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Music production is a nuanced and varied field, and every producer has different needs and preferences regarding their headphones. That’s why finding the right set of cans that meet your requirements is essential. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Shure SRH840A headphones, exploring their various uses, pros, and cons to help you determine whether they’re the right choice for you.
At their price point, the Shure SRH840A headphones are designed to offer specific features essential to home studio musicians and producers. We’ll dive into their sound quality, design, and build quality to help you understand what to expect from these headphones. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for backup headphones or a newcomer to the world of music production, the Shure SRH840A headphones are worth considering. So, let’s get started and take a closer look at what they have to offer.
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What I Liked About The Shure SRH840As
Anyone looking for headphones at this price point will likely look for a few precise features. After all, there are entry-level headphones, and producers likely aren’t looking for top-shelf features and aspects typically seen in more premium headphones that cost 10x the amount. Instead, it’s all about finding the right headphone that knocks the couple of features that are most important to you and your sound out of the park, and these are the shining qualities that I found in the Shure SRH840As.
The Sound
This is an obvious point to lead this section off with, as at the end of the day, sound quality and accuracy are paramount for anyone looking to use these headphones for studio work. And while it’s obvious that Shure cut a couple of corners in some areas with these headphones to keep the price point down, the sound quality was not one of them.
Shure’s brand has been built on offering Jack-of-all-trades gear that works for a wide range of functions, and the SRH840As are no different. They are great headphones for mixing, producing, DJing, editing, and content creation. Essentially anything you need quality audio for, outside of casual listening during a commute, can be easily and effectively handled with these headphones.
The Feel
The SRH840As’ design exudes an air of refinement that’s tastefully understated. The plush pads fit snuggly on your head and give a cozy feeling of warmth and isolation, both from a wearability standpoint and a sonic perspective, making them a joy to wear. Their lightweight construction means you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort. They’re also equipped with swivel technology, which gives you additional flexibility.
Moreover, the headband boasts plenty of cushioning, ensuring a comfortable fit even during marathon listening sessions. This makes them an easy recommendation for entry-level producers who often need their tools to fit multiple functions in their life. They won’t cause discomfort when you switch from producing to more leisurely activities like gaming, watching movies, or whatever else you’d need these headphones for.
The Price
Without belaboring the point, you get a ton of bang for your buck with these headphones. Sure, they are budget headphones at the end of the day. Still, they bring a lot to the table in terms of quality, sonics, and comfort, and sitting at a price tag of only $150, it’s a readily justifiable purchase for anyone, be it those looking for a great first pair of cans or a seasoned pro looking for backup headphones for the studio.
What I Wasn’t Crazy About
One should never assume that any budget studio headphones will be perfect. At this price point, what’s most important is getting a headphone that does a couple of things well enough to outweigh the corners the company cut to keep the price as low as it is. With that in mind, let’s chat about the one thing I was not as impressed by with these headphones.
The Design
We had mentioned above that these headphones were incredibly comfortable, and as accurate as that may be, it belies the fact that the beauty of these headphones’ build quality is only skin deep. Sure, I didn’t experience any damage in the semi-pliable plastic build of the headphones over the month I was familiarizing myself with them. Still, the lightweight design far from exuded an air of ruggedness and durability.
This point is worth noting, but in the same breath, I would also say that it’s only a minor gripe with these headphones. As I said, going into this, no-budget headphones will be perfect, and at this price point, you still get far more than you pay for with these headphones!
Final Thoughts
After examining the Shure SRH840A headphones in detail, it’s clear that they’re a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience. With a comfortable design, superior build quality, and exceptional sound quality, these headphones have earned high praise from industry experts and music lovers alike.
The Shure SRH840A is particularly well-suited for home studio musicians, but they’re also an excellent choice for anyone who demands the best in their headphones. However, their lengthy cable may be a bit of a hindrance when you’re moving, so if you plan on using them while commuting, you may want to look elsewhere.
Overall, the Shure SRH840A headphones are a minor but significant upgrade to a home studio staple that you won’t regret purchasing. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your home studio or want a top-notch pair of headphones for listening to music, the Shure SRH840A is worth considering.
Learn More About These Headphones While Supporting Our Team Of Writers Through Our Affiliate Partnership With Sweetwater Here
Specs On The Shure SRH840A
- Type:Wired
- Open/Closed:Closed
- Fit Style:Circumaural (Around the Ear)
- Driver Size:40mm
- Frequency Response:5Hz-25kHz
- Impedance:40 ohms
- Connectivity:1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter
- Cable Type:Straight
- Cable Length:9.8 ft.
- Detachable Cable:Yes
- Foldable:Yes
- Color:Black
- Weight:0.60 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number:SRH840A
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
