Marshall is a brand that has been synonymous with loud and clear sound as well as iconic appearance, that is most famous for guitar amplifiers. However, within recent years they have diversified into consumer electronics by bringing into the market quality audio equipment such as headphones and Bluetooth speakers. The Marshall Emberton III arrived in the market last month, following the release of the other models that are portable, compact, and mighty to deliver deep sound despite their built for adventurous travel.
Thus, the third version of this mini powerhouse looks more like a development than a radical new platform, but the Marshall Emberton III contains several more significant enhancements over the previous model and is suitable for music lovers who appreciate compactness and great portability at the same time. In this article we shall take our time to explore the design, battery, sound, connectivity and features of this speaker to ensure that you have enough information on the product to know what is offered by the Emberton III.
Introduction to Marshall Emberton III
The last invention of Marshall in its series of Bluetooth portable speakers is the Marshall Emberton III. The speaker has the objective of providing clear and good sound quality within low profile and robust build for portable use at the beach, on a road trip, or even at home. On the surface it looks very much like the Emberton II but there are a few new bits and bobs as well as enhancements beneath the bonnet ranging from battery life to connectivity.
In this review we will go over these features in detail and also to make it easier for you to make a decision whether this product is worth it, but comparing the Emberton III with its competitors and earlier models.
Design: A Classic Look with a Few Upgrades
It looks very much like a Marshall and that is probably why Marshall has kept the design of the Emberton III intact. Design-wise, it is as traditional as its predecessors and looks like a miniature Marshall guitar amplifiers. Thin framed and black colored, it has a textured grille design in black which resembles the old design, gold script logo at the front and a having a tough body like housing.
Thus, the Emberton III does not differ from the previous models significantly, although there are certain changes that can be spotted. New in the speaker is the power button which is separate from the multi-function joystick which was used for both powering the speaker and adjusting the volume of the speaker in the previous models. This slight change that does not affect the design greatly aims at making the operation of the speaker easier and at the same time eliminate the chances of changing the volume when turning the device on or off.
The speaker also contains very little and is made in a way that can never be easily damaged. Built to military standars for its shock-proof design, the exterior is made out of the tank-like build of Marshall amplifiers, thus being nearly invincible to drops and scratches. As for the dimensions, it has really compact measurements: 215 x 165 x 55 mm / 8. 46 x 6. 5 x 2. 17 in and weight is only 670 grams (1. 5 pounds), so it might be easily taken with you wherever you need, and its rather heavy-set form factor allows putting it into bags without damaging it.
Battery Life: Play All Day and Night
Another thing that makes Marshall Emberton III stand out is its battery life that is longer now. The speaker gives you 32 hours of playing from a single charge which is quite impressive. This is a great improvement on its precursor and most of its competitors, and thus I recommend this speaker for anyone in need of a sound system that can be taken through trips, outdoor events, or a weekend camping.
This speaker also come with charging this is also quick and convenient. Fortunately, the Emberton III is endowed with a USB-C charging port, which makes its full recharging to take a mere two hours. What this means is that regardless of how depleted the battery has become, it will not take long before it is recharged back to allow you have your listening session.
Marshall has also added battery preservation mode in the Marshall app which reduces the maximum charge level to 95%. This, in turn, is very helpful towards extending the general lifespan of the battery as charging cycles that keep on fully charging the battery reduce the battery lifespan significantly. It also enables the users to keep track of the battery temperature when charging, thus preventing the device from heating up.
Sound Quality: A Rich, Immersive Experience
Its ideal performance is in sound quality and the Marshall Emberton III delivers this aspect exceptionally well. Marshall has integrated True Stereophonic Sound which is a company’s own technology of providing sound from the above and in all the directions. True Stereo on the other hand, produces sound in all directions in comparison to the left-right directionality of stereo; this way, True Stereophonic provides audiences with the same excellent sound quality regardless of the position of the stereo.
It has a 2-inch full range driver and two passive radiaters for bass outputs; it has 10W Class D amplifiers. This leads to a punchy, balanced sound profile which is possible considering the small size of the dali speaker. Vocals are clear and the mids are well defined so it provides a defined and a more balanced sound then the previous Emberton speakers.
Regardless of whether you’re using it for music, podcasts or audiobooks, Emberton III’s sound offering always comes across as detailed, immersive and has good depth. What is noteworthy is that bass does not drown and at the same time, highs are clear but not piercing. Still, at the high volume levels, there is no sound distortion, which makes it suitable to be used indoors as well as outdoors.
Waterproof and Dustproof: Built to Survive the Elements
Durability is one of the big selling points for the Marshall Emberton III which is also waterproof and dustproof having an IP67 rating. This makes it the ideal product for outing and traveling whether going by the beach, swimming pool or even on camping. It is a waterproof unit with the IP67 rating, which means that within the 30 minutes the speaker can be into water and it will not suffer any harm from water splashes or even submersion.
This robustness positions the Emberton III as a perfect speaker for people who require a robust speaker that can handle testing environments. This model can indeed be carried to hikes, to the beach, or brought be used by the pool without the risk of damaging it by dust and or water.
Bluetooth 5. 3 LE: The Future-Ready Connectivity
The Marshall Emberton III comes with Bluetooth 5. 3 LE which brings several improvement over previous Bluetooth versions. Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) guarantees that the consumption of power is low while ensuring good and steady link quality. This means that you can play the audio for a long time with no effect of battery of the phone or the speaker.
Bluetooth 5. 3 LE also offers greater range, and signal reliability. The Emberton III can theoretically wirelessly connect up to 100 meters away from your device depending on the environment, it is ideal for every outdoor or indoor use.
Apart from Bluetooth connectivity, the Emberton III model is ready for Auracast audio-sharing technology that is planned to be supported by the device via firmware update. Auracast also has the feature that allows several speakers to play audio together so users do not need to pair several speakers for synchronous operation.
Marshall App: Take Control of Your Speaker
There are several useful aspects of Marshall’s mobile app which can help improve ones experience when using the Emberton III. For firmware update you can use the app also allowing over the air updates to make sure your speaker is up to date with the latest features and bug fixes. You can also avail three stock EQ preset options available namely Marshall Signature Sound, Push, and Voice.
Another special option that can be noticed in the app is the battery saving mode that allows to check the battery level of the speaker and charge it only up to 95 percent. You can also check the battery temperature and regulate the current to avoid overcharging of the battery.
Even though, the app is rather useful some people might complain about the absence of the original Equalizer in the application. Although the three EQ presets are created to address three main listening profiles, more audiophiles might wish to have more control over the sound to which they are exposed to.
New Built-In Microphone: Adding Speakerphone Capability
What is new within the Marshall Emberton III is that it now comes equipped with a built-in microphone which in turn lets it function as a hands-free speakerphone. Whether you are making a conference call, talking to friends or even to your spouse.
or just taking a call while listening to music, this feature is an extra added that previous models of the Emberton were missing. In fact, due to the waterproof and dustproof design of the speaker, it is possible to answer phone calls in such places as the beach, pool or even while taking a shower without causing any damage on the device.
The microphone capability is good enough for such usage meaning callers are well understood and background noise is suppressed. It is not designed to fully replace proper speakerphones for buisness environments but it is sufficient for everyday use so the Emberton III can be considered as a great companion for both work and pleasure.
Three EQ Presets: Customize Your Audio
The Marshall Emberton III has arrival with 3 EQ presets to assist you in modifying the sound depending on your liking or the type of content that you are playing. These EQ modes can be accessed via the Marshall app, and while you don’t have full control over every aspect of the sound, the presets offer a good range of tonal adjustments for different listening situations:
- Marshall Signature Sound: This is the factory setting that offers a neutral sound with a hint of mid range push so that the vocals and instruments are distinct and easy to hear.
- Push: For even more oomph in your track, there is the preset for the Push that increases both the bass and treble making the sound heavier and clearer respectively – perfect for rock, hip-hop or electronic music.
- Voice: Essentially, this preset is suited for podcast or audiobooks, as the preset emphasizes the midrange region and dials down the bass making voices clear and easy to understand.
Despite this, all these presets are useful considering the various needs that users may have at different times, though a few users may feel constrained by the absence of a fully flexible EQ. This feature would have enabled more control over specific frequencies and again this is another aspect which audiophiles are most likely to consider when it comes to the purchase of high end speakers. But for the normal listeners, the three presets should be enough to cover all the listener’s needs.
Portability: Small but Mighty
However, the Marshall Emberton III is fairly portable and therefore it is easy to move from one room to the other. It is about the size of a small brick and weighing only 670 grams so this speaker can easily be moved from one place to the other. The frame is durable to allow for the bag’s protection against impacts during travel and transport; and it boasts of portability in that it can easily be packed in a backpack or a beach bag.
The device is small but mighty; the sound quality of the Emberton III is powerful and does not compare to much larger speakers. No matter if you want to listen to your favorite songs during the small outdoor event or if you simply want to spend your evening at home lying on the couch and listening to music in the living room, this small speaker will pleasantly surprise you by its powerful sound.
This portability also comes as a bonus in that it also comes with a long lasting battery. This speaker can support up to 32 hours of playtime in one charge which means you will not always have to charge your speaker. And when this one is drained of power, the USB-C fast charging makes sure that it is back in operation in a couple of hours alone.
What’s Missing: The Loss of Stack Mode
Notably missing is the Stack Mode which featured in the Emberton II This means that depending on the version, users will not be able to stack up their books and have them stand vertically for an aesthetic appeal. Stack Mode enabled linking of several speakers and the speakers came in handy for occasions such as a party or an event held outdoors.
Instead, Marshall is looking forward to the Auracast audio-sharing technology that is going to be a massive and far more flexible multi-speaker system. Although Auracast isn’t available yet but it will be activated via a firmware update in the future. This feature will enable you to link other Auracast compatible devices apart from Marshall speakers to expand your audio realm, and enhance loudness.
What may be a pity for some is the loss of Stack Mode but what Auracast suggests will be an interesting future for users interested in audio beyond a single speaker.
How It Compares to Other Portable Speakers
Among the countless options of Bluetooth speakers suitable for outdoor use the Marshall Emberton III is noteworthy for its sound, design, and build quality. However, one greatly wonders how this food choice links to other food choices that people like?
- JBL Flip 5: The JBL Flip 5 has a similar build, with its IPX7 waterproof rating and is also coupled with the extra capability of a charging output to charge other devices. But in sound clarity and stereo separation, the Emberton III is slightly better than Charge 5 because of Marshall’s True Stereophonic.
- Sony SRS-XB33 : Sony portable speaker also comes with the same multi directional body and bass oriented well equipped sound. But the mid-range sounds more decent on the Emberton III and all the vocals and musical instruments sound better.
- Ultimate Ears Boom 3: Company’s another popular model that is worthy of competition with the JBL speaker, offering the same level of water resistance and the sound that is filled 360-degree space. As would be expected the Emberton III has superior portability than the JBL Flip 5, but for bass and more clarity especially at loud volume the Emberton III is better.
Where it may be lacking is the absence of custom EQ settings and no longer having Stack Mode but the future-proof addition of Bluetooth LE and Auracast more than make up for it.
Price and Availability
$169, £149 or € 179 will acquire the Marshall Emberton III in either black or cream. For building quality, battery backup, and features that prepare for next generation connectivity and control, it is a worthy investment in anyone’s portable Bluetooth speaker that does not compromise on audio quality.
Final Verdict
All in all, if you are in the hunt for a battery-powered, fashionable and fairly durable sounding speaker that comes in a small compact package, the Marshall Emberton III can make a pretty good case. They include battery endurance and its longevity, waterproof feature, and the ever-advancing Bluetooth Low Energy preparedness for the future. Of course the changes over the Emberton II might not be very large but these small changes make it a slightly less refined and easier to use.
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