Shure SE535-CL

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.