Skip to content

Marshall Headphones article

Common Marshall Headphones Mistakes to Avoid

Most problems with Marshall headphones are easy to avoid once you know what they are. Here are the six most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Most problems people encounter with Marshall headphones are avoidable with a small amount of knowledge. Here are the six most common mistakes — and how to correct them.

Mistake 1: Not Using the App

Many owners never download the Marshall Bluetooth app, and as a result never adjust the EQ from the default V-shape tuning. The default is intentionally bass-forward — it sounds punchy on rock and hip-hop but can overwhelm acoustic music, podcasts and detailed listening. Three minutes in the app adjusting the EQ makes a significant difference to the listening experience. The app is free and available on iOS and Android.

Mistake 2: Using Only One Device Without Multipoint

Marshall headphones with multipoint support can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Many users don't set this up and instead manually disconnect from one device and re-pair with another every time they switch. Enabling multipoint in the app takes about a minute and removes this friction entirely. If you move between a phone and a laptop regularly, multipoint is one of the most practically useful features in the range.

Mistake 3: Letting the Battery Drain to Zero

Lithium-ion batteries in these headphones last longer when kept between 20% and 80% charge rather than regularly run to zero and charged to 100%. The 80-hour battery life on the Major IV means you rarely need to run it flat — charge every few days rather than running it to empty. Avoid leaving wireless headphones plugged in to charge indefinitely once full, as this can reduce battery capacity over time.

Mistake 4: Using Them in the Wrong Environment

On-ear models like the Major series provide minimal passive noise isolation — ambient sound leaks in significantly. Using them in a noisy commuting environment without the noise cancellation of the Monitor II A.N.C. often leads to turning the volume up too high to compensate, which risks hearing damage over time. If commuting and noise isolation are priorities, the Monitor II A.N.C. or the Motif ANC are better suited to the job.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Firmware Updates

Marshall headphones receive occasional firmware updates that fix Bluetooth connectivity bugs, improve battery management and sometimes adjust the default EQ behaviour. Skipping updates means missing these improvements. Check for updates via the Marshall app when you first receive the headphones and every few months thereafter. Updates take two to five minutes with the headphones connected and the phone close by.

Mistake 6: Storing Without the Case

They are built for durability, but the woven cables on the Major series and the leatherette ear pads on all models do deteriorate faster with poor storage. Folding the headphones when not in use (the Major IV folds flat), using the included bag or case and coiling cables loosely rather than wrapping them tightly all extend the life of the product. Replacement ear cushions are available but cost extra and take time to replace.

For setup guidance and app configuration, the setup guide covers both in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the ear pads myself?

Yes. Replacement ear cushions are available from Marshall and third-party suppliers for the Major and Monitor series. On the Monitor II, the cushions press-fit onto the ear cup frame and can be removed and replaced without tools. The process takes around five minutes. For the Major IV, the cushions are thinner and the replacement process is similar. Using genuinely specified cushions ensures correct fit and acoustic performance.

What happens if I lose the charging cable?

Current models use standard USB-C charging. Any USB-C cable compatible with your device will work as a replacement — you don't need to buy Marshall's own cable. Older models may use Micro-USB; check your specific model. Replacement cables are available from any electronics retailer for a few pounds.

Is it bad to use Marshall headphones at high volume?

Extended listening at high volume damages hearing gradually. Most phones and streaming services now include listening time and volume warnings. The World Health Organisation recommends keeping average listening levels below 85 dB for sustained use. The drivers are capable of high output levels, so listening at maximum volume for extended periods carries a real risk. Use the volume limit feature in your phone settings if needed.

Why do my headphones keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Common causes: low battery (the connection weakens before the headphones power off fully); interference from nearby Wi-Fi or other Bluetooth devices; being at the edge of Bluetooth range (more than 8–10 metres, or through walls). Check battery level first. If the issue persists, reset the headphones and re-pair from scratch. Firmware updates sometimes resolve persistent connectivity problems.

How do I clean Marshall headphones?

Wipe the ear cushions and headband with a slightly damp cloth — avoid soaking the fabric or leatherette. Use a dry cloth on the ear cup frame and control buttons. Don't spray cleaning products directly onto the headphones. The woven cable can be wiped down with a lightly damp cloth. Replace cushions when they show significant wear or cracking rather than trying to clean severely deteriorated material.

Do Marshall headphones work with in-flight entertainment?

Wired, yes — connect the 3.5 mm cable to the seat's audio output. Most aircraft entertainment ports use a standard 3.5 mm jack, though older aircraft may use a dual-pin connector that requires an adapter. Bluetooth connection to in-flight entertainment systems is not standard and most airlines don't support it. Always bring the wired cable when flying.

About Daniel Cooper

Daniel grew up in Sheffield, a city with electronic music in its bones, and spent his teens making beats on a battered laptop long before he could afford a proper studio. He's obsessed with synths, samplers and the endless tinkering of production. He writes about music software, hardware and getting good results without spending a fortune.

Comments

Leave a comment

Comments are read before they appear. Links cannot be published.

Your rating (optional)