit the kz’s.
COMPLY Comfort T-500 Memory Foam Replacement Earbud Tips for KZ ZS10, ZST, ZSN, ZSX, ZS5, Moondrop Starfield, 64 Audio U-Series, CCA C12, FIIO FH7, F9 Earphones, and More (Assorted, 3 Pairs).
Regarding semi custom ear plugs there are a couple of YouTube videos showing how to do this using some product also sold on Amazon.
Hope this helps,
Rick
 
  • Like
Reactions: claudel
Still searching for the proper tips.

I have a strange ear canal

Can someone tell me the stem diameter and length of the KZ AO12 so I can go tip shopping?
Asked that on Amazon but only got "there are 4 in a pack" for an answer...

Is there such a thing as semi-custom molds that would properly fit my ear and allow me to use these?


TIA!
Sensaphonics and a few other companies can make Custom mold sleeves for them
 
  • Like
Reactions: claudel
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
In 2022 I bought a set of KZ ZS10’s largely because of comments on TB, and also have been using the Comply foam tips and have since upgraded the cable. I get a good seal with the Large tips and have lots of bass.

Our guitar player opted for Westone UM40’s, which I see have since been replaced by the ProX line. I was reading some on the Mach lineup from Westone this morning which led me down a whole new rabbit hole of IEMs.

I have a little money currently, and am looking for some immediate gratification. The Mach 40 and Mach 50 are on sale at a nearby retailer.

Is there any real true benefit to replacing the KZ ZS10 with something that’s 10x the price? I’m happy with the KZ’s but they’re also my first set of IEMs so it’s not like I’d know.

Also, this thread references the KZ AO12, which I can’t find on Amazon. Has that been replaced by another model? Any comparison between it and the ZS10?
 
Is there any real true benefit to replacing the KZ ZS10 with something that’s 10x the price? I’m happy with the KZ’s but they’re also my first set of IEMs so it’s not like I’d know.

My opinion would also line up with @DJWhitJr

I think this is a situation where, for the most part, we can really only answer for ourselves as to what level of benefit or improvement is worth what cost. I also think that being happy with what you already have makes that the case all the more. So, you're happy but there just might be some unidentified thing that would make you more happy? And you're going to attempt to define a value of that "more happy".

Your experience with the ZS10s is a whole ball of factors...how they sound to you, how they fit and feel, how well they seal, what level of isolation they provide (both inherently and based on seal), how they respond at the level you're running them at, even their appearance and how the cable feels in your hand. Another set of IEMs that have those factors come together differently for someone else doesn't mean that it's going to be the same for you.

To the degree that you're like me, I think with the Westones, which are designed for musician use, by comparison, you'd likely appreciate the lack of bulkiness and inherent isolation level (i.e., the part that's not owing to the quality of the seal). $600 worth of appreciation? Who on earth can say?

That said, if you have have the funds to experiment with various chi-fi brands and models, I can't say I see the harm because I do that myself. You might come across something that checks a lot of boxes as worthwhile improvements over the ZS10s, and you might not. For me it's really just out of curiosity that's affordable enough to satisfy. I don't really even have any intention of necessarily using them for gigging. I have customs and I have Westone UM2s that I would choose to use as backups over any of the chi-fis that I've tried because in the context of stage use, I find them preferable overall...and I don't see that changing unless I come across something else that fits completely inside of my outer ear YMMV

It's occurred to me that my conception of comfort in IEMs isn't a matter of having them "feel good" (cushiony, soft, etc.), it's a matter of how little they are felt at all. For my ears, the Westones (upper left) with Comply tips disappear from my awareness that they're there more than any of the chi-fis that I've tried.

iem-fourup.jpg


My latest buy and try set is the KZ PR1 PRO, and for me, these are actually the first ones that I've found remarkably different in my own comparisons. If you've got the itch to try another chi-fi set, I'd say check out some of the reviews/youtube videos on these and see if what they're saying sparks your interest in them.
 
My opinion would also line up with @DJWhitJr

I think this is a situation where, for the most part, we can really only answer for ourselves as to what level of benefit or improvement is worth what cost. I also think that being happy with what you already have makes that the case all the more. So, you're happy but there just might be some unidentified thing that would make you more happy? And you're going to attempt to define a value of that "more happy".

Your experience with the ZS10s is a whole ball of factors...how they sound to you, how they fit and feel, how well they seal, what level of isolation they provide (both inherently and based on seal), how they respond at the level you're running them at, even their appearance and how the cable feels in your hand. Another set of IEMs that have those factors come together differently for someone else doesn't mean that it's going to be the same for you.

To the degree that you're like me, I think with the Westones, which are designed for musician use, by comparison, you'd likely appreciate the lack of bulkiness and inherent isolation level (i.e., the part that's not owing to the quality of the seal). $600 worth of appreciation? Who on earth can say?

That said, if you have have the funds to experiment with various chi-fi brands and models, I can't say I see the harm because I do that myself. You might come across something that checks a lot of boxes as worthwhile improvements over the ZS10s, and you might not. For me it's really just out of curiosity that's affordable enough to satisfy. I don't really even have any intention of necessarily using them for gigging. I have customs and I have Westone UM2s that I would choose to use as backups over any of the chi-fis that I've tried because in the context of stage use, I find them preferable overall...and I don't see that changing unless I come across something else that fits completely inside of my outer ear YMMV

It's occurred to me that my conception of comfort in IEMs isn't a matter of having them "feel good" (cushiony, soft, etc.), it's a matter of how little they are felt at all. For my ears, the Westones (upper left) with Comply tips disappear from my awareness that they're there more than any of the chi-fis that I've tried.

iem-fourup.jpg


My latest buy and try set is the KZ PR1 PRO, and for me, these are actually the first ones that I've found remarkably different in my own comparisons. If you've got the itch to try another chi-fi set, I'd say check out some of the reviews/youtube videos on these and see if what they're saying sparks your interest in them.
Thanks so much for the detailed and thoughtful reply! Actually, the PR1 Pro is another model I was curious about but I haven’t seen much of a body of useful reviews online specific to pro audio or live sound, mostly the reviews are specific to pre-recorded music. How do you find them different from the ZS10’s?

The sense of not being physically aware of my IEMs is probably exactly how I would describe ideal ergonomics as well fwiw.
 
There is a plethora of new affordable iems on the market but most are marketed for audiophiles I don't personally recommend those for a bassist. The kz stuff is a step up from the big box brand universal fit in ears that cost much more and can even sound better then some of the custom items out there. I own a set of $130 kz AST 12 driver in ears and a set of $700 64 Audio A3E triple driver customs. the Kz AST have better highs and upper mids and better instrument seperation and the 64 Audio A3e have better bass and low mids but lack slightly in clarity
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eli_Kyiv