Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.01: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones for Recording from $200 to $500
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 150
  

• 2020.02: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones for Recording from $200 to $500
  Tied With:
  Sony MDR-7520
  

• 2018.04: Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones Under $500
• 2017.09: Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones from $300 to $500
• 2016.03: Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones Under $500

Gearank Recommended

The SRH1540 first appeared on our recommended list for Closed Headphones Under $500 from March 2016 until January 2021 when it was out-ranked by the Neumann NDH20.

Then in January 2022 it had high enough ratings to go back on the list where it tied for #1 ranked spot with the Beyerdynamic DT 150 and it remains in that position today.

These headphones were also on our recommended list for Studio Headphones Under $500 from February 2018 until February 2020.

Overview

The SRH1540 is the flagship studio headphone from audio giant Shure.

These are high-end premium headphones that will be too expensive for many home recording studios, but to quote Robbie Stamp from Future Music who gave them a 5 star rating, "It is often the case that you can't imagine better sound quality until you hear it, and the 1540s opened our ears to the possibilities".

These headphones feature high tech materials like carbon fiber, and aircraft-grade aluminum paired with their best 40mm driver design with proprietary materials for better linearity and lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

The ear pads feature memory foam for enhanced comfort over long sessions.

Closed-back headphones are not as popular for use with mixing but the soundstage and response of the SRH1540 offsets that.

These headphones provide an excellent monitoring experience that translates your mixes well across different listening devices, all while providing luxurious levels of comfort for long sessions.

Specifications

• Type: Closed-back
• Driver Size: 40 mm
• Magnet Type: Neodymium
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 25,000Hz
• Maximum Input Power: 1000 mW
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Impedance: 46 Ohms
• Noise Attenuation: Not Specified
• Weight: 10.1 oz
• Cable and Connectivity: 6 ft dual-exit, detachable oxygen-free copper cable; Gold-plated 1/8" stereo mini jack