Marshall’s new portable speakers drop the bass with louder output and smarter features
Summer may be coming to an end, but that’s not stopping Marshall from keeping the party going. The audio brand recently unveiled two new wireless speakers: the Emberton III and Willen II. At first glance, the former appears identical to 2022’s Emberton II, and still resembles a mini guitar amp. But don’t worry: this isn’t just an encore, as the next-gen model introduces several improvements.
Like its predecessor, the Emberton III features the company’s “True Stereophonic” sound for delivering rich, multi-directional sound. The technology has spatial qualities, making it seem as if the audio is following you as you listen.
What’s different is that it now has more bass and ‘Dynamic Loudness’ to actively “[adjust] the tonal balance as you change the volume.” The result is a consistently optimized experience that promises to sound great no matter the volume level.
Marshall states that the Emberton III supports Bluetooth LE, a unique version of the Bluetooth standard that focuses more on better “audio quality, lower power consumption, and improved interoperability.” This in turn allows AuracasTwhich allows the speakers to act as a source for external devices such as headphones. This feature places the model head and shoulders above the previous generation.
Auracast won’t be available at launch, though, but it’s promised to arrive as an over-the-air update to the Marshall Bluetooth app. Other notable features include a microphone for phone calls, over 32 hours of battery life, and an IP67 resistance rating, meaning it can survive brief submersions underwater.
Compact and travel-friendly
The second model is the smaller Willen II, and it shares some similarities with the larger device, such as Bluetooth LE support and a built-in microphone, with a handful of key differences. Marshall has given their speaker a mounting strap on the back, so you can attach it wherever it fits.
Likely due to its size, the Willen II lacks True Stereophonic, meaning the audio output won’t be as powerful or immersive as the Emberton III. It also has a shorter battery life, peaking at around 17 hours of playtime. Still, if you want something that can fit in a bag, this is the one for you.
Pre-orders are now open. The Marshall Emberton III will cost $170/£150/€179, while the Willen will cost $120/£100/€120. You can choose from two colorways: Black And Brass and Cream. Global shipping is set for August 26th.
If you’re interested in other options, be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best Bluetooth speakers for 2024. We’ve got a ton of recommendations “for every budget.”
