Overview

The SRH440A is Shure’s 2022 refresh of its entry studio monitor headphone. It’s a closed-back, circumaural model with 40 mm dynamic neodymium drivers, a detachable 3 m locking (2.5 mm bayonet) straight cable, and a fold-flat mechanism. Shure positions it for podcasting, home recording, and editing/mixing, with a neutral, uncolored tuning focus. [2][3]

Scientific Validity

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Key facts from credible sources:

• Manufacturer specs (SRH440A): 40 Ω impedance @1 kHz, 97 dB/mW sensitivity, 10 Hz–22 kHz response, 268 g weight. [1]
• Independent measurements (DIY-Audio-Heaven): excellent channel matching; bass extension to 8 Hz (−3 dB), a mild mid-bass lift around ~150 Hz, and a treble peak near 9 kHz; sensitivity 119 dB/V @1 kHz; measured weight ~273 g; clamp force ~3 N. Some compression below ~150 Hz appears from ~85 dB SPL, implying rising bass distortion at louder levels; overall “isolation is not great” for a closed headphone. [2]

Taken together, SRH440A’s frequency response is generally within a few dB of a neutral target through much of the band but has a notable 9 kHz emphasis. The bass compression at high SPLs and the modest isolation are typical for the class and price. These data support a moderate scientific performance score.

Technology Level

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Conventional 40 mm dynamic drivers in a standard closed-back shell, executed competently but without novel transducer tech or enclosure breakthroughs. The 2022 refresh improves build/comfort and keeps a practical, serviceable design (detachable locking cable, foldable hinges). This is an incremental update rather than a technical leap. [2][3]

Cost-Performance

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Current market price (U.S.) as of Aug 15, 2025:

• Shure SRH440A: 109 USD (B&H).
• Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x at 109 USD (B&H).

Why ATH-M40x qualifies (equivalent class & measurements): closed-back 40 mm dynamic monitor with low measured distortion (<1% in bass on the tested unit) and broadly comparable response deviations for monitoring use; detachable cables and similar studio feature set. [4][5][6]

No cheaper product with clearly equal-or-better measured performance and equivalent user-facing functions was found in the U.S. market. Therefore, CP is set to 1.0.

Reliability & Support

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Shure includes a limited 2-year warranty and supplies replaceable parts (locking cable, adapter). The construction is mostly plastic but serviceable; the detachable bayonet cable aids longevity. Warranty term is confirmed on Shure’s official pages/product materials. [2][7]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design intent—neutral monitoring first, looks second—is rational for studio tasks. The trade-offs (slightly sharp upper-treble, moderate isolation) are transparent in measurements and align with the target use case. There’s no “mystique” tech; just practical, measurement-led tuning and serviceable hardware. [2]

Advice

If you want a neutral-leaning, serviceable studio headphone around this price, SRH440A is a valid choice. If you prefer an alternative at the same price with similarly strong measurement pedigree and a richer cable kit, consider ATH-M40x. If you need stronger out-of-box isolation or a softer treble, you may want to look higher up the line (budget permitting).

References

1. Shure — SRH440A User Guide (Specs), https://www.shure.com/en-US/docs/guide/SRH440A (accessed 2025-08-15).
2. DIY-Audio-Heaven — “SRH-440A” (Published Sept-24-2024; no smoothing; FR/phase/group delay/compression shown), https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/shure/srh-440a/ (accessed 2025-08-15).
3. Shure Newsroom — “Shure debuts a fresh new look… SRH840A and SRH440A” (Jan 11, 2022; MSRP and package contents), https://www.shure.com/en-us/newsroom/shure-debuts-a-fresh-new-look-and-even-better-sound-for-its-award-winning-srh840a-and-srh440a-headphones/ (accessed 2025-08-15).
4. DIY-Audio-Heaven — “ATH-M40X” (Updated Jun-6-2021; includes measured 38 Ω impedance, sensitivity, and distortion plots), https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/audio-technica/ath-m40x/ (accessed 2025-08-15).
5. B&H — Shure SRH440A current price listing, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1665983-REG/shure_srh440a_closed_back_over_ear_studio.html (accessed 2025-08-15).
6. B&H — Audio-Technica ATH-M40x current price listing, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024221-REG/audio_technica_ath_m40x_closed_back_professional_studio.html (accessed 2025-08-15).
7. Shure — SRH440A product page (includes “two-year warranty” in box contents), https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh440 (accessed 2025-08-15).

(2025.8.15)