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It's listener's choice with Marshall's Monitor headphones

It's listener's choice with Marshall's Monitor headphones
Marshall Headphones has announced the release of its first over-ear model, the Marshall Monitor
Marshall Headphones has announced the release of its first over-ear model, the Marshall Monitor
View 15 Images
Marshall Headphones has announced the release of its first over-ear model, the Marshall Monitor
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Marshall Headphones has announced the release of its first over-ear model, the Marshall Monitor
Classic Marshall styling is very much in evidence, from faux leather detailing to metal hinges and brass accenting
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Classic Marshall styling is very much in evidence, from faux leather detailing to metal hinges and brass accenting
The low distortion 40-mm custom drivers that deliver a signature described as punchy, dynamic and clear
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The low distortion 40-mm custom drivers that deliver a signature described as punchy, dynamic and clear
The Marshall Monitor headphones can be collapsed down for ease of transport
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The Marshall Monitor headphones can be collapsed down for ease of transport
The detachable audio cable can be plugged in either ear piece
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The detachable audio cable can be plugged in either ear piece
The Marshall Monitor over-ear headphones come supplied with a canvas carry pouch embossed with a script Marshall logo
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The Marshall Monitor over-ear headphones come supplied with a canvas carry pouch embossed with a script Marshall logo
The Marshall Monitor is the brand's first over-ear model
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The Marshall Monitor is the brand's first over-ear model
The detachable audio cable is coiled like a guitar cord
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The detachable audio cable is coiled like a guitar cord
Classic Marshall styling is very much in evidence, from faux leather detailing to metal hinges and brass accenting
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Classic Marshall styling is very much in evidence, from faux leather detailing to metal hinges and brass accenting
The detachable audio cable can be plugged in either ear piece
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The detachable audio cable can be plugged in either ear piece
With the F.T.F. insert in place, users can look forward to a warm, laid-back sound
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With the F.T.F. insert in place, users can look forward to a warm, laid-back sound
The F.T.F. inserts offer users a choice of listening experience
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The F.T.F. inserts offer users a choice of listening experience
For a brighter, clearer sound, the F.T.F. inserts can be removed
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For a brighter, clearer sound, the F.T.F. inserts can be removed
Don't lose those F.T.F. inserts if you're fond of warm, laid-back sound from your headphones
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Don't lose those F.T.F. inserts if you're fond of warm, laid-back sound from your headphones
On paper at least, the signature does appear to lean toward the bass end
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On paper at least, the signature does appear to lean toward the bass end
View gallery - 15 images

Marshall first dipped its toes into the headphone market with the excellent Major on-ear headphones and Minor in-ear monitors launched in 2010. The iconic brand has now announced its first over-ear model, the Marshall Monitor, which allows users to choose between two different listening experiences.

I admit to being impressed by the sound quality of the Marshall Majors, but suffered throbbing discomfort after about 15 minutes of use. Resting on the head, rather than on the ears, that's hopefully something that won't afflict wearers of the new Monitor over-ear headphones.

The new cans come with low distortion 40-mm custom drivers that deliver a signature described as punchy, dynamic and clear – though, on paper at least, it does appear to lean more toward the bass end than my pair of Pitch Black Majors. The frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, there's 99 dB sensitivity (at 100 mV / 1 kHz) and a 40-ohm impedance.

With the F.T.F. insert in place, users can look forward to a warm, laid-back sound
With the F.T.F. insert in place, users can look forward to a warm, laid-back sound

Users are given some control over the listening experience thanks to the inclusion of something called the F.T.F. system. Out of the box, an F.T.F. insert (F.T.F. simply means First To File, a patent-pending system) is in place behind each ear cushion, which can be left where it lies for a warm, laid-back sound. If you fancy brighter, clearer output, the magnetic ear cushions can be pulled away from the driver housing and the inserts removed.

As you might expect, classic Marshall styling is very much in evidence, from faux leather detailing to metal hinges and brass accenting. The detachable audio cable is coiled like a guitar cord, and can be plugged in either ear piece according to user preference, or to cater for daisy chaining with friends. It also sports an integrated playback device control/mic.

The Marshall Monitor over-ear headphones are set to hit the streets next month for US$200, and come supplied with a canvas carry pouch suitably embossed with a script Marshall logo.

Product page: Marshall Monitor

View gallery - 15 images
1 comment
1 comment
Bertie Cheng
I thought FTF stood for Felt Treble Filter??