Soundbrenner Wave vs Wave Pro 2: which should you buy?

Wave makes it easy to step into wired in-ear monitoring. Wave Pro 2 is the upgrade for musicians who want more from the setup they rehearse, record and perform with.

The extra investment brings a quad-driver hybrid design, more ear-tip choices, a thicker cable and metal faceplates. Here’s what those differences mean when choosing your next pair.

Why choose Wave Pro 2?

Put your monitor mix first

Wave Pro 2 combines an 11mm full-range dynamic driver, an 8mm mid-to-high dynamic driver and two 6mm planar magnetic drivers for the high frequencies. Wave uses a 10mm dynamic driver and a balanced-armature tweeter.

For a musician choosing monitors they’ll listen through every week, sound deserves to lead the decision. In its hands-on review, AudioReviews praised Pro 2’s tuning, natural presentation and imaging. The reviewer received a unit from Soundbrenner and also highlighted high sensitivity as a consideration for volume adjustment.

For regular rehearsals, recording and live sets, Wave Pro 2 is the model we recommend when you want to invest in your listening experience as well as the hardware around it.

More ways to find your fit

The right seal changes how your IEMs sound and feel. Wave Pro 2 includes 18 ear tips across three types—Liquid Pro, foam and double-flange silicone—in small, medium and large sizes.

Liquid Pro combines a firm inner layer with a soft outer dome. Double-flange tips offer a deeper seal, while foam gives you another fit and isolation option. Having all three in the box gives you more ways to find the combination that works for your ears.

Wave includes 12 tips across foam and single-flange silicone. Choose Pro 2 if you want the broader fitting kit from day one. Explore the Pro 2 fitting options

A step up in materials and finish

Wave Pro 2 pairs its polycarbonate shells with metal faceplates: zinc on Carbon gray and Graphite black, or aluminum on the El Estepario Siberiano edition.

Its 5mm braided cable adds aluminum plug and slider hardware, compared with Wave’s 3mm cable and polymer slider. Both cables detach for replacement. For musicians who value the feel and finish of the gear they use regularly, these are tangible reasons to choose Pro 2. See the construction specifications.

A modular connection for your setup

Both models arrive with a 3.5mm connection and a 1/4-inch adapter for compatible monitoring equipment.

Wave Pro 2 also supports an optional Hi-Fi USB-C connector that replaces the cable’s 3.5mm plug. Its built-in DAC supports 24-bit/96kHz audio, giving you a direct USB-C connection without a separate adapter dongle. The USB-C connector is sold separately.

Wave vs Wave Pro 2 at a glance

Specifications: Wave and Wave Pro 2.

When Wave is the right choice

Wave is a strong starting point for your first wired IEM setup, or when you’re equipping a band and keeping the total cost down. You get a hybrid driver system, replaceable cable, two types of ear tips, carrying case and 1/4-inch adapter.

Choose Wave when you want the essentials at a lower price. Choose Wave Pro 2 when monitoring is a regular part of your playing and you want its quad-driver design, expanded fitting kit and upgraded materials.

What about the original Wave Pro?

The original Wave Pro and Wave Pro 2 are different generations. The original used three dynamic drivers and one planar magnetic driver per ear; Pro 2 uses two dynamic and two planar magnetic drivers. If you’re reading reviews or comparing specifications, check which model they describe.

Choose your next pair

Explore Wave for an accessible introduction to wired monitoring, or explore Wave Pro 2 for the quad-driver sound, broader fitting options and premium hardware package.

Check the product pages for current prices, edition availability and included accessories. You can also review our return conditions before ordering.