Shure
Shure SRH1840 Premium Open Back Headphones
Best open-back headphones for professional mastering and critical listening.
Experience unparalleled audio clarity with the Shure SRH1840 Open-Back Headphones. Designed for mastering and critical listening, these headphones deliver realistic sound with accurate bass and smooth, extended highs thanks to matched 40mm neodymium drivers. The open-back design provides natural audio reproduction and a wide stereo image. Crafted for comfort and durability, they feature a lightweight, robust frame and plush, replaceable velour ear cushions. Detachable, Kevlar-reinforced cables ensure longevity and ease of use, making them ideal for professional environments.
$449.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 5518
#74 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Drivers
40
/ Individually matched mm neodymium
Who it's for
- Critical listeners seeking an expansive, natural soundstage for accurate imaging
- Audio engineers and producers requiring precise, neutral sound for mixing
- Professionals needing fatigue-free comfort during long studio sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for high-value entry-level gear
- Casual listeners wanting to use devices without external amplification
- Commuters or office workers needing privacy and noise isolation
Performance breakdown
Audio Accuracy
Individually matched drivers deliver reference-grade precision for critical studio mastering.
Soundstage Width
Open-back design creates an expansive, natural acoustic environment for immersive listening.
Build Durability
Aircraft-grade aluminum and Kevlar-reinforced cables ensure long-term professional reliability.
Long-Session Comfort
Plush velour cushions and lightweight frame minimize fatigue during extended sessions.
Amplification Dependency
Requires a dedicated amplifier to fully unlock the driver's sonic potential.
Maintenance Ease
Detachable cables and replaceable ear pads simplify essential long-term upkeep.
Key Specs
Drivers
Individually matched 40 mm neodymium
Design
Open-back, circumaural (Around-Ear)
Frame Material
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel grilles
Cable
Detachable, oxygen-free copper with Kevlar reinforcement
Connectors
Gold-plated MMCX, includes 3.5mm plug and threaded 1/4" adapter
Impedance
Optimized for connection to external headphone amplifiers
Ear Cushions
Replaceable velour pads with high-density, slow-recovery foam
Testing
Each set is individually tested and serialized
Features
- Clear, realistic audio with extended highs
- Natural sound with wide stereo imaging
- Lightweight, durable frame construction
- Superior comfort via velour-covered cushions
- Detachable, highly durable OFC cable
- Optimized impedance for external amplifiers
- Fully adjustable, secure ergonomic fit
- Includes zippered storage and accessories
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the SRH1840 for its exceptional audio fidelity and superior comfort. Listeners find the sound neutral, transparent, and highly detailed, offering an expansive soundstage that clearly separates instruments. This sonic accuracy is highly valued. Equally important is the design supporting long term wearability. The lightweight build and plush earpads ensure superb comfort during extended listening sessions without causing fatigue. For those prioritizing sonic precision and enduring comfort, this model delivers a truly rewarding experience.
Know before you buy
The open-back design allows air to pass through the ear cups, which prevents pressure buildup and creates a more natural, spacious soundstage. This makes them ideal for critical listening and mastering, though it does mean sound will leak out and ambient noise will leak in.
While they can technically be driven by some mobile devices, they are optimized for use with external headphone amplifiers. To get the most out of their frequency response and clarity, pairing them with a quality dedicated amp is recommended.
Yes, they are designed specifically for extended wear. The lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum frame and plush, high-density velour ear cushions provide a comfortable, ergonomic fit that minimizes fatigue during long monitoring sessions.
Absolutely. The SRH1840 features detachable, Kevlar-reinforced cables and easily replaceable velour ear cushions, ensuring the headphones remain functional and comfortable for years of professional use.
Unlike closed-back models that isolate you from your environment, these open-back headphones offer a wider, more realistic stereo image and better airiness in the high frequencies. They are intended for quiet studio environments rather than noisy commutes or public spaces.
Shure tests and pairs each set of 40mm neodymium drivers to ensure consistent performance between the left and right channels. This precision is critical for professional mixing and mastering, where accurate stereo imaging and balance are essential.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.