Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Cancelling Headphones: A Rock-Solid Noise-Canceling Headphone

Update on Oct. 19, 2024, 7:38 p.m.

Marshall, the iconic audio brand behind rock n’ roll’s most legendary amps, is back with the Monitor II over-ear noise canceling headphones. Bringing Marshall’s renowned audio quality together with effective active noise cancellation, the Monitor II promises an immersive listening experience perfect for tuning out distractions at home or on the move.

Overview

The Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone carries on Marshall’s signature style with a sleek, black metal and faux leather construction. Available for $299, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone connects via Bluetooth and utilizes active noise canceling powered by advanced internal circuitry. With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, or 45 hours with it off, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone is built to keep the music pumping all day.

 Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Design - Vintage Styling Meets Modern Portability

Sporting Marshall’s classic matte black color scheme, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone flaunts premium metal and faux leather accents. Despite the high-end materials, cleverly collapsible hinges allow the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone to fold up for stowing away in the included canvas case. The retro-inspired design language combines elegantly with the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone’s portable form factor.
 Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Features - Intuitive Controls and Customization

The Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone keeps device interaction straightforward with tactile buttons for core functions. Volume, track skipping, and play/pause are adjusted using the multi-directional control knob on the right earcup. Toggling between active noise cancellation and transparency modes is handled by the ANC button on the left. Customizations like EQ presets and smart assistant access are available using the multi-function “M” button. The Marshall Bluetooth app unlocks complete control over noise canceling strength and ambient sound levels.

 Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Ease of Use

Bluetooth pairing is a breeze, with no finicky buttons required. The control knob provides intuitive volume and track controls without the hassle of touch sensors. Answering calls, toggling ANC, and customizing the sound all have dedicated buttons for quick access. Compared to rivals with complex gestures and menus, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone keeps device interaction simple.

Audio Quality - Signature Marshall Sound

With custom-tuned 40mm drivers, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone delivers the vibrant, punchy sound Marshall is renowned for. The active noise canceling enhances immersion, allowing the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone’s lively soundstage and powerful low end to shine. From wailing guitars to booming basslines, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone brings out the texture and energy in any genre.

Noise Cancelation - Block Out the World

Utilizing onboard microphones, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone’s feedforward ANC constantly analyzes environmental noise before generating inverse sound waves to cancel it out. Reviewers found the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone effective at reducing noise from fans, airplane engines, and other droning sounds. While not as strong as Bose and Sony’s flagship ANC, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone still cocoons the listener against outside distractions.

Battery Life

The Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone is rated for an outstanding 30 hours of playtime with ANC enabled, or 45 hours with it turned off. The 15 minute quick charge generates 3 hours of listening, perfect for topping up before a flight. A full charge via USB-C takes around 2 hours. The long battery life provides true all-day, unplugged listening.

Connectivity

High quality Bluetooth 5.0 provides cable-free connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and computers. Multipoint support allows simultaneous pairing to two devices - perfect for switching between a phone and laptop. The 3.5mm audio cable allows wired use in noise-canceling mode when battery runs out.

Comfort and Quality

Plush leatherette and memory foam earpads envelope the ears in cushioned comfort. The padded headband reduces top-of-head fatigue during extended wear. High quality metals and rugged plastics hold up to daily use with style. The Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone’s solid feel and premium materials justify the price tag.

Water Resistance

Marshall does not specify any water resistance rating. The leather and exposed control buttons likely make the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone unsuitable for exposure to moisture. Take care to keep them dry.

 Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Use Cases

With its extended battery life and active noise cancellation, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone is ideal for immersive listening on long commutes or flights. The Monitor II cocoons frequent travelers in Marshall’s vibrant sound while muting the roar of airplane engines and busy terminals.

When working from home, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone blocks out household distractions like kids and appliances to keep you focused. The monitoring mode lets you quickly pipe in ambient sounds when you need to chat or stay aware of your surroundings.

Serious music aficionados will appreciate the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone’s lively and textured soundstage, making the headphones well-suited for critical listening.

Value

With premium build quality, rich audio, and customizable noise cancellation, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone provides excellent value at $300. While priced similarly to flagship models from Bose and Sony, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone competes using Marshall’s unique aesthetics and lively, textured sound. For those who crave the Marshall audio experience with modern convenience and noise cancellation, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone delivers excellent quality per dollar.
 Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Conclusion

With impactful audio, adaptive noise cancellation, and user-friendly design, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone brings a taste of rock royalty to everyday listening. For music aficionados who crave Marshall’s signature sound either at home or on the go, the Marshall Monitor II Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphone is a compelling choice blending audio performance, style, and premium craftsmanship.