Shure SRH1440

The American microphone manufacturer Shure has been emerging in the headphone market for some time now. The SRH1440 is the second most expensive model that the manufacturer has released to consumers so far, with applications including mixing, mastering and high-end audiophile use singled out as strengths of the model. The fact that this is a high-quality option is evident from the off, with the basic packaging materials of the device based on a premium wooden box with robust packing materials. Inside, there’s a foam-lined case containing the headphones themselves, along with a cable and 6.3mm adapter.

Sound Specs

These Shure headphones held up very well indeed in the listening test. All music styles are reproduced natural and with high fidelity. I did get the impression I was being treated to rather alot of bass when listening to a few songs, however. But I won’t single out that experience as a generalisation of overemphasis of the bass range. The spatial arrangement of instruments and vocals in a mix is very precise and sounds incredibly natural The SRH1440 belongs on the top shelf and doesn’t have to fear its competition and comparison to more expensive models. In fact, it even holds its own against its more expensive sister model, the SRH1840 from Shure.

Great for listening on the go?

The SRH1440 plays comparatively loudly on mobile players, unlike many other high-end headphones on the market. This is partly due to the low impedance of approximately 35.5 Ohm. Despite this feature, it’s not the most perfect of listening companions for when you’re out and about, predominately down to its large size and bulk.

In the recording studio, these headphones also prove they’re not really ideal for recording purposes due to their open construction allowing too much external sound in. This would ultimately leave too much background noise present on the recording. In the control room of a studio, or on the sofa with a playlist or three of your favourite tracks, the SRH1440 does an excellent job, however.

Wonderful Wearing Comfort

The SRH1440 is a very comfortable wear. This is thanks to the padded earpieces, as well as the overall high-quality workmanship that has gone into the production of these headphones. Even when worn for long periods of time, they’re hardly noticeable despite the hefty weight of them. The differences between these headphones and the more expensive SRH1840 are largely structural, with the more premium model slimmer and lighter than this one, with the cheaper version a touch more bulky and with more instances of plastic in its construction.