Marshall Motif II ANC (1006450) Review: 30-Hour Playtime & Active Noise Cancellation
The Marshall Motif II ANC (1006450) earbuds promise a powerful audio experience with improved active noise cancellation and impressive battery life. Having spent several weeks testing these earbuds in various environments, from bustling city streets to quiet home offices, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
Features
The Motif II ANC boasts several key features designed to enhance your listening experience. Beyond the advertised active noise cancellation and impressive 30-hour total playtime (6 hours on a single charge), the earbuds also incorporate Bluetooth LE Audio for a stable and high-quality connection. The build quality is solid, and the use of 70% post-consumer recycled plastic is a welcome touch environmentally conscious consumers will appreciate. The accompanying app allows for further customization of the sound profile, a feature I found particularly useful.
| Colour Name | Black |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Bluetooth/Wireless |
| Audio Jack | No Audio Jack |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Model Number | 1006450 |
| Model Name | MOTIF II ANC |
Performance
The sound quality is undeniably excellent. Marshall’s signature sound is present, offering a rich and balanced audio experience. The bass is deep and punchy without overpowering the mids and highs. The active noise cancellation effectively muffles low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and traffic noise, although higher-frequency sounds like chatter still penetrate somewhat. I found the fit comfortable for extended listening sessions, with no significant discomfort. The Bluetooth connectivity was consistently reliable throughout my testing. Battery life lived up to the claims of 30 hours in total with ANC enabled, a significant advantage for travelers.
However, I did experience some minor issues. The touch controls, while functional, could occasionally be a little unresponsive. Also, while the ANC is effective, it’s not class-leading – some higher-frequency noises still manage to get through. Finally, the charging case is relatively bulky compared to some competitors.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, impressive battery life, effective (though not perfect) ANC, comfortable fit, sustainable design.
- Cons: Slightly unresponsive touch controls, ANC could be improved, bulky charging case.
Final Verdict
The Marshall Motif II ANC (1006450) earbuds deliver a compelling combination of sound quality, battery life, and sustainable design. While the touch controls and ANC could be refined, the overall listening experience is superb. If you prioritize powerful sound and long battery life, these earbuds are a strong contender. I would recommend them to anyone seeking a reliable and well-performing pair of true wireless earbuds.
