Shure SRH1840 Professional Open-Back Headphones

The Shure SRH1840 is a professional open-back, circumaural headphone designed for mastering and other critical listening work. Its open construction is intended to present a natural sense of space rather than isolate the listener from the surrounding environment. It is a wired headphone for listeners who value detail, stereo perspective, and long-session comfort.

Individually matched 40 mm dynamic drivers use neodymium magnets to reproduce a specified 10 Hz to 30 kHz frequency range. Shure specifies smooth extended highs and accurate bass, supporting close evaluation of recordings and mixes. With 65-ohm impedance and 96 dB/mW sensitivity at 1 kHz, the SRH1840 is optimized for use with an external headphone amplification system.

The open-back earcup design helps create a wide stereo image and added depth of field for critical listening. This makes the SRH1840 well suited to home listening rooms, editing suites, and mastering environments where an open headphone is appropriate. The circumaural fit surrounds the ears for a dedicated listening experience.

Its lightweight frame combines aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yokes with stainless-steel grilles. A steel driver frame and vented center pole piece are designed to improve linearity and reduce internal resonance. The dual-frame padded headband is adjustable to support extended listening sessions.

The SRH1840 uses dual-exit, detachable oxygen-free copper cables with gold-plated MMCX connections at the headphones. Two 2.1 m cables, an additional pair of velour ear pads, a threaded 6.3 mm adapter, and a zippered hard storage case are included. This package supports a straightforward connection to headphone outputs on audio interfaces, headphone amplifiers, and compatible stereo equipment.

Key Features

• Open-Back Circumaural Design: Creates a natural presentation with a wide stereo image.
• Matched 40 mm Drivers: Individually matched dynamic drivers support consistent acoustic performance.
• Neodymium Magnet System: Delivers the motor structure for the 40 mm drivers.
• Detachable Dual-Exit Cables: Enables cable replacement and convenient storage.
• Premium Lightweight Frame: Aluminum yokes and steel grilles balance durability and weight.
• Replaceable Velour Ear Pads: High-density slow-recovery foam supports long-session comfort.

Design & Installation

The SRH1840 pairs aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yokes with stainless-steel grilles and a steel driver frame. Its ergonomic dual-frame padded headband is fully adjustable, while the removable velour ear pads use high-density, slow-recovery foam. The headphones weigh 268 g without the cable.

Connect either included 2.1 m dual-exit cable to the headphone MMCX connectors, then plug the 3.5 mm stereo connector into a compatible source. Use the included threaded 6.3 mm adapter when connecting to a standard quarter-inch headphone output. For intended critical-listening use, pair the headphones with an external headphone amplifier or audio interface and store the system in the included hard case when not in use.