Marshall, the audio company known for its premium speakers, has announced a new portable speaker called Middleton, and it has a few tricks up its sleeve. While smart speakers like the Echo, Nest Speaker, and HomePod have become popular thanks to their ability to control smart home devices and respond to voice commands, there is still a market for standalone Bluetooth speakers that focus solely on audio quality.
The Middleton is described as having the “heaviest portable sound” by Marshall. It boasts a ‘Stack Mode’ feature which lets users connect to multiple other Middleton speakers for amplified sound. The rectangular speaker sports the signature Marshall design, with an all-black colorway, the Marshall logo and a multi-directional control button in gold. Despite its sophisticated look, the Middleton has an IP67 dust and water-resistant rating, so outdoor use and splashes of water isn’t something users need to worry about. As a way to reduce environmental impact, Marshall says its new speaker is partly made from recycled plastic and is also PVC-free.
The Middleton Doubles Up As A Power Bank
The Middleton has two tweeters, two woofers, and two passive radiators arranged in a quad-speaker setup. Combined with features such as built-in Dynamic Loudness which adjusts the tonal balance, and a unique form of multi-directional stereo dubbed “True Stereophonic,” this results in a premium 360-degree listening experience. Users can adjust the bass and treble using the controls on the top of the speaker or even the companion app. A set of LEDs on the top provide visual feedback when making these adjustments.
There is also support for pairing two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so owners can pass over controls to a second user. The Middleton has a battery life of over 20 hours and charges via a USB-C port. A full charge takes 4.5 hours with a 15W (5V, 3A) charger while a 20-minute charge will provide two hours of listening time. The Middleton even doubles up as a power bank, letting users charge smartphones and other small gadgets.
The Middleton is priced at $299, making it significantly more expensive than the popular Emberton that’s priced at $149. Apart from the new Stack Mode, users will also appreciate the IP dust and water resistance rating, and its ability to function as a power bank. The Middleton will be available in black with a matching detachable strap to make it easy to carry, and Marshall says that a second color will be unveiled in March 2022.
