Orders
True to its philosophy, Marshall offers ergonomics based on three physical buttons. There is a multidirectional stick that can be pressed to perform most commands, as well as two discreet buttons located behind the branches. The one on the left is used to switch between listening modes, while the one on the right, the Marshall button, is programmable. It is thus possible to launch Spotify Tap, a previously saved equalizer preset or the voice assistant.
The fact that the other basic controls aren't customizable isn't that much of a problem. To navigate between tracks, manage the volume or play/pause, simply move the joystick vertically or horizontally, or press it. In addition to being responsive, these commands are very easy to remember.
Connectivity
In theory, the Monitor III ANC is at the cutting edge of modernity since it integrates a Bluetooth 5.3 chip compatible with the LE Audio standard. Except that this accounting will only be deployed in the coming weeks during a future update. At that time, the headset will be able to benefit in particular from the LC3 codec and the possibility of Auracast broadcasting.
Apart from this temporary frustration, Marshall's latest headset is equipped with features expected on a high-end product: Google Fast Pair quick pairing with Switch Auto, Microsoft Swift Pair, multipoint connection, automatic power off and port detection. For codecs, the British uses the classic SBC and AAC. Considering the price positioning of the headset, AptX and/or LDAC would not have been too much.
To complete this list, the Monitor III ANC offers two new refinements: an adaptive volume option to modulate the tone of the headphones depending on the environment, as well as a 3D spatialization technology called Soundstage. The latency is 225 ms according to our calculations. A barely correct value, but still too high to play in good conditions. Finally, the absence of a 3.5 mm jack port prevents the headset from operating in passive mode, but when switched on it is possible to enjoy it wired.
Application
Since our test of the Major V headphones, our opinion is the same on the dedicated Marshall app. Ergonomic, it offers the essentials without being as complete as the star apps from Sony or Sennheiser. Among the good points, we note the possibility of adjusting noise reduction and Transparency mode on three levels, management of automatic port and standby.
Although five-band, the equalizer is starting to have its day, while the battery preservation options are rather anecdotal.
