If you want professional-grade audio detail and a wired connection that never cuts out during your most critical zoom calls, choose BASN Metalen 4; if you need absolute wireless freedom with ultra-low latency for studio work or stage monitoring, choose iCON Airmon Pro. These two devices sit at opposite ends of the audio spectrum, serving different masters entirely. One is built for the musician who demands sonic fidelity through a cable, while the other is engineered for the performer who refuses to be tethered by wires. Understanding which path fits your workflow is the only way to make a decision that won't leave you frustrated when the music starts or the meeting begins.
• BASN Metalen 4: Offers incredible sound definition with four hybrid drivers per earbud but requires a physical cable connection and lacks active noise cancellation features. Best for audiophiles, musicians, and remote workers who prioritize pure audio accuracy over convenience.
• iCON Airmon Pro: Delivers lossless wireless audio with under 2ms latency and supports unlimited receivers, yet relies on battery power and uses passive isolation rather than active tech. Best for live performers, DJs, and creatives who need mobility without delay.
• The Verdict: Choose BASN for a fixed setup where quality is paramount; choose iCON for a mobile setup where flexibility is king.
The BASN Metalen 4 is not a casual pair of headphones; it is a precision instrument designed for those who hear every nuance in a recording. At its core lies a quad-driver architecture featuring two balanced armature drivers and two dynamic drivers per earbud. This specific combination is not just a marketing buzzword; it fundamentally changes how the device handles frequency response. The dynamic drivers handle the low-end frequencies with speed and authority, providing that heavy, impressive bass that fast attack and decay require. Meanwhile, the balanced armature drivers take care of the mids and highs, ensuring that details are rendered with clarity and balance. If you have ever listened to a complex orchestral piece or a dense electronic track and felt like something was missing, this driver configuration addresses that gap directly.
For the professional user, the build quality speaks to a serious commitment to durability and sound isolation. The housing features CNC carvings in a matte gray finish, giving it a robust, metallic feel that suggests it can withstand the rigors of a touring gig or a daily commute. The design includes a standard MMCX connector, which means the earbuds are swappable and upgradeable. You can detach the cables easily, which is crucial for anyone who needs to replace a worn-out cord or switch between different listening scenarios. The kit itself is comprehensive, including memory foam tips alongside silicone options, a carrying case, a cleaning brush, and even a T-shirt clip. This attention to accessories indicates that BASN understands their users need a complete solution, not just an audio device.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-31 · 8 min read · Independent comparison
However, this level of performance comes with significant trade-offs that define who should buy it. The BASN Metalen 4 is strictly a wired solution. It connects via a 3.5mm jack and does not offer any wireless capability. While this eliminates battery anxiety, it also means you are tethered to your source device. Furthermore, the noise control method listed is "Sound Isolation," relying on the physical fit of the ear tips rather than active electronic cancellation. If you are looking for the best IPX7 waterproof bone conduction headphones for zoom calls, this is not the product. It is not waterproof, and it is not bone conduction. It is a high-fidelity in-ear monitor (IEM) meant for listening. It is ideal for the drummer, bassist, or singer who needs to hear the mix perfectly in a noisy environment without the interference of Bluetooth compression or battery failure. If you value the raw, unadulterated signal from your interface or phone, this device delivers exactly what you need.
The iCON Airmon Pro takes a completely different approach to professional audio monitoring. Instead of focusing solely on the number of drivers inside the earpiece, it focuses on the transmission technology connecting the source to the listener. This system is built around a 2.4GHz wireless protocol that boasts an ultra-low latency of under 2 milliseconds. In the world of live performance and studio recording, latency is the enemy. A delay of even a fraction of a second can throw off a rhythm section or ruin a vocal take. By keeping the delay below 2ms, the Airmon Pro allows performers to hear themselves in real-time, making it possible to play along with backing tracks or monitor mixes without feeling disconnected from the moment. This makes it one of the top contenders for those needing the best Bluetooth headphones for zoom calls where synchronization matters, though its primary design intent is clearly musical performance.
Audio fidelity remains a priority despite the wireless nature of the device. The system supports 96kHz/24-bit lossless audio transmission, ensuring that the digital signal reaching your ears retains the full resolution of the original file. This is critical for engineers and musicians who rely on high-resolution files. The system includes a rechargeable transmitter and receiver, both powered by USB-C charging, which aligns well with modern mobile workflows. The compact form factor makes it easy to carry in a gig bag or a studio pocket. A standout feature is the ability to support unlimited receivers connected to a single transmitter. This scalability is a game-changer for bands, DJ teams, or production crews where multiple people need to monitor the same mix simultaneously without interference.
The trade-offs here are inherent to the wireless design. Because the focus is on transmission and mobility, the enclosure materials include plastic, silicone, and engineered wood, which may feel less premium to some compared to the all-metal construction of competitors. The noise control is listed as "Passive Noise Cancellation," meaning it relies on the seal of the ear tip rather than active electronic cancellation. Additionally, you must manage the battery life of both the transmitter and the receiver. While convenient, the reliance on charge cycles introduces a variable that does not exist with a simple wired connection. If you are a student or a creator looking for kids headphones for zoom calls that are durable and easy to set up, the Airmon Pro offers a robust platform, though it is priced and positioned more toward professional adults than casual children. It is the tool for the creative who cannot afford to be tethered but refuses to compromise on the timing or quality of their audio.
• Best for Audio Detail and Bass Response → BASN Metalen 4: With four hybrid drivers per earbud, it offers a depth of sound that wireless systems often struggle to match due to compression, even lossless ones.
• Best for Wireless Mobility and Latency → iCON Airmon Pro: The under-2ms latency and 2.4GHz connection make it the clear winner for anyone moving around on stage or working wirelessly in a studio.
• Best for Battery Independence → BASN Metalen 4: As a wired device, it has no battery to charge, run down, or lose mid-performance. It works as long as it is plugged in.
• Best for Multi-Person Monitoring → iCON Airmon Pro: The ability to connect unlimited receivers to a single transmitter is a unique advantage for teams and ensembles.
• Best for Durability and Build Material → BASN Metalen 4: The CNC-milled metal body and silver-plated cables suggest a ruggedness designed for heavy use and replacement parts.
• Best for Modern Charging Standards → iCON Airmon Pro: Both units utilize USB-C, integrating seamlessly into a modern ecosystem of gadgets without needing proprietary chargers.
• Best for Sound Isolation Fit → BASN Metalen 4: The inclusion of memory foam tips and a wide range of sizes ensures a tight seal that blocks external noise effectively without electronics.
• Best for Studio and Stage Versatility → iCON Airmon Pro: Its lossless audio and low latency bridge the gap between home recording and live performance better than any wired alternative.
In my opinion, if you are setting up a dedicated workspace for deep-focus work or are a musician who values the purity of the signal above all else, the BASN Metalen 4 is the superior choice. The four-driver hybrid system provides a level of detail and bass control that feels tangible and immersive, perfect for those long hours on zoom calls where audio clarity is non-negotiable. However, if your life involves movement, travel, or performing live where being tethered is a liability, the iCON Airmon Pro is the undeniable winner. Its sub-2ms latency and lossless wireless transmission solve the biggest pain points of wireless audio, allowing you to move freely without sacrificing the timing or quality of your sound. For me, the deciding factor is always the workflow: if I am stationary, I reach for the BASN; if I am on the move, I grab the iCON.
Neither product is a bone conduction headphone, nor do they carry an IPX7 waterproof rating. The BASN Metalen 4 is a wired in-ear monitor, and the iCON Airmon Pro is a wireless in-ear system. They are designed for high-fidelity audio monitoring, not sports or water resistance.
Only the iCON Airmon Pro explicitly supports connecting unlimited receivers to a single transmitter. The BASN Metalen 4 is a point-to-point wired connection, meaning one cable connects one pair of earbuds to one source device.
Both models rely on passive noise isolation through the physical seal of the ear tips. The BASN Metalen 4 comes with memory foam tips included in the box, which can provide a tighter seal for blocking ambient noise compared to standard silicone tips.
The iCON Airmon Pro is specifically engineered for this with its under-2ms latency, making it suitable for recording and mixing without noticeable delay. The BASN Metalen 4, being wired, also has zero latency but requires a direct cable connection to your interface.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.