• You're one step from joining Guitar Discussion Forum - The Fret.
    Create a free account to post, follow threads, and never miss an update.  Sign up free →

Marshall DSL401

Guitar Discussion Forum - The Fret

Help Support TheFret.net:

Robert

Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clements.
Joined
Sep 8, 2005
Messages
12,699
Reaction score
12
City & State/Province
Camrose, Alberta, Canada - used to be Umea Sweden.
I recently played this tube amp combo, the DSL401. Oh, my, me likey! :master:

If you want a tube amp combo that can do a lot of different sounds, this is it. I didn't spend that much time with it, but I really liked the tones, even the clean tones were good.

The one I saw at the store sold for $999 - I think it was used. Tempting... but I want a head, not a combo.

Anyone else liking these amps?
 
The DSL´s are nothing but brilliant! Same old goodness that you expect from a proper Marshall.
 
I´ve had my eye on a DSL Marshall for quite some time.. unfortunately the family funds tend to go to other stuff that guitar related purchases.
 
OK, I'll bite. What's the difference between the DSL Marshalls and any other line? Yes, I'm too lazy to Google.
 
The DSL has 2 channels.

* Each channel has independent controls for Gain, Volume, and Reverb.
* The two channels share common controls for Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence.
* The Tone Shift button cuts the highs while boosting the lows and highs.
* The Deep Switch -- unique to Marshall -- uses resonance to produce a tight low end rumble in direct proportion to the size of the speaker cabinet.
* Both channels have a choice of two push button modes
* 'Clean' or 'Crunch' on the Classic Gain channel:

>>> Results in superb clean sounds with plenty of percussion and excellent articulation
>>> Or go for crunch reminiscent of the early Super Lead Plexis but with the extra drive of a JCM900 style Master Volume.

* 'Lead 1' or 'Lead 2' on the Ultra Gain channel:

>>> The 'Lead 1' mode will remind you a hotrodded JCM800 model 2203. Turn the guitar down and it cleans up nicely.
>>> The 'Lead 2' mode has more controllable gain than any previous Marshall -- up to 14 times the Gain levels available from JCM800 models!

* The spring reverb (foot switchable) works on both channels.
* Rear panel accepts the PEDL-00001 foot switch for channel selection.
* Second foot switch jack on rear panel for reverb on/off.
* Effects loop with level selection switch.
* When effects loop is not in use, the signal path is 100% pure valve.
* 16 ohm speaker jack plus pair of parallel jacks (4/8 ohm).

The JVM has 4 independent channels, each with three modes.
The TSL has 3 channels.
 
Probably soon! I am going the used route though, so I'm waiting for one to show up closer to home.

I am also looking to buy the DSL100 head, not the combo. I don't want a combo, since I want to use my Avatar 2x12 cabinet.
 
Nice amp to be sure, but I chuckled to myself reading this..

"* The Deep Switch -- unique to Marshall -- uses resonance to produce a tight low end rumble in direct proportion to the size of the speaker cabinet"

My 15 year old Peavey has that....
 
Back
Top