This product is intended for professional use only. This product should only be sold through professional sales channels.
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This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage constituting a risk of electric shock is present within this unit. |
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This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. |
WARNING: Voltages in this equipment are hazardous to life. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. The safety certifications do not apply when the operating voltage is changed from the factory setting.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.
For safe and correct use of earphones, read this manual before use. Keep the manual and safety information in a convenient place for future reference.
LISTENING TO AUDIO AT EXCESSIVE VOLUMES CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE. USE AS LOW A VOLUME AS POSSIBLE. Over exposure to excessive sound levels can damage your ears resulting in permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Please use the following guidelines established by the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) on maximum time exposure to sound pressure levels before hearing damage occurs.
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90 dB SPL at 8 hours |
95 dB SPL at 4 hours |
100 dB SPL at 2 hours |
105 dB SPL at 1 hour |
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110 dB SPL at ½ hour |
115 dB SPL at 15 minutes |
120 dB SPL Avoid or damage may occur |
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Note: Use only with the included power supply or a Shure-approved equivalent.
Note: Battery replacement to be performed only by Shure authorized service personnel.
Please follow your regional recycling scheme for batteries, packaging, and electronic waste.
The Shure KSE1500 electrostatic earphones are the result of many years of research, development, and technological advancements from the Shure engineering team. The electrostatic drivers deliver premium quality, high definition audio for the first time in an in-ear design, which provides superior comfort and isolation from outside noise. The earphones are powered by the KSA1500: a compact, portable electrostatic amplifier with a built-in digital-to-analog converter for connecting to a micro-B USB source. A full set of furnished accessories includes a leather protective case, a micro-B USB cable, and interchangeable sound isolating sleeves for a comfortable, personalized fit. From critical monitoring to casual listening, the KSE1500 earphones reveal the detail and nuances to satisfy the most critical ears.
| ① Hold Switch | Locks the power button and control knob to prevent accidental adjustment |
| ② Power / Back Button |
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| ③ Control Knob | Rotate to adjust volume and double-press to navigate through the menu |
| ④ Power LED Indicator |
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| ⑤ Line Audio Input | 3.5 mm stereo input for connecting to analog audio sources |
| ⑥ Earphone Output | LEMO output to connect Shure KSE1500 earphones |
| ⑦ OLED Display | Displays system information |
| ⑧ Input Source Selector | Selects line (analog) or micro-B USB (digital) audio input |
| ⑨ Micro-B USB port | Connects to a computer or portable audio device to receive audio or to the micro-B USB power adapter to charge the rechargeable battery. |
Powering on / off: Long press the power button ②
Adjusting volume: Turn the control knob ①
Accessing the menu: Double-click the control knob ①
Scroll through the menu: Turn the control knob ①
Select an item: Press the control knob button ①
Return to previous screen: Press the power button ②
Lock / unlock the controls: Slide the hold switch ③ to lock and unlock the power button and control knob. When switch displays red background, hold is enabled.
| ① Audio Input Source |
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| ② Audio Input Meter | Indicates the input level of the audio signal |
| ③ Audio Settings | Displays settings for the input pad and equalizer |
| ④ Battery Meter | Displays remaining battery life |
| ⑤ Volume | Indicates the output level |
Plug into the amplifier with the amplifier powered off.
Note: Align the earphone cable connector with the red dot towards the front of the amplifier.
Set the INPUT switch to LINE for analog 3.5 mm sources or USB for digital sources.
| 3.5 mm input (analog audio) | Plug the audio device into the LINE IN input and set the INPUT switch to LINE. To charge the battery while using an analog source, connect the amplifier to a computer or external battery
Connecting to an Analog Source |
| USB (digital audio and power) | Use the USB cable when listening to music from a computer or other USB-equipped device and set the INPUT switch to USB. When connected to a computer, USB simultaneously streams digital audio and charges the amplifier battery. Note: You have the option to disable automatic charging in the Utilities menu.
Connecting to a USB Source |
The driver automatically installs when the amplifier is first plugged into a device. The KSE1500 should take over as the default audio device.
Note: Volume controls are disabled on Windows, Mac, and iOS. Volume should be adjusted only by using the amp volume knob for best performance. Ensure that volume is maximized in iTunes or the Windows Media Player.
Displays equalizer settings. Use the control wheel to adjust values
FLAT/BYPASS:
The equalizer is bypassed
PRESET 1 - 4:
Four adjustable 4-band equalizer presets: low boost, vocal boost, loudness, and de-ess
USER DEFINED 1 - 4:
Four adjustable 4-band parametric equalizer that you can customize to your listening preferences
LIMITER:
Turn limiter on for ear protection from unexpected volume spikes
INPUT PAD:
Choice of 0, -10 dB or -20 dB pads (available in line input mode.)
SAMPLE RATE:
Available in USB input mode.
Control the device parameters
DISPLAY:
Adjust screen brightness, timeout length, and flip screen
BATTERY INFO:
Displays battery status
FACTORY RESET:
Restores all settings to the factory default
FIRMWARE:
Displays software version information and allows for updates
HARDWARE:
Contains device information for reference and service
DISABLE CHARGING:
Turn automatic charging on or off
The 4-band parametric equalizer is used to adjust the volume of independent, adjustable frequency ranges, to precisely shape the frequency response. Four user-defined presets can be saved in addition to four factory defined presets. The equalizer can be bypassed for a flat frequency response.
To view or edit an equalizer setting, select:
The equalizer consists of two filter types:
Equalizer Filter Properties
The following parameters are adjustable when creating an equalizer setting:
| ① Frequency Point or Range | Four independent frequency points used to select specific frequency ranges. |
| ② Frequency (Hz) | The numeric value of the selected frequency. |
| ③ Gain / Cut | Adjusts the volume (±6 dB) of the selected frequency band. |
| ④ Bandwidth / Q | Adjusts the width of the frequency band affected by gain settings
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In this mode the equalizer is bypassed for an unchanged frequency response. When using an analog input source, bypassing the equalizer maintains a 100% analog signal path. For digital audio sources, the equalization section of the digital signal processor is simply disabled.
The limiter protects your ears from unexpected volume spikes at the earphone output.
The input pad feature is available when the amplifier is receiving analog audio in line input mode. The pad attenuates the analog input signal to prevent clipping from high output audio sources. Enable the pad when the audio meter indicates clipping.
Sample rate information is displayed here.
| Display | Adjust screen brightness and timeout length. Flip the display up or down for visibility in either direction |
| Battery Info | Provides battery status: percentage charge, cycle count, temperature |
| Factory Reset | Restores all settings to the factory default |
| Firmware | Displays software version information and allows for updates |
| Hardware | Contains device data for reference and service |
| Enable / Disable Charging | When connected to a USB source, the amplifier automatically recharges the battery. Utilize the disable charging feature when you don't want to drain your laptop or USB source. The next time you turn on the amplifier, it will default to enable charging. |
Firmware is embedded software in each component that controls functionality. Periodically, new versions of firmware are developed to incorporate additional features and enhancements. To take advantage of design improvements, new versions of the firmware can be downloaded and installed using the Shure Update Utility tool. Software is available for download from http://www.shure.com/americas/products/software/utilities/shure-update-utility.
CAUTION! Ensure that amplifier power remains on during a firmware update. Do not turn off the amplifier until the update is complete.
The Shure Update Utility will find the latest versions of firmware. You can download the updates to your computer. Once the download is complete, the amplifier automatically begins the firmware update, which overwrites the existing firmware.
Note: ENABLE FW UPDATE must be enabled in order for the firmware update to work.
Note: The battery should be charged before updating firmware. Do not attempt to update firmware if battery percentage is less than 10%.
To avoid degrading battery health, keep the storage temperature range between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Lithium-ion batteries have no “memory effect”, and instead experience a more linear reduction in capacity. Contact Shure Service and Repair to replace the battery if you experience any issues.
Connect to the amplifier: Align the red dot on the earphone cable connector with the red dot on the amplifier earphone output.
Disconnect from the amplifier: Pull the knurled connector collar up to safely release the lock on the earphone cable.
Select an earphone sleeve that provides the best fit and sound isolation. It should be easy to insert, fit comfortably, and easy to remove.
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Soft Flex Sleeves: In small, medium, and large sizes. Made from pliable rubber. |
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Soft Foam Sleeves: Compress the foam sleeve between your fingers and insert into the ear canal. Hold in place for about ten seconds while the foam expands. |
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Triple-Flange Sleeves: If desired, use scissors to trim the stem on the sleeve. |
Important: If there is a lack of low frequency response (bass), the earphone sleeve may not be forming a proper seal. Gently push the earphone deeper into the ear canal or try using a a different sleeve.
Warning: Do not push the earphone sleeve beyond the ear canal opening.
The fit of the earphone can greatly affect sound quality.
Caution: If the barb or any of the nozzle is exposed, the sleeve is not properly installed. Replace sleeves if they do not tightly grip the nozzle. To ensure proper fit and performance, use only sleeves supplied by Shure (unless using custom molded sleeves).
Grasp the body of earphone and gently twist to remove.
Note: Do not pull on cable to remove earphone.
Careful maintenance ensures a tight seal between the sleeve and nozzle, improving sound quality and product safety.
If you notice a change in sound quality, remove the sleeve and check the nozzle of your earphone. If nozzle is blocked, clear obstruction by using wire loop end of cleaning tool.
If no obstruction is found or if sound quality does not improve, replace the sleeve with a new sleeve.
Caution: When cleaning, do not force any object through the earphone nozzle! This will damage the earphone sound filter.
Warning: The cleaning tool is only to be used to clean the earphones. Any other use, such as using the tool to clean ears or foam sleeve, could result in injury.
The cable connectors to the earphones may collect debris or other deposits that can affect audio quality. If this happens, disconnect the cables and clean them using a dry cotton swab.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| The device appears to be working but no sound is audible |
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| Audio is distorted |
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| Amplifier does not power on |
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| Earphones sound dull or muffled | Follow the instructions on cleaning the earphone nozzles with the supplied cleaning tool |
| Battery no longer holds charge |
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In the event that the amplifier malfunctions, reboot it by pressing the control knob button and the power button simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds until the device powers down.
| Windows | Windows XP and higher |
| Macintosh | Mac OS X 10.4 and higher |
200 V DC
±200 V, max.
≤ 1 mA
≤ 37 dB
-18 to 57 °C (0 to 135 °F)
Electrostatic
Lemo Connector
10 Hz to 50 kHz
1 kHz at 3% THD
113 dB SPL
44.0 g (1.55 oz.)
16-bit / 24-bit
44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
up to 107 dB A-weighted
-40 dB to +60 dB
Selectable Analog RMS Limiter
4-band Parametric
USB Micro-B Receptacle
3.5 mm (1/8")
USB-powered: 5 V/0.5 A to 1 A
Black Anodized Aluminum
182.0 g (6.42oz.)
111 x 59 x 21 mm H x W x D
Rechargeable Li-Ion
3.6 V DC
| Analog in (BYPASS EQ mode) | up to 10 hours |
| USB Input (EQ mode) | up to 7 hours |
0 to 45 °C (32 to 113 °F)
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: info@shure.de
U.S. patent number
The Portable Listening Amplifier is compatible with Android devices that support USB Audio Class 2.0 and Micro-B OTG (On-The-Go) connectivity. Not all Android devices are compatible. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect specifically to the Apple product(s) identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. tvOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K.
Mac® and Lightning® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
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