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The Marshall brand is 60 years old, but its venerable age does not make it less relevant in any. The proof of this is the new Marshall headphones. For example, the Mode II true Bluetooth wireless headphones. The new In-Ear model has absorbed the rebellious spirit of the company, which is manifested not only in design but also in sound. So let’s go ahead in this Marshall Mode II review and know about it in detail.
Design
Marshall has always given its products a recognizable look, and the Mode II also has a place for interesting details. Minimize the finish of the vinyl case – why not refer to branded guitar amplifiers? And inside the lid is a reminder that the company has been in existence since 1962.
The Mode II In Ear is made of black plastic, against which snow-white logos look especially advantageous. The earbuds are small and almost do not protrude from the ears, the fit is secure and comfortable.
But the charging case may be more compact, but it offers charge indication for each earbud and IPX4 moisture protection. The wireless headphones with microphone meet the IPX5 standard, which means they can easily survive accidental splashes and exposure to rain.
There are proximity sensors, charging contacts, and compensation holes inside the earbuds to take off the excess pressure. Round-shaped sound guides are compatible with most third-party ear tips — useful in the rare case if none of the four perfect pairs fit.
The Marshall Mode II does not have active noise cancellation. However, earbuds with passive isolation allow you to listen to music on the road and in public transport without turning the volume above safe levels.
Touch control, as in most similar Bluetooth wireless headphones. A tap on the right earpiece is responsible for start/pause, double and triple taps switch tracks forward and backward. A single tap on the left earpiece enables or disables the transparency mode.
Connectivity and features
Google Fast Pair function is provided for connecting with Android devices. If you open the charging case and press the pairing button, a window with information about the Marshall Mode II and a connection button will appear on your smartphone. Unfortunately, there is no similar function for iOS devices. You have to do everything manually.
Audio transmission is carried out according to the Bluetooth 5.1 standard. Marshall headphones keep a stable connection with the source at a distance of up to 10 meters. There are no problems indoors, even if you leave the phone in the next room.
Each earpiece has two microphones. When operating in headset mode, one captures the voice, and the other captures background noise, which is suppressed during the processing phase. The caller does not complain about the quality of the transmission.
Mode II works with the companion Marshall Bluetooth App, where you can turn off touch controls, adjust the sound with an equalizer, and adjust the intensity of the transparency preset.
Sound
Marshall Mode II received 6 mm dynamic drivers that reproduce the entire audible frequency range. The aptX codec is supported for lossless audio transmission.
The sound of the device can be called branded. First of all, you pay attention to electric guitars – their energetic growl sets the tone for any track. At the same time, the rest of the instruments are not lost against their background, the feed remains balanced.
Bass also knows its place, but its articulation depends on the specific composition: if there is a lot of bass in it, the headphones will be able to convey it. Old rock hits sound vintage-soft, and low frequencies do not press on the eardrums beyond measure.
The vocal range is slightly left behind in the background, there may be a lack of sonority in female vocals. Still, it has its advantages: bad recording doesn’t bother siblings. The instrumental unfolds the sound of extreme vocals in a particularly interesting way and metalheads will also be satisfied.
High frequencies also do not take out the brain. They are slightly muffled, which allows you to listen to music at any volume without fatigue. Of course, their refinement could be better, but Marshall engineers were able to strike a balance between detail and comfort.
Battery life
The Marshall Mode II can withstand up to 5 hours of continuous music playback, after which it calls for a case recharge. The case provides four full recharges for a total of 25 hours of usage time.
During Marshall Mode II review, this charging case can easily go without a power outlet for about a week of use. Furthermore, the case supports Qi charging as well. It is very convenient if you have a smartphone with reverse wireless charging at hand. It takes just 2 hours for the case to be fully charged.
Marshall Mode II specifications
- Driver type: Dynamic, 6 mm, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
- Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX
- Port: USB Type-C
- Earbud Weight: 4.75 grams (each)
- Charging case weight: 35 grams
- Waterproof: IPX5 (case: IPX4)
- ANC: No
- Transparency mode: Yes
Final line
Marshall Mode II combines modern technology with the brand’s signature vintage style. With punchy sound, Transparency mode, a decent level of water and dust resistance, and good battery life, this pair of earphones offers flagship-grade features and specifications for significantly less than what Apple and Sennheiser charge.
The Bluetooth wireless headphones have an expressive design, thoughtful ergonomics, and good battery life. The soundtrack won’t disappoint rock fans either. However, the model copes well with other musical genres.
That said, there are some drawbacks here. The bulky case and no active noise cancellation support might put many potential buyers off. If you have an inflexible budget of $179.99, the Marshall Mode II is perhaps the best you can pick right now, particularly if you are a guitarist. If you can spend a bit more, the Apple AirPods Pro (REVIEW) and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 (REVIEW) will be worth considering instead.
Price and availability
Marshall Mode II Bluetooth wireless headphones cost $179.99 on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk websites.
