What’s The Differences Between Shure In-Ear Headphones

There’s a large selection of Shure In-Ear headphones out there, all of which have their key benefits and applications, but which in-ear monitors are right for you? There are quite a few major differences between the Shure In-ear headphones and ensuring you’re getting the perfect set for your needs will stop you either spending too much on headphones you don’t really need or not enough which might stop you from getting the perfect in-ear monitor sound. We've discussed the best in-ear monitor systems for musicians, but if you already have a monitor system, or are wondering how much you need to spend to get the best sound, our guide to Shure In-Ear Headphones should come in handy for you. So, in this blog we look at the differences between the Shure In-Ear Series and show you what the major differences are between the Shure SE112, SE215, SE315, SE425, SE535 and SE846 in-ear headphones so you can make the right choice based on your needs.

To fully understand the differences between the Shure In-Ear headphones, we’ve collected some of their key benefits, the price differences and where you might want to ‘Level Up’ to the next model. Shure make some of the best in-ear monitors, best wired earbuds, and audiophile headphones available - so think carefully about what you need!

The Shure SE112 in-ear headphones are the most budget friendly option within the Shure in-ear range, offering a fantastic level of sound and great isolation. For around £49 these are a great option for entry level musicians, and those who value high quality sound when commuting to work or listening at home. The Shure SE112 features a single driver and up to 37dB of sound isolation so you can hear your mix when you’re on stage, or drown out the sound of crowd when you’re on your commute home. 

Best For:

• Entry level musicians
• Commuters

Pros:

• Sound isolating
• Microdriver design
• Comfortable
• Ideal for entry level wireless use
• Up to 37dB of Sound Isolation
• Single driver

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves
• Carrying pouch

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHURE SE112 AND SHURE SE215 IN-EARS

The major differences between the Shure SE112 and Shure SE215 come in the form or a stronger, more reliable cord, so they’re harder wearing and can withstand years of abuse on stage as well as a more enhanced bass sound. If you want a stronger bass sound for listening to dance music, or you’re a bass player in need of high quality in ear monitors, you might want to upgrade to the SE215 headphones 

Why upgrade to SE215?

• Stronger, more reliable cord
• Enhanced bass

You’ll find it difficult to get your hands on a better tour-ready set of in-ear headphones under the £100 price tag. The Shure SE215 in-ear headphones are amazing value for money at just £82 and are designed for gigging musicians and those who value a higher quality of sound whether on stage or on the commute home. This is a more bass-heavy option than the SE112 but they respond extremely well to portable mp3 players etc when there’s no colouration of sound. If you want a heavier, but not overbearing bass sound these are highly recommended. Best For:

• Gigging musicians
• Those who value their sound
• Commuters
• Audiophiles

Pros:

• Detailed sound
• Provides colour to sound
• Makes music sound better
• Makes MP3s sound better
• Detachable cable
• Kevlar reinforced cable (super strong)

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves (S, M, L)
• Foam sleeves (S, M, L)
• Yellow foam sleeves
• Triple flange sleeves
• Carrying case

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHURE SE215 AND SHURE SE315 IN-EARS

The major differences between the Shure SE215 and Shure SE315 in-ear headphones come down to a higher definition driver, louder 116dB output and a more powerful presentation than the SE215 in-ear headphones, with a touch more added bass. DJs will enjoy the more natural tonal balance whilst the guitarists out there will definitely appreciate the slight emphasis on the midrange frequencies. 

Why upgrade to Shure SE315?

• High definition driver
• 116 dB
• Better for DJ’s and professional musicians who need HD sound

The Shure SE315 in-ears provide a more neutral in-ear monitor overall, but still offer a great bass sound, making them ideal for DJs. They are designed for professional musicians who need more detail in their monitor mix and have been crafted with electronic musicians in mind thanks to the greater dynamics on offer. You get far more detail with these than the SE215 and a greater isolation, too. In addition, the high definition MicroDriver ensures you have a full range audio experience and a tuned bass port provides HD bass making them great in-ear monitors for DJs, rap, hip hop etc. Also available in clear. 

Best for:

• Professional musicians
• Electronic music
• Audiophiles
• Those who want extra bass

Pros:

• Sound isolating
• High definition MicroDriver
• Full range audio
• Tuned bass port (HD bass)
• Rugged and ergonomic
• Very comfortable – ideal for long gigs/travelling
• Higher frequency
• Pushes more air, so more detail
• Pushes bass harder

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves (S, M, L)
• Foam sleeves (S, M, L)
• Yellow foam sleeves
• Triple flange sleeves
• Carrying case

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHURE SE315 AND SHURE SE425 IN-EARS

The next step up in quality is the SE425 in-ear monitors, but what’s the difference between the Shure SE315 and Shure SE425 in-ears and is it worth the extra investment? The Shure SE425 in ears feature a second driver to provide a much better stereo separation, which is ideal for onstage in-ear monitoring. The dedicated single woofer and tweeter within each ear plug provide a far more balanced sound which results in more detail. 

Why upgrade to Shure SE425?

• Dual High definition microdrivers
• Much better stereo separation ideal for in ear monitoring
• More detail
• Dedicated single woofer and tweeter per channel = balanced sound
• Large range of accessories

As mentioned, the Shure SE425 in ear monitors provide far more detail overall as well as a heavier low end and far more enjoyable higher frequencies, reducing the listening fatigue that can sometimes happen. The extra investment when moving up from the 315s to the SE425 in-ear monitors is definitely worth it if you appreciate higher quality bass and you need a more balanced sound. These work especially well for keyboard players and guitarists who use stereo effects. Also available in Metallic Silver. 

Best for:

• Professional musicians
• DJ’s
• Keyboard players who use stereo effects
• Those who need a balanced sound

Pros:

• Detachable cable
• Reinforced Kevlar cable
• Dual high definition driver
• Has its own bass unit built-in

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves (S, M, L)
• Foam sleeves (S, M, L)
• Yellow foam sleeves
• Triple flange sleeves
• Premium carrying case
• ¼" adapter

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SHURE SE425 AND SHURE SE535 IN EARS

Again, you could upgrade to the next level with the Shure SE535 in-ears if you want to hear every subtle nuance and detail of the instrument or your voice. The main differences between the Shure SE425 and Shure SE535 in ears comes down to the 18 Hz – 19 kHz frequency range and the triple drivers within the SE535 monitors. There’s also a volume control built in to the cable for quick changes. 

Why upgrade to Shure SE535?

• Need to hear greater detail of the instrument, either on recording or live
• Need a volume control on the cable
• Higher quality sound

 The Shure SE535 in-ear monitors feature triple drivers with high definition sound, as well as an 18 Hz – 19 kHz frequency range. Essentially, the lows are bottomless, the highs are ethereal and the mids are lush. These are the go-to options for singers and professional musicians who need to hear every detail within their music, whether they’re performing live, mixing or just listening to music on their own. You have a huge range of accessories included, such as a detachable Kevlar reinforced cable, huge range of sleeves to suit different applications, an airline adapter for traveling and you even have a volume control built in too! You won’t find a better pair of in-ear headphone monitors for under £400 anywhere. Furthermore - the SE535s recently received a glowing 9.4 / 10 review in the Verge! Check out their in-depth guide. 

Best for:

• Singers
• Touring professionals
• Keyboards
• Electronic music with lots of bass
• Mixing

Pros:

• Richer, fuller bass
• Triple drivers - High Definition sound
• Spacious sound
• You can hear the detail of the instrument thanks to 18 Hz – 19 kHz frequency range
• Detachable Kevlar reinforced cable

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves (S, M, L)
• Foam sleeves (S, M, L)
• Yellow foam sleeves
• Triple flange sleeves
• Premium carrying case
• ¼" adapter
• Airline adapter
• Volume control

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHURE SE535 AND SHURE SE846 IN-EARS

If you want to get the very best and you need a wide variety of different frequency options, then the Shure SE846 in-ear headphones are the ultimate option. Although the Shure SE535 In Ears are easily some of the best in-ear headphones ever crafted, there is no better sound than that of the Shure SE846 in-ears. The main difference between the Shure SE535 and the SE846 in-ears comes down to the adjustable frequency response for different sounds as you can actually select from Balanced/Warm/Bright settings, making them a great option for mixing and all styles of live music. There’s also dedicated low, mid and high frequency distribution and extended high end clarity. However, if you’re a touring professional, you’ll be fine with the SE535 if your budget wont stretch. 

Why upgrade to Shure SE846?

• Unparalleled sound quality – there is no better option
• Ultimate live musician earphones
• Precision engineered

The Shure SE846 In Ears are for the ultimate professionals out there, offering unprecedented clarity and frequency distribution as well as total control over your sound. The team at Shure have actually installed these in-ear monitors with an adjustable frequency response toggle so you can switch between Balanced, Warm and Bright to get the exact sound you need on stage or whilst mixing your music. The high end clarity within the SE846 Shure in ear headphones is quite breath taking and a dedicated subwoofer provides the deep low-end performance you need. This is the best you can get when it comes to in-ear monitoring and the only choice for professional musicians who need to be able to take complete control over their onstage mix. Also available in black. 

Best for:

• Ultimate professionals
• All instruments
• Signed bands
• Touring musicians
• Session musicians
• Those who need to adjust frequency response

Pros:

• Extended high-end clarity
• Deep low-end performance of a subwoofer without loss of clarity
• Adjustable frequency response for different sounds – Balanced/Warm/Bright
• Dedicated low, mid and high frequency distribution

Includes:

• Soft flex sleeves (S, M, L)
• Foam sleeves (S, M, L)
• Yellow foam sleeves
• Triple flange sleeves
• Road case
• Premium carrying case
• ¼" adaptor
• Airline adaptor
• Volume control
• Nozzle removal key
• 2 pairs of nozzle inserts
• Polishing cloth

Shop a full range of Shure in-ear headphones & Shure In-Ear Monitor Systems over at PMT Online or call in to your local PMT store to speak to one of our experts about your onstage monitoring needs.