Marshall Major III

Usage

There is little to criticise about the processing. The same applies to the comfortable and sufficiently tight fit of the headset, which turns out to be completely non-slip in daytime operation while providing passable mechanical sound insulation, all without leaking noise to the outside world. The earpieces sit stably on a size-adjustable, padded headband and are rotatable up and down. They can also be folded down for transport.

The handset is connected via a detachable spiral cable with angled, gold-plated 3.5 mm jack plug. An adapter for the larger 6.3 mm format, however, is not available. Integrated into the cable are a remote control and a microphone for telephone operation. With a single button, the music can be started and paused, calls can be received, voice control of the smartphone is possible, and it also allows for tracks to be skipped ahead with multiple clicks. In-line volume control, however, is also unavailable. Practically speaking, thanks to one-sided cable management, there is room for another jack on the second ear cup, to which a second headphone can be connected.

Sound Quality

Like the Bluetooth version of the Major III, the Cable version also provides a full sound from the start. The level reserves, however, are much lower, corresponding to the passive mode of the Bluetooth model. Due to the otherwise identical optics, it seems reasonable to assume that Marshall has just dispensed with the active electronics.

In any case, the dynamic 40 mm drivers deliver a punchy, slightly over-emphasised bass which is tonally traceable, quite tight, and audible down to the low end. The mids also create a basic warmth that gives the music further pleasantries at volume. Acoustic instruments such as pianos, guitars or vocals are well reproduced and vocals are easy to understand. Like its wireless big brother, the Major III still struggles with a slight hardship in the treble range, although sound reproduction sounds balanced, open, and crisp, especially in tougher genres with distorted guitars or in emphatically open mixes. At the same time, dynamics, the implementation of the stereo panorama, and the layout of the space are less pronounced than with more expensive competitors. While you get good results with pop, rock and EDM in mobile use, you should enjoy calmer genres such as classical and jazz better in a quiet environment, otherwise, the details go unheard. Thus, the Major III achieves passable suitability for everyday use but is certainly not designed for higher demands, which makes sense given its affordable price tag of just 69 euros. On the other hand, the transmission quality of the built-in microphone impresses with solid results in telephone calls.