MARSHALL DSL40 honest review and demo
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- I purchased this recently, and I love it. It has PROs and a small few CONs, but overall, I LOVE it. This is one of those rare amps that you can just plug in and instantly get an amazing tone.
This video was intentionally recorded for HEADPHONES, so to get the most out of it sound-wise, please use them. On the intro sequence/song ("Turning Point"), I used the Marshall (of course), a Boss SD-1 'Super Overdrive' (for added gain), a TC Electronic 'Spark Booster,' and a Wampler 'Ethereal' Reverb/Delay pedal. I ran it through a Shure Sm-57 mic into Studio One. For the additional sound samples, I ran the amp without pedals. My amp settings are shown verbatim on the video. Bass was recorded direct, midi/keys were created in Studio One, and all drums were created in Toontrack EzDrummer. I used my Fender Special Edition FMT for all guitar tracks.
[Note: at 2:40, I said 'EL84's in the power amp section.' That should've said EL34's. Doh!]
Wanted to send a shout out to my friend Michael Davis from Ye Olde Music Shop in N. Charleston, SC. As always, nobody can beat his deals. (I should add he's also a phenomenal musician who I've known for probably 30 years now.)
Video timeline:
0:01 intro
1:35 review
6:45 demo / sound samples (and copyright strike)
10:30 summary / final thoughts
Thank you for watching. I'm always striving to create content that is both helpful and entertaining. Your support is so appreciated!!
- Joe Hanna (TH-cam channel: onevoiceinc)
This amp for some reason doesnt get nearly the respect it deseves. Its quite literally the perfect amp. There are an insane amount of tones that can dialed in, with zero need for pedals. Superb cleans that never break and the full range of distortion from death metal to hendrix to 50's rock and everything in between. 10/10. Try one if you're in the market. It wont disappoint.
I have the 100w head I got in basically mint condition for $600, and with the right speakers it sounds exactly like a jcm800.
Stick a creamback or a g12 vintage in one of those and it it’ll sound like anything.
The crunch channel has no sustain, you need a pedal for it.
@@cgab12 It really depends on the guitar you’re using, the crunch channel absolutely wails with my explorer but with a strat it’s pretty lethargic. It kind of reminds me of a JCM800, it really needs a tube screamer or something to really push it
It sounds fantastic but the quality of the electrics is shite
Sorry about the passing of both of your parents, that must’ve been very tough.
P.S. Yours is the first music/gear review channel I’ve made the decision to subscribe to in the first two minutes. Your production is unique, humorous, and very well done.
Wow. Very kind words. If I was handing out free guitars (on my budget?!? yeah right), you'd be on that list. :) Thanks again, and welcome to the channel.
I subscribed to him as soon as I heard the first sentence come out his mouth. I knew right then he was a person who knew what he was talking about.
I bought one a month or so ago and so far it hasn't given me any bs. It's an absolutely organic sounding amp that can give you any tonal flavor you want. It's unbelievable that an amp sounding this good costs less than 2k. I'm in love.
What exactly does organic sound like? Lots of people use that word to describe something but no one has an explanation that makes sense.
@gwhiz3708 Josh from JHS made the Haunting Mids pedal cause someone used that to describe something on a forum. You gotta just embrace the fact that guitarists say dumb shit to describe their gear. It's like ordering at Denny's. There's some chucklehead out there laughing his way to the bank, knowing you have to say "Grand Slamwich" or "Moons over my Hammy" and make an ass of yourself just to eat breakfast.
@@gwhiz3708 Lol, I understand. An organic sound is one that collective humanity intuitively and mutually know and agree, is the right sound. That's because it always carries with it a satisfying, pleasant aura of earthiness when audibly heard. I hope that makes it a bit clearer. Also, thank you for being one of the few who can out of the box, ask intelligent questions like the one you asked.
Quick note, the amp has El34 power tubes. Not EL84s.
Yeah, I goofed on that one. Got reamed out for it on social media, hahahaha. I put it in the description notes, though. :)
bought mine brand new for $800 when it first came out, and I still love it.
Thanks for your help, in making my decision on weather to buy this amp or not.
It's absolutely great for getting the Marshall sound. If you're wanting an overall great amp with diverse options, I'd actually suggest you check out the Fender Bassbreaker 30r. I got one semi-recently, and it really gives the DSL a strong run. They're so similar, but the Fender has two separate EQs, which is what Marshall ~should~ have done (in hindsight). I use both and love them both, but if I had to only use one or the other, I'd take the Bassbreaker. It's really loud though, so you'd probably want to buy the JHS Little Black Amp box with it if you're wanting to play it at home. Honest reviews, that's what I try to do. :)
Haven’t been to Ye Ole Music in years. I’m back n forth between Edisto, Charleston & Pawleys, mostly Pawleys so it’s usually Joey McFadden’s music. Yeah I have a DSL40c. I’ve come to the same conclusions, clean green, stack worthy gain/od/dist/drive/boost(pick a name) pedals for desired requirements straight in & loop modulation. Had to ditch the stock speaker.
If you take the time & dial it in it a deal the price. Is it an original Blackface Bassman, no but it’s not 2K+
Had one for years , never disappoints . Great live with full band
Actually....this is a 2-channel amp, but with 2 modes on each. As the name implies - Dual Super Lead (DSL).
Great demo. Not one bad sound. Thanks for the review…. Nice playing also 👍🏼
Compare this one and the big letter dsl. Theres a difference. Big letter dsl sounds way better.
Had one for 6 years now. Converted to a head and pluugged to a 2x12 loaded with the original 70/80 and a creamback. Very good amp
In Germany we say do not say Valve Amp.
We say Röhren Verstärker = Tube Amplifier ..... greets to Liam.
When some is watching too much TV we say also: Starre nicht so lange in die Röhre (Stare [for] not so long in the tube) because old 1st TVs did run with Tubes
We also do NOT say: You
We say ....
Du
Dich
Dir
Sie
Ihnen
Ihr
Euch
😏
I bought the DSL40CR. Loved it so much I bought another one to go stereo. I run it mostly clean and run pedal board using the 4 cable method. I love running a Klon into the front of one amp and Swollen Pickle fuzz in the front of the other. Balance the volume and that rig roars. Just got the Quad Cortex. Going to be experimenting running 2 different fx rigs simultaneously branched off to each amp.
Can you explain the 4 Cable Method?
are you still playing your marshall dsl40 amps or did you end up going all digital with your quad cortex?
I really like mine. However, the reverb is pitiful. Embarrassing actually.
That, and the shared EQ for both channels (and all 4 modes). It does what it does very well for any one channel/mode, but for playing live in certain styles, it becomes extremely challenging. I ran into that reality months after posting this video. I still love it and use it live, but I've had to get creative with how I use it live.
Very informative video. Enjoyed it. By the way an Englishman invented the 'valve', so called because it works as a valve! It doesn't work as a tube lol! so hence the 'correct ' terminology Thanks anyway
I use the classic gain channel as my clean channel, with the gain low and the channel master high.
Nice review, but the power tubes are EL34's, not EL84's. Just sayin'....
I put that in the description notes. :) And thank you! Next review will be for the Fender Bassbreaker 30r, so stay tuned.
Love the tube sound. I gravitate to it vs digital amps. This is the amp I’m gonna get!
It's a great amp. All I'd say is check out the Fender Bassbreaker 30r and compare the two just to maximize your options. I have both amps (i just bought the Bassbreaker recently), and each one is great. :)
I appreciate your honest review and explanation of this Amp, I bought one in 2019 from AMS on their pay as you play plan. It sounds like a Marshal for sure and for the price of 749 at the time it was a great purchase because now they sell for more then a grand. I subbed to your channel and hope your doing well.
just the Outshined riff did it for me, that was so nice for straight through the amp
The twin is great but I've always wanted that Marshall sound. Buy the way that's a nice tele, I'm using an old thinline. Plugged in every guitar I have from lp strat to teles and love this amp
I have the limited edition CRC Vintage in white with the coveted Marshall Vintage speaker. But it doesn't soiund like this...there is so much over-production in this video it's unrealistic.
I admittedly had a cartoon unicorn mix it for me. (No one was s'posed to know.)
in the past I used a DSL2000 and liked it . . but two back operations . . and many years of rock'n'roll abuse later . . I'm forced to go with somethin' smaller . . I dig your no-nonsense approach . . clean, classic gain (I don't even use use ultra-gain that much - - maybe for recording) . . works well w/ pedals . . fuckin' A sounds like the ticket . . thanx again for the demo/info . . . JH . .
@JamesHawkins-m2s one thing to add (after discovering it a few months ago): try the Fender Bassbreaker 30r, or at least look it up and see if it's the absolute perfect amp. It rocks brutally AND gets those Eric Johnson cleans so well! I'm actually working on a review for it now. I still actively use the Marshall live and still love it, but I've gone over the moon with the Bassbreaker 30r. It has an EQ pet channel, and the natural amp frequencies are to die for. It's a new discovery I've been using the past two or three months (and since posting this Marshall review). :)
Purchased mine 4 months ago. I preffer the clean channel and a bit of gain at times . I also use an Ibenez tube screamer but just enough to tickle . The amp has merrit in that many good guitarists will unfold its true potential. I run my JMasics jazzmaster into the DSL40 deluxe st. , 20 amps is plenty good. On 40 amps it's launch time. Wonderful amp overall a 10.
Man your playing could make the shittiest amp in the world sound good.
VERY kind. Thank you. :) Of course, I've been playing a lonnng time, so ~hopefully~ that invested time is paying off. Are you looking at a Marshall DSL? If so, I'd ask you to try the Fender Bassbreaker 30r alongside it and then decide. (It's also in the same price range.) I got one just recently, and in my opinion, it's phenomenal, plus it has additional options (and a separate EQ for the high gain channel and better switching.) I'll be doing a review video on that one soon. In the meantime, I have a short clip posted on this channel called "Musicman Sabre meets Fender Bassbreaker 30r" that briefly shows a quick demo of what it is capable of. :)
I bought one and i hate it. The effects loop does not work and i have yet to find a marshall amp that doesnt have this same design flaw..
Yes it sounds good until you want to use delay..
Anyone have these same issues? And how did you solve this problem?
Effects loop doesn't work on yours? If an amp doesn't have an effects loop (in my opinion) it's worthless. Are you able to return it?
I just picked up that guitar in Amber a couple weeks ago and am grabbing a DSL40 later today. Glad to see how great they pair together!
I just got the amber one this week! I intentionally set the action a tiny bit higher, just so both guitars would feel slightly different, lol. I love these guitars... obviously.
Btw, some real nice smooth guitar playing, my bro.👍
AWESOME SOUND, A GREAT GUITAR PLAYING!!
VAN HALEN 1 ALBUM BROWN SOUND POSSIBLE WITH THIS GREAT MARSHALL COMBO
WANN BUY THE AMP VERY SOON!!🔥🎸😎🤟
THANKS SO MUCH FROM AUSTRIA
CHRIS
Been considering picking up a used DSL, yours sounds great! Thanks for the review.
I'm about to do a review for the Fender Bassbreaker 30r. (I LOVE IT!!) I'd try both out and see which one speaks to you. :)
Great video. Informative and excellent guitar work! I have just bought this amp myself. I read that you can play through earphones (by putting the amp into standy mode.) Not tried this yet but if anyone has any tips or advice on this, would be most grateful! Mine did not come with any manual. Cheers
I bought one last week - I have a number of amps and sold off quite a few. For some reason after my experience 30 years ago with a Marshall valve state I lost interest in Marshall thinking their cleans were fizzy n awful. But this amp is just wow - great cleans, crunch overdrive. I have a great mij Strat which I loved playing but just did not sound as great as other guitars, but through this little beauty - yeow Yabba-dabba-do.
Lol (in my best Barney Rubble impersonation)...
Yes, it is 100% fun and sounds great. We moved just recently and the Marshall sounds even better in the new place. (My previous home had horrible EMF/60 cycle noises.) It is hard to stop playing on it once I start. Glad you're loving yours as well!!
@Mac MFer How good is for Frooshy Rhcp tone? or is there something more reasonable better (reasonable about the same budget)? for Frooshy or Rhcp
@MacMFerLes Pauls and Marshall’s have Always been Incredible together.
Thanks! Truth - Nothing sounds like a good Marshall!
he even got the bell in there on the acdc !! what a pro
2:49 You realize that English is not even among the top 3 most spoken languages in Europe, right?
English is seldom spoken in America, too, but I roll with it.
Hey. I've watched a ton of amp test vids (mainly because I occasionally get the itch to buy a new amp and guitar shops are getting fewer and fewer) and I have to say that this one was really really good. Too many online reviewers talk crap or can't really play anything other than a few tired old blues licks. Or, when the gain is cranked, all they do is chug for twenty seconds, before trying those same blues licks as before but letting them ring a little longer, then doing the devil horns sign with their picking hand. It's dreadful. Really cliched stuff. Your vid was properly informative and I enjoyed it. Helps that you can play, too. As a result I've subscribed. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.
@ProcalHarem very kind! I definitely •try• to come at this from the "if I'm on a budget and only able to buy one thing, what would I want to know about with this product?" mindset. For a larger part of my guitar journey, that was my own reality. If I can help one person avoid buyer's remorse (from their own hard earned cash), sign me up! :)
On that note, I bought and tried out a VERY competitive amp (to the DSL) a few months ago - the Fender Bassbreaker 30r. If you're looking to buy an amp currently, please look at that also. I'm trying to get a legit review video out for it ASAP, but I can't seem to get it out fast enough with work schedule. Both amps have strong selling points. I find myself loving the Bassbreaker 30r more than the DSL40 (personally for my own individual musical tastes). There are a small handful of review videos on TH-cam in the meantime... while I try to push to get this review out. I'll add, it's also loud! I'm using a JHS Little Black Amp Box and a Boss Noise Suppressor to make it home friendly, but unlike the DSL, it has separate EQs for both the clean and the dirty channel(s). Wanted to put that out there in case one of these amps might be more suited specifically for you. :) With that out of the way, thank you again for your kind words. Makes this channel and the time spent creating it so worth it. Have a wonderful day, friend.
Good samples and the humor made it fun.
I have old Marshall's a 84 2204, and a 94 1987x without the FX loop...and this DSL sounds nothing like them. Sorry folks, no 1x12 V-Type...yea a lame V-Type, combo will sound like a Marshall head and cab...not gonna do it. I'm using ENGL now anyways, the headroom is so massive on ENGL it puts Marshall to shame.
The reason I have this amp..(better with the Marshall Vintage 12") There's a Guitar Center near me, and they dropped it and cracked one side of the amp structure and busted out all the tubes as the front panel came apart and just chopped off all the 12AX7's at their bases....I watched them take right out back and put it in the dumpster, and I got it out right after and fixed the cab, removed the pieces of busted tube legs out of the sockets, checked out the whole amp for any damages to the PCB etc. Then replaced the tubes and the amp works just fine....and this amp had all the tags on it as it was still new.
There was also a Paul Reed Smith Sonzera 50w 1x12 combo in there also, but the whole cabinet was in pieces, literally. I rebuilt that also, everything works... lol take that GC!
I got over $1k of nice amps for free
That's a huge win! You ended up with a treasure, I see. Just so you know, I'm not paid by Marshall or TH-cam - just a guy trying to help and give some kind of indicator of how different things (I run across) sound and hopefully prevent any buyer's remorse (if I can help it - I've had plenty in my lifetime, lol). Very glad to hear you were able to acquire that amp, though, and you turned it into something amazing, it sounds like. That's one of my biggest mottos: use what you have and make the best of it. Sounds like you did exactly that. Win. :)
@@onevoiceinc well its a different animal, I run closed 2x12 cabs, this is a partially open cab and 1 speaker. It’s a nice little practice amp for my computer room when I’m working on some recordings I just meant it will never replace my current setup.
I must admit that GC. probably tossed it because they couldn’t fix it and sell it with any kind of warranty, and clearly Marshall or GC just wrote it off as insurance, and I bet they don’t let their employees go through their own dumpsters…or they weren’t knowledgeable enough to fix it
@nasticanasta I just recently bought a Fender Bassbreaker 30r, and I gotta say, it sounds killer. I'm currently running the Marshall live (and I'm running a Blackstar Amped 3 into the Marshall's return to get 3 usable channels in a live context for fluctuating dynamics - it's a nice balanced sound overall. I find the Marshall is built more for a certain kind of rock feel, and I need more diverse styles for what I'm playing). I eventually hope to do a Marshall dsl vs Fender Bassbreaker comparison video, but we'll see how that goes. I definitely know, regardless, that I love tube-driven sounds. :)
Man, that amp sounded perfect for all that great playing you did! I watched a guy do 80’s covers with this amp a couple of times at some clubs and that’s when the DSL caught my attention. Then I was asked to play a few songs with my brother and his band at a gig. His guitar player let me use this amp. I couldn’t believe how good it sounded. I’ve got a Silver Jubilee, 2nd one. And I’ve had a few vintage and hand wired Marshall’s. The DSL is a great amp.
I just bought one of these, its my favorite 1x12 to date.
I was hoping you were going to show settings for each channel. I like the Crowded House Thanks for posting anyway
Oh man. It’s so good. This thing is pure joy
The best showcase of the amps sounds that I've found so far.
Thank you very much.
You talked me into it 🙂
Is this amp loud enough to play with a loud metal drummer?
I would say yes. It's pretty loud, especially with both the channel and master volumes wide open. :)
A trick I've found (and have used for many many years) is to get one of those half sized guitar stands and lean the amp at an angle to where it points directly at your ears. Then (even if he's pounding on one of those super loud Slingerland kits with the open shells) your amp will still be super clear in your ears. At those volumes, expect to have some degree of hearing loss in the years to come though, lol. I have a ~little~ bit myself, hahaha. 😅
what a great video. useful info presented with a some humour. Nice one!
amazing playing man, i just bought myself one of these amps and im so excited for it to ship to my house! Your video just made me more excited, great playing man.
Thank you for the kind words! I hope this amp is as great for you as mine is for me. :)
I got a DSL 40C, which has fewer options. The amp has 4 channels too, but the footswitch is even worse: the second button turns REVERB on/off. Who will need to turn REVERB on and off???? We all need to change between Clean/Crunch and Lead 1/Lead2!!!
Marshall makes a 6 button switch that controls the 4 channels, and I originally purchased it... but as I mentioned in this review, it didn't do what I was after (and I returned that pedal and just stuck with the 2 button that comes with the amp). Some people rave over that 6 button switch. Based on how I run my own setup, it didn't work the way I wanted it to. The amp itself sounds great with individual sounds (and is perfect for recording), but I agree that the Marshall company should have stepped it up in the controls department.
@@onevoiceinc But the 6 buttons requires the midi input, right? The 40C version doesn't have this input.
@@luthierapiaif my memory is correct, it only requires a TRS ¼" cable.
@@onevoiceinc Nice. I found the PEDL-91016 on Swetwater, but it is mentioned compatibility with the DSL40CR model (not 40C). At Marshall's website they mention DSL40 is compatible with PEDL-91016. It worth a try. Thank you
@@luthierapia no problem. I'm hoping it works for you. :)
Valves 🙂
I think you sold me on it! Thank you for the review, it was very helpful :)
Glad it helped. Some other products I'd recommend checking out: the Blackstar Amped3 and the Laney IRT30. My Marshall (same one from this video) is still in the studio and still very actively being used.
Could you do some sound samples with just the guitar and amp and no backing track?
I ~think~ I kind of did that at around 6:30 with the amp+backing track on left speaker and the amp mostly alone on the right speaker. I'll go back and check but I think I did that specifically, so with headphones or speakers balanced to right, the amp could be solo'd out. :)
I finally got to listen to it. I'm listening now, and aside from the bell I added in for the AC/DC song I'm hearing only the amp by itself on the right speaker with no backing track. Hope that helps.
Some say it's best to leave the master volumes on full, then adjust the volume to taste.
The only problem with this particular amp is that all 4 sound/channels share the same EQ and the classic crunch is significantly louder than the clean. It's a design thing that I don't think the guys who made this amp really thought through.
bro - thanks for the video. I just set this amp up this morning. Nice playing btw thanks
Swap out the V type speaker for a Creamback M65 and if makes the DSl 40CR sound even better .
Thanks for the review I’m currently looking at buying one
Thank You! Keep in mind, no amp is perfect in every way, but I really love mine. I'm thinking about doing a future video on my basic pedal rig (that I use with the Marshall) also. It gets even more out of it. :)
The seventy eighty speaker seems to have crap ratings across the board so why the hell not just install a decent speaker in the first place, aw gee sus !
The best tutorial on this Amp ever. You play beyond perfect.
So this put me in dream mode. I went to Long & Mcquade and bought one Pronto. One of the sales fellas has the DSL40 CR. said it was the nicest amp ever. As is I have zero complaints . It's great to know that I can run a 2x12 16 ohm set. For anyone that may think a 40 watt DSL CR is flimsy, beware you should wear ear plugs. Cranked up its a glass breaker. I don't think a player needs many if any pedals . The reverb is good enough for me. On a typical spring reverb I run them low. The CR is a very good investment. And should last many years. Special thanks to everyone at Chilliwack bc Long and Mcquade.
Thank you for the kind words, and keep me posted on how it treats you!!
Thank you, very helpfull, greatings from Berlin
I just bought one took out of the box, was psyched, does not work? tried multiple chords, 2 guitars, made sure master volumes were up, was very dissapointed, the place were I bought it is super helpful, bring in for an exchange, but this thing is too heavy to be lugging back and forth, hope they get it right this time
That bites. It's like 50lbs, which is way more than anyone wants to be living back and forth. To be on the safe side, if it were me, I'd try the replacement out (a lengthy test) before I drug it home. I have actually considered purchasing a little collapsible dolly to get it back and forth. I'm no spring chicken, lol.
That's weird, I bought mine used at a Guitar Center and my first impression was... Wow this is lighter than I thought it'd be. Lol
@kunkmiceter but you forgot to add that you also lift 350lb weights everyday, right? Haha ;D
@@onevoiceinc I wish lol
Thanks for the review 😎🎸I just bought one
can you teach me how to play?
@amaturemusicians I'm actually working on a lesson video at the moment. I just gotta slow down so I can finish editing it. I plan to try to do a few more down the road.
I disagree with practically all of the "cons" in this video. Independent channel volume and master volume on Bothe channels! You're in tweak heaven my friend. No issues at all balancing anything with this baby. Practice more!
@fedup3449 you have Marshall skills I don't. I applaud that. :)
The 6 button switch works great. You just have to spend time with it and balance your volume and gain on the ultra gain channel.
Con: The reverb, which is digital, is almost non-existent, even at the highest setting. Can't do a surf song if requested.
Very minimal reverb. I've been using the Wampler Ethereal Delay/Reverb pedal to get the best of everything. :)
I play at home.have a fender champion 50xl.i know everyone says it's overkill for home...but I want it!prolly going to get it anyway.
It's great for that classic Marshall sound, for sure. One thing I've noticed is that (for examples) something like a worship song or a Dream Theater song or even a jazz fusion song may have need for something like a Fender amp or maybe a Mesa Boogie (or something else)... so amps with modeling tech may serve those songs with more roundness than the Marshall would. However, when it comes to straight ahead Marshall rock tones, the Marshall is the best at what it does in that price range. I guess my point is that different amps do certain things well. That being said, I'm betting your Fender Champion delivers the goods for a LOT of what you do. The Marshall has its own unique tone set also. :) That's ~one~ of the reasons I did those Marshall (tube) vs Katana (solid state) videos.
On the plus side, you can easily use the Marshall for playing at home, too, if you're curious. :) I know I do.
Thanks for sharing the demonstration was great. For once I could hear what the amp sounds like clean and overdriven. The sound demo were great as well. Most of the the demos don't showcase the tonal variety this amp has to offer. Thanks again.
super review! Thank you... I thought my DSL40 was busted somehow. Was going to take it back to Guitar Center and ask why the noticeable difference in volumes while switching channels! Give this man a raise! nice job.. I learned a lot...
Thank you. :) I find it easier running the two Green channels and use something like a Greer Lightspeed in between to boost as needed and balance both sides better. I'll say, though, I've recently run across a Fender Bassbreaker 30r, and I've been running that pretty regularly now... BUT I still own the Marshall, it just got bumped over for the newer amp, haha. I did a review for that amp also. :)
Too bad it's too loud for home.
It depends on your home situation. I get a pretty good sound recording at typically lower volumes (and on the 20W mode). There are also a ton of other alternatives, depending.
Great review. Outshined by soundgarden top tier song
Maaaan u have a SL-drive as well. Any problems you might have instanlty gone imo. Best little Marshall pedal ok or top 3 ever. Amp sounded glorius :)
I love that pedal!!! And thanks! :)
@@onevoiceinc Hurraaaaah! This little hobbie and work (for some) is a way of life. The guitar has saved my soul many times. Sometimes its just the gear in it self though that makes me happy - a good new amp or guitar can lift me soooo much. This is life!
I recently bought this amp. Love it. Killer tone from Clapton to Crowbar.
This comment just sold me on it.
I’ve had one for about 3 yrs , I run a fender 2 by 15 cab along with the onboard speaker , man …. Well like ya said it’s a friken Marshall , nuff said really , favorite amp I’ve owned to date . Been playing gigs since 1978.
I bet that sounds massive. :)
Technically it’s a 2-channel amp, and each channel has 2 modes. So in essence it can be used as a 4-channel. But of course you can’t unlock the power of those additional modes without the 6-button footswitch, or a midi controller.
The 6 button was well worth the price.
Does this amp have good gain for some heavy metal stuff?
I personally think so, although I guess it depends on what you define as metal (that name seems to mean different things to different people and seems to change regularly, hahaha) and how much high gain you're wanting. It'll do Metallica no problem just the amp. Beyond that, you probably want a boost pedal. The BOSS SD1 is popular with this amp, and it's only $60. How that helps. :)
@@onevoiceinc thanks !! as long as I can do some Metallica
@rioslj9452 oh yes, definitely. I only said my previous comment because they're are odd souls who don't consider Metallica to be metal, hahaha. To me, it doesn't get anymore metal than Metallica. :)
But yeah, it'll do Metallica, AC/DC, and all that good stuff.
I lucked into a used DSL 40CR. What amazed me the most is how good it sounds CLEAN. Of course, the gain channel is 100% Marshall but the clean tones are brilliant.
I agree. I found myself using a Spark Booster mini on my clean to bring it out more (at lower volumes), but yeah, that's really all I felt that it needed.
Is it able to sound as loud clean than crunched ? I think i'm not ready to leave my MXR Distortion + for now xD
Did you mention, you can do your own bios really easy on this amp
True. There's so many perks to this amp. I love it.
First, I know it's been a couple of years, but my condolences for your parents' passing. I lost both of mine several years ago. It will get better with time but you will always miss them.
Second, I loved your review of this amp. Sweetwater just sent me an email that they lowered the price and I'm considering buying one but I do have one question that maybe you can answer. Is the channel switching done with MIDI commands as in the JVM Satriani head or is it some kind of electromechanical setup? I ask because I wonder what would be the best way to switch channels using a Helix HX EFFECTS or HX floor. Thank you in advance for your reply.
First, thank you for your very kind words. In the last two years, my wife and I lost both of our parents - both hers and mine (in addition to me surviving a head on collision with a zoned out motorist). It's been a bizarre two years for sure. One foot ahead of the other, I s'pose.
As far as the channel switcher, it's more mechanical in nature than an actual midi controller - though there is a midi-compatible plugin on the back of the amp. If I were to make a suggestion, I'd recommend holding off for a few weeks - I have a Fender Bassbreaker 30 I'm waiting to get, and with the individual EQs per channel (and extra gain control), it ~may~ end up being better. Not sure. I'll find out soon. I'm using my Marshall live (and loving it, but I'll see how this beefed up Fender sounds. I'll be posting a video for that as soon as I can. (I'm halfway done with my Musicman Sabre review video. The Fender amp will be next in line.
Thank you again for the kind words. Hopefully this reply is helpful. :)
Love this bloke, subbed
Bought one of these recently...2015 model, replaced the 70/80 with a V30. Sounds good for whatever I use it for, it's extremely versatile for a Marshall, but I do have a gripe that I'm constantly having to EQ it for the channel and channel-within-channel that I'm currently using...almost might as well not have the footswitch because changing the channel is a trip back to the amp anyway. I need to cut the treble out completely and only have the mids at about 3 or 4 when using a strat through the red channel...but as soon as I go to the green channel I need to add both mids and treble back in or it sounds muffled. Each channel sounds great on its own when dialed in, but the channels are not balanced at all EQ-wise.
I ~think~ I finally found a happy balance between the green classic gain and the green ultra gain channels. It involves using a TC Electronic Spark Booster (always on) in the whole equation (with the bass and treble knobs on the pedal becoming part of the overall EQ). As far as the actual red channels, I've come to the point of not even using them (unless I manually use a specific one for an entire song) due to that balancing issue you mentioned. Instead, I use an SD1, an Xotic SL Drive, and the before-mentioned Spark Booster (the Spark is always on) run through the front. I have both of those green channels set to a single master volume so it doesn't go crazy (pedal-wise) when I change between the two. That's at least given me that happy medium that I can live with. Side note: I also have the green classic gain knob run close to halfway (and the channel volume balanced to match the green ultra gain channel) so it gives more of a "clean with a hint of dirt" sound.
I've been really curious about swapping the speaker. A friend suggested the Veteran 30. I want to try it out. So you like your V30? I should do the swap and make a video on all the settings, pedals included. :)
@@onevoiceinc If I had it to do over again, I'd put something a little less bright in the amp. V30 is a really touchy speaker in that amp, it's really easy to make it sound bad if you don't EQ it right, and for me it generally means keeping the treble completely off or 2 at the most. That said, I like it enough to keep it in there, it was a vast improvement over the 70/80 (I hated that speaker from the moment I heard it and immediately set about getting something else in there)...I just have to be really careful with the mid and treble knobs with that speaker. Putting volume on it helps, too. That speaker seems to want to be pushed.
I also avoid using pedals and outboard gear whenever I can. Just a preference. I consider pedals to be necessary evils at worst and fun toys to play with at best. 1 each of MXR Phase 90, Carbon Copy, and Analog Chorus, and one TS-9. And a Boss tuner. All on the second smallest board you can get from Pedaltrain. And I'm not even using it this weekend, since the gig is all roots rock. Guitar straight into the amp for that stuff. Using the DSL40 for this gig, which I wouldn't normally do, but my little tweed Peavey got hit in the tubes the other day. Shouldn't have gotten that amp, it's not really roadworthy.
@@waltjames407 Angus Young (who I GREATLY respect) also keeps it very basic, and he's become a favorite of mine. So I give you kudos for running it straight without pedals. Sounds like you or I don't like spiky treble or deafening high mid range sound.
Very nice review. This opens the purchase for myself.
this guy 😭
I want the 40 but afraid it’s too much for house playing
It *is* technically designed for loud volume (to get the absolute best tones), but I am able to get pretty good tone out of it at lower volumes. One thing I've been doing lately is running the Blackstar Amped 3 directly into the Marshall's return and getting good tones at lower volumes... but that is an added cost. By doing that, it's basically using the Marshall speaker and volume, though, and bypassing the Marshall 'brain.' It could be done with pretty much any amp that has an FX loop. I'll be doing a video on that pretty soon.
I'll say, though, if the Marshall is one thing, it's girthy and kinda bulky for its size range. Hahaha. I don't like lugging it around anywhere.
I got it and love it. Sounds good no matter what. Yeah it does seem to sound better as it gets louder but glad I went with the 40. Glorious indeed
@chimchamp a little added bonus trick I figured out was to run a Spark Booster through the front/input to boost my guitar signal at lower volumes. It also thickens the clean tones and adds a teeny tiny bit of extra grit to my overdrive. Spark Boosters are pretty cheap too, so there's that perk. Regardless, I don't personally work for (or get endorsed by) Marshall, but when I like something, I gotta share it. Glad this was what you were looking for!! That's a win for music! :)
I just found one for sale in my city for 450. Also a Vox ac30 cc with 2 12s for the same price. Id like your thoughts on which one i should get. I have a fender blues Jr and it just has basically one sound. Its an awesome sound, with the volume cranked and the preamp volume down low. But it cant do what i need it to do so its getting replaced. May keep it around to try and run them stereo, not sure yet.😊
I have a Fender Bluesbreaker 30r about to arrive at home (from Sweetwater). If possible, hold off for a week so I can try it out and let you know how it compares. It has two EQs, a drive channel, and a more drive mode setting. It's supposed to be everything the DSL is and more. (You may want to remind me, though, lol. Lots of big things are happening and a new video in the works.) That's a great price, though. :) I'm not very knowledgeable (on an in depth level) of the AC models. I have friends who run those, but Vox's frequencies aren't really my forte. (It's all about preferences.) I was looking at the Laney Ironheart models, but then I ran across the Bluesbreaker 30 from Shane's "Intheblues" channel. He does a comparison between the DSL40 and the Bluesbreaker 30 that's very interesting. It got my attention... so I ordered one, haha.
Excellent video . Very well done . As for the 4 different channel modes on the amp . Its too bad people feel so obliged to thinking they have to use this amp as a 4 channel switching amp . I do not look at the amp that way at all . Especially when there is only ONE EQ to be shared x4 , makes no sense. No balancing act will work with 1 EQ alone . I use it as a great 1 channel at a time amp . The other 3 "channels" are just a tone variant bonus . Used this way , no complaints . Its more like 4 GREAT single channel Marshall amps in one package .
Yes! Seems weird that Marshall would go this EQ route, but I suppose it helps it stay affordable. (Or whatever they're saying.) I definitely only use those two green channels (with an 'on the verge of breakup' clean sound). With the Spark Booster in the front, it works like I want it. If I want anything beyond that, I'll go with the one at a time option also. Yeah, I totally agree, though.
Now the big question... have you gotten to crank yours up super loud yet? I haven't... yet... It's gonna happen, oh yes. Hahaha
@@onevoiceinc Exactly , dear friend . I use it exactly like that . Yes I have cranked her up in my studio ! I have it on top of my 2x12 V30/GB 16 ohm cab , and oh man ... huge toneful girth and power . Never full out but I've gone @ 3/4 power and it gets monster glorious ! I've had quite a few 100 watt marshall heads . This 40 watter more than fills the space ! Its a beast and yes much agree that its magic when doing recordings in the studio . Love it best with mic in front of cab off-center to dust cap mostly , but much tone variance to be had with different mic placements . The DSL40 shines with tone , be it clean , mild crunch , and high gain . Its all there.
@@tonedriverss8629 yes!!!
@@tonedriverss8629 Since you've got experience with the traditional 100W heads...are you able to get a classic AC/DC sound of our your DSL40CR? I've got one and its kind of missing that warm, mid-tone growl and vintage "horn" kind of sound. It's certainly badass for any classic metal stuff and beyond tho. Metallica stuff sounds sooo good.
How’s the reverb & the FX loop. The 0ne I tried at the store I couldn’t get much reverb going & I hear the FX loop is not very good.
The reverb is very minimal. You'll hear it when you're recording but not much at all when just playing. I bought a reverb+delay pedal for that. As far as the effects loop, I haven't noticed anything that sounds bad or out of place with pedals. I will say that when switching between the two master volumes while running pedals, there's a noticeable "jolt" in volume difference. For that reason I only use one master volume. Aside from that, a lot of people talk about the trebley fizz sound it makes that's sometimes difficult to dial out. I've been running a TC Electronics Spark Booster to add more low end.
Overall, it's a blast to rock out on. As far as what I typically do live, I still find that my solid state Katana is more versatile, especially when switching to super clean sounds. I bought my Marshall mostly for higher volume jamming. For my live performances, however, I rely on dynamics for most of what I do... and I still have yet to bring the Marshall in as my live rig. Some do. I still haven't been able to dial it in for that at the moment (especially the clean sounds mostly. The drive channel sounds great). The DSL40 like most amps is definitely something you will want to try out and see if it fits your specific style and needs. :) I mostly use mine for jamming classic rock.
So, I had no idea this man,or video existed until today May 11, 2022. So, today I was in Ye ole music, and played the Marshall dsl 40 amp, and loved it. Didn’t buy it,but now I will. Thanks.
If you do, make sure to tell Michael that Joe Hanna says hi. (I don't have any endorsements or get kickbacks or anything like that, but I've known him for over 25 years, so...) Small world!!
Yeah, I love my Marshall fo sho.
Good amp but kinda heavy ( 50 lbs ). Wish they made this in a head version.
Definitely heavy. Wish it came with roadies, hahahaha!!
thanks for a great review! that demo definitely did it for me.
But just a noob question; what is the difference of using pedals through the fx loop and the input? I´ve always just used my pedals throughout the input.
Great question. Pedals respond differently depending on how/where they're run. Basically, running a pedal through the FX loop bypasses the amp's "brain" (preamp) and takes a parallel route... so the pedal sounds like it's self without being "colored" if you add a drive/OD pedal. For example, if you run a delay through the input, it will tend to add an old school "fuzz" to the sound, where running it through the fx loop will give you a clean delayed signal. (So if you're using a digital delay, what you play will return sounding the same, just repeated.) If you're running (for example) a pedal like the Boss GT100 or Helix, running it solely through the effects loop will bypass the amp altogether and only use its speaker (but not the amp's drive, eq knobs, etc). If you run certain aspects of it through the input and other aspects through the effects loop (they call this the "4 cable method") you can still use your amp's channels like normal, but you can use certain effects the way they were intended to sound without "coloring" them with the amplifier's preamp. I have a Boss GT100, and I sometimes use it this way to still get my Marshall amp's sound while adding in the billion effects the pedal offers. (I'm seriously considering doing a video on this topic coming up.) If you're running a LOOP pedal, you'll definitely want to run that through the FX loop. That way if you change amp channels (for example) from clean to distortion to solo over your loop, the amp isn't adding distortion to the loop you just created. So yeah, it makes a big difference which path a pedal gets run through.
Things like boost/overdrive pedals will always sound better in the input (or you'll hear the term "front of amp" used often). Delays and reverb sound best (and cleanest) when run through the FX loop. Other effects, like EQ pedals, it will depend on what you're going for (for instance, are you trying to shape your guitar sound or the overall sound after all the pedals have been run). The path you run it through makes a huge difference in how a pedal will respond. Great question!! :) Hopefully i was able to help.
Excellent demo. Marshall is a sound of rock.🤘👍
Thank you for the kind words! And oh yes, Marshall has created a very recognizable sound, for sure. :)
Great review. Maybe I missed it, but I've heard the reverb built into this amp is really lacking. At the fullest setting it does not have much reverb effect. Thoughts??
The reverb is minimal for sure. I hear it more when recording with a mic, but as far as live sound you don't hear much at all... especially on ultra gain. I ended up buying a delay/reverb pedal for mine.
Great review and great playing!
My dealbreaker with this amp is the foot controller (both original and 6 input) doesn't always work when you're playing. It's unreliable for live gigging which is sad as it can sound fantastic.
Oh wild. I haven't experienced that (as of yet), but if that happened live, that would probably be a deal breaker for me also... at least in using it live.
i got this in cream color and a gibsonles paul 60 standard for $1800 best deal of my life
Les Paul with a Marshall. The perfect combination.
I thought you were going to get into the cons of the 2/4 channel. Never heard it
That may surface in a future video.
Looking to pick one up this weekend.
I bought one of these about a month ago, first Marshall I've ever owned( always had Fender). Didnt know the first thing about this particular model, only that nothing sounds better than a Les thru a Marshall, which remains a proven fact. Thanks for giving it the rundown. Any idea where I could get a manual, I got mine second hand. Thanks again
Thank you for watching it (and responding). The Les Paul through a Marshall being the best sound is merely scientific fact, lol. My Fender Special Edition tele is based very closely on a Les Paul in many ways, and I can't agree more. Humbuckers + mahogany body + Marshall = tone heaven. That's fact. As far as the manual, I'm not sure... but I'll see what I can find.
Let me add, I run a TC Electronic Spark booster In mine (actually one in the front and one in the effects loop). It really really pushes the amp that much more. I'd highly recommend it. Plus they're super affordable pedals. I got mine for under $70. A solid buy.
I just did a Google search "Marshall dsl40cr manual," and a page right on the Marshall website popped up where you can download it right to your phone or computer. :)
Idk about that man through my fender it sounds really amazing I have some California 50’s pickups from Seymour Duncan and it “sounds glorious”
Great review. I got one since 2019. I have the 6-way switcher and use the two masters for the classic channel for more volume on the green classic gain. I don´t use ultra gain´s red.
In Europe we call it lamps checkmate world
@@Rob-ik6ri I'm mindblown. [Insert explosion sound here.]
@@onevoiceinc lol , is this thing loud enough to jam with drummer , I am buying my first elec guitar and amp , should I buy MARSHALL DSL40 , Fender Champion or Boss katana ?
@Rob-ik6ri it should be loud enough to keep up with a drummer. What style(s) of music are you playing (so I can properly answer the rest of your question)?
To be honest, for what I am presently using mine for, I get it remotely close to 10 or 11 o'clock on the 20 watt setting... BUT the drummer isn't right beside me, and he has some plexiglass in front of him so there's that. Regardless, it's a giggable amp, for sure. One other thing... IF you're able, I'm working on a review video for my new Fender Bassbreaker 30r amp. I am personally loving the tone frequencies and the extra features even more than my DSL40 (Totally honest review, right?). I just posted two song videos featuring it (a Peter Gabriel song and a Jimi Hendrix song), but I'm still possibly a few days out in the editing process for that review. LONG story: in the last couple of weeks Fender (JUST) announced they were discontinuing that amp. So there's a lot to consider - I love the amp so much I bought a second one, just in case I ever needed a backup in the years ahead - but it definitely threw me a curve ball in how I'm doing this review. The Bassbreaker 30r has a separate EQ per side (unlike the DSL), but the Marshall DSL is a tiny bit quieter as far as hum/hiss/gain noises associated with high gain (even at lower volumes). A lot to consider. My apologies for such a lengthy response, but I always want to make sure you have as much available info as I can provide before spending that hard earned money for an investment. :)
@@onevoiceinc Thx , I will jam with my father , some Animals , The Shadows , Hej Joe Jimi Hendrix I hope I could learn Purple Haze some day ,mostly old school rock
@@Rob-ik6ri @Rob-ik6ri great stuff!! Yeah, the DSL40 should probably do right for you. If you're looking for pedal options, either give me a shout out watch the end of that Peter Gabriel video I did - I listed all the gear I used at the end. It was either that video or the Jimi Hendrix video I just uploaded. One of those two anyway. :)
I feel the same way about effects loops! I cant for the life of me figure out why Fender doesn't put effects loops on the majority of their tube amps!? The only exception is the Hot IV Rod/Deville. I mean, what if you wanna use a time based effects pedal with your Deluxe Reverb or your Princeton?
The Bassbreaker 30r also has an effects loop. I am actually working on a review video (actually 3 videos when all is said and done) about that amp. It's Fender's answer to the Marshall dsl40cr. I'm really impressed with it. It's like the DSL series minus the shrill highs but with two separate EQs (so you can better balance between the clean and the crunch channels. It technically has 3 channels counting the Extra Gain mode (that builds off the crunch channel).
Two years later, I still use this same Marshall DSL, but I'm really close to using the Bassbreaker 30r in its place. As much as I love the Marshall, had I known about the Bassbreaker 30r at the time and tried it out, I may have bought it instead. If you're looking to buy an amp, I'd definitely recommend at least checking it out also. For many the DSL checks their boxes, but I am VERY surprised that Fender came out with an amp in this case that runs pretty neck and neck. Like their Special Edition Custom telecaster series, there's almost zero advertisements about it. One other difference worth mentioning, however, is the Bassbreaker 30r (I keep listing that number because the Bassbreaker 15 is not nearly as usable or versatile as the 30r, FYI) is LOUD. I get around that and use it at home by running a JHS Little Black Amp Box in the effects loop to lower the volume. Aside from that, it's perfect in my opinion.
I know this was a Marshall DSL video, but I wanted to bring all this up after discovering what I would consider a potentially better alternative. Hindsight... and yeah, I 100% agree, though, about effects loops. Seems like they should be in EVERY amp. Not sure why most Fender amps don't just design that already. Doesn't make any sense, huh? Anyway, sorry for the long response. Thank you for your comment. :)
@@onevoiceinc it's all good, thank you for the information. I appreciate it.
iam gone write this just to help.
I have this amp and i struggle a bit to make it sound bad ass at low volume,then i watch a video from wampler teaching how to make a master volume and with any experience at all in this i made a master volume from wampler youtube channel without knowing what i was doing.When i plug it in the amp became a all new animal so i recomend to all users specially the ones who are thinking switching speakers trust me it is a game changer and way more cheap then any pedal or speaker.
By the way iam European and thats not a valve but also not a tube and by the way its not soccer its football and your football is american football 😉
I'm one of those extremely rare Americans who believes what we call "football" should be called "runball" or even "handball." There's very little kicking involved. :D
@@onevoiceinc i can tot agree with that Lol,stay safe brother!