Marshall Emberton III Review : The Marshall Emberton III is a rather considerable upgrade over the previous model. I questioned why Marshall had a microphone in the Willen but not in the Emberton, as the Emberton III now includes one for hands-free phone calls. It’s a good microphone, too.
The battery’s performance has also been enhanced; instead of just lasting 30 hours, it now lasts up to 32 hours. It also charges faster, going from empty to full in two hours as opposed to three. Consequently, a thicker battery charges more quickly. It even has a strap loop, but strangely, unlike the Middleton or Willen, it does not come with a strap. On their website, they don’t even sell it.
Compared to the previous model, Emberton III seems to lack the Stack function, which allows you to connect multiple Emberton IIs together to spread the music over a wider area. Marshall doesn’t even mention it on his website.
Also read: Can I keep wireless earbuds in a charging case when not used?
It is ready for Auracast, though, which enables a single source to broadcast to an infinite number of earbuds and speakers. However, as only a small number of devices presently support audio broadcasting via Auracast, it is unclear how this speaker may join an Auracast broadcast at this time.
Perhaps with the Marshall Bluetooth app? We’ll probably understand that better in the future. Speaking of the app, it has very few settings and is rather simple. Like its predecessor, it only has three EQ presets, battery-life-extending options, and firmware upgrades.
It would be useful to have a way to manage paired devices as this allows multipoint pairing. Additionally, perhaps some microphone options for noise reduction and speech pickup?
Design and Build
The Emberton III keeps the renowned vintage Marshall design with its durable, rubberized housing and signature gold control knob. Its small size and light weight make it portable without sacrificing style. Because of its IP67 water and dust resistance rating, it is a reliable companion for outdoor activities, whether at the beach, park, or backyard get-together.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.1 provides a dependable, long-range connection for the speaker. The multi-host feature allows for seamless switching between two devices and quick and easy pairing, allowing friends to share DJ duties. However, its lack of compatibility with advanced codecs like aptX may go unnoticed by certain audiophiles.
Sound Quality
Marshall promised additional bass punch, and the Emberton III is chunkier than the II. The passive radiators would be able to create more excursion and deeper, louder bass extension since there seems to be more space within. But is it really the truth?
Using the Marshall Signature setting by default does seem to improve the bass performance a little bit over the previous model. The sound is a touch stronger, but not unduly bass-heavy. Even when the Push setting is chosen, which intensifies the bass, it still sounds a little heavier and has a little more oomph. The bass is more audible, though, as it also cuts into the lower mids.
In other words, you won’t receive a powerful, thumping bass from them unless you place them in a corner of the room, which may easily boost the bass and loudness. Sometimes I prefer the Push setting because I like my vocals to sound a little more throaty and intimate rather than bright and sizzly, even though I prefer the default setting because it has a rich and pleasing sound with more midrange focus, which makes the vocals sound more clear and detailed. But they are just my personal choices.
Marshall also set up the speakers better. The two drivers are still identical 2″ 10-watt drivers, but instead of being powered by 10W, they are now each powered by 38W amps.
Even though the sound quality isn’t immediately impacted, this offers the speaker more headroom. The speaker has around 6 dB greater headroom than the previous model since doubling the wattage indicates that the speaker is 3 dB louder.
This time, the extra headroom can allow the speaker to operate louder without distortion. In this case, the Emberton III can reach 80–90% volume without the bass being throttled, yet even at full volume, it doesn’t become a writhing scream.
About Stereophonic 360 Sound…
You will hear stereophonic 360-degree sound, meaning there is no stereo separation and the speaker sounds about the same from any position. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the stereo effects coming from above the speaker rather than the sides.
I won’t be criticizing it because this is only a compromise to make sure that this speaker sounds the same in every direction. Because our brains perceive sound at different angles, stereo separation is not feasible in this situation. For those who are interested in the phrase, it is not stereo in the traditional sense.
I think the Emberton III is an overall improvement over the previous version in terms of performance, specs, and functionality. It does fill a void in the market for portable speakers for those who like something chunky and different from the usual boxes and cylinders.
Its design is easily identifiable as Marshall’s because of its vinyl feel and huge brass knob that makes handling nearly everything from volume to music playing to calls straightforward. Sometimes, to stand apart, you have to stay familiar, just as with the Emberton III.
I do, however, have a few minor grievances regarding it. The buttons could be difficult to notice unless they are lighted because of their modest size. The energy progress meter is also a wasted opportunity since, although it would have been great if it could have been utilized as a volume indicator, the program does not support this feature.
Additionally, if you wish to use it wirelessly, the lack of a 3.5mm aux input won’t be an issue. For people with gadgets like a monitor that doesn’t have Bluetooth, it would have been practical if it could have been connected to the Emberton III through a cord.
Summary Table: Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth Speaker Review
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 2024 |
| Price | $159 / £159 / AU$289 |
| Weight | 0.67kg / 1.5lbs |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth LE and Auracast (via imminent update) |
| Battery Life | 32+ hours |
| Speaker Drivers | 2x 10W full-range drivers, 2 passive radiators |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 (dustproof and water-resistant up to 1m for 30 minutes) |
| Design Features | Classic Marshall amp-inspired look, available in black and cream; rugged and stackable |
| Sound Features | True Stereophonic 360-degree audio, Dynamic Loudness for bass boost at lower volumes, limited EQ customization |
| App Features | Simple app with three EQ presets (Marshall sound, low/high boost, mid-range boost) |
| Strengths | Outstanding battery life, durable design, impressive sound quality for size |
| Weaknesses | Limited bass at high volumes, no aux input, lacks full EQ customization |
Ease of Use
The Emberton III is easy to function. Its multidirectional control knob makes it simple to turn the power on and off, skip music, and change the volume. Its simple design ensures that users of all skill levels may enjoy it without any learning curve, even though it lacks a companion app.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish and durable design
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Outstanding sound quality for its size
- Long battery life (30 hours)
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- No advanced codec support (e.g., aptX)
- Lacks a companion app for customization
- Slightly premium price compared to competitors
Real-Life Experience with the Marshall Emberton III
I just went camping for a weekend, and the Marshall Emberton III quickly became the center of our outdoor activities. Its iconic vintage appearance drew everyone in, but what truly caught our attention was its 360-degree sound quality.
From wherever we stood, the music felt deep and captivating, and it filled the entire space with ease. Even in the face of uneven terrain and occasional water sprays, the Emberton III operated faultlessly thanks to its IP67 water and dust protection.
Its gold control knob was easy to use, making it quick to alter the volume and skip songs, and its 32-hour battery lasted the whole weekend without needing to be recharged. The lack of an aux input didn’t worry us because everyone was able to connect over Bluetooth with ease.
Conclusion: Marshall Emberton III Review
With features like a microphone for hands-free calls, a longer battery life, and better sound quality, the Marshall Emberton III is a solid upgrade over its predecessor. Because of its elegant appearance, robust construction, and mobility, this multifunctional speaker may be used both indoors and outdoors.
Its overall performance, durability, and timeless style make it an excellent choice for anybody searching for a portable speaker that is both durable and stylish, even if it lacks advanced codecs and aux input.
Does the Marshall Emberton III support advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX?
No, sophisticated codecs like aptX are not supported by the Emberton III. Audiophiles may miss the improved performance of aptX or LDAC, but it employs Bluetooth 5.1, which offers a steady connection and decent music quality.
2. How durable is the Marshall Emberton III for outdoor use?
The Emberton III’s IP67 rating makes it dustproof and water-resistant. It is designed to withstand outside conditions including rain, splashing, and sandy environments, making it the ideal travel companion.
3. Can the Emberton III connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
The Emberton III does indeed enable multi-host capabilities, which makes it easy to listen to music with friends by enabling seamless switching between two connected devices.
