KSE1500
Electrostatic Earphone System
The Shure electrostatic earphone system, KSE1500, user guide.
Version: 3 (2020-A)
Table of Contents
KSE1500Electrostatic Earphone System 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3
WARNING FOR ALL EARPHONES! 3
WARNING 4
General Description 5
Features 5
KSA1500 Amplifier 5
Controls and Navigation 7
Setup 8
Step 1: Connect the earphones to the amplifier 8
Step 2: Connect a sound source to the amplifier. 8
Step 3: Power on the amplifier 9
Menu Navigation 9
EQUALIZER 9
AUDIO 9
UTILITIES 10
Equalizer 10
Audio 12
Utilities 12
Firmware 12
Updating the Firmware 13
Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries 13
Storing Batteries 13
Battery Repair and Replacement 13
Using Earphones 13
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Safely Connect and Disconnect Earphones 13
Choosing a Sleeve 14
Wearing the Earphones 14
Changing Sleeves 14
Removing the Earphones 15
Maintenance and Cleaning 15
Cleaning the Earphone Nozzle 16
Troubleshooting 16
Device Reset 17
System Requirements and Compatibility 17
Specifications 17
Kit Specifications 17
Earphone Specifications 17
KSA1500 Amplifier Specifications 18
Battery Specifications 19
Accessories 19
Furnished Accessories 19
Furnished AccessoriesSquare zipper pouchLeather ampli
fier caseFit Kit with assorted sleevesUSB cable, Micro-B
"On The Go"USB cable, Type A to MicroBUSB cable, Mi
cro-B to Lightning6-inch male to male 3.5mm cable36-inch
male to male 3.5mm cable¼inch (6.3mm) to ⅛inch
(3.2mm) stereo adapterAirline adapterInline volume con
trolRubber amp security bandsOptional AccessoriesUSB
cable, Micro-B to 30-pin 19
Certifications 20
Information to the user 20
Patent Notice 20
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KSE1500
Electrostatic Earphone System
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.
READ these instructions.
2.
KEEP these instructions.
3.
HEED all warnings.
4.
FOLLOW all instructions.
5.
DO NOT use this apparatus near water.
6.
CLEAN ONLY with dry cloth.
7.
ONLY USE KSE earphones with KSA amplifiers.
8.
UNPLUG this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
9.
PROTECT the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
10.
ONLY USE attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11.
REFER all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
12.
DO NOT expose the apparatus to dripping and splashing. DO NOT put objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.
13.
The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler shall remain readily operable.
14.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
15.
Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
16.
Operate this product within its specified operating temperature range.
17.
PROTECT the earphone cable from being pinched or cut.
18.
DO NOT use this apparatus if the earphone cable, housing, or connector is damaged.
Shure Incorporated
This product is intended for professional use only. This product should only be sold through professional sales channels.
This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage constituting a risk of electric shock is present within this unit.
This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accom
panying 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.
WARNING FOR ALL EARPHONES!
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.
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Shure Incorporated
WARNING
LISTENING TO AUDIO AT EXCESSIVE VOLUMES CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE. USE AS LOW A VOL
UME 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.
90 dB SPL
at 8 hours
110 dB SPL
at ½ hour
95 dB SPL
at 4 hours
115 dB SPL
at 15 minutes
100 dB SPL
at 2 hours
120 dB SPL
Avoid or damage may occur
105 dB SPL
at 1 hour
WARNING
•
Do not use when a failure to hear your surroundings could be dangerous, such as while driving, or when biking, walking,
or jogging where traffic is present and accidents could occur.
•
Keep this product and its accessories out of reach of children. Handling or use by children may pose a risk of death or se
rious injury. Contains small parts and cords that may pose risk of choking or strangulation.
•
Set the volume level of the audio device to a minimum, and then after connecting the earphones, adjust the volume gradu
ally. Sudden exposure to loud noises could cause hearing damage.
•
Turn up the volume control only far enough to hear properly.
•
Ringing in the ears may indicate that the volume level is too high. Try lowering the volume.
•
If you connect these earphones to an airplane’s sound system, listen at low levels so that loud messages from the pilot do
not cause discomfort.
•
Have your hearing checked by an audiologist on a regular basis. If you experience wax buildup, discontinue use until a
medical professional has examined your ears.
•
Failure to use, clean, or maintain earphone sleeves and nozzles according to manufacturer’s instructions may increase
the risk of sleeves detaching from the nozzle and becoming lodged in your ear.
•
Prior to inserting the earphone, always recheck the sleeve to make sure it is firmly attached to the nozzle.
•
If a sleeve becomes lodged in your ear, seek skilled medical assistance to remove the sleeve. Damage to the ear may be
caused by non-professionals attempting to remove the sleeve.
•
Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
CAUTION
•
Do not immerse in water, such as while taking a bath or washing your face, otherwise sound deterioration or failures may
result.
•
Do not use while sleeping as accidents may result.
•
Use a slow twisting motion to remove the earphones. Never pull on the earphone cord.
•
Stop using the earphones immediately if they are causing great discomfort, irritation, rash, discharge, or any other uncom
fortable reaction.
•
If you are currently receiving ear treatment, consult your physician before using this device.
Note: Use only with the included power supply or a Shure-approved equivalent.
WARNING
•
Battery packs may explode or release toxic materials. Risk of fire or burns. Do not open, crush, modify, disassemble, heat
above 140°F (60°C), or incinerate.
•
Follow instructions from manufacturer
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Shure Incorporated
•
Do not short circuit; may cause burns or catch fire
•
Do not charge with products other than those specified in this user guide.
•
Dispose of battery packs properly. Check with local vendor for proper disposal of used battery packs.
•
Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like
Note: Battery replacement to be performed only by Shure authorized service personnel.
Please follow your regional recycling scheme for batteries, packaging, and electronic waste.
General Description
The Shure KSE1500 electrostatic earphones are the result of many years of research, development, and technological ad
vancements 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.
Features
Portable Electrostatic Amplifier
•
Digital-to-analog conversion when connected to a computer via micro-B USB
•
Supports up to 24-bit, 96 kHz digital audio
•
Powered by an internal, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
•
Four band parametric equalizer, limiter, and input pad
•
Factory and custom user presets
Earphones
•
Low distortion characteristics
•
Transparent, high-definition sound
•
Excellent transient response
•
Full range frequency response
•
Formable wire ensuring secure cable placement
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KSA1500 Amplifier
Shure Incorporated
① Hold Switch Locks the power button and control knob to prevent accidental adjustment
•
② Power / Back Button
③ Control Knob Rotate to adjust volume and double-press to navigate through the menu
④ Power LED Indicator
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
Long press: turns power on and off
•
Short press: returns to previous menu screen
•
Red: The amplifier is off. Or amplifier is connected to power and the battery is charging.
•
Green: The amplifier is powered on. Or the amplifier is off; battery is connected to pow
er and fully charged.
•
Off: The amplifier is off and not connected to power.
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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.
Controls and Navigation
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 dis
plays red background, hold is enabled.
Home Screen
① Audio Input Source
•
LINE: Analog audio (3.5 mm input)
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