In a nutshell
The Shure SE535 In-Ears are a clear winner for stage applications, thanks to their convenient features and quality workmanship. The external noise suppression was good, while wearing comfort is very impressive for those looking for something they can wear for hours at a time with no fatigue. Frequency reproduction in the bass range is extremely linear, while mids are reproduced with real presence. It’s a reliable headphone choice as long as speech is involved, or if a powerful monitor is required on stage. These in-ears are primarily geared toward toward the world of live applications, offering a handy solution for presenters, speakers and singers needing mid-heavy signals to shine in live environments.
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The Shure SE535 are in-ear headphones designed to meet the exacting standards of sound professionals, while also providing stage applications and promising premier everyday enjoyment for those listening at home or on the go. However, are these bold promises reflected in reality?
What’s Included?
Tech lovers will be thrilled by the design of the SE535-CL, with the transparent housing revealing the inner workings of the device in all their glory. However, for the more traditionalist listeners, the device is also available in slick bronze with a black cable. Unfortunately, a transport/carry case is not included with the main headphone model, although there’s a 6.3mm jack adapter and six pairs of earmolds included. Cleaning sticks are also supplied. Additionally, an external volume control is supplied in the form of a mini-jack adapter. Finally, an airplane adapter comes thrown in for good measure, flagging up the functionality of these headphones as an everyday listening champion..
Processing & Handling
The SE535 strike the right note with a robust and sturdy looking construction. You get the firm impression that regular use on stage wouldn’t pose any problem for these headphones. Generous bend protectors are in place at all the necessary points to ensure no strain or fatigue on cable and connection points. The cable itself is reinforced with Kevlar for enhanced protection, while it can also be replaced and/or exchanged with ease. This provides complete freedom to roam around, while also minimising cable clutter.
The ends of the supply cable have bendable ends, meaning the cable transforms into something that can be shaped into retaining hooks that can be worn over the ear. This promises a very good fit that’s bespoke to the wearer and make considerable improvements to overall wearing comfort. The enclosed external volume control is integrated into the housing between the signal source and headphone plug, allowing for simple volume adjustments.
Sound & Applications
Inside of these headphones are three high-resolution drivers and two woofers. That’s per earpiece, bear in mind. This should deliver a differentiated bass sound. As such, I was very surprised to find almost no bass and very low bass in my listening test. It’s not just an issue with this range, either. It turns out that, unless you’re really trying, you run the risk of missing the bass components of a composition altogether. Instead of hearing-adjusted bass sound, the SE535 mainly focused on mids and trebles. On the plus side, there’s no hiss and sharpness to worry about, with the mids asserting themselves well in live situations. As such, they’re an ideal choice for use on stage. Treble reproduction is rather brilliant, with clarity to spare and no hissing to wince at. In addition to this, the audio signal is given plenty of breathing room in the uppermost ranges, giving very little impression of compression.
Staging and spatial effects are excellent here, as long as bass-heavy material isn’t the flavour of the day. Only with spoken word performances, performing and moderations escape from the discreet bass interferences. Shure has succeeded in isolating ambient noise with these headphones.
Conclusion
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Prices marked with "*" are affiliate links. These advertising links help us finance our site. If you buy something through these links, we receive a small commission, but the price always stays the same for you. Thank you for your support!
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About the author:
From
Carsten Kaiser
Editor
Dr Carsten Kaiser holds a PhD in musicology and a Master’s degree in sociology. His doctoral thesis examined the digital transformation of music equipment – from analogue through digital to artificial intelligence. He is the author of the standard reference work *Homerecording* and, as an audio producer, has released well over 1,000 tracks. Kaiser also completed a course in jazz singing at the Glen Buschmann Jazz Academy in Dortmund and attended the Conservatoire at Hogeschool Enschede (NL).
