Product testing can often become a repetitive exercise. However, occasionally a device emerges that sparks genuine enthusiasm and a desire for ownership. Interestingly, these devices aren’t always the ones boasting the most extensive feature sets or top-tier specifications. Today, we’re reviewing the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. headphones, which immediately impressed our editorial team.
First Impression
Our team handles a considerable number of product packages, but unboxing the Marshall Monitor III evoked a distinct sense of anticipation. Marshall’s iconic rock-and-roll aesthetic carries a certain allure. Upon opening the package, we were presented with a headphone case finished in Marshall’s signature black leather. The case’s interior is lined with dark red velvet, reminiscent of a classic guitar case from the 1970s.
Design
The Monitor III features a distinctive design, making it instantly recognizable. The headphones are both rotatable and foldable, facilitating convenient storage and transport. Furthermore, the Monitor III utilizes durable materials that have proven resistant to scratching throughout our testing period.
Each earcup houses a button, with an additional metal joystick located on the right earcup. One button controls active noise cancellation (ANC), while the other is customizable via the accompanying app. The joystick provides intuitive control: vertical movement adjusts volume, horizontal movement navigates tracks, and pressing the joystick toggles pause/play. This control scheme proved simple and effective, even while wearing gloves.
Noise Cancellation
Headphones in this price category should offer effective noise cancellation, and the Monitor III delivers. While not class-leading, its ANC performance ranks among the better options we’ve evaluated recently. The Monitor III effectively reduces traffic noise, office distractions, and ambient noise on public transportation. Wind reduction is also commendable, though not quite as effective as the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
Audio Quality
In short, the Monitor III provides an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. The sound profile is lively and dynamic, even without adjusting the equalizer settings in the app. Marshall has successfully optimized the factory default settings, making custom adjustments largely unnecessary. Some tracks with significant bass content may benefit from a slight increase in low-end frequencies. To address this, we configured one of the ear cup buttons to quickly switch to a custom EQ profile with enhanced bass response. However, it’s worth noting that the need for this adjustment was infrequent.
The bass response is generally tight and well-defined. The midrange is exceptionally clear, rendering Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run with remarkable fidelity. The Monitor III also performs admirably with quieter tracks, such as Marie Fredriksson’s Sparvöga or Albin Lee Meldau’s Josefin, effectively highlighting the vocal performances. However, the Monitor III truly excels with rock and classic hip hop. Artists like Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and AC/DC sound exceptional on these wireless headphones, especially considering their price point.
Conclusion
While the Marshall Monitor III may not feature the latest audio codecs or boast class-leading noise cancellation, it offers a compelling value proposition. The headphones demonstrate thoughtful design, a sound profile particularly well-suited for rock music, a stylish case reminiscent of Fender guitar cases, guitar riffs used for power on/off sounds, and impressive durability that suggests they could withstand the rigors of a rock tour. Considering these attributes, we confidently recommend the Marshall Monitor III to those seeking a touch of rock star flair in their audio experience.
Marshall provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted objectively, prioritizing the interests of our readers and consumers.
