Shure - Headset Analysis

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Known for decades as a supplier of professional audio products, Shure moved into the consumer market a few years ago with high-quality MP3 player earbuds and headphones. I purchased my first Shure earphones a few years ago (the E2c), and have used them frequently ever since. So, before I go further, I declare myself a user and a fan.

Building on their success, Shure is now moving quickly into another consumer space: the smartphone headset. One of the company’s latest offerings, the Shure SE115m+ Sound Isolating Headset, is designed to provide not only the superior sound that’s been the trademark of their previous products, but also the ability to make hands-free calls on compatible handsets such as the iPhone 3G and 3GS.

However, in this the Shure SE115m+ is a bit of a disappointment; the sound quality when enjoying audio remains excellent, but using the headset to make phone calls left me wanting.

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Design

Those familiar with Shure’s audio products will recognize the SE115m+ instantly. The headset’s look is very similar to previous Shure products, but with an inline remote and mic about seven inches below the right bud. The buds themselves are designed to be worn in a different way than other companies’ - the cord coming from each bud sweeps forward, and is intended to be wrapped behind the ear. I like this design choice since it helps manage dangling cables, but it may require some adjustment for some users.

The remote and mic are inside a small black node attached to the right bud’s cord and features three gray control buttons. These buttons begin and end calls, pause and play music, skip forward or back in playlists, and adjust volume. The buttons are fairly large, but with...

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...ncluded with the iPhone). Each time the static disappeared when using another product.

The static wasn’t constant or terribly loud, but it was noticeable, and I’ve found reference to it in at least one other review of the SE115m+. It’s not a deal breaker, particularly since many headsets offer diminished call quality when compared with using a phone’s built-in speaker and mic, but it does detract from the product’s utility.

Conclusion

While the SE115m+ offers outstanding audio performance when listening to music, its lackluster performance as a headset makes it a questionable choice for many users. If you have been eying the SE115 and would like, on occasion, to be able to use it as a headset, the SE115m+ gives you that option (though with added cost). But if you’re looking for a headset you’ll use for phone calls on a daily basis, I suggest you look elsewhere.

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