The Marshall Middleton is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to deliver the signature Marshall sound in a rugged, on-the-go package.
It stands out in the crowded portable speaker market by combining classic Marshall aesthetics with modern features like True Stereophonic multi-directional sound, IP67 dust and water resistance, and an impressive battery life.
If you’re looking for a speaker that blends powerful audio performance with durable, iconic design, the Middleton aims to be a strong contender for your adventures.
It’s built for those who want to bring their audio experience wherever they go, from outdoor excursions to relaxed backyard gatherings, without compromising on sound quality or build.
Here’s a comparison of the Marshall Middleton against some notable alternatives in the portable speaker and audio segment:
| Product Name | Key Features | Average Price USD | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall Middleton | True Stereophonic multi-directional sound, IP67 dust/water resistance, 20+ hours battery life, Stack Mode, Power bank function | $299 | Robust build, iconic design, excellent soundstage, long battery, can charge devices | Higher price point, relatively heavy for its size, app features are basic |
| JBL Charge 5 | JBL Original Pro Sound, IP67 dust/water resistance, 20 hours battery life, built-in power bank, PartyBoost | $179 | Great bass, durable, good battery life, charges devices, affordable | Sound can be a bit bass-heavy for some, less refined highs than premium options |
| Sonos Roam | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Automatic Trueplay tuning, IP67 dust/water resistance, 10 hours battery life, voice control | $179 | Seamless Sonos ecosystem integration, smart features, good sound for its size, lightweight | Shorter battery life, Trueplay requires iOS, Wi-Fi can drain battery faster |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ | 360-degree sound, IPX4 water resistance, 17 hours battery life, flexible fabric handle, speakerphone | $299 | Excellent 360-degree audio, comfortable handle, good voice prompts, reliable Bose sound | Dated micro-USB charging, not fully waterproof, slightly less rugged than competitors |
| Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 | 360-degree sound, IP67 dust/waterproof floats, 20 hours battery life, Magic Button, BOOM app | $199 | Very durable, floats, strong bass, easy to pair with other UE speakers, customizable EQ | Sound can be a bit boomy, less nuanced than some audiophile options, charges via micro-USB |
| Anker Soundcore Motion+ | Hi-Res Audio, aptX, 30W output, IPX7 waterproof, 12 hours battery life, custom EQ via app | $99 | Exceptional value, great sound quality for the price, strong bass, good connectivity | Shorter battery life than some, design is less premium, no power bank function |
| Sony SRS-XG300 | X-Balanced Speaker Unit, IP67 dust/waterproof, 25 hours battery life, retractable handle, Party Connect | $249 | Powerful sound, deep bass, excellent battery life, portable with handle, customizable lighting | Larger and heavier than most, sound can be overly bass-heavy for some, higher price point |
Unpacking the Marshall Middleton: A Deep Dive into Portable Power
The Marshall Middleton isn’t just another portable Bluetooth speaker. it’s a statement.
Marrying iconic rock-and-roll heritage with modern audio engineering, this device promises a unique blend of rugged durability and premium sound quality for the on-the-go audiophile.
Let’s peel back the layers and understand what makes the Middleton tick and whether it lives up to the Marshall legacy.
The Signature Marshall Sound: True Stereophonic Explained
When you hear “Marshall,” you instantly think of powerful, stage-filling sound. The Middleton attempts to translate that experience into a portable format, primarily through its True Stereophonic technology. This isn’t just a fancy marketing term. it’s Marshall’s proprietary approach to multi-directional sound.
- What it is: Unlike many portable speakers that project sound in a limited direction, True Stereophonic employs a unique array of four drivers – two 3/5-inch tweeters and two 3-inch woofers – along with two passive radiators, strategically placed to emit sound in all directions.
- How it works: This configuration aims to create a true 360-degree soundstage, ensuring that everyone around the speaker gets a consistent and immersive audio experience, regardless of their position. It’s designed to fill a space rather than just project forward.
- Benefits:
- Immersive listening: No “sweet spot” needed. the sound is equally distributed.
- Larger soundstage: Creates a sense of depth and spaciousness often lacking in smaller portable speakers.
- Ideal for gatherings: Perfect for parties or group listening where people are moving around the speaker.
- Comparison to competitors: While many portable speakers offer 360-degree sound like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM or Bose SoundLink Revolve+, Marshall’s True Stereophonic is specifically engineered to maintain stereo separation, even when sound is dispersed omnidirectionally. This is a subtle yet significant difference for audio purists.
Built for the Wild: Durability and Portability Features
Marshall speakers are known for their robust, road-ready construction, and the Middleton is no exception. Ninja DUO
It’s engineered to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, making it a reliable companion for adventures.
- IP67 Dust and Water Resistance: This is a crucial feature for any outdoor-oriented speaker.
- IP67 rating breakdown:
- “6” for dust: Means it’s completely protected against dust ingress. You can take it to the beach or a dusty campsite without worrying about sand or dirt damaging internal components.
- “7” for water: Indicates it can be submerged in up to 1 meter 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without harm. This means rain, splashes, or even an accidental dip in the pool won’t ruin your speaker.
- Practical implications: This rating makes the Middleton incredibly versatile, suitable for poolside parties, beach trips, camping, or even just leaving it out during a sudden downpour.
- IP67 rating breakdown:
- Rugged Construction:
- Materials: Features a robust build with a durable silicone exterior and a solid metal grille, reminiscent of Marshall’s classic amplifiers.
- Corner caps: Reinforced corners provide extra protection against drops and bumps.
- Portability:
- Dimensions and Weight: While substantial, it’s designed to be easily carried. It weighs around 4 pounds 1.8 kg, which is a fair trade-off for its sound output and battery.
- Carrying strap: Includes a detachable carry strap, making it convenient to sling over a shoulder or attach to a backpack.
- Controls: The top panel features intuitive, tactile controls, including a multi-directional control knob joystick for playback and volume, and dedicated buttons for Bluetooth pairing and battery status.
Powering Your Adventures: Battery Life and Power Bank Functionality
One of the most critical aspects of any portable speaker is its battery life.
The Marshall Middleton excels in this department, offering extended playtime and the added utility of a power bank.
- 20+ Hours of Playtime: Marshall claims over 20 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
- Real-world performance: While actual battery life can vary based on volume levels and content, users consistently report excellent endurance, often surpassing the advertised 20 hours at moderate volumes. This puts it among the top contenders in its class, competing directly with speakers like the JBL Charge 5 and Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3.
- Fast charging: Offers quick charging capabilities, so you can get back to your podcast faster.
- Built-in Power Bank:
- USB-C output: The Middleton features a USB-C port that can be used to charge other devices, like your smartphone or tablet. This is a significant convenience feature, especially when you’re off the grid and need to keep your devices powered.
- Practicality: Imagine you’re camping, and your phone battery is low. Instead of carrying a separate power bank, your speaker can double as one. This dual functionality adds considerable value and reduces the amount of gear you need to carry.
- Battery Management: The speaker includes a battery indicator on the control panel, allowing you to quickly check the remaining charge.
Connectivity and Control: Bluetooth and Beyond
A portable speaker’s ease of use largely depends on its connectivity options and control interface.
The Marshall Middleton keeps it simple and effective. Beyond the Marketing: How Projectors Really Perform in Terms of Brightness & Contrast
- Bluetooth 5.1:
- Stable connection: Utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 for a robust and stable wireless connection, ensuring minimal dropouts and a reliable audio stream.
- Range: Offers a decent wireless range, typically up to 30 feet 10 meters or more in open environments.
- Multi-device pairing: Allows pairing with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, letting you switch between sources easily without re-pairing.
- Marshall Bluetooth App: While the physical controls are excellent, the companion app offers additional functionalities.
- Customizable EQ: Allows users to fine-tune the sound profile with a graphic equalizer, enabling personalized bass and treble adjustments. This is crucial for tailoring the sound to different podcast genres or listening preferences.
- Firmware updates: Keeps the speaker’s software up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.
- Volume control and playback: Offers remote control over volume and playback from your smartphone.
- Stack Mode: The app is essential for activating and managing Stack Mode, a feature that allows you to connect multiple Middleton speakers together.
- Stack Mode:
- Concept: Similar to JBL’s PartyBoost or UE’s PartyUp, Stack Mode allows you to wirelessly connect multiple Marshall Middleton speakers to create a larger, more powerful sound system.
- Scalability: You can theoretically connect an unlimited number of Middleton speakers, though practical limitations might exist.
- Applications: Ideal for larger outdoor gatherings, parties, or filling multiple rooms with synchronized audio. This elevates the portable listening experience from personal to communal.
Sound Performance and Audio Quality: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
The true test of any Marshall product is its sound quality.
The Middleton, despite its compact size, aims to deliver that signature powerful and dynamic audio experience.
- Bass Response:
- Deep and impactful: For a portable speaker, the Middleton produces surprisingly deep and resonant bass. It’s not boomy or overwhelming but rather controlled and impactful, providing a solid foundation for various podcast genres.
- Passive radiators: The two passive radiators contribute significantly to extending the low-frequency response, enhancing the bass.
- Midrange Clarity:
- Vocals and instruments: The midrange is typically clear and articulate, allowing vocals and instruments to stand out without being muddy. This is where Marshall often excels, ensuring that the core of the podcast is well-represented.
- Treble and Highs:
- Crispness: High frequencies are generally crisp and well-defined, adding sparkle without being harsh or fatiguing, even at higher volumes.
- Detail: The tweeters contribute to revealing finer details in tracks.
- Overall Balance and Dynamics:
- Balanced profile: While it can deliver powerful sound, the Middleton generally maintains a balanced audio profile. The EQ adjustment via the app allows for further customization if you prefer more bass or brighter highs.
- Dynamic range: It handles dynamic shifts in podcast well, from quiet passages to loud crescendos, without significant distortion, even when pushed to higher volumes. This makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from rock and electronic to acoustic and classical.
- Volume Output:
- Loud enough: The Middleton can get quite loud, making it suitable for outdoor use or larger rooms. It has sufficient power to project sound effectively without sounding strained.
- True Stereophonic Impact on Sound:
- Spaciousness: The multi-directional design truly opens up the soundstage, making the audio feel more expansive and less “localized” than typical front-firing speakers. This creates a more enveloping listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Marshall Middleton waterproof?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton has an IP67 rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust ingress and can be submerged in up to 1 meter 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
How long does the Marshall Middleton battery last?
The Marshall Middleton offers over 20 hours of portable playtime on a single charge, depending on volume levels and content.
Can the Marshall Middleton charge my phone?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton features a built-in power bank functionality with a USB-C output, allowing you to charge other devices like your smartphone or tablet. Best Bluetooth Treadmill
Does the Marshall Middleton have an app?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton connects to the Marshall Bluetooth app, which allows you to customize the sound with EQ settings, manage firmware updates, and control playback.
Can I connect multiple Marshall Middleton speakers together?
Yes, you can use Stack Mode through the Marshall Bluetooth app to connect multiple Marshall Middleton speakers together for a larger, more immersive sound experience.
What is True Stereophonic sound on the Marshall Middleton?
True Stereophonic is Marshall’s unique form of multi-directional sound, using a combination of drivers and passive radiators to deliver an immersive, 360-degree audio experience with maintained stereo separation.
How heavy is the Marshall Middleton?
The Marshall Middleton weighs approximately 1.8 kg 4 pounds.
What kind of connectivity does the Marshall Middleton use?
The Marshall Middleton uses Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity. Good Barbell
Does the Marshall Middleton come with a carrying strap?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton includes a detachable carry strap for easy portability.
Is the Marshall Middleton good for outdoor use?
Yes, with its IP67 rating and rugged construction, the Marshall Middleton is very well-suited for outdoor use, resistant to dust, dirt, and water.
Can I adjust the bass and treble on the Marshall Middleton?
Yes, you can adjust the bass and treble via the customizable EQ settings available in the Marshall Bluetooth app.
What is the frequency range of the Marshall Middleton?
The Marshall Middleton has a frequency response of 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz.
Does the Marshall Middleton have a microphone for calls?
No, the Marshall Middleton does not feature a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. Its primary focus is on audio playback. Medical Massage Gun
How long does it take to fully charge the Marshall Middleton?
Marshall states that the Middleton can reach full charge in approximately 4.5 hours, with 20 minutes of charging providing about 2 hours of playtime.
Does the Marshall Middleton have an AUX input?
No, the Marshall Middleton does not have a 3.5mm AUX input. It relies solely on Bluetooth for audio input.
Is the Marshall Middleton louder than the Marshall Emberton II?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton is significantly louder and offers a more expansive soundstage than the smaller Marshall Emberton II due to its larger drivers and physical size.
What are the dimensions of the Marshall Middleton?
The Marshall Middleton measures approximately 109 x 230 x 95 mm 4.29 x 9.06 x 3.74 inches.
Can I pair the Marshall Middleton with a non-Marshall speaker?
No, you can only pair the Marshall Middleton with other Marshall Middleton speakers using Stack Mode. It does not support multi-speaker pairing with other brands. Gardening Love Quotes
Is the Marshall Middleton worth the price?
The Marshall Middleton is a premium-priced portable speaker. Its value depends on your priorities: if you prioritize iconic design, robust build, multi-directional sound, long battery life, and power bank functionality for a portable speaker, it is considered a worthwhile investment.
How does the Marshall Middleton compare to the JBL Charge 5?
The Marshall Middleton offers a more balanced, multi-directional sound with a unique aesthetic, while the JBL Charge 5 is known for its powerful bass and similar power bank functionality, often at a lower price point.
What type of charging cable does the Marshall Middleton use?
The Marshall Middleton uses a USB-C to USB-C charging cable for both charging the speaker and using its power bank function.
Can I use the Marshall Middleton while it’s charging?
Yes, you can use the Marshall Middleton while it is charging.
Does the Marshall Middleton have a bass boost button?
No, it does not have a dedicated bass boost button, but you can adjust the bass level using the EQ settings in the Marshall Bluetooth app. Best Massage Gun Cnet
Is the Marshall Middleton good for parties?
Yes, with its loud output, 360-degree True Stereophonic sound, and Stack Mode capability, the Marshall Middleton is an excellent choice for parties and larger gatherings.
Does the Marshall Middleton have smart assistant integration?
No, the Marshall Middleton does not have built-in smart assistant integration like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
What is the maximum volume of the Marshall Middleton?
While Marshall doesn’t provide a specific dB rating, reviews indicate the Middleton can reach very high volumes suitable for outdoor use without significant distortion.
Can I use the Marshall Middleton vertically?
Yes, thanks to its True Stereophonic multi-directional sound design, the Marshall Middleton can be used vertically or horizontally without significantly impacting sound dispersal. Product Review Treadmill
Does the Marshall Middleton float?
While it’s IP67 water-resistant and can be submerged, it is not designed to float. It will sink if dropped into water.
What kind of drivers are in the Marshall Middleton?
The Marshall Middleton features two 3/5-inch tweeters, two 3-inch woofers, and two passive radiators.
Does the Marshall Middleton have a good stereo image?
Yes, despite its multi-directional sound, Marshall’s True Stereophonic technology is engineered to maintain good stereo separation, providing a more accurate soundstage than many omni-directional speakers.
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