Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Marshall Major IV headphones. If you're anything like me, you appreciate a good blend of style, sound, and practicality. The Major series from Marshall has always been a popular choice, and the IV promises some significant upgrades. So, let's find out if these headphones live up to the hype and whether they're worth your hard-earned cash.

What's in the Box?

First things first, let's unbox these bad boys! Inside the minimalist packaging, you'll find:

• The Marshall Major IV headphones themselves.
• A 3.5mm detachable coiled audio cable.
• A USB-C charging cable.
• The usual documentation (quick start guide and safety information).

Nothing too fancy, but everything you need to get started is right there. The unboxing experience is simple and straightforward, which aligns with Marshall's no-nonsense approach.

Design and Build Quality

Alright, let's talk design. The Marshall Major IV retains the classic Marshall aesthetic: textured black vinyl, brass accents, and that iconic Marshall logo. It's a design that screams rock 'n' roll heritage, and I'm totally here for it. These headphones look cool, and they make a statement. The earcups have a more rounded shape compared to the Major III, which contributes to a more comfortable fit.

Build quality feels solid. The headband is sturdy and covered in that same textured vinyl, and the earcups are well-attached. They don't feel cheap or flimsy. The multi-directional control knob on the right earcup is made of brass and feels premium to the touch. This knob controls power, playback, volume, and call answering, making it incredibly versatile.

The headphones are foldable, making them easy to stash in your bag when you're on the go. The hinges feel durable, so I'm not too worried about them breaking easily. Overall, the design and build quality of the Marshall Major IV are impressive. They look great, feel solid, and are built to last.

Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to headphones, especially if you plan on wearing them for extended periods. The Marshall Major IV headphones have improved in this area compared to previous versions, but they're not perfect. The earcups are now more oval-shaped, which helps them better fit the contours of your ears. The padding is decent, but it could be thicker. After a few hours of listening, I did experience some discomfort around my ears.

The headband is also adequately padded, and the clamping force is moderate. It's enough to keep the headphones securely on your head without feeling like your skull is being crushed. However, if you have a larger head, you might find the fit a bit snug.

Breathability isn't the greatest. The leatherette earcups can get a bit warm and sweaty after a while, especially in warmer weather. If you're planning on using these for workouts, you might want to consider something with more breathable earcups.

Overall, the Marshall Major IV offers decent comfort, but it's not the most comfortable pair of headphones I've ever worn. If comfort is your top priority, you might want to try them on before you buy them to see how they feel for you.

Sound Quality

Now, let's get to the most important part: sound quality. The Marshall Major IV delivers a sound signature that's true to the Marshall legacy: punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. These headphones are definitely geared towards rock, pop, and electronic music, but they sound great with other genres as well.

The bass is powerful and well-defined without being muddy or overpowering. It provides a solid foundation for the music and adds a lot of energy to the sound. The mids are clear and present, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. The highs are crisp and detailed without being harsh or fatiguing.

The Marshall Major IV supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable wireless connection. I experienced no dropouts or connectivity issues during my testing. The headphones also support aptX, which is a nice bonus for Android users, as it provides higher-quality audio streaming.

The soundstage is decent for a closed-back pair of headphones. It's not as wide or immersive as some other headphones, but it's still enjoyable. Imaging is accurate, allowing you to easily pinpoint the location of different instruments and vocals in the mix.

Overall, the Marshall Major IV offers a well-balanced and enjoyable sound signature that's perfect for a wide range of music genres. The bass is punchy, the mids are clear, and the highs are crisp. These headphones sound great, and they're sure to please most listeners.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Marshall Major IV is its incredible battery life. Marshall claims that these headphones can last for up to 80 hours on a single charge, and I found that to be pretty accurate in my testing. I was able to use these headphones for several days without needing to recharge them, which is incredibly impressive.

The headphones also support wireless charging, which is a convenient feature. You can simply place them on a Qi-compatible charging pad to charge them up. If you're in a hurry, you can also use the USB-C port to quickly charge them. A quick 15-minute charge will give you up to 15 hours of playtime, which is perfect for those times when you're running out the door.

Overall, the battery life of the Marshall Major IV is outstanding. You can use these headphones for days without needing to recharge them, and the wireless charging and quick charging features are incredibly convenient.

Call Quality

The Marshall Major IV features a built-in microphone for making and receiving calls. Call quality is decent, but it's not the best I've ever heard. In quiet environments, the microphone picks up my voice clearly, and the other person can hear me without any issues. However, in noisy environments, the microphone struggles to block out background noise, which can make it difficult for the other person to hear me.

The headphones also have a sidetone feature, which allows you to hear your own voice in the headphones while you're on a call. This helps you to speak at a normal volume and prevents you from yelling. Overall, the call quality of the Marshall Major IV is decent, but it's not the strongest aspect of these headphones.

Features and Functionality

The Marshall Major IV is packed with features and functionality that make them a pleasure to use. The multi-directional control knob is incredibly versatile and allows you to easily control power, playback, volume, and call answering. The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable wireless connection.

The headphones also have a 3.5mm headphone jack, which allows you to use them with devices that don't have Bluetooth. This is a nice feature for those times when you want to conserve battery life or when you're using a device that doesn't support Bluetooth.

The Marshall Major IV does not have active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a bit disappointing. If you're looking for headphones that can block out background noise, you might want to consider a different pair. However, the headphones do offer decent passive noise isolation, which helps to block out some ambient noise.

Overall, the Marshall Major IV is packed with features and functionality that make them a pleasure to use. The multi-directional control knob, Bluetooth 5.0 support, and 3.5mm headphone jack are all great features.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Marshall Major IV:

Pros:

• Classic Marshall design
• Solid build quality
• Punchy and well-balanced sound
• Incredible battery life
• Wireless charging
• Multi-directional control knob
• Bluetooth 5.0 support
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

• Comfort could be better
• No active noise cancellation (ANC)
• Call quality could be better

Alternatives to the Marshall Major IV

If you're not completely sold on the Marshall Major IV, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Sony WH-1000XM4: These headphones offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and comfort.
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: These headphones are known for their superior noise cancellation and sleek design.
• Sennheiser HD 450BT: These headphones offer a balanced sound signature, long battery life, and comfortable fit.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Marshall Major IV?

So, should you buy the Marshall Major IV? Overall, I think these headphones are a great choice for anyone who appreciates a blend of style, sound, and practicality. The classic Marshall design, solid build quality, punchy sound, and incredible battery life make them a compelling option.

However, if comfort is your top priority or if you need active noise cancellation, you might want to consider a different pair. But if you're a fan of the Marshall aesthetic and you're looking for a pair of headphones that sound great and last for days on a single charge, the Marshall Major IV is definitely worth considering.

I hope this review has been helpful! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next one!