Overview

The Shure SE215 has long served as an entry point into professional in-ear monitoring. It features up to 37 dB of passive noise reduction, detachable MMCX cables, and a warm, bass-enhanced signature. However, its measured fidelity lags behind modern competitors.

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements report boomy/cluttered bass–mids and mostly recessed treble with sharp peaks[1]. Reference Audio Analyzer likewise shows deviations exceeding ±3 dB across much of the band[2]. By contrast, the 37 dB passive isolation is genuinely excellent and a key strength[3].

Technology Level

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A conventional single dynamic MicroDriver and detachable MMCX connectors are used. With 17 Ω impedance and 107 dB SPL/mW sensitivity, it is easy to drive[3]. Mechanical design is robust, but the acoustic implementation shows little technical novelty.

Cost-Performance

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Street price is about 109 USD (Sweetwater)[7]. Among models with equal-or-better passive isolation (35–42 dB) and detachable MMCX, Etymotic ER2 series is cheaper and measurably more neutral: ER2XR at 102.01 USD (Sweetwater) [6] and ER2SE at 104.99 USD during the official store promotion (through Aug 31, 2025) [4]. Within the high-isolation IEM constraint, SE215’s value is therefore fair.

Reliability & Support

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Shure provides a 2-year warranty and established global parts support. The detachable cable lets you replace the most failure-prone component, and the housing has proven durable in pro use[7].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing isolation and durability makes sense for stage monitoring, but the tuning departs from measured neutrality. It’s practical for noisy environments, less so for high-fidelity home listening.

Advice

If you need maximum isolation and ruggedness, the SE215 remains viable.
If you want similar or better isolation but a more neutral sound, prioritize Etymotic ER2XR/ER2SE (35–42 dB isolation, MMCX)[4][5]. For listeners who don’t require strong isolation, many lower-priced IEMs deliver higher measured fidelity.

References

[1] RTINGS.com, “Shure SE215 Review,” https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/shure/se215 (accessed 2025-08-14)
[2] Reference Audio Analyzer, “Shure SE 215 Measurement’s report,” https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/shure-se-215.php (accessed 2025-08-14)
[3] Shure, “SE215 User Guide (PDF),” https://pubs.shure.com/view/guide/SE215/en-US.pdf (37 dB isolation, 17 Ω, 107 dB SPL/mW; accessed 2025-08-14)
[4] Etymotic, “ER2SE Earphones,” https://etymotic.com/product/er2se-earphones/ (35–42 dB, MMCX, 104.99 USD promo; accessed 2025-08-14)
[5] Etymotic, “ER2XR Earphones,” https://etymotic.com/product/er2xr-earphones/ (35–42 dB, MMCX; accessed 2025-08-14)
[6] Sweetwater, “Etymotic Research ER2XR Extended Response Earphones,” https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ER2XR–etymotic-research-er2xr-extended-response-earphones (102.01 USD shown; accessed 2025-08-14)
[7] Sweetwater, “Shure SE215 Sound-isolating Earphones — Black,” https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SE215K–shure-se215-sound-isolating-earphones-black (109.00 USD; accessed 2025-08-14)

(2025.8.14)