Sweden-based Zound Industries has just announced another bumper year with an increase in sales of 44%, revenues of SEK 3bn and double-digit profitability at 10.3%. This exceptional performance is mainly due to the company’s phenomenally successful range of Marshall wireless speakers and headphones.
Since licensing the Marshall brand for speakers and headphones from the iconic guitar amplifier manufacturer, Zound Industries has captured the imagination of younger consumers by producing a range of speakers and headphones with attitude.
The latest Marshall Headphones product is the superb Middleton wireless speaker. This new model is a little more than twice the size of the Marshall Emberton and it features four separate speaker drivers, each driven by its own Class D amplifier. Two of the speakers are woofers, covering the bass and mid frequencies, with each speaker being driven with 20W of output. In addition, the Middleton has two tweeters; each backed up with 10W of Class D amplification to create a broad and focused stereo soundstage.
Like all the Marshall wireless speakers, the Middleton is encased in a tough rubberized-type cabinet with similar material to the one used to make Marshall guitar amplifier cabinets. The build quality is exceptional and the overall feel is one of indestructibility. The classic Marshall logo in raised gold is on the front of the speaker grille.
On top of the Marshall Middleton is the usual large brass controller used on all Marshall speakers. The controller works like a joystick and features a surface of ridged, concentric rings that provide a firm grip for a fingertip. The button functions as a power switch, volume adjustment, and control for the music, enabling the user to skip, repeat, pause, and play tracks.
To the left of that large brass control button are two small buttons. One puts the speaker into Bluetooth pairing mode while the other illuminates the ladder-style LED battery gauge divided into ten red segments. On the right of the brass multifunction button are two controls for adjusting the bass and treble frequencies so the listener can get just the sound they like.
At the rear of the Marshall Middleton is a USB Type C port for charging up the speaker’s internal battery, which can deliver up to 20 hours of playing time before recharging. The USB port is bidirectional, which also works as a power bank for charging a smartphone using the power stored in the Middleton’s battery. Next to the USB port is an “Aux In” 3.5mm jack so that analog devices can be connected to the Middleton.
The four speakers inside the Middleton are equipped with “True Stereophonic” – Marshall’s unique form of multi-directional stereo sound. The effect creates a spatial and binaural sound that flows around the listener and can fill a vast space with music. Marshall claims it offers absolute 360° sound, where every spot is sweet. That’s no idle claim. The sound produced by the Middleton is awe-inspiring. It has a powerful bass and a well-focused treble, but the sense of being enveloped by sound is powerful and the speaker pumps out far more volume than its size suggests.
As well as the physical bass and treble controls on the top of the speaker cabinet, the Middleton can be tweaked using the Marshall smartphone app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app has a built-in Dynamic Loudness function that can adjust the speaker’s tonal balance to ensure music sounds its best no matter what level the volume control is set at.
This new speaker is rugged enough to be used almost anywhere. The case is produced using 55% post-consumer recycled plastic and is PVC-free. With a rating of IP67, the Middleton is certified as dust and water-resistant, ensuring rain, dirt or sand can’t stop the music. At 1.8kg, the Middleton isn’t too heavy to carry around easily and a rubberized strap is included in the box, enabling the speaker to be taken anywhere.
The sound from the Middleton is big and bold. The speaker output is aimed front and back, as well as left and right from the ends of the case. It gives the impression of surround sound and enough power to fill a medium-sized room. And if the sound isn’t loud enough, the Middleton can be out into Stack Mode by pressing the Bluetooth pairing button three times. Stack Mode enables two or more Middleton speakers to play in concert, producing even more noise. It’s a significant effect and the music is kept in sync between each speaker.
Verdict: The new Marshall Middleton wireless speaker is possibly Zound Industries’ best model yet. It’s relatively compact and incredibly rugged. Using two woofers and two tweeters creates a pleasing and muscular sound that can start any party. The speaker’s battery life is excellent and including tone controls is very welcome. Using more than one Middleton in Stack Mode offers real flexibility and makes the speaker versatile. If you’re looking for a robust wireless Bluetooth speaker that can go anywhere, the Marshall Middleton is perfect. As an alternative to market leader JBL, the Marshall Middleton ticks all the boxes and then some. Highly Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Marshall Middleton wireless speaker is available now and costs $299 / £269 / €299.
More info: marshallheadphones.com
Tech Specs:
- Speakers: 2 x woofer. 2 x tweeter.
- Power amplifiers: Class D amplifiers: 2 x 20W, 2 x 10W.
- Maximum sound pressure level: 87dB SPL @ 1m.
- Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz.
- Stereo/mono: Stereo.
- Charging time: 4.5 hours with 5V, 3A charger.
- Dimensions: 109 x 230 x 95mm / 4.29 x 9.06 x 3.74 in.
- Weight: 1.8kg / 4.0lb