Guides & Technologies :: Shure Sound Isolating Technology

Shure Sound Isolating Technology

Why sound isolating earphones?
Sound isolating earphones provide sound quality far beyond the technical ability of the most expensive earbuds and isolation that's superior to the best headphones. By creating a secure fit between the sound source and your ear canal, unwanted background noise is blocked out while the music comes straight in.

What are sound isolating earphones?
Sound isolating earphones were originally developed as Personal Monitor Systems to allow musicians to hear their own performances in loud onstage environments. Sound isolating earphones work by using soft, pliable sleeves to block background noise, allowing small, high-performance drivers to deliver incredibly precise sound directly to the ear. These professional-quality earphones are now available for use with all of your portable digital devices.

Is isolation different from noise cancellation?
The seal created by a sound isolating earphone physically blocks most frequencies of background noise. Active noise cancellation "headphones" are generally larger, heavier and battery-driven. The active cancellation process negates selected frequencies through a complex process that can even introduce unwanted artifacts into the resulting audio. The natural sound isolation properties of a properly fitted in ear earphone exceeds the performance of even the most expensive active noise cancellation alternatives.

How are Shure's sound isolating earphones different from other headphones?
The primary difference is their listening position - where they are worn in relation to your ear. Headphones generally enclose your ear or rest on top of it. Regular earphones (like the earbuds often packaged with CD players) sit on the outside of the ear. Sound isolating earphones are different. They are designed to fit inside your ear canal, where they create an isolated listening area that is responsible for their superior acoustic properties.

How do in ear sound isolating earphones work?
By selecting from an assortment of included soft, flexible sleeves, you're able to personalize the fit of the earphones to your ears. The sleeves conform to the unique shape of your ear, creating a seal that isolates you from ambient noise.

Why is isolation important?
Sound isolation makes it possible to hear greater detail at a lower volume than is possible with earbuds or most headphones intended for portable use. Lower-volume listening means less fatigue over extended periods and is safer than trying to overcome background noise by turning up the volume. This makes sound isolating earphones the ideal choice for commuting, travel, exercise, study, or work - any activity where you desire portable, hi-fidelity sound.

6 Products with Shure Sound Isolating Technology