If you are someone who lives for the low-end rumble and craves the slam behind every kick drum, then let me tell you about a set that will shake you to your core - the Punch Audio Martilo. This isn’t your average bassy IEM. The Martilo doesn’t just emphasize bass - it refines it, sculpts it, and somehow balances it against clarity, detail, and a surprisingly spacious presentation.
This is the debut release from Punch Audio, a fresh brand born under the Linsoul umbrella. From the name Martilo (meaning “hammer” in Spanish and Filipino) to the packaging, cable, and tuning, it is clear that this IEM was built with bass-first in mind. But what surprised me is how it does not stop at bass - the Martilo goes beyond expectations.
Punch Audio Martilo
First Impressions and Unboxing Experience
Unboxing the Martilo was a pleasant surprise. It comes in a bold, black-and-red themed box with strong visual cues emphasizing its basshead identity. You are greeted with a robust hard-shell carrying case that is surprisingly roomy and protective. It fits the IEMs, the cable, tips, and even a dongle with ease.
Inside the box, I found:
- The Martilo IEMs with a graffiti-inspired cracked red faceplate
- A thick, modular cable with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations
- Three sets of silicone ear tips
- Three sets of foam tips
- A cleaning cloth, nozzle filters, and user documentation
The cable deserves a shout. It is a four-core weave, flexible yet substantial, with minimal memory and no annoying stiffness. It lies flat, stays in place, and is a joy to handle. For the price range, this cable is a cut above most others in its class.
Punch Audio Martilo accessories
Design and Comfort
The shells are crafted from 3D-printed medical-grade resin. They are not tiny, but they are ergonomically shaped, smooth, and surprisingly lightweight at just over four grams each. The nozzles are metal with a secure lip for ear tip retention and are angled for a natural fit.
Despite their bold look and large body, I found them to be comfortable over long sessions. The seal was strong, and passive isolation was excellent even with big vent ports. I never experienced discomfort, pressure buildup, or sharp edges. They sit securely and do not shift, which is crucial for keeping that thunderous bass in check.
Sound Performance
The Martilo features a tribrid configuration with:
- Two 8 mm dynamic drivers
- Two balanced armatures
- One micro planar driver
This setup powers an immersive, fun, and unapologetically bass-forward tuning. But what’s really impressive is how mature and deliberate the tuning feels.
Bass That Hits Like a Hammer
Let me be clear - bass is the star of the Martilo. It has a massive sub-bass shelf, hitting around 14 dB of elevation. This translates into deep and rumbling lows that you feel as much as you hear. Tracks like Limit to Your Love by James Blake or War Pigs (Celldweller Remix) become seismic experiences.
But it is not just about quantity. The dual dynamic drivers provide control, texture, and layering. The sub-bass extends cleanly to 20 Hz without sounding bloated. Mid-bass hits with satisfying impact but never gets muddy. Even fast, aggressive tracks like Bangarang by Skrillex are handled with ease and authority.
This is subwoofer-grade performance with none of the usual trade-offs. It is big, but it is also clean and controlled. Whether it’s EDM, hip-hop, or cinematic scores, the Martilo delivers genre-defining bass.
Midrange: Surprisingly Clean and Balanced
Despite the heavy low end, the midrange stays intact. Vocals are clear and carry enough weight to stay engaging. There is a slight recession in the lower mids, which creates space and avoids congestion. The upper mids are lifted just enough to give instruments and vocals the presence and clarity they deserve.
What surprised me most is how well the Martilo handles female vocals and string instruments. They come through with texture and liveliness. There is a touch of warmth in the lower mids, which gives the sound body without ever becoming thick or slow.
Tracks like Chasm or Tequila Sunrise shine with natural timbre and a sense of air. The Martilo handles vocals with respect, not just as an afterthought to the bass.
Treble: Detailed Without Harshness
Treble is where many bassy IEMs fall flat, but not the Martilo. Thanks to the planar driver, the treble extends well and remains smooth and non-fatiguing. There is enough sparkle and air to give the soundstage depth and separation, but no piercing peaks or artificial sharpness.
Cymbals and high hats retain texture. Even tracks with a lot of upper-register content, like Midnight City or Satisfy, are handled with ease. There is a slight metallic edge at times, but it is minimal and never ruins the experience.
Soundstage and Imaging
The Martilo offers a spacious soundstage with above-average width and noticeable depth. Imaging is sharp, and layering is excellent, especially in complex electronic or ambient tracks.
It does not quite reach the ethereal air of an electrostatic driver set, but for a bass-focused hybrid, the sense of space is impressive.
How Does It Compare?
Here are a few sets I have compared it to:
- Kiwi Ears Astral: The Kiwi Ears Astral feels more neutral and balanced but lacks the Martilo’s bass energy. If you want a more reference-style sound with similar ergonomics, the Astral is a better fit.
- Kiwi Ears Punch: The Martilo is less V-shaped and has more clarity in the mids. Both are fun, but the Martilo feels more refined and versatile.
- Aful Explorer: The Martilo refines what the Explorer attempts. It adds more presence, more bass control, and a cleaner presentation overall.
- KBear Rosefinch: Rosefinch offers more mid-bass and less control. It slams harder but lacks the Martilo’s finesse and clarity in the mids and treble.
Is This the Right IEM for You?
If you are a bass lover who values technicalities and does not want to sacrifice clarity or balance, the Martilo is absolutely worth considering. It is not for fans of analytical or bright-neutral tunings. And if you mainly listen to classical or vocal-first acoustic music, this might not be your ideal choice.
But for listeners into EDM, trap, pop, hip-hop, synthwave, or cinematic scores, the Martilo is a dream come true. It delivers emotion, physicality, and presence in every beat.
Final Thoughts
The Punch Audio Martilo is one of the most exciting bass-oriented IEMs I have ever heard. It lives up to its name by delivering slam, impact, and sub-bass thunder. But it also delivers much more - a well-constructed shell, an amazing stock cable, great accessories, and most importantly, a surprisingly refined sound for something aimed at bassheads.
This is not just a blunt weapon. The Martilo is a well-tuned tool that blends muscle with musicality. It proves that being a basshead no longer means settling for muddy mids and rolled-off highs. You can now have your cake, rumble through it, and still hear the singer’s voice.
At around $329, it is not cheap - but considering what it brings to the table, it is a compelling value for anyone seeking low-end excellence without compromise.
Punch Audio did not play it safe with the Martilo. And that is exactly why I love it.
Where to Buy
You can find the Punch Audio Martilo on:
Affiliate Disclaimer: Listen Vibes may earn commissions from qualifying purchases that helps to maintain the website - at no extra cost to you.