It’s a far cry from the 8-bit graphics and sound to match what we used to think was revolutionary. Then again, moving from text-based games in a basic DOS framework, anything would seem revolutionary. Technology, including some offerings from Shure headphones, have advanced as much as the in-game experience. The modern gaming world has far excelled anything we as kids could have hoped for when unwrapping a shiny new Atari 2600 and wishing we’d invested in the multi-game cartridge when mum and dad were splashing the cash around.

Shure headphones

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Today’s modern gamers are given a fully immersive experience with a carefully sculpted combination of visuals and sound. This is greatly enhanced with a dedicated pair of headphones, to deliver the best sound and create a new reality for one of our most important senses within the gameplay. So, let’s take a look at a number of options for better gaming sound, in a range of headphones offered by Shure that will redefine how you engage in your gaming experience.

AONIC 40

If we’re talking about immersing yourself within the gameplay, then it makes sense to go straight to the noise cancelling headphones, and for that reason, the AONIC 40 are a classic ‘go-to’ set of cans for gaming and streaming alike. Not only are they housed in a fairly compact casing, their Bluetooth 5 wireless receiver allows exceptional quality without the impediments of an audio cable. You can use these with a smartphone or tablet for gaming on the go, or as part of a larger integrated system. The best part is how the world just melts away into silence when these are engaged, leaving you to only hear what is happening in the game. 

AONIC 50 Gen 2

Of course, every smart option has an improved variation. For those who are looking for a longer battery life in their wireless headphones, the AONIC 50 Gen 2 goes further. A fully charged unit can get you up to 45 hours of use, depending on transmission and volume variables. That means your headphones will be able to stay up later than you will! What makes these even more agreeable to the demands of heavy use, is the fast charge time the AONIC 50 Gen 2 offers. With just 15 minutes of charging, you can regain five hours of use. So, even if you forgot to charge them overnight, you can keep them running all day with just a few short snack breaks.

SRH840A

These have long been a favourite of mine when it comes to an all-round quality set of headphones. The SRH840A offer a build quality and audio reproduction that far outweighs their ticket price. Whilst we step away from wireless convenience with these cans, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your gaming sound is backed by drivers and components intended for the delivery of professional studio quality audio. With today’s game soundtracks being tailored to perfection in a studio environment, it makes sense to replicate those conditions as best as you can for gameplay. Short of building an acoustic treated gaming room with a range of nearfield monitors, the SRH840A puts you right in the sweet spot every time you put them on. 

They have a beautiful, classic design, and a sturdy build to match. When enveloping your ears, they comfortably create a listening environment that is intended for hearing every little nuance in a soundtrack. The result is a pure enjoyment of sound, taken from the engineering of a critical listening environment. 

SRH1540 and SRH1840

When it comes to these headphone models, the term ‘flagship’ instantly comes to mind. Of course, both offer a different perspective on the sound, but don’t rush into thinking one is better than the other purely based on the higher model number. The SRH1540 and SRH 1840 both offer premium audiophile quality sound reproduction, but delivered in two distinct methods. The SRH1540 is a closed back design, whilst the SRH1840 is the open back alternative. Both have 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a beautiful mid-range, tight bottom end and articulated high frequencies, the likes of which will have you wanting to listen to the whole world through your headphones. The difference comes back to the immersive gaming experience, and how you as a user prefer to hear the sound. The SRH1840 offers a more natural audio response, creating a little more ‘air’ in the sound as the drivers are allowed to breathe in their immediate environment. This highly enhances the articulation in sound effects and spatial awareness while interacting with the game. The SRH1540 however, draw you completely in. They block out the real world and create an immediate listening environment around your ears, with nothing but a direct reproduction of the game’s sound to revel in. The better the soundtrack, the better the experience is to be had with this closed back option. 

As always, it is not a cut and dry solution to finding the perfect sound. With music production, mixing, editing and mastering, there are always variables to be taken into account, and the same goes for end users in the gaming experience. Price, portability, comfort and sound quality are all factors that need to be considered. What is certain, though, is that any one of these headphone options will allow you to achieve a more immersive gaming experience. A game’s graphics and gameplay are essential elements, but the music and sound effects are what tie them all together. So, don’t let your gaming down by only focusing on the visuals.

I hope this gives you some insight into the quality Shure headphones options that are available to improve your gaming experience. When all is said and done, it’s your ears that need to make the decision as to how you want to hear the game. The best way is to allow them to decide. Get into your local Shure dealer and have a listen to all of these headphones. You’ll soon know which are the perfect gaming cans for you.

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