Marshall Motif II ANC Review: Not everything is as good as we wanted!
Marshall, renowned for its iconic guitar amplifiers, has ventured into the realm of wireless headphones with the Marshall Motif II ANC. While the brand has earned a stellar reputation in closed headphones and Bluetooth speakers, it aims to replicate this success in the wireless headphone arena.
Motif II ANC is the second version of wireless noise canceling headphones. It promises improved audio quality, live rendering for immersive audio quality, extended battery life and effective external noise cancellation.
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND. Precision engineered to give you clear and balanced sound no matter how much you crank up...
- CANCEL THE NOISE, AMPLIFY THE SOUND. Improved active noise cancellation and use the app to amplify your playlist,...
- RELIABLE PLAYTIME. Delivers 10 more hours of playtime than its predecessor. With active noise cancellation and the...
- LE AUDIO READY. BT LE Audio-ready to ensure the best possible connection, so you’ll never miss a beat. This...
- MORE SUSTAINABLE. Comes with improved battery preservation, while its case and buds are made from 70% post-consumer...
Marshall’s dedication to quality is evident in the Motif II ANC, as it strives to deliver not just a product but an audio experience that resonates with the brand’s musical heritage. As the Motif II ANC navigates the urban jungle, it not only brings the allure of Marshall’s design but also aims to prove its mettle in the fiercely competitive true wireless headphone market.
Marshall Motif II ANC: Video Review
| SPECS | Marshall Motif II ANC |
| TYPE | Wireless over-ear |
| DRIVERS | 6 mm |
| DRIVER SENSITIVITY | 108 dB |
| DRIVER IMPEDANCE | 16 Ω |
| FREQUENCY RANGE | 20–20,000 Hz |
| WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY | Bluetooth 5.3 LE |
| BLUETOOTH RANGE | 10 m |
| CODECS | SBC + MPEG-2 AAC + LC3 |
| CONTROLS | Touch response |
| ANC | Yes |
| PLAY TIME | 6 hours in earbuds with ANC (9 hours without) |
| 30 total hours in case with ANC (43 hours without) | |
| WIRELESS CHARGING | Yes |
| QUICK CHARGING | 15 minutes gives 1 hour of playtime |
| CHARGING TIME | 1.5 hours to recharge earbuds, 1.5 hours to recharge case |
| WEIGHT | 4.31 g |
| WATER RESISTANCE | IPX5 in earbuds, IPX4 in case |
| COLORWAYS | Black |
Marshall Motif II ANC: Design
Introducing the Marshall Motif II ANC, a true testament to the marriage of style and substance in the world of wireless earbuds.
Embracing the popular stem design, reminiscent of the Apple Airpods, the Motif II ANC earbuds takes this iconic silhouette and adds its own distinctive flair. The earbuds feature a button format, terminating with a snug rubber tip, delivering a balanced and feather-light experience at just 4.31g per earbud. The short stem design not only contributes to the overall lightness but also maintains a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Crafted with an eye for detail, the earbuds boast smooth surfaces on the inner side and a subtly grainy texture on the outer shell. The manufacturer’s logo, engraved in white, adds a touch of sophistication to the design. The upper part of the stem is adorned with a plastic dress, featuring a hard, diamond-cut texture that not only looks stunning but also pays homage to the iconic brass-colored knobs found on Marshall amplifiers.
Despite an all-plastic construction, the Motif II ANC demonstrates commendable durability. Withstanding drops from heights ranging from 1 to 1.8 meters without leaving a trace, these earbuds are not just stylish but built to withstand the rigors of daily use. Their IPX5 certification ensures resistance to rain and sweat, making them a reliable companion for workouts or outdoor activities.
The compact charging case, measuring 6.3 x 4.6 x 2.6 cm and weighing only 47.1g when empty, complements the earbuds seamlessly. Covered in a Tolex-effect plastic, it not only provides a secure grip but also exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship. The case, IPX4 certified, offers a rare level of protection against splashes, underlining its commitment to both style and functionality.
Highlighted by a button on the front, just below the brand logo, the case incorporates a colored LED for easy status indication. The USB-C port at the lower edge facilitates convenient charging, and for those who prefer a wireless option, induction charging is also available.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Marshall Motif II ANC wireless headphones redefine the notion of comfort and versatility in the world of audio accessories. Weighing in at a mere 4.31 grams each, these featherlight in-ears effortlessly nestle into the ear, providing an unobtrusive and comfortable fit. Marshall’s thoughtful inclusion of three pairs of silicone tips in different sizes ensures a personalized fit, catering to various ear shapes and sizes.
Beyond their lightweight design, these in-ears offer a level of stability that is unparalleled. Whether you’re on a brisk run over wet cobblestones or engaged in intense physical activity, the Motif II ANC remains securely in place, promising not only comfort but also a worry-free user experience.
The control system, adorned with the iconic Marshall logo, provides a seamless user interface. Navigating between tracks, activating noise reduction, or summoning your voice assistant is a tactile and silent experience. The controls respond to single, double, or triple presses, with the added flexibility of distinguishing between short and long presses, allowing users to personalize their experience. While the control scheme may seem intricate initially, its responsiveness and adaptability make it easy to master.
These headphones exhibit impressive compatibility across various devices, seamlessly connecting with computers, game consoles (including the Switch), and both Android and iOS smartphones. The Marshall app, available for the latter two platforms, adds an extra layer of functionality, providing insights into battery levels, sound processing modes (including ANC and Transparency), and access to a five-band equalizer with pre-recorded audio modes.
The Motif II ANC employs a Bluetooth 5.3 chipset, supporting Bluetooth LE for enhanced connectivity. While multi-connection capabilities, extended battery life, and reduced latency require compatible sources and a firmware update, the Bluetooth 5.3 connection itself offers exceptional stability. With a range of up to 10 meters indoors (or seven through thick walls), these headphones ensure a reliable and immersive wireless experience. Notably, compatibility with Google Fast Pair and support for SBC and AAC codecs further enhance their connectivity options.
Audio quality and ANC
The Marshall Motif II ANC, equipped with a robust 6 mm transducer, delivers a powerful audio experience with a notable emphasis on the lower frequencies. The result is a dynamic soundstage that allows the bass to assert itself with considerable energy. However, this emphasis on the bass can sometimes lead to a lack of nuance in the low mids. While the midrange performs well, it is in the treble where the headphones face some challenges, exhibiting a lack of precision that can impact the overall clarity at the higher end of the spectrum.
Despite these nuances, the Motif II ANC offers a solution through its equalizer, allowing users to tailor the sound profile to their preferences. The headphones are particularly well-suited for tracks rich in bass and mids. It’s worth noting that deactivating noise reduction and Transparency can result in a deficiency in bass, which may be a drawback for those who frequently consume media with substantial low-frequency content, such as films or series.
Regrettably, the active noise reduction of the Motif II ANC doesn’t meet the highest standards. While bass sounds are reasonably filtered, the same cannot be said for the rest of the frequency spectrum. Vocals, in particular, are not effectively processed, and the application’s three levels of filtration don’t always provide a noticeable difference. The Transparency mode, intended to let ambient sounds in, falls short of expectations. It tends to reduce high frequencies and create background noise that degrades the overall experience for the user.
In terms of call quality, the Motif II ANC performs well in quiet indoor settings, thanks to an efficient internal system. However, in open spaces or on the street, the headphones struggle to maintain clear communication. Wind interference and the smoothing of high frequencies during sound processing contribute to a less precise rendering of the user’s voice, making it challenging for the interlocutor to hear clearly.
Autonomy
The Motif II ANC offers a commendable battery life of 6 to 6:30 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) set at 50%. Even when pushed to the maximum ANC setting, users can still enjoy approximately 5 hours of uninterrupted playback.
The accompanying charging case adds an extra layer of practicality, providing around four additional charges for the earbuds. For those moments when time is of the essence, a quick 3-minute charge yields an impressive 20 minutes of battery life, ensuring that users can get a significant boost even during short breaks. When a full recharge is necessary, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to replenish the earbuds.
In terms of charging the case itself, the presence of a USB-C port ensures a swift recharge in just over an hour. Alternatively, users can opt for the convenience of induction charging, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Marshall Motif II ANC: Conclusion
PROS
- Design and Finish
- Impeccable Comfort
- Beautiful Ergonomics and Well-Designed App
- Equalizer Makes the Difference.
CONS
- Unbalanced Sound
- Imprecise Highs and Low Mids
- Disappointing Noise Reduction
- Very Average Sound Reproduction.
The Marshall Motif II ANC headset’s allure lies in its seductive design, marrying form and function seamlessly. Comfort takes center stage, with ergonomics that go beyond the ordinary, making these headphones a joy to wear for extended periods. Marshall’s well-designed app complements the physical attributes, offering users a customizable and intuitive interface.
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND. Precision engineered to give you clear and balanced sound no matter how much you crank up...
- CANCEL THE NOISE, AMPLIFY THE SOUND. Improved active noise cancellation and use the app to amplify your playlist,...
- RELIABLE PLAYTIME. Delivers 10 more hours of playtime than its predecessor. With active noise cancellation and the...
- LE AUDIO READY. BT LE Audio-ready to ensure the best possible connection, so you’ll never miss a beat. This...
- MORE SUSTAINABLE. Comes with improved battery preservation, while its case and buds are made from 70% post-consumer...
However, despite the aesthetic and ergonomic triumphs, the Motif II ANC falters in the realm of audio reproduction. The sound profile is characterized by an unfortunate imbalance, where the bass and mids shine while the low mids and highs lack precision. This imbalance may detract from the overall listening experience, leaving audiophiles seeking a more nuanced sound.
In addition, the active noise reduction and transparency modes fail to impress, falling short of expectations. The noise reduction doesn’t provide the immersive quietude one might desire, and transparency mode introduces imprecise highs, creating a less-than-ideal user experience.
