We all know how important those in-ear headphones are. They help us listen to every minute detail of audio recordings. They are also tools for privacy. With them, you do not have to worry about disturbing the other party.
This is why this page is determined to help you make the right choice. In light of this, we will be conducting an in-depth review of two in-ear headphones: The Shure SE215 vs SE315.
At some point, the article will be comparative. This is aimed at helping you pick the best product.
If for any reason you are unable to go through every bit of this article, you can check out the next 3 sections. This is because relevant information about these products has been shared concisely in these sections.
Table of Contents
Shure SE215 vs SE315 – Comparison Overview
Overall Review of Shure SE215 vs SE315
Of all the high-end models in its line-up, the Shure SE215 is remarkable. As an earphone with decent listening capacity, it is identical to the Shure SE315 and SE425. However, it does not come with as many accessories.
On the flip side, it has a better-balanced sound, as well as the ability to isolate slightly better in noisy conditions. It also has stable ear-hooks and a comfortable in-ear fit, making it a good option for exhaustive physical actions.
On the other end, the SE315 offers a more neutral in-ear monitor. Even at that, it has a great bass sound. This makes it a good choice for Disk-jockeys.
Which offers better audio output: SE215 vs SE315?
The SE315 offers a more detailed audio output than the SE215. Despite having a more neutral audio monitor, it comes with a better bass sound quality. With the SE315, you are guaranteed more details and isolation than the SE215 can. It also has a high definition Micro Driver that helps achieve a full range audio experience, as well as a tuned bass port that provides high definition bass output.
However, you should not entirely rule out the SE215, as it promises a decent listening capacity.
Which is bulkier: SE215 vs SE315?
The SE315 is bulkier than the SE215 and many other earphones. But even at that, this earphone is quite easy to move around. It also comes with a good case that can fit easily into your pocket. The audio cable of the SE315 is able to withstand a lot of strain. It is thick, durable, and reliable. However, if at any point it gets damaged, it can be easily replaced as this does not rule out the entire earphone.
How About the Price Value Ratio: Shure SE215 vs SE315?
The price-value ratio of the SE215 and SE315 is great. Given the features and quality that these earphones offer, it is worth every cent on the dollar. Despite being professional earphones that are great for sportsmen and for critical listeners, these products come with decent price tags. The reputation of the Shure brand, also says a lot about the quality of the SE215 and SE315. However, in terms of value for money, the Shure SE315 turns out better.
History of the Shure Brand?
The Shure brand was established in 1925 by Sidney Shure. The company which started in Chicago, Illinois, was into the production of radio kits and similar components. Over time, they expanded by producing microphones, earphones, mixers, and other audio-electric products.
The Shure brand has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming a notable force in the industry. This is majorly because of the quality of their products.
Is Shure a Trustworthy Brand?
The Shure brand is a trustworthy company. With well over 90 years of experience, this company has a culture of producing high-quality earphones, microphones, mixers, and other audio-electric products. Shure is known never to trade quality for cheap prices. This is proven by the cost of many of their products. Shure products rank as one of the most expensive audio-electric products in the world. However, they offer value for money, as their cost to value ratio is impressive.
Do people like Shure Products?
People like Shure products despite the high cost of getting them. The impressive features, quality, and durability it offers explain why many sound engineers, disc jockeys, and music lovers are bent on using products from Shure. In terms of quality, Shure ranks very high on the list, as there are very few brands that come close. This is why it is a popular choice among audiophiles who want the very best.
The Shure SM58 is one product that proves the Shure brand as bent on excellent delivery. Despite being released since 1966, the quality and durability of this product is remarkable.
No doubt, Shure is one of the very best in the business, and its age-long experience only adds to the advantage. With Shure, you get value for every penny spent on the purchase.
Shure SE215 vs SE315 – Specs Comparison
SE215 | SE315 | |
Weight | 5.6 ounces | 1.1 ounces |
Frequency | 22-17.5k Hz | 22-18.5k Hz |
Dimension | 1.171″ x 0.661″ | 0.816″ x 0.714″ |
Fit Style | In-ear/Earbud | In-ear/Earbud |
Sensitivity | 107 dB | 116 dB |
Impedance | 20 Ohms | 27 Ohms |
Cord length | 63″ | 62″ |
What Circumstances Are the Shure SE215 and SE315 Best Suited for?
What circumstances is the Shure SE215 best suited for?
The Shure SE215 is best suited for people who desire an earphone with impressive noise-canceling features. This is because it has a comfortable in-ear fit with great passive isolation, one that is at par with the best noise-canceling headphones around. The Shure SE215 is compact enough to carry you at all times, making it suitable for use in a quiet or loud environment.
What circumstances is the Shure SE315 best suited for?
The Shure SE315 is best suited for sportsmen and people who are frequently in transit. This earphone has a good ear-hook design, making sure it does not fall off while exhausive activities are going on. This makes the Shure SE315 the ideal earphones for sportsmen and people that move around frequently. This is because when the earbuds are properly inserted, they will not fall off at any point. Other that this, these earphones have the ability to block a decent amount of ambient noise. However, they have no control.
What Are the Similarities Between the Shure SE215 and SE315?
The similarities between the Shure SE215 and SE315 include the following:
1) They offer sound isolation and not active noise canceling (ANC) system.
2) The Shure SE215 and SE315 are both wired earphones.
3) The Shure SE215 and SE315 have similarities in connectivity.
4) The Shure SE215 and SE315 are produced by the same company: Shure.
Which offers better sound isolation: Shure SE215 vs SE315?
The Shure SE315 is slightly better than the SE215 with its sound isolation features. Although both products offer sound isolation and not a noise-canceling system (ANC), they do so in varying degrees. The Shure SE215 offers a sound isolation of 15dB, while the SE315 is slightly better with a sound isolation of 18dB.
Are the Shure SE215 and SE315 wireless earphones?
The Shure SE215 and SE315 are not wireless earphones. They are wired products. As a result, they do not offer the convenience associated with wireless earphones. Both earphones have a wired 1/8TRS connection with no in-line remote. Because of this, they can only provide audio outputs when connected to your devices or consoles. However, the cables of both products can be used for wireless connectivity.
Regardless of not being wireless earphones, the Shure SE215 and SE315, have impressive features that make them ideal for various users.
What Are the Differences Between the SE215 and SE315?
The major difference between the Shure SE215 and SE315 is the driver. The kind and quality of the drivers are different. The Shure SE215 has a dynamic driver, while the Shure SE315 has a balanced armature driver.
The Shure SE215 and SE315 also have different degree of sensitivity (107dB – 116dB respectively), impedance (20 Ohms – 27 Ohms), frequency (22-17.5k Hz – 22-18.5k Hz), weight (5.6 ounces – 1.1 ounces), and have different cord length (63″ – 62″).
Furthermore, as sound isolating earphones, the ability of the SE215 to isolate sounds is at a degree of 15dB, while the SE315 is at a degree of 18dB.
What is a balanced armature earphone driver?
A balanced armature earphone driver is the internal component that helps the earphone or headphone produce a very clear and generally balanced sound. However, the balanced armature driver makes the sound output a little faulty in the bass. So, while you have a generally balanced and clear sound, the bass is lacking a little bit.
What is a dynamic earphone driver?
The dynamic earphone driver is the internal component that helps the earphone or headphone achieve a warm and bassy sound output. However, the general clarity of the sound output can be a little faulty. While the dynamic driver offers more bassy sound than the balanced armature, it does less with general sound clarity.
How does the Dynamic earphone driver produce bass sound?
To produce a realistic bass response, the dynamic driver is able to displace air appropriately. Dynamic drivers have a magnet: usually neodymium. The magnet is affixed to the housing interior and creates a static magnetic field. This interacts with the voice coil which is subsequently forced to oscillate towards and away from the created magnetic field. As a result, a vibration is created, eventually leading to sound waves.
Since the mechanism is simple, dynamic drivers are very effective and do not require much power to reach high volume.
How does the balanced armature earphone driver produce clear sound?
To produce a clear sound, the balanced armature driver has a miniature arm inside a coil of wire surrounded by two magnets. The top and bottom magnets determine the movement of the armature. When there is no net force on the armature, it is said to be “balanced”. When current flows through the coil, it magnetizes the armature, causing it to pivot towards either magnet. This pivoting movement will move the diaphragm and produce clear sound as a result.
Can the armature driver be tuned for optimal sound quality?
The armature driver can be tuned for optimal quality in a specific frequency. It also offers a better performance in treble frequency than dynamic drivers. With the armature driver, sounds are more detailed because of its noise-canceling ability. However, it does not do as much with producing bassy sounds. It is in this area dynamic drivers are better.
Should you buy an earphone with a Dynamic or Balanced Armature driver?
Buying either dynamic or balanced armature driver earphones should be determined by your expectation. If your priority is getting a generally balanced and clear sound, you should consider the balanced armature earphone. However, if you need something with a little more emphasis on bassy sounds, getting a dynamic earphone will be better. The Shure SE315 is great with general clarity, while the Shure SE215 does better with bassy sound output.
In light of this, you cannot outrightly say a dynamic earphone driver is better than a balanced armature earphone driver. This clearly depends on your sound output expectations.
What Are the Unique Features of Shure SE215?
The unique features of Shure SE215 include the following:
1) It has a single dynamic driver.
2) It has a sensitivity of 107 dB.
3) It has an impedance of 20 Ohms.
4) It has a frequency of 22-17.5k Hz.
5) It has a weight of 5.6 ounces.
6) It has a cord length of 63″.
7) It has a dimension of 1.171″ x 0.661″.
What Are the Unique Features of Shure SE315?
The unique features of the Shure SE315 include the following:
1) It has a single armature driver.
2) It has a sensitivity of 116 dB.
3) It has an impedance of 27 Ohms.
4) It has a frequency of 22-18.5k Hz.
5) It has a weight of 1.1 ounces.
6) It has a cord length of 62″.
7) It has a dimension of 0.816″ x 0.714″.
The first and second videos below review the Shure SE215 and SE315 respectively.
Video: Unboxing: Shure SE215 In-Ear Monitors (SE215-CL Clear)
Video: Shure SE315 Review – Your Next Earphones?
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Advantages of the Shure SE215 and SE315
What Are the Advantages of the Shure SE215?
The advantages of the Shure SE215 include the following:
1) The SE215 provides a detailed sound.
2) It works well with mp3 audio.
3) The SE215 has a detachable cable.
4) It possesses a Kevlar-reinforced cable that is very strong and durable.
What Are the Advantages of the Shure SE315?
The advantages of the Shure SE315 include the following:
1) It is great at isolating sound.
2) The SE315 has a high definition Micro-Driver.
3) It provides full-range audio.
4) It has a tuned bass port (HD bass).
5) It is rugged and ergonomical.
6) It is very comfortable and ideal for users who go for gigs and travel frequently.
7) It has a higher frequency than the SE215.
8) Because it pushes more air, it gives out a more detailed sound.
Disadvantages of Shure SE215 and SE315
What Are the Disadvantages of the Shure SE215?
The disadvantages of the Shure SE215 include the following:
1) The drivers on the SE215s and braided cord cable make these ear-buds less portable.
2) The Shure SE215 is best suited for stationery listeners and not for users on the move.
3) Securing the ear-buds to the ears is overly dependent on the over-ear wire. The ear-buds become loose if the over-ear wire isn’t strongly secured.
What Are the Disadvantages of the Shure SE315?
There are 2 major disadvantages of the Shure SE315.
1) The Shure SE315 has an inconvenient fit. It requires that the earphone cables are passed over the top of the ear.
2) The Shure SE315 is expensive. The cost is the reason many admirers of the ear-buds shy away from making a purchase.
Aside from these flaws, the Shure SE315 is a great product.
What Are the Common Advantages of the Shure SE215 and SE315?
The common advantages of the Shure SE215 and SE315 include the following:
1) Possibility of replacing the cable.
2) The cables allow for wireless connectivity.
3) They are produced by a reputable brand.
Although durable, the cable can be replaced if or when they get worn out, or develop any fault.
Despite the Shure SE215 and SE315 not being wireless earphones, their cable allows for this.
The Shure SE215 and SE315 are produced by a reputable brand commited to manufacturing high-quality audio-electric products: Shure.
What Are the Common Disadvantages of the Shure SE215 and SE315?
There is one major common disadvantage of the Shure SE215 and SE315. They are not budget-friendly products. This is a common disadvantage of many Shure products.
In the bid to produce top-quality audio-electric products, Shure goes all out for the best materials and technique. This strongly influences the price tag, making many potential users resort to using other products. Aside from this flaw, these ear-buds are great products.
What Do People Think About These Two Earphones?
Shure SE215 | Shure SE315 |
Many users claim the earphone fits perfectly into the ear. As a result, the sound isolation feature is well felt. The length of the Shure SE215 cable is another feature appreciated by many users. This is because it is more convenient than short cables and reduces the possibility of tangling. Some users have a problem with how the earbuds are fitted into the ear. They complain that the process of fitting the device into the ear is strenuous. | The clear and balanced sound of the Shure SE315 is well appreciated by many users. The acoustic features of this earphone are remarkable. Many users think this product is very costly. As a result, they will be happy to see a reduction in the price. |
Conclusion
Is the Shure SE215 a good earphone?
The Shure SE215 is a good earphone. It is the lowest-end model in Shure’s prestigious new removable-cable earphone line-up. Aside from using dynamic drivers, they offer the highest-quality cable system available at the price. The output of the Shure SE215 features a rich bass and warm sound with full mids. It is a professional in-ear earphone that everyone should have.
Should you buy the Shure SE315 earphone?
You should buy the Shure SE315 because of its impressive acoustic properties and durability. It has sound isolating features and is a perfect pick for those who want to buy quality earphones. The buds of this product block out a decent amount of noise. While doing this, it produces a loud, well-rounded sound. Also, with its numerous ear inserts, you are bound to find ones that fit your ears well.
Which should you buy: Shure SE215 vs SE315?
You should buy the Shure SE315 if you have the means. This choice is because it is 1000 Hz higher than the SE215 in high-frequency response (17500 Vs 18500Hz). A higher high-frequency response provides a clearer and crispier treble. It also has an L-shaped plug that comes in handy when the jack is on the left or right side of the device. This is so that the cable is not bent, and is less likely to break when the device is in your pocket.
Shure SE215 vs SE315 – Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Tell a Fake Shure SE215?
To tell a fake Shure SE215 from a real one, you have to pay close attention to the components used to make the earphone. You do not have to dismantle the earphones as Shure makes the interior very transparent.
1) The dynamic driver of a real Shure SE215 has a clear color while many fake products have a red color. This means that cheap components were used to make the driver.
2) The nozzle of the earphone should be perfectly made. It should be circular and without odd attachments, allowing the ear-buds to fit perfectly.
3) It has to sound like a Shure SE215. If it does not sound like a Shure, it certainly is not a Shure product.
Does Shure SE215 Have Microphone?
The cable of the Shure SE215 has a microphone. This microphone is integrated to help pick up vocal sounds. With this impressive feature, the Shure SE215 does not only help relay audio recordings, but it also helps record well.
Other than this, this earphone has a button that performs vital functions. With this button, users can adjust volume levels, answer and end calls, as well as have control of their media setting. This allows users to assess functions on their phones and other attached gadget easily.
How Do You Use Shure SE215?
To use a Shure SE215 properly, do the following:
1) Identify the left and right earphones. You can find out by checking the earphone labeled “L” and the earphone labeled “R”. “L” stands for “left”, while “R” stands for “right”. Also, some Shure earphones use a red and blue sign on the inner side of the earphone’s body to indicate which is for the left and the right. The red is for the right, while the blue is for the left.
2) Wear the earphones up and over the ear. This is the manner all Shure earphones are designed to be worn. You are to run the cable over the top of your ear before inserting it.
How Many Drivers Does the Shure SE215 Have?
The Shure SE215 has 1 driver. As opposed to the Balanced Armature Driver, the Shure SE215’s driver is dynamic. As a result, this earphone offers a sound output with rich bass. However, with this driver, you will not get the best overall balanced sound.
To get the best of the Shure SE215 dynamic driver, properly use the earphone. This is to avoid noise interference while listening to your audio recordings. This ensures that the sound isolation that the Shure SE215 guarantees is gotten.
How Do You Clean a Shure Earphone?
To clean a Shure earphone, do the following:
1) Clean the exterior of the earphone with a wet towel or wipe. This will help prevent debris from building up.
2) Use the Nozzle Cleaner. Every Shure earphone comes with a nozzle cleaner with 2 ends. The first part is pointed, while the other end is a small metallic part used to remove wax and debris inside the nozzle.
3) Carefully use the Nozzle Cleaner. Do not stick the nozzle cleaner into the nozzle very deep. If you encounter any resistance, you are to stop right away. This is to protect the acoustic filter from getting damaged, which will reduce the quality of sound output.
How Do I Remove a Shure SE215 Cable?
To remove a Shure SE215 cable, you are to put one hand on the earphone, and another on the attached end of the cable. Next, apply a little force as you pull the cable from the earphone.
To attach the cable back to the earphone, push the cable slightly into the nozzle. Whether you are attaching or detaching the cable, make sure you use the thick end of the cable. This is to avoid loose contact inside the cable. The detachable cable allows you to clean the nozzle of the earphone. It also allows you to keep the cable when the earphone is not used.