Blog4 min read
Soundbrenner Wave: insights from Joshua Krell's review
Looking for a budget IEM that actually delivers? Soundbrenner Wave might be your next favorite find. Musician and YouTuber Joshua Krell put the Soundbrenner Wave to the test for months.

Let’s face it, the world doesn’t need another generic in-ear monitor review. Every brand (yes, us included) promises “studio-quality sound” and “engineered for musicians.” But you’re not here for buzzwords - you want to know if the Soundbrenner Wave in-ear monitors are actually worth your hard-earned money.
So, we put our own marketing to the test and sent the Wave to musicians who care more about music than marketing. Here’s what we learned from Joshua Krell.
What’s in the box? Everything you need, nothing you don’t
Open up the Soundbrenner Wave box and you’ll find:
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The Wave in-ear monitors themselves
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A detachable, braided cable that can handle serious wear and tear
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Six sets of ear tips to fit every ear shape (and then some)
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A 1/4-inch adapter for your interface, amp, or whatever setup you’ve got
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A travel case for on-the-go gigs or coffee shop sessions
The cable is more durable than some relationships, and if you ever manage to break it, you can just replace the cable - not the whole set. No drama, no landfill guilt.

Comfort matters (and yes, we took it seriously)
The number one thing for Joshua? The Wave is comfortable. You can wear these IEMs for hours without feeling like you need to ice your ears afterward. Long rehearsals, mixing at your laptop, or forgetting your “main” headphones - these in-ear monitors are built to stay comfortable no matter how long the session. If you’ve ever suffered through cheap, uncomfortable IEMs, the Wave will feel like a revelation.
Soundbrenner Wave sound quality: balanced and detailed
Now for the good stuff: sound quality. The Soundbrenner Wave in-ear monitors feature dual-magnet drivers and up to 36 dB of passive noise isolation. But here’s what Joshua said:
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The sound is balanced - not hyped or painfully bright
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The Wave holds its own against models two or three times the price
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Noise isolation is legit, blocking out even loud stage or practice room noise
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No “ear fatigue,” even after hours of use
Joshua even swapped out his $350 IEMs for the Wave because the sound was less harsh and easier on the ears. You’ll hear the detail you need, whether you’re performing live, recording, or just listening for fun.
One thing to know: these IEMs get loud
Here’s a tip for your ears: the Wave has a hot output. Plug them into your laptop or interface and you’ll probably find yourself turning the volume way down. If you’re used to high-impedance headphones, you might be surprised at how much power these can deliver. Translation: great sound, but don’t blast them at full volume unless you’re really feeling wild and hate your eardrums.

Is the Soundbrenner Wave worth it?
For $100, musicians keep telling us the same thing: the Soundbrenner Wave is a steal. There are plenty of budget in-ear monitors out there, but most can’t compete on comfort, durability, or sound. The Wave in-ear monitors are designed to survive real life - whether that’s on stage, in the studio, or commuting between gigs.
We can write as much marketing copy as we want (and, trust us, we do), but honest musician feedback means the most. And we’ve heard time and again: the Wave is an affordable IEM that actually delivers.
Affordable, reliable, and musician-approved
If you’re looking for in-ear monitors that won’t destroy your ears or your budget, the Soundbrenner Wave is ready for whatever you throw at it. Real musicians trust it, and so do we.