Marshall Major IV Review

When I first unboxed the Marshall Major IV headphones, I was immediately struck by their retro design, reminiscent of classic Marshall amplifiers. The attention to detail is impressive, with the faux leather headband and brass accents that give them a distinctive look. Weighing in at just 165 grams, they felt surprisingly light, which was a pleasant surprise considering their chunky appearance. I’ve put these headphones through their paces, testing them across different genres of music and in various environments, from quiet rooms to bustling coffee shops. The Major IV promised a blend of style, comfort, and sound quality, and I was eager to see how they held up in real-world use.

Design & Aesthetics

The Marshall Major IV headphones present a distinctive look that’s instantly recognizable, especially to fans of the brand's iconic guitar amplifiers. These headphones feature a supra-aural design, meaning they sit on your ears rather than fully enveloping them. The rounded square shape of the ear cups adds a unique flair, setting them apart from the more common circular or oval designs. This design little bit similar to Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 if you look both.

When it comes to aesthetics, the Major IV headphones definitely embrace the Marshall vibe. The brand’s script logo is boldly emblazoned on each ear cup, which may appeal to fans of rock music or those with a penchant for vintage audio gear. However, this design choice might come off as a bit gimmicky to some. It’s a bold statement that aligns with the brand's identity, but it may not resonate with everyone.

The overall design exudes a sense of simple cool. While the prominent logo may catch the eye of guitar rock fans, the understated elegance of the rest of the headphones might attract a wider audience. The classic black and white color scheme is timeless and versatile, allowing the Major IV to fit seamlessly into various settings, whether you’re at home, commuting, or hanging out with friends.

One of the standout features of the Major IV’s design is its intuitive control scheme. Many wireless headphones struggle with confusing button layouts, but that’s not the case here. The Major IV is equipped with a single knob that simplifies the user experience. This knob controls everything—from play/pause functions to volume adjustments. You can easily skip tracks or navigate your playlists with a simple push or hold. This straightforward control design enhances usability, making it a pleasure to operate these headphones.

Materials and Build Quality

The Marshall Major IV headphones are crafted with a thoughtful blend of materials that reflect their design ethos. At first glance, the headphones exhibit a striking aesthetic with a combination of faux leather and durable plastics. The headband features a faux grain leather pattern that not only looks stylish but also feels comfortable against the skin. The cushioning on the underside of the headband adds an extra layer of comfort for those longer listening sessions.

The ear cups have a rounded square shape and are generously padded, providing a snug fit while also ensuring comfort. The padding is plush, making them feel soft against your ears. However, while the overall build quality feels solid, it’s worth noting that the materials used are primarily plastic. This keeps the weight down, but some may wonder about the long-term durability.

The Major IV headphones have a minimalist design that appeals to many users. However, they don’t come with a protective case or pouch, which can be inconvenient for travel. The ear cups lack lateral adjustment and only move vertically for fit. On the plus side, the articulating hinges allow the headphones to fold compactly for easy storage.

Durability and Portability

The Marshall Major IV headphones excel in portability, making them a great choice for on-the-go listening. Their compact design allows them to fold down, which is a thoughtful feature for anyone who frequently travels or commutes. When folded, they take up minimal space, easily fitting into bags or even large pockets.

While the ear cups lack lateral adjustment, they do have significant vertical movement. This design allows them to conform to different head sizes and shapes, providing a more comfortable fit. The articulating hinges also contribute to reducing the overall footprint of the headphones when they’re not in use, making storage even more convenient.

One of the standout features of the Major IV is how unobtrusive the ear cups are when worn around the neck. Their smaller size means they won’t get in the way, which is a bonus for users who like to take breaks from wearing them without having to put them away.

it’s worth noting that the Major IV doesn’t come with a protective case or pouch. This absence is a bit disappointing, especially for a product that prioritizes portability. Without a dedicated storage solution, users should take care to avoid scratches and damage when transporting the headphones. Overall, while the Major IV is designed with convenience in mind, investing in a separate case might be a good idea to ensure they stay in top shape.

Comfort and Fit

At first glance, the Marshall Major IV headphones might appear heavier than they actually are. Weighing in at just 165 grams, they’re significantly lighter than many of their competitors, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, which is about 85 grams heavier. This lightweight design is partly due to their on-ear structure, which allows them to maintain a smaller form factor without sacrificing comfort.

The ear cups of the Major IV measure approximately 65mm from top to bottom, resting comfortably against your ears. For on-ear headphones, this design is surprisingly accommodating. Three key elements contribute to the overall comfort of these headphones:

The clamping force is light, yet secure, ensuring that the headphones stay in place without feeling overly tight. This balance helps reduce fatigue during extended listening sessions.

The headband is uniformly padded, eliminating any pressure points that can often lead to discomfort. This thoughtful design detail means you can enjoy your music for hours without feeling the weight of the headphones on your head.

The plush cushioning of the ear pads adds another layer of comfort, making the Major IV a pleasure to wear. They envelop the ears without applying excessive pressure, which is especially important for those who enjoy long listening sessions.

While the Major IV is more comfortable than many other on-ear models—like the Beats Solo3 Wireless—it’s still worth noting that on-ear headphones may not be the best choice for glasses wearers. The design can create pressure points where the ear pads meet the frames of glasses, potentially causing discomfort over time. If you wear glasses regularly, you may want to consider this before making a decision. 

The Marshall Major IV headphones deliver impressive comfort for an on-ear design. The lightweight construction, combined with a balanced clamping force and cushioned ear pads, makes them suitable for extended use. While they may not be ideal for glasses wearers, most users will find them comfortable enough for casual listening or longer sessions. If you’re seeking a stylish and comfortable option for on-the-go listening, the Major IV could be an excellent choice.

Sound Quality

On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott, the Marshall Major IV headphones deliver impressive bass depth. Even at high volume levels, the bass remains distortion-free, and at more moderate levels, the lows still feel notably boosted and rich.

Listening to “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron provides a clearer sense of the Major IV’s overall sound signature. The drums hit with a thunderous quality, while the highs are well-defined. The subtle tape hiss in this track becomes more prominent, and the lead vocals carry a blend of low-mid richness and crisp high-mid presence.

The acoustic strums and higher-register percussive sounds are bright and detailed, but this sound signature leans towards being sculpted rather than accurate. It will certainly appeal to bass enthusiasts who still appreciate some brightness in their music.

When playing “Power” by Kanye West, the kick drum loop gets an ideal boost in the high mids, maintaining its punchy attack. The bass also feels more robust, while the background vinyl crackle and hiss rise to the forefront. The sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the beat come through with a deep, resonant quality, and the vocals are clear and articulate, though they may sound slightly sibilant at times.

On orchestral tracks, such as the opening scene from “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, the Major IV's sound signature reveals some limitations. The bass is overly boosted, causing lower-register instruments to dominate the mix in an unnatural way. While the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals are bright and crisp, they can verge on excessive brightness. Therefore, while purists may not be thrilled with the Major IV’s tuning, fans of pop, rock, and modern genres will likely enjoy the enhanced and sculpted listening experience.

Listening to “Somebody to Somebody” by The Band CAMINO reveals that while instrumentation is clear, the sound is characterized by pronounced bass and treble. This makes the bass guitar and kick drum quite prominent, while the boosted highs allow the softly mixed acoustic guitar to come through. However, during the chorus, the lower-pitched electric guitar can be somewhat obscured, yet still audible.

In contrast, “Cloud 9” by Rina Mushonga presents a different challenge for the Major IV. This track features repeating elements, and as layers build, the frequency response issues become evident. When all instruments come into play, the loud bass and vocals dominate the mix.

The upper frequencies of the electric guitar are distinct, but Mushonga’s lower vocal frequencies become buried, resulting in a voice that sounds a bit shrill. This, combined with the softer lower notes from the keys in the song's introduction, highlights the deficiencies in the frequency response. The elevated treble can make cymbals and other high-pitched sounds quite loud, leading to potential listening fatigue, while the exaggerated bass may feel unnecessary compared to the rest of the music.

Battery Life

The Marshall Major IV headphones excel when it comes to battery life, making them a reliable choice for those who enjoy long listening sessions. With an impressive estimate of 80 hours of playback time on a full charge, you can go days or even weeks without needing to recharge. This extended battery life means you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without constantly worrying about running out of power.

One standout feature of the Major IV is its wireless charging capability. If you have a Qi pad, simply place the right ear cup's outer housing on the pad to initiate charging. This convenience adds a modern touch to the headphones, allowing for a hassle-free charging experience. While wireless charging has become more common in recent years, it's still relatively rare in headphones, making this feature a nice bonus.

In addition to wireless charging, the Major IV also supports charging via USB-C. The included cable makes it easy to connect to any compatible device for a quick recharge. This dual charging option ensures you have flexibility, whether you prefer the convenience of wireless or the speed of a wired connection.

The battery life of the Marshall Major IV is a significant highlight. With 80 hours of playback time and the convenience of both wireless and USB-C charging, you can enjoy your music without interruptions. 

Connectivity and Usability

The Marshall Major IV headphones offer a straightforward and user-friendly approach to connectivity and usability. They feature Bluetooth technology for wireless listening, allowing you to connect effortlessly to your devices without the hassle of cables. Pairing is simple and intuitive, making it easy to switch between devices. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the connection remains stable, giving you the freedom to move around without being tethered.

One standout feature of the Major IV is its unique multi-function button located on the underside of the right ear cup. Instead of the typical taps or dedicated function buttons, this single button utilizes directional pushes similar to a game controller’s joystick. This design choice is quite refreshing and provides a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed. You even hear pleasant guitar notes confirming that your commands have registered, adding a touch of character to the experience.

However, there’s a bit of a learning curve with the button's functionality. The orientation for volume control might feel counterintuitive at first. To decrease the volume, you push the button forward, and to increase it, you push it backward. This reversal can be confusing for users accustomed to more common setups where pushing forward skips tracks instead. Major brands like Sony and Google typically align these actions differently, so it may take some time to get used to the Major IV's unique setup.

Despite this quirk, the usability of the Major IV is generally commendable. The controls are easy to access, and once you get accustomed to them, you’ll find that they facilitate smooth transitions between functions like play, pause, skip tracks, and answer calls. The absence of excessive buttons keeps the design clean and focused, which many users will appreciate.

The Marshall Major IV provides a solid wireless experience with its Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive design. While the directional push functionality might require some adjustment, the overall usability remains user-friendly and accessible for everyday listening. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Major IV makes it easy to enjoy your music without any unnecessary complications.

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

The Marshall Major IV headphones do not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and their passive isolation isn't particularly robust either unlike Audio-Technica ATH-ANC700BT. This is a common characteristic of on-ear designs, where achieving a tight seal around the ears can be challenging. As a result, these headphones allow a fair amount of ambient noise to seep in.

When it comes to low-frequency sounds, such as the rumble of a washing machine or the hum of a nearby train, the Major IV does a poor job of blocking them out. These noises reach your ears relatively unencumbered, which can be distracting during listening sessions. The light clamping force of the headphones contributes to this issue, as the ear cushions struggle to create a sufficient seal.

High-pitched sounds, like chatter or the ping of notifications, are somewhat muffled, but they still make their way through. You might notice background noise, such as a TV playing or people talking nearby, while you’re listening to music. This means that if you're in a bustling environment or trying to zone out in a quieter space, the Major IV might not deliver the immersive experience you’re looking for.

While the Marshall Major IV excels in comfort and portability, its lack of ANC and limited passive isolation could be a drawback for users seeking a more secluded listening experience. If you often find yourself in noisy environments, you might want to consider headphones that offer better isolation or active noise cancellation features.

Gaming Performance

The Marshall Major IV headphones bring a decent gaming experience, but they’re not specifically designed for gaming. They are best suited for casual gamers who want something versatile for both music and games. The audio quality is good, with clear mids and highs that make in-game dialogue and sound effects come through nicely. However, the bass can be a bit heavy, which may overpower some subtle in-game sounds, especially in competitive games where accurate sound positioning is crucial.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing the Marshall Major IV headphones, I can confidently say they deliver a solid performance, particularly for casual listeners who appreciate a bass-heavy sound. The design is a standout feature, exuding that classic Marshall vibe that’s both stylish and nostalgic. They’re comfortable for extended listening sessions, thanks to the plush ear pads and well-cushioned headband, though they may not be the best choice for users with glasses or those looking for a super secure fit during physical activities.

Sound quality is enjoyable, with a rich bass presence that enhances many genres, especially pop and rock. However, the sculpted sound signature might not satisfy audiophiles seeking a more balanced audio profile. While they lack advanced noise-canceling features, the Major IV does a decent job of isolating some ambient noise, making them suitable for everyday use.

The connectivity options are user-friendly, with an intuitive control scheme that takes some getting used to, but ultimately offers a satisfying experience. Plus, the wireless charging feature is a nice touch that adds convenience.

The Marshall Major IV headphones are a great choice for those who want stylish, comfortable headphones with a fun sound signature. They may not be perfect for everyone, but they offer a compelling package for casual listeners who want to enjoy their music on the go.