Cheryl Tan tries out the brand new, improved model of this distinctive-looking noise-cancelling earbud design…
Marshall
Motif II ANC Wi-fi In-Ear Headphones
AUD $349 RRP
Marshall merchandise look very distinctive due to their black pebbled leather-based texture, white emblem and gold trim. It’s no totally different for the brand new Motif II A.N.C. earbud design, which is the corporate’s up to date tackle the unique however with neat new performance bolted in…
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Beginning with the case, which hasn’t modified a lot – it’s nonetheless compact and might simply slide right into a denims pocket. The white Marshall emblem is now set into the case as a substitute of current on a small flap over the lid, however the case retains the black pebbled leather-based look embossed right into a rubbery materials, which holds up effectively to scuffs and pores and skin oils. On the entrance, a pleasant tactile button lights up the LED for battery ranges or, if pressed and held, places the earbuds into pairing mode.
On the underside of the case, you get a USB-C port for charging, and there’s additionally Qi wi-fi charging help right here – though I did discover it a bit finicky to get the right placement on my wi-fi charging pad, for the reason that case is on the extra compact facet. Talking of battery life and charging, Marshall has improved throughout, with a brand new six-hour cost within the earbuds and a complete of 30 hours when together with the case. The battery life was one of many greatest drawback areas within the authentic model of the Motif A.N.C. earbuds, so it’s positively a great signal to see the corporate make some adjustments right here. Whereas six hours remains to be on the common facet of issues, it’s a lot improved from the first-generation model.
Transferring to the earbuds, this new mannequin additionally seems much like its predecessor. One seen change is the addition of a gold accent circle on the backside of the stem, which provides a little bit of color and pop to an in any other case comparatively subdued-looking earbud design. The stem is knurled in a diamond sample once more, which helps so as to add grip whenever you’re inserting the earbuds into your ear or adjusting them with out having to faucet the touch-sensitive space on the high.
Every earbud sits comfortably within the ear with no points with carrying them for just a few hours on finish, even for individuals with smaller ear canals. Each the case and earbuds are additionally made with seventy % post-consumer recycled plastic, which is a good step ahead when it comes to sustainability. The case and earbuds are waterproof, though the case is IPX4, which is a contact decrease than the earbuds’ IPX5 ranking. Regardless, it’s nonetheless higher than most rival designs on the market, which solely present a ranking for the earbuds.
Beneath the gorgeous exterior, we get a 6mm dynamic driver and circuitry that includes Bluetooth 5.3 LE (low power), with help for the SBC, AAC and LC3 codecs. Nonetheless, to make the most of the brand new LC3 (Low Complexity Communications Codec) specification, you’ll require a telephone or supply machine that additionally helps LE Audio. The advantages of LC3 embody higher energy effectivity and higher latency, together with supposedly higher sound high quality than SBC regardless of a extra compressed audio stream at a decrease bitrate.
There’s additionally the Marshall companion app, which permits for EQ customisation by just a few presets and a customized five-band EQ, ANC and transparency depth and easy touch-control customisation of the lengthy press. The usual issues like firmware updates, battery ranges and such are all included as effectively. There’s an attention-grabbing Battery Preservation characteristic that enables for just a few choices, reminiscent of solely permitting the earbuds to cost when at room temperature, limiting the battery cost to ninety %, in addition to whether or not the earbuds quick cost or cost at a default velocity. It’s positively an attention-grabbing characteristic and one which we see popping up on smartphones, though I’m not so certain that it’s actually obligatory for merchandise reminiscent of earbuds.
The contact controls work in a really related approach to most different methods on the market. A single faucet controls play/pause, a double faucet skips tracks forwards and a triple faucet skips tracks backwards. Sadly, these faucet controls aren’t customisable by the app, which is a disgrace.
Microphone high quality on the Motif II A.N.C. can also be improved in comparison with the unique model of those earbuds, with significantly better readability when taking calls or when recording voice memos.
The energetic noise cancellation was a weak level of the originals, alongside the battery life, and whereas Marshall has improved the latter, the previous remains to be fairly lacklustre. Whereas it’s able to serving to to drown out the rumble of automobile engines or prepare journey, higher-pitched sounds aren’t successfully blocked out. That is partially as a consequence of the truth that the earbuds don’t kind the tightest seal within the ear for passive noise isolation, however the ANC software program has to participate of the blame as effectively.
Whereas the seal may be improved by swapping out the ear ideas for a bigger dimension or for extra isolating supplies like foam, Marshall ought to actually look into enhancing its ANC algorithms and implementation, as this could consequence within the greatest distinction for future iterations. The ANC efficiency is not acceptable for earbuds on this value vary.
THE LISTENING
One of many saving graces of this design is its sonic efficiency. As with the primary technology Motif A.N.C., this new model of those earbuds sounds wonderful, with deep, impactful bass and sub-bass that comes throughout clearly and with none form of growth or muddiness, even at greater quantity ranges.
Midrange separation can also be wonderful. Listening to Bleed It Out by Linkin Parkthe claps, guitar notes, drums and extra had been all comparatively distinct with a great quantity of element. Equally, enjoying Livin’ On a Prayer by Bon JoviI really discovered myself paying extra consideration than standard to the talkbox impact at first, whereas the background vocals through the refrain had been properly introduced out as effectively.
As for the treble, it’s sufficiently clear and has a satisfying spaciousness – though I’d have most popular a bit extra chunk. Fortunately, with the customized EQ characteristic, it’s straightforward sufficient to tweak the sound of the earbuds to at least one’s preferences.
The soundstage isn’t too cramped both, with a great quantity of house on show. It’s not fairly as expansive as many dearer earbuds can get, however it’s first rate sufficient. Stereo imaging and instrument placement can also be correct, and as talked about earlier, the separation is nice with sufficient air between devices and vocals so that you don’t really feel like every part’s crammed into your head.
Listening to Spring 1 by Max Richter proved completely serviceable on these earbuds. Nonetheless, I’d say that the Motif II A.N.C. isn’t actually supposed for individuals in search of neutrality and readability, significantly within the higher registers. It’s not a forensically open and incisive performer, and as a substitute affords a tonally richer and extra euphonic presentation.
THE VERDICT
Marshall’s new Motif II A.N.C. sounds as spectacular as its predecessor whereas constructing on its operational talents. The improved battery life, plus the addition of a customized five-band EQ and new LC3 codec, make an already succesful earbud design even nicer to make use of. Moreover, Marshall has completed all this whereas protecting the value of those earbuds the identical. Now, all we’d like is for higher ANC within the subsequent model.
