In ear monitor
Monitor, Monitor Guides, Tech

8 Best In Ear Monitors for Bass Players: Top Choices for Musical Enthusiasts in 2022

If you are a music enthusiast and a professional musician, you would love to steal the show on stage with your outstanding performance. Make sure to choose high-quality equipment that enhances your performance. 

Therefore, you should get rid of old amplifiers, floor monitors, and stage wedges that can’t deliver the performance you want. Primarily you need the in-ear monitors for bass players that prevent the loud ambient noises of a crowded stage and help to keep the focus on your bandmates’ performance to create harmony.

Since there are tons of in-ear monitors available on the market with different shapes, sizes, specs, features, and price points, you might be confused about which one would be best for you.

After analyzing reviews from professionals and seasoned musicians, we have tested practically dozens of in-ear monitors. Finally, we have compiled a list of the best eight in-ear monitors for bass players.

If you do not have enough time to explore all products, here are our top picks. You can use the best one for you.

  • Shure SE846-CL: Best Premium Quality In-Ear Monitors

    Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players
    • Exceptional sound quality
    • Customized sizes available
    • Quad high-definition drivers
  • Audio-Technica ATH-E70: Best Precise In-Ear Monitors

    Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players
    • Excellent build quality
    • Prevent ear fatigue
    • Smoother and clear sound quality
  • BASN Bmaster: Best Budget In-Ear Monitors

    Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players
    • Amazing sound isolation
    • Enhanced low bass
    • Compatible with every device

Buying Guide for Best In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Buying the best in-ear monitors a such a confusing task. So, keep these factors in mind while buying the best one for you.

Sound Quality

A sound’s quality is determined by its Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release (ADSR). In addition to recreating ADSR accurately, the ability to reproduce a wide range of notes allows more detail to be revealed, including the harmonics, reflections of the room, and even finger taps on instruments, such as the guitar. Increasing ADSR accuracy results in more accurate reproduction of soundstage proportions and stereo imaging, resulting in more realistic sound environment reproduction.

Sound Isolation

Another essential factor to consider when buying in-ear monitors is sound isolation. During a live performance, you should lower the ambient sound and focus on your performance according to your bandmates. Therefore, choosing one that will meet your on-stage needs is necessary and offers the best sound isolation to prevent external noise.

Numbers of Driver 

Modern in-ear monitors have two main types of drivers: dynamic and balanced armature. In addition to producing robust bass responses, dynamic drivers reproduce the entire frequency spectrum. A balanced armature driver can be tuned specifically for particular frequencies and provides excellent resolution.

Both drivers have different specs and characteristics, contributing to the detailed sound quality. A hybrid design incorporates both dynamic and balanced armature drivers. There is a correlation between the number of drivers and the sound quality. A new generation of in-ear monitors comes with up to 12 drivers, but some ear monitors perform well with just a single driver.

Durability

A detachable cable allows for a low-cost replacement if needed, as the cable is the most common component to fail on any earphone. Furthermore, in-ears monitors are placed inside the ear canal, which increases not only the risk of sweat but also ear wax causing damage to them. Maintaining the in-ear monitor with proper care is essential, including using a hearing aid dryer and desiccant. Since permanent cables with inbuilt microphones/remotes typically have a lower level of long-term durability, we recommend avoiding them.

List of Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

NameAwardDriversFrequency range
1:Shure SE846-CLBest Premium Quality In-Ear Monitors415Hz – 20kHz
2:Audio-Technica ATH-E70Best Precise In-Ear Monitors320 – 19,000 Hz
3:BASN Bmaster:Best Budget In-Ear Monitors320 – 40,000 Hz
4:Shure SE215 PRO:Best In-Ear Monitors for Musical Applications120 Hz-17.5 kHz
5:Mackie MP-240:Best Hybrid In-Ear Monitors220 Hz-20kHz
6:Sennheiser Professional IE 100 PRO:Best Wireless In-Ear Monitors1 20 – 18,000 Hz
7: BASN Metalen in-Ear MonitorsBest In-Ear Monitors for Bassists420 Hz- 20kHz
8:Westone Audio Pro X3Superb LightWeight In-Ear Monitors3 20Hz-16kHz

Detailed Review of In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

1: Shure SE846-CL: Best Premium Quality In-Ear Monitors  

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 4
  • Sensitivity: 115.9 dB
  • Impedance: 11 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 15Hz – 20kHz
  • Specialty:  Quad High Definition MicroDrivers and True Subwoofer

The Shure brand is renowned for its innovative, reliable, and superb devices. One of Shure’s premium quality in-ear monitors, the SE846-CL, is specifically designed for bassists. In terms of boosting your career as a musician, it is the best investment you can make to benefit you greatly.

Key Features

 The SE846-CL provides full-range sound through four high-definition Balanced Armature drivers for extended highs and unparalleled lows. 

Additionally, by utilizing a three-way system configuration, it distributed low, mid, and high frequencies accurately.

 Sound Isolating Design blocks up to 37 dB of noise for distraction-free listening. Enjoy the most immersive listening experience with a design that keeps earphones in and noise out during exercise or travel.

Its specific design properly fits your ears and blocks ambient noise that disturbs you while on-stage performance. It allows you to perform well according to your bandmates’ performance. 

Despite its small size, it has excellent sub-bass response. Compared to all the other IEMs, it delivers crystal clear and immersive sound quality. 

Additionally, the mid-bass is also clear and presentable. Moreover, the highs deliver detailed and refined sounds. 

It is capable of pleasing your ears with its tight bass and punchy treble. The sound does not seem boomy, nor does it attempt to overpower other frequencies.

Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Customized sizes available
  • Quad high-definition drivers
  • Convenient Detachable cable 
  • Strong, durable, and long-lasting

Cons

  • A little expensive for average users

Final Verdict

Undoubtedly, the Shure SE846-CL is the highest-quality model in the Shure series. This is the best in-ear monitor for onstage performers and musicians. Compared to ordinary over-ear headphones, its sound-isolating sleeve prevents ambient noise and sound leakage. Evidently, it’s a premium product at a premium price. Despite its jaw-dropping price, it’s enriched with superb features that make it bang for your buck.

2:Audio-Technica ATH-E70:  Best Precise In-Ear Monitors

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 3
  • Sensitivity: 109 dB
  • Impedance: 39 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20 – 19,000 Hz
  • Specialty:  Custom fit and long-wearing comfort

The Audio-Technica ATH-E70 is an outstanding in-ear monitor for musicians, especially bass players. With its balanced armature drivers and wide frequency range, it enhances your live performance with accurate audio reproduction. 

Key Features

With ATH-E70’s accuracy and detail, you can balance the mix on stage or in the studio with great precision.

It’s impressive how well the Audio-Technica ATH-E70 IEMs perform in terms of accuracy and clarity. 

Their vocals are well separated, keeping the mids, highs, and lows in a good balance. Neither the bass nor the kick on the drums overwhelmed the mix.

They are worth trying out the flex wire used here by the company. In addition to molding your ear perfectly, the wire helps keep the buds from falling out. 

Moreover, this flagship E-70 model features three balanced armature drivers in a lightweight case. Even after extended use, the smooth and rounded earbuds provide a comfortable fit for your ears.

They come with silicone ear tips as well as pair of Comply memory foam tips that are specially designed to provide maximum sound isolation. 

They are easy to use and allow you to focus on the music while on stage performance.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Prevent ear fatigue
  • Smoother and clear sound quality
  • Customized fit available
  • Provides maximum isolation

Cons

  • Lower treble affects the sound 

Final Verdict

Finally, both the E40 and E50 are used effectively, with the differences in the price affecting their fit and sound substantially. Compared to the E70, the E50 delivers a brighter sound, while the E40 provides a deeper bass but with lower mids/highs. The E70 fits better and is also more expensive than either of them, but it’s worth it.

3: BASN B master: Best Budget In-Ear Monitors

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 3
  • Sensitivity: 108 dB
  • Impedance: 22 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20 – 40,000 Hz
  • Specialty: Enhanced Bass for Musicians Stage/Audio Recording

The B master is one of the most versatile monitor headphones on the market that is compatible with any device. This in-ear headphone is engineered with advanced and balanced tuning that delivers transparent audio. Its triple hybrid drivers create a fantastic and detailed soundstage that is ideal for vocalists, drummers, guitarists, and bassists. If you are performing on-stage or in-studio, these are the best in-ear monitors available within your tight budget.

Key Features:

With the BASN B master PRO IEM Earphones, you can experience original sound reproduction with clarity and details thanks to the latest hybrid drivers, including single-balanced armature and dual dynamic drivers. 

Moreover, a balanced armature driver and 10mm diaphragms provide an excellent balance that makes you feel like you’re on a live stream.

A pair of BASN HIFI in-ear monitor earbuds reproduce the mids and highs of a musical mix flawlessly. Furthermore, dynamic drivers provide deeper bass. Audio quality is truly cinematic with BASN in-ear monitors.

Additionally, this pair of headphones can filter out up to 37 dB of noise, which keeps distortion at a minimum. Memory foam ear tips prevent noise from entering in-ear earbuds, providing a truly immersive listening experience. 

Above all, with an ergonomic design and a colorful earphone shell, you’ll feel comfortable wearing your earphones for a long time.

The IEM headphones feature two detachable 3.5mm cables that make them compatible with almost any device. 

Besides direct connectivity, they can also connect to in-flight entertainment systems and other mobile devices. In additional customization is possible by connecting other MMCX cables. 

Moreover, an additional microphone cable is available for handling phone calls as well as playing music and adjusting volume.

Pros

  • Amazing sound isolation
  • Enhanced low bass
  • Compatible with every device
  • Hybrid drivers available
  • Two Detachable 3.5mm Cable

Cons

  • The mids are a bit thin

Final Verdict

BASN Bmaster PRO IEM Earphones are packed with features as well as accessories that enable them to deliver better bass response and excellent sound isolation. They are comfortable to wear for long periods with smooth ear tips. ‘

Bmaster is worth owning if you’re looking for the best in-ear monitors. These fantastic headphones are incredibly affordable despite their remarkable features. Therefore, you won’t have to break the bank to buy them.

4:Shure SE215 PRO:  Best In-Ear Monitors for Musical Applications

 20Hz-16kHz

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 1
  • Sensitivity: 107 dB
  • Impedance: 16.22 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz-17.5 kHz
  • Specialty:  Secure in Ear, Plus Carrying Case and Fit Kit-Clear 

Shure SE215 works as a personal listening device or professional monitor because it provides subtle details, balanced sounds, and enhanced bass. It’s one of the recommended in-ear monitors for over-the-ear configuration. Compatible with different musical applications, it’s also on-stage or road-tested by pro musicians. So, this top-notch device is the best fit for bass players.

Key Features:

Designed especially for use on stage, on the road, in-studio recordings, and for rehearsals, the Shure SE215 is ideal for various applications. 

From a single balanced armature driver, it reproduces full-range music. As a result, you can hear music in its original format.

All in all, the flexible black foam sleeves are available in customized fit sizes (S, M, L). you can try the best size and style according to your convenience. 

As a result, you can enjoy an immersive audio experience thanks to the bass frequencies in the audio spectrum.

It features sound isolation technology that reduces ambient noise and enables you to listen to the perfect music mix and perform well accordingly. 

Significantly, the ear tips are fantastically designed to fit in your ear canal to keep the surrounding sound out and prevent sound bleed.

With its over-the-ear design, this headphone is robust and secure against falls and damage, while its flex cable stays out of sight and is hardly noticeable during live performances.

Pros

  • Easily connect to different accessories
  • Full-range sound with striking clarity
  • Sound isolation technology
  • Customized fit available
  • Road-tested by pro musicians

Cons

  • Male vocalists will find it too boomy

Final Verdict

The Shure SE-2215 is specifically designed to withstand heavy professional use and ensure a lifetime of service. However, there is one downside to it, it is too boomy for male vocalists, but it is suitable for females. It features exceptional noise cancellation, excellent build quality, good bass response, accurate sound, and customized fit ear pins. With all these rich features, these earbuds are the best in-ear monitors on the market.

5: Mackie MP-240: Best Hybrid In-Ear Monitors

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 2
  • Sensitivity: 108 dB
  • Impedance: 16 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz-20kHz
  • Specialty: Shielded and braided cable is designed for extra durability and sonic performance

The Mackie MP-240 in-ear monitors come with hybrid drivers, ergonomic design, and robust build quality to ensure you won’t miss a beat. They are the best companions if you would like to hear yourself clearly during an on-stage performance without all the ambient noise. A perfect match for your needs can be found in the MP Series of in-ear monitors.

Key Features:

Mackie MP-240 monitors are specifically engineered to rule on the stage. 

These are professionally designed in-ear monitors that provide crystal clear sound and decent bass to help you give outstanding performance.

As long as you wear them and perform throughout the night, you will be able to enjoy fantastic comfort. 

Additionally, softer and smoother ear tips fit securely into your ear canal, preventing ear fatigue and hearing damage.

You get unbelievable sound quality with an excellent bass response without external noise, thanks to the ergonomically molded low-profile enclosure that blocks up to 40dB of maximum isolation. 

Moreover, the bass reverberates excellently, the mids provide a great background, and the treble is crisp without being harsh.

By combining hybrid technology with dual drivers, the MP-240 provides greater detail and clarity than the MP-220. 

In these in-ear monitors, rather than two dynamic drivers like the MP-220, a single balanced armature driver and a custom crossover split the frequencies between the two drivers are used.

Pros

  • Dynamic plus balanced Armature drivers
  • Detachable MMCX connector increased comfort and durability
  • High-fidelity Cable
  • Provides maximum isolation
  • Fantastic frequency response

Cons

  • Occasionally, sound can be inconsistent

Final Verdict

The MP-240 IEMs sounded incredible. There is only a slight dip around 2-3kHz, but otherwise, the EQ sounds fairly neutral. It’s not only comfortable to wear memory foam ear pins, but also the sound is loud and rich. All aspects of this product are excellent, from the sound quality to the physical build and the accessories. 
Compared to MP-120 and MP-220, this model has exceptional features and sound quality. Overall, it’s one of the best in-ear monitors for a bass player found at an affordable price.

6:Sennheiser Professional IE 100 PRO: Best Wireless In-Ear Monitors

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 1
  • Sensitivity: 115 dB
  • Impedance: 20 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20 – 18,000 Hz
  • Specialty: Transducer with a dynamic range for high-resolution, powerful monitoring

Sennheiser is certainly a leading brand in the tech market that manufactures top-rated devices. There is no doubt that Sennheiser’s in-ear monitoring line-up is exceptional, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless. Among the best in-ear monitors, we selected for this review is the Sennheiser IE-100 Pro, which is particularly designed for musicians, sound engineers, vocalists, and bass players.

Key Features:

In addition to its exceptional sound and long-wearing comfort, the IE 100 PRO Wireless set is a favorite among professional musicians and DJs. 

The versatile device is not only beneficial for live musical concerts but also for crowdy on-the-road shows and in-studio recordings.

The IE 100 PRO Wireless comes with a specially designed driver that produces not only a neutral and powerful sound for musicians but also fulfills their expected performance requirements on stage. 

Moreover, this ear-monitoring device features a dynamic full-range transducer for high-resolution, powerful sound. Reduces acoustic stress factors through natural and distortion-free reproduction. 

Above all, by eliminating auditory stress naturally, the IE 100 Pro provides distortion-free, accurate, and comfortable sound reproduction.

Additionally, it offers a dual-in-one Bluetooth module that connects wirelessly to mobile devices, tablets, PCs, and smartphones. 

It also provides a microphone for hands-free calls or a standard 3.5-millimeter jack cable for standard connections.

Pros

  • Offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity
  • Built-in microphones allow phonecalls
  • High-resolution ear monitoring
  • Flexible silicon earbuds
  • Compatible with almost every device

Cons

  • Short Bluetooth frequency range

Final Verdict

The Sennheiser IE-100 Pro in-ear monitor enhances productivity and functionality. With its high-resolution dynamic driver, you can hear deep bass and crisp audio with great clarity. They come with feature packs and affordable price points, these in-ear monitors are a great buy. Consequently, they boost your performance with their stunning features without hurting your wallet.

7: BASN Metalen in-Ear Monitors: Best In-Ear Monitors for bass players

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 4
  • Sensitivity: 108 dB
  • Impedance: 18 Ohm
  • Frequency Range: 20 Hz- 20kHz
  • Specialty: Sweat-proof CNC carving make it durable

BASN Metalen steps into some fantastic IEMs that produce accurate sound quality with its quad hybrid drivers. Its demand is increasing like hotcakes among professional singers, bass players, drummers, and guitarists. 

Key Features:

Designed with hybrid drivers that are a combination of two balanced armature drivers and two dynamic drivers, the BASN Metalen in-ear monitors provide an enhanced bass response and balanced frequency response.

Its wired earbuds provide premium performance. The mids and treble on these IEM earphones are clear and crisp, making them ideal for on-stage and recording studio performance. 

Additionally, its earbuds are designed with CNC carving that makes them sweat-proof. Its build quality is durable and sturdy even in adverse and hot weather conditions.

Whether you want to replace your old in-ear monitors or upgrade them, the BASN Metalen is the right choice. 

Furthermore, there are two detachable MMCX cables included with this product: an OFC silver-plated audio cable and a fiber cable with an inbuilt microphone. 

You can use these mini earbuds for long periods, as they have soft silicon sleeves and memory foam that make them comfortable to use.

Pros

  • Four hybrid drivers
  • Dual MMCX detachable cables
  • Whole earphone kit fit
  • Sweat-proof CNC Carving
  • Prevent ambient noises

Cons

  • Not recommended for music listening

Final Verdict

This sounds fantastic, very clear, and accurate across nearly all frequencies. A little sharp or piercing at the very top end of the treble, compared to BASN Bmaster and Bsinger. In addition to sound isolation, it provides deep bass and low frequencies. 

However it’s perfect for singers and bassists, but you shouldn’t use this for listening to music. You can purchase headphones that do not leak sound if you want an immersive listening experience.

8: Westone Audio Pro X3: Superb LightWeight In-Ear Monitors

Best 8 In-Ear Monitors for Bass Players

Main Specifications

  • Drivers: 3
  • Sensitivity: 124 dB
  • Impedance: 56 Ohm
  • Frequency range: 20Hz-16kHz
  • Specialty: On-stage monitoring, vocalists, musicians, bass players, and sound engineers

The Westone Audio Pro X3 is an excellent choice for musicians. By using triple drivers, it produces detailed and balanced sound. The instrument is designed specifically for musicians who are avid stage performers. Whether a roadshow or a big arena, it’s the best companion, no matter where you perform.

Key Features:

Being a singer and music enthusiast, if you are looking for a balanced sound signature. The Pro X3 is an ideal in-ear monitor for you. 

A balanced-armature driver from Westone Audio provides richer sonic detail and a wider frequency range than many other in-ear headphones.

The headset utilizes a universal-fit earpiece that is small, low-profile, lightweight package, and incredibly comfortable. 

Moreover, you can choose from five different sizes for customized earbuds. Integrated ear tips ensure an excellent fit and seal right out of the box, enhancing the Pro X30’s performance.

In addition to its high tensile strength, Linum T2 detachable cable offers the industry’s most advanced MMCX connector with aramid fiber. This feature makes it compatible with almost every device.

Pros

  • Ergonomic technology
  •  Linum BAX T2 detachable cable 
  • Triple-balanced armature drivers
  • Good bass response
  • Compatible with various devices

Cons

  • Sometimes inconsistent low frequencies

Final Verdict

If you want to take your career to the next level by performing live, the Westone Audio Pro X3 is the best in-ear monitor for you. Although it is a bit pricey, it is worth the money. In terms of career advancement, it’s a great future-proof investment. Comparatively, it’s worth considering if you want to invest your hard-earned money wisely