Marshall guitar amplifiers

an in depth look at Guitar amps from Marshall.

Marshall MG series III amps

The MG range

The nine MG III models (eight combos and one head) utilise the latest innovations in solid-state and digital technologies (many developed for the critically acclaimed AVT range of amps). The result is a comprehensive line of solid-state amplifiers that captures the essence of the Marshall sound at affordable price points. At the heart of the Marshall MG Series is an extremely responsive power amp section featuring Marshall's proprietary FDD (Frequency Dependent Damping) circuitry that accurately mimics the interaction of an all-valve amp's power stage with the loudspeaker(s) it is driving.

As a result, the MG amps respond and 'feel' more like valve amplifiers than others in this price range. Common features to all nine models are two channels (Clean & Overdrive), CD inputs, Emulated Line Outs and Emulated Headphone jacks. All nine also feature Contour controls in their EQ networks that allow you to fine-tune those all-important mids - from a fat, 'woody' vintage sound to a modern, aggressive 'scoop' and all points in between. In addition, six models also feature built-in digital effects (DFX) and deliver a choice of four (Reverb, Delay, Flange or Chorus) or five (Chorus/Delay, Delay, Flange or Chorus, plus a separately controlled Reverb) custom-voiced effects that have been designed to eliminate the harsh-sounding, artificial 'grain' often associated with digital effects.

Models include:

• Marshall MG10CD (10W) - this sturdy 1 x 6 1/2inch combo is the perfect entry-level practice amplifier
• Marshall MG15CD (15W) - the 1x8inch combo delivers superb tone
• Marshall MG15CDR (15W) - adds a natural sounding Spring Reverb to all the outstanding features of the MG15CD
• Marshall MG15DFX (15W) - This twin channel, 1 x 8inch combo is the most affordable Marshall to ever house Digital Effects
• Marshall MG30DFX (30W) - 30 Watts of power and a custom-voiced 10inch speaker gives the MG30DFX all the girth and grind of its bigger brothers in a compact, rugged package
• Marshall MG50DFX (50W) - delivering 50W RMS of Marshall power through its custom-designed 12inch speaker, the twin channel MG50DFX delivers the goods both at home and onstage
• Marshall MG100DFX (100W) - This compact, gig-ready, 100W, 1x12inch combo is a powerhouse of killer tone.
• Marshall MG100HDFX (100W) - boasting the same impressive features and staggering versatility of the MG100DFX combo, this 100 Watt head will drive any cabinet from the Marshall range
• Marshall MG250DFX - Double the power of the feature loaded, versatile MG50DFX and you get the MG250DFX with its stereo, 50W + 50W, power amp driving 2x12inch custom speakers

For more details or to order see: Marshall MG III series amps »

Marshall AVT series

AVT technology

To give players the ultimate tone at a realistic price, Marshall have combined the latest innovations in valve, solid state and digital technologies to achieve optimum sonic performance. AVT has evolved from the original, critically acclaimed Marshall Valvestate technology, but is vastly improved so it emulates the tone, feel and response of all-valve amplifiers without using valves in the power stage.

The AVT power amp has a specially voiced, ECC83 (a.k.a 12AX7) valve driven pre-amp section, to provide 100% valve / analogue warmth from input to output. Combined with numerous user friendly features.

Valve Drive Pre-amp

From the compact AVT20, right up to the thunderous roar of the feature packed, four channel AVT150H, each model in Marshall's AVT line boasts a pre-amp stage that is driven by an ECC83 Dual Triode valve. Unlike other hybrid amps , this valve is playing the central role in the gain, distortion and tone generating circuitry. The resulting clean sounds ring with the bell-like harmonics that only a valve pre-amp can deliver and the break-up is never harsh or unnatural sounding. Whenever you select an AVT Overdrive channel, the ECC83 is saturated to its limit, providing dynamics and feel worthy of a place in the Marshall hall of fame.

Power Amp Delivery

The same, design expertise that went into the pre-amp was also channelled into the design of the AVT power stage, using frequency dependent power amp damping and our proprietary, dynamic clip level technology (which emulates the HT supply of a valve power amp). Also all Marshall AVT products will deliver the goods in the often hostile and unpredictable environment of the live performance stage - which is why the AVT power amps of 50 watts and up are fan cooled for optimum reliability.

The AVT100, AVT150, AVT150H and AVT275 all have on-board DFX (Digital Effects). Here the greatest care was taken to ensure that the highest level of signal integrity was maintained at all times. We achieved this by successfully integrating DFX into the tonal topology of AVT without adding any of the nasty-sounding, artificial Ôgrain' often associated with DFX. To make the 16, custom-voiced DFX as controllable and user friendly as possible the relevant models are all supplied with an LED equipped foot controller which allows you to switch the amp's DFX on and off, as well as change channels. The flexibility of the AVT150, AVT150H and AVT275 is further enhanced by having two DFX sections - one for the Clean and Acoustic Simulator channels, and the other for the two Overdrive channels.

Extended Response Loudspeakers

These speakers allow the compact, closed back cabinets used in the Valvestate 2000 AVT range to maintain the bottom end delivery normally associated only with a full 4x12 extension cabinet set-up.

Models include:

• Marshall AVT20 (20W) - redefines expectations of low powered, compact combos.
• Marshall AVT50 (50W) - this amplifier will deliver from bedroom to stage without compromise.
• Marshall AVT50H (50W) - the head version of the AVT50 combo armed with the exact same features
• Marshall AVT100 (100W) - in addition to housing 16 adjustable DFX, this combo boasts three channels, each of which has been voiced to give the broadest range of sounds and tones possible
• Marshall AVT150 (150W) - boasts more channels and features than any other Valvestate amplifier before.
• Marshall AVT150H (150W) - this four channel head brings absolute flexibility and forms the ultimate stage rig.
• Marshall AVT275 - this Stereo, 75 Watt per side, 2x12inch combo is the bigger brother of the AVT150 combo. It boasts the same four channels and two DFX Sections.

For more details or to order see: Marshall AVT amps »

Marshall DSL and TSL valve amps

Marshall DSL Dual Super Lead range

The formidable family of JCM2000 valve amps includes the DSL100 and DSL50 heads to an unprecedented wave of critical and public acclaim in the late '90s. With each subsequent JCM2000 product introduction, glowing accolades continued. Also with the - the EL84 powered DSL401 combo.

DSL is an acronym for 'Dual Super Lead', so it should come as no surprise that this amp has two footswitchable channels - Classic and Ultra. Furthermore, each of these channels boasts two modes: the Classic channel offers a Clean / Crunch option while the Ultra offers Lead 1 or Lead 2. Instead of merely offering a variation in gain level to the two channels, each one of these four modes has been individually voiced as an amp in its own right.

Models include:

• Marshall DSL50 head (50W) - a 50 Watt version of the best selling all-valve DSL100. You'll find the same tonal versatility and features inside .
• Marshall DSL100 (100W) -Marshall's best selling all-valve heads to date.
• Marshall DSL401 (40W) - The DSL401 is a compact, EL84-powered 1x12ich combo, but don't let its relatively small size fool you, it packs a powerful punch. The most significant difference from the rest of the DSL range, is the three footswitchable sounds - Clean, OD1 & OD2

Marshall TSL Triple Super Lead range

The 100 Watt, Triple Super Lead (TSL) TSL100 head and TSL122 2x12" combo. the TSL is far more versatile than any other valve Marshall out there, and offers many ways to 'tweak' your tone. The TSL100 has taken the lead as the best sounding Marshall amp available today.

Models include:

• Marshall TSL60 (60W) - The TSL60 has a 100% pure, all-valve signal path (4x ECC83 preamp valves, 2x Svetlana EL34 power valves) and a host of 'guitarist friendly' features. The Clean channel has its own controls for Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass and Reverb. Like the 100 Watt TSL100 head the TSL60 is capable of a wide range of harmonically rich, clean tones
• Marshall TSL601 & 602(60W) - have the same 100% pure, all-valve signal path (4x ECC83 preamp valves, 2x Svetlana EL34 power valves) and features of the TSL60 in a 1x12inch combo.
• Marshall TSL100 (100W) - The TSL100's three completely independent, footswitchable channels (Clean, Crunch and Lead) effectively give you three different classic amps in one casing. Each channel has its own controls for Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle and Bass. The Clean channel also has a Mid Boost switch, while the Crunch and Lead channels each have their own Tone Shift switches which 'scoop' out the mids
• Marshall TSL122 (100W) - The TSL122 features the same amplifier section as the TSL100 in a 2x12inch combo format. To maximise its already superior sonic powers it has been fitted with two different 12" speaker types - a Marshall/Celestion Vintage and a Marshall/Celestion Heritage. By combining the unique characteristics of this pairing, optimum tone and performance is ensured

For more details or to order see: Marshall DSL and TSL amps »

Marshall Acoustic Amplifiers

Marshall acoustic range

Innovative features, clear and natural tone, plus stylish looks are what both the AS50R and the AS100D acoustic combos are all about.

The AS50R is a 50 Watt combo housing 2x 8" custom-voiced speakers and a highly efficient piezo tweeter which allows for clear and detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency range. This compact and highly portable combo features two channels, each of which has its own independent volume and tone controls. A variety of inputs give the AS50R the ability to handle all comers: the high impedance input on Channel 1 is perfect for piezo or magnetic pickups, while Channel 2 boasts RCA phono inputs, plus a balanced XLR type input in addition to its jack input, making it the perfect host for voice, instrument, or even backing track applications.

The AS50R also has a built-in, adjustable Chorus which is assignable to either or both channels, plus Reverb and a Parallel effects loop that can be balanced between the two channels. One of the most difficult aspects of amplifying certain acoustic instruments is feedback. Therefore, anti-feedback controls include a Phase switch and a frequency controllable 'Notch'. Another useful AS50R feature is an internal Limiter which allows you to drive the maximum level from the 50 Watt power stage, yet remain distortion free.

Neat and affordable, flexible and portable, the AS50R is the ideal amplifier for the acoustic musician who wants an amp which is perfectly suited for intimate gigs.

The comprehensively featured and powerful AS100D - a 50W + 50W, 2x 8" combo has two high fidelity, polymer dome tweeters. The AS100D has been specially designed for use with a variety of acoustic instruments - between its four channels, this combo has the flexibility to handle instruments with piezo transducers or magnetic pick-ups, plus microphones, for both vocal and instrument reproduction. Even though the AS100D's 50W + 50W stereo configuration offers more than enough power for many typical acoustic music venues, a stereo pair of balanced XLR DI outs and line outs allow you to connect directly to an external PA system for larger venues. The Marshall AS100D features several 'anti-feedback' controls, including an individual Phase switch on channels 1, 2 & 3, plus two frequency controllable Notch Filters with selectable extra depth for channels 1 & 2.

The superb quality of the 16 built-in, adjustable stereo digital effects (10 Reverbs, Delay, Chorus & more) adds an entirely new dimension to the already wide range of sounds this professional combo has to offer. Additionally, there is also a stereo parallel effects loop, complete with level control, on the rear panel.

For more details or to order see: Marshall acoustic amps »

More Marshall amps on Reidys.com

This is just an overview of Marshall's range. We also sell:

• Marshall Micro-amps and Micro stack
• The Marshall Mode Four range
• Marshall MG, AVT and JCM2000 speaker cabinets
• Marshall Bass amps
• Marshall FX pedals

For the complete range, see the amplifier dept on Reidys.com: Amps and P.A. at Reidys.com

 

(Updated 20/01/2008 Please see relevent product information pages for current prices)