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When it comes to iconic brands in the world of music and audio, few carry as much weight as Marshall. Known for its legendary guitar amplifiers that powered the riffs of rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Prince, Marshall’s signature sound now extends into personal audio gear. Enter the Marshall Monitor III ANC, the third iteration of their premium headphone line. With a design inspired by Marshall’s rock legacy and a hefty price tag of Rs 29,999, these headphones promise more than just a stylish look. But do they live up to their legacy? We spent two weeks with the Monitor IIIs to find out.
The Design: Classic Marshall with Modern Touches
The Monitor III ANC headphones exude the unmistakable Marshall style — the iconic gold script logo on each earcup, the textured leather finish, and the familiar brass control knob. For long-time Marshall fans, it’s like wearing a piece of music history. The brass knob is functional too, letting you control playback, volume, and noise cancellation with a simple twist. It’s a design that marries the past with the present in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
While the aesthetics remain largely the same as previous versions, there are noticeable upgrades in comfort. The ear cups are now larger and more plush, offering a more enclosed fit and better passive noise isolation. Marshall’s use of multiple foam layers in the ear cups ensures maximum comfort, even for prolonged listening sessions — up to 70 hours, according to Marshall. The addition of a silicone strap on the headband makes it more durable and prevents the faux leather from wearing down over time. At just 250 grams, the headphones are surprisingly light, making them suitable for long wear without discomfort.
The design also features a collapsible mechanism, allowing you to fold the headphones down into a compact size that fits easily into the provided case. Though the case’s unique egg shape isn’t my favorite, it’s incredibly small for a pair of over-ear headphones and fits easily into a bag.
One minor drawback is the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack. While you do get a USB-C to 3.5mm cable, the omission could be a dealbreaker for some audiophiles.
Sound Quality: Marshall’s Rock Legacy Lives On
When it comes to sound, Marshall
Listening to Pink
Through Marshall’s companion app, users can fine-tune their listening experience with an equalizer and a new Soundstage feature, which adds a spatial audio effect. The app’s five-band equalizer allows for detailed customization, letting users adjust bass, mids, and treble to their liking. Marshall’s signature sound preset serves as a great starting point, delivering a dynamic, rock-ready profile.
While the bass is punchy, bass enthusiasts may find it lacks the deep, rumbling lows that some of the competition offers. Even in Bass Boost mode, the low end doesn’t reach the depths some listeners may crave, though it remains clean and controlled.
Noise Cancellation: Not Sony or Bose, But Close
The “ANC” in the Monitor III ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation, and while it may not rival the industry leaders like Sony and Bose, it does a respectable job. During my test, the headphones effectively blocked out the noise of bustling streets and traffic, creating a more peaceful listening experience. The Transparency Mode, though not the best in class, offers adequate ambient awareness when you need to stay alert to your surroundings.
While there’s no adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment, the three fixed modes (ANC on, off, and transparency) provide predictable and reliable performance. The inclusion of an adaptive loudness feature is a nice touch, adjusting the audio dynamics based on your environment to keep the listening experience consistent across different settings.
Battery Life: A Long-Lasting Rock Companion
One of the standout features of the Monitor III ANC is its exceptional battery life. With noise cancellation enabled, you get up to 70 hours of playback, and without ANC, it stretches to an impressive 100 hours. That’s enough for several days of continuous use. Charging is quick too, with a 15-minute charge providing 12 hours of listening time.
In daily use, I found the battery life to be just as impressive. After several days of use, I barely needed to recharge, and even a short charging session gave me ample playback time for the week. The companion app also includes battery management features to ensure longevity, including a charging limit to protect the battery’s health.
What Undercode Says: A Comprehensive Look at Marshall Monitor III ANC
Marshall’s Monitor III ANC headphones stand out not just for their aesthetics, but for delivering a well-rounded performance that lives up to the brand’s iconic rock-and-roll legacy. The design is unmistakably Marshall — stylish, durable, and unmistakably cool. The comfort upgrades, including the plush ear cups and adjustable headband, make these a joy to wear for long periods.
Sound quality is where the Monitor IIIs truly shine. The new 32mm drivers offer a wide soundstage, with excellent balance between bass, midrange, and treble. While bass lovers may find the low end lacking in depth, the overall sound is rich, dynamic, and enjoyable across a variety of genres.
Where these headphones fall short is in their noise cancellation. While the ANC feature is effective, it doesn’t quite match the performance of Sony or Bose headphones in this price range. The lack of adaptive noise cancellation may also be a downside for those used to headphones that automatically adjust to their surroundings.
That being said, Marshall has nailed battery life with the Monitor IIIs, offering up to 70 hours of playback with ANC enabled. The quick charging feature also makes them ideal for on-the-go use.
At Rs 29,999, these headphones offer great value for those who want a balance of sound quality, comfort, and battery life, but don’t mind sacrificing a bit of the top-tier ANC performance. Marshall’s rock and roll heritage continues to shine through, making these headphones a perfect choice for music lovers who want a bit of personality and style in their audio gear.
Fact Checker Results
- The 32mm dynamic drivers are indeed an upgrade, not a downgrade, as they provide improved impedance and sensitivity for a richer sound.
- The 70-hour battery life with ANC on is accurate and highly competitive.
- Missing a 3.5mm jack could be a dealbreaker for some, but the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable does offer a workaround.
References:
Reported By: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/reviews/marshall-monitor-iii-a-n-c-review-rock-stars-in-your-ears/articleshow/115645931.cms
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