Big Picture Big Sound

Part III: A Glimpse of Sonic Heaven... But the Devil is in the Details

As I covered in recent reviews of headphones from Palm and Seidio, music-loving Treo 650 and 700 owners now have some choices in the integrated headphone/headset department. Yes, of course, you can use a simple adapter to convert the Treo's 2.5 mm plug to the standard 3.5 mm jack required by most portable headphones. But then you'd lose the ability to take calls while you're listening to music. This, to me, is one of the big advantages of the Treo -- the ability to use it as a phone and a portable media player concurrently.

This need is satisfied by a new class of "hybrid" headphones designed expressly for the Treo that combine stereo headphones with a hands-free microphone so you can switch easily between taking calls and listening to music or watching videos on your Treo. The Shure I4c-T Integrated Sound Isolating Earphones and Mobile Headset is one such set of hybrid earphones. In fact, it's currently the most expensive model of its kind ($329/pair). Does it earn its lofty price tag and trounce the competition? Read on to find out.

A Background of Musical Precision

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Shure started out in electronics by satisfying the needs of demanding musicians and recording engineers with high quality microphones designed for live performance and studio work. It wasn't much of a stretch to turn the sound in other direction (on its ear, if you'll forgive the pun) by providing live performers with high quality in-ear monitors, and so the Shure in-ear earphone series was born.

Over time Shure has diversified into the consumer market, with their "E series" sound-isolating earphones such as the E2c, which enjoyed an enthusiastic review right here in the pages of Big Picture Big Sound. These earphones are designed to fit snugly in your ear canal (like earplugs), so they block out external noise very effectively. Shure also branched out into the cellular accessories market with the introduction of their QuietSpot® headsets for mobile phones. Earlier this year, Shure combined the success of these two product lines into their "I series" Integrated Sound Isolating Earphones and Mobile Headset. The I-series is comprised of the I2c ($129), I3c ($209) and I4c ($329).

The standard I series 'phones are designed with two plugs at the end, one for your iPod, or portable media player, and one for your phone's headset jack. The control unit on the earphones' cord allows you to switch between devices so you can take calls without fumbling for your phone, or taking out your earphones. But Shure also offers a single plug version of the I-series phones made specifically for the Treo (e.g., the I4c-T, under review here).

Since the Treo phone is also a fine portable media player, there's no need to carry around a second device. If you decide to audition these earphones, make sure you buy the appropriate version for your needs (I4cT for Treo, I4c for everything else). Shure also has a phone compatibility chart, so you can make sure your phone works with the i4c.


Functionality and Ergonomics

The I4c-t is similar in design to the Seidio hybrid unit reviewed previously, except for its placement of the call button/volume control, which is actually on an assembly that is only about 12 inches from the plug. This means the control unit needs to be kept near the phone itself. This design choice I just couldn't fathom.

When I asked the Shure engineers about this, their reply was that the design followed "extensive market research and focus group testing." Apparently after doing the research, Shure concluded that the majority of Treo users wanted controls closer to their actual device, so that they could access the Treo to screen calls before clicking over to actually answer the phone. Well I wish I had been part of that focus group, because for me, having the volume control and call button higher up on the cable (as on the Seidio device) is far more usable.


Also, I had some problems with the tracking of the volume control. On my sample, there was virtually no gain in the first 80% to 90% of the range of the volume dial and all of the gain was crammed into the last few millimeters of the dial. Once adjusted, the volume level usually stayed put (unless the dial rubbed against my clothing while I was walking, which happened occasionally). A second sample exhibited the same problem. This is not what I would expect from such a high-end design.

I asked Chris Lyons, Manager of Shure's Product Marketing and Retail Support about this. His reply was encouraging. "Quality and customer satisfaction are at the heart of Shure's business." said Chris. "We're investigating the sensitivity of the volume control on our I Series products and are taking action to ensure that the issue is addressed. In addition, all of Shure's earphones and mobile headsets come with a limited 2-year warranty. Customers that have any questions can call our customer service line at 1-800-25-SHURE." So there you have it.

One nice touch about the Shure's "take the call" button is that it doubles as a mute button for the mic so you can prevent your voice from going through when you're cursing out that customer or family member on the other end of the phone. This feature is not available on the other hybrid headphones I have auditioned. But unfortunately the button does not work with Treo control software like "Headset Controls" or "Magic Button." This definitely limits the usability of the device because it means that you have to access the Treo directly if you want to perform simple functions like skipping to the next music track or redialing a number on your phone.

The Sound

As frustrating as the I4cT might be ergonomically, the sound quality is quite the opposite. The I4cT, like the Seidio, is designed to be "noise isolating," but the difference is that the Shure actually does this properly where the Seidio does not. The i4ct's ear sleeves form a tight seal blocking out nearly all external noise (up to 37 dB of noise reduction) and enabling a nice solid bass frequency response. If you try a pair of Shure 'phones, and the bass seems weak, then you probably don't have a proper seal.


The Shure comes with an assortment of foam, rubber and PVC tips in different shapes and sizes so you're sure to find one that fits your ear comfortably, forming a noise-free seal. Also, the quality of the drivers in the Shure are in a whole different class from the Palm or Seidio 'phones. Shure has been making high-end microphones and headphones for some time and this shows in the sound quality of both the earphones and the integrated QuietSpot® microphone.

The Shure I4c easily produces the highest quality sound I have heard from my Treo on a hybrid headset -- tight deep bass, crystal clear highs and a warm natural midrange. Even if you're surrounded by a sea of external noise, the Shure 'phones will provide a velvety silent backdrop from which singer-songwriters, rock trios and orchestral ensembles spring to life, fully formed within the depths of your consciousness.

Closing my eyes, I felt truly immersed in the music, so much so that I didn't mind missing the announcement that my train was going express and I was blithely speeding past my stop -- more time to listen to music! But this is one thing to consider: the Shures can be so effective at drowning out external noise that you have to be more vigilant about things like insistent spouses trying to get your attention or accidentally wandering in front of a passing bus or train. Do not wear these things while driving! Or at least take one earphone out so you can still be aware of potential hazards, sirens, kids arguing in the back seat. Wait, on second thought...

Final Thoughts

Never has a product under review left me so conflicted. The sound quality of these earphones, like other Shure 'phones I have auditioned, is simply superb. But I wish these earphones had better ergonomics. Specifically, I wish the volume control, call button and clip were placed near the microphone, toward the top of the cable. Also, it's too bad the I4c-t's button is incompatible with external software like "Headset Controls." This feature would greatly enhance its usability for Treophiles looking for the ultimate in convenience and sound quality. I'm hoping that the volume control problem I saw is not indicative of a wide scale production problem, but if it is, I'm sure Shure will address this under warranty.

If you're looking for the ultimate in sound quality, then you'll probably be thrilled with these hybrid earphones, but at the cost of convenience. And wasn't that the whole point of integrated headphones/hands-free headsets in the first place? A better choice might be using Seidio's excellent 2-in-1 adapter which allows you to mate a microphone and volume control for the Treo with any headphones of your choosing, such as the Shure E2c, or even their ultimate E5c ($549). The only problem with that solution is having a bit of extra wire lying around.

It looks like this quest for the perfect blend of performance and convenience may go unfulfilled.

Where to Buy:
° Shure I4cT on Amazon.com
° Shure accessories (including replacement ear cushions) on Amazon.com

Product Specs (from manufacturer):
° MSRP: $329
° Sound Isolating Design
° Speaker Type: High-Definition Driver with Tuned Port Technology
° Sensitivity (at 1kHz): 111dB SPL/mW
° Impedance (at 1kHz): 29 Ohm
° Cable Length: 1.61m (63 inches)
° Input Connectors:
° Single (Treo version): 2.5 mm gold-plated, right-angle, 4 conductor plug
° Dual: Audio: Gold-plated stereo, 3.5mm (1/8-inch) phone plug. Phone: 2.5 mm gold-plated, right-angle, 3 conductor plug
° Warranty: 2 Years

What's in the box:
° Shure I4cT integrated earphones & mobile headset
° 9 pairs of sleeves (mixed sizes, foam, rubber and plastic)
° Carrying case
° Cleaning tool
° Replacement earphone nozzles (2)
° User's manual

Manufacturer's Contact Information:
Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608

Web site: www.shure.com
Telephone: +1(847)600-2000
U.S. only: +1(800)25-SHURE
Fax: +1(847)600-1212
E-mail: info@shure.com

Related articles:

° Part I: Palm Treo 650 Hybrid HeadSet/Headphones
° Part II: Seidio 2-in-1 In Ear Noise-Isolating Retractable Headset/Headphones
° Part III: Shure I4c-T Sound Isolating Earphones
° Part IV: Seidio 2-in-1 Hands-Free Headset with Stereo Headphone adapter

° Shure E2c Noise Isolating Earphones
° Etymotic Research ER4P Earphones with Headroom Total AirHead amplifier