With the Middleton, Marshall is bringing a larger, portable Bluetooth speaker to the Emberton II. According to Marshall, the new speaker is “optimized for loud”. Like the Emberton II, the Middleton is waterproof and dustproof.
4 instead of 2 amplifiers and 6 audio drivers
If two 10-watt amplifiers are used in the Emberton II, the Middleton uses four amplifiers: two with 10 watts and two with 20 watts. As with the Emberton II, Marshall specifies the sensitivity of the speaker with two 3/5-inch tweeters, two 3-inch bass speakers and two passive membranes as 87 dB SPL. According to Marshall, the speaker's frequency range is 50 Hz to 20 kHz – with the Emberton II it's 60 Hz to 20 kHz.
In addition to the joystick for controlling playback, the Middleton has a on the top controls for adjusting the bass and treble. The integrated “Dynamic Loudness” function adjusts the tonal balance of the sound depending on the volume.
Larger and heavier
Measuring 109 × 230 × 95 mm and weighing 1.8 kg, the Middleton is much larger and heavier than the Emberton II, which measures 68 × 160 × 76 mm and weighs 700 grams. To still be able to carry the Middleton, a wrist strap can be attached to it. Marshall therefore sees the Middleton's area of application both at home in stationary operation and, for example, at a festival.
The middle tone also supports stack mode for coupling multiple speakers to further enhance the sound. The speaker also has an AUX connection on the back.
20 hours of battery life and powerbank function
The battery life of the Middleton is around 20 hours according to Marshall. A smartphone connected via USB-C can also be charged by the speaker, since the middle tone then serves as a power bank. According to the manufacturer, charging the Marshall Middleton yourself via USB-C with a 15-watt power supply takes around 4.5 hours.
Sales start today
The Marshall Middleton is available online from Marshall starting today. The suggested retail price is 299 euros.
ComputerBase has received information about this item from Marshall under NDA. The only requirement was the earliest possible publication date.