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Shure Earphones

Q & A Shure Earphones

Q: What are sound isolating earphones?
Sound isolating earphones were originally developed as Personal Monitor Systems to allow musicians to hear their own performances in loud onstage environments. Sound isolating earphones work by using soft, pliable sleeves to block background noise, allowing small, high-performance drivers to deliver incredibly precise sound directly to the ear. These professional-quality earphones are now available for use with all of your portable digital devices.

Q: Is isolation different from noise cancellation?
The seal created by a sound isolating earphone physically blocks most frequencies of background noise. Active noise cancellation "headphones" are generally larger, heavier and battery-driven. The active cancellation process negates selected frequencies through a complex process that can even introduce unwanted artifacts into the resulting audio. The natural sound isolation properties of a properly fitted in ear earphone exceeds the performance of even the most expensive active noise cancellation alternatives.

Q: How are Shure's sound isolating earphones different from other headphones?
The primary difference is their listening position - where they are worn in relation to your ear. Headphones generally enclose your ear or rest on top of it. Regular earphones (like the earbuds often packaged with CD players) sit on the outside of the ear. Sound isolating earphones are different. They are designed to fit inside your ear canal, where they create an isolated listening area that is responsible for their superior acoustic properties.

Q: How do in ear sound isolating earphones work?
By selecting from an assortment of included soft, flexible sleeves, you're able to personalize the fit of the earphones to your ears. The sleeves conform to the unique shape of your ear, creating a seal that isolates you from ambient noise.

Q: Why is isolation important?
Sound isolation makes it possible to hear greater detail at a lower volume than is possible with earbuds or most headphones intended for portable use. Lower-volume listening means less fatigue over extended periods and is safer than trying to overcome background noise by turning up the volume. This makes sound isolating earphones the ideal choice for commuting, travel, exercise, study, or work - any activity where you desire portable, hi-fidelity sound.

A: The differences in these terms can vary, but in general they refer to the form of the listening device, the manner in which it is used with the ear, and in some cases, the technology that drives the sound:

• Headphones are usually the largest option, sit on the ear, and often use noise-cancellation technology to cancel outside noise.
• Earbuds are generally smaller, can slip in and out of the ear, and are most commonly included with the purchase of personal listening devices.
• Earphones are similar to earbuds, though they require placement into the ear that achieves a sealed fit for optimized sound.

Shure's earphones are more portable and convenient than over-the-ear headphones, do not require battery power (as many popular noise-cancelling headphones do), and are more comfortable with greater noise blocking than standard earbuds. Shure earphones use sound isolating technology:  sound isolating technology versus noise cancellation.

A: The new SE Models (SE115, SE210, SE310, SE420 and SE530) are compatible with most popular CD, MP3 and DVD players, as well as portable gaming devices and any device with 1/8" (3.5mm) jack. All models in the new line are also compatible with ¼" (6.5mm) jacks via a ¼" adapter (sold separately with certain models). This ¼" adapter is available in our online store and included in the Premium Fit Kit provided with the SE420 and SE530.

A: Yes. There are differences that you'll hear as you move up the product line. That said, every listener has personal preferences when it comes to audio, so we recommend that you listen for yourself and decide which model is right for you.

A: No, the clear sleeves and yellow foam sleeves will be replaced by three sizes of new black foam sleeves. They offer superior sound isolation and are great for use during exercise. Additionally, the SE210 and SE310 feature Shure's Deluxe Fit Kit, and a Premium Fit Kit is included with SE420 and SE530 models. Descriptions of Shure earphone accessories follow:

• Deluxe Fit Kit/Accessories Package : Three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); one pair of triple flange sleeves; 3' (91cm) cable; deluxe carrying case; wax guard. Optional accessories available for purchase: 9" (23cm) cable; airline adapter; volume control; ¼" (6.5mm) adapter; Push-To-Hear (PTH) accessory.
• Premium Fit Kit/Accessories Package : Three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); one pair of triple flange sleeves; 3' (91cm) cable; premium carrying case; airline adapter; volume control; ¼" (6.5mm) adapter; wax guard. Optional accessories available for purchase with the SE420: 9" (23cm) cable; Push-To-Hear (PTH) accessory. The SE530 and SE530PTH also include a 9" cable, and the SE530PTH comes bundled with the PTH accessory.

A: The new black foam sleeves are available in three different sizes (S, M, L) and are compatible with Shure's Sound Isolating Earphones. The new sleeves offer a tapered design for better fit and feature a non-porous smooth foam surface for increased durability. The sleeves can also be cleaned to extend their lives even further. The superior sound isolation properties of these sleeves make them ideal for airline travel.

A:The SE models are compatible with any phones that have a 1/8" (3.5mm) jack that works with standard headphones. Adapters are available for many other phones to make them compatible.

If you question has not been answered then please either call us on (09) 913 6212 or try here at the Shure Customer Help Q & A.