REVIEWS
Marshall brings its new noise cancellers to the table
£179.99 FROM Zound Industries, marshallheadphones.com FEATURES Active noise cancellation, touch controls, charging case, IPX5 (headphones), IPX4 (case)
Marshall delivers its signature style with its new true wireless headphones – its third stab at the genre – with the Motif ANC. They’re the most expensive of the bunch, but feature decent upgrades, including active noise cancelling (ANC) and a wireless charging case. Visually, they’re classic Marshall fare – the case is shrouded with a mottled effect black plastic, synonymous with its legendary amps, while the earbuds – black, naturally – feature AirPod-style stems with a knurled finish, like the control knobs on its pedals.
The case is small and lightweight, with a small button for connecting the earbuds, along with a single LED for displaying the charge state. As wireless charging is built in, just place it on a Qi charger to juice it up. Alternatively, there’s a USB-C port on the underside. The case feels rugged enough to sit in a bag with other items without it getting scratched – indeed, Marshall claims the case is scratch-proof. It’s also IPX4-rated, which is basically splash-proof.
The earbuds have touch controls built into either side, enabling you to easily tap to pause or play, or long hold to adjust things like noise control or EQ settings. Marshall’s iOS app enables you to customise the controls, and finesse other settings. The earbuds are easy to hold too, thanks to the chunky stems.
In-ear, they’re comfy, and easy to wear for long periods. They’re also secure, so you can exercise without them coming loose. Marshall only includes three tip sizes, however, so there’s less chance of a perfect fit. Neatly, when you take them out of ear they auto pause whatever’s playing, and vice-versa when they go back
