Shure earphones are NOT worn in the same style as headphones or standard earbuds. To enjoy the superior sound isolation and audio quality of your earphones, it is very important to get a proper fit!
Situating the Cables
- Note the difference between the right (R) and left (L) earphones and insert earphone into each ear
- Wrap the earphone cord over the top and down the back of the ear — the earphone cord can also be worn hanging straight down (see figs. 1 and 2 below)
- Use the adjustment tube to secure the cables either behind your head or in front
Fig. 1: Three popular methods for wearing the earphones
Inserting the Earphones
To insert the earphone, pull the ear upward and outward to straighten out the ear canal. If using foams sleeves, gently compress the foam with your fingers and insert the earphone into your ear.
Creating Your Personal Fit
The quality of the frequency response and sound isolation depends on how well the sleeves seal. If the earphone seems to be lacking in bass, check the tightness of the seal between the earphone and your ear, or try one of the other sleeve options. Each earphone comes with a selection of sleeve options. Sleeves options vary by earphone model.
We recommend taking some time to experiment with your fit kit to find the sleeve and style of wear that works best for you.
Flex and soft flex sleeves:
Try the different sizes to determine the best fit for comfort and isolation. (Gray, Black, & Clear.)
Foam sleeves:
Compress the foam sleeve at the end of the earphone by rolling it between your thumb and forefinger before inserting it. Hold the earphone in place for about 10 seconds while the foam expands and creates a tight seal. (Black, Yellow, & Orange (SCL2 only))
Triple Flange sleeves:
The sleeve tube or flange can be trimmed for customization and greater comfort. (White.)
Connecting To a Listening Device
Shure Sound Isolating Earphones are suited for any listening device that has a 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo jack, including (but not limited to): Apple iPods, portable CD players, MP3 players, MiniDiscs, DAT, DVD, cassette players, notebook computers, in-flight entertainment systems, personal gaming devices and exercise equipment fitted with gym entertainment systems. The 1/4″ to 1/8 adapter included with some models enables you to also connect to sources with 1/4″ jacks. When connecting your earphones, be sure to follow these instructions:
- Turn down the volume of your listening device.
- Connect the plug from your earphones into the device’s output jack.
- Insert earphones into your ears using suggested fit techniques.Slowly raise the volume to a comfortable listening level.
Keeping It Clean
To ensure continuing superior sound from your sound isolating earphones, we recommend that you follow these simple tips:
- Avoid getting moisture in the nozzle, as this can adversely affect sound quality
- Avoid striking or dropping the unit — extreme shock can damage the earphones
- Whenever buildup is observed, clean the nozzles using the supplied wax removal tool (see Figure 2, below)
Wax buildup around each earphone nozzle should always be removed using the Wax Removal Loop as shown.
Figure 2: Wax removal process
Additional Earphone Care and Maintenance
- Clean your sleeves regularly with a mild antiseptic or soapy water
- Always remove the sleeve from the earphone nozzle before cleaning
- Flex, Ultra-soft flex, and Triple-flange sleeves should be cleaned with an antiseptic routinely and when sharing
- Foam sleeves should be disposed of and replaced when they get dirty
- Wipe down the earphone housing and cable with an antiseptic routinely
- Stop using the earphones if they are causing you discomfort
NOTE: Nozzles can collect cerumen (earwax), which can clog the earphone and lower the sound quality. If you experience sound loss, check the nozzles for clogging before sending the product in for service. There is a service charge for removing wax.
CAUTION: Shure earphones are not immersible. Make sure flanges are completely dry before reattaching to earphone nozzles.
Important Safety Information
- Never wear earphones while operating a motor vehicle. It may create a hazard and is illegal in many areas
- Use caution when wearing earphones while walking, jogging, cycling, etc.
- Avoid using earphones at high volume levels — Shure earphones are designed to provide increased listening enjoyment at lower levels
Prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels may impair hearing. See our information on hearing conservation to learn more.
WARNING: Always turn the volume down before plugging the earphones into a sound source. Excessive exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing damage. Check