Getting to good ol' one amp for that reason! Got a ToneLab + PowerAmp for a while, I just want my tone now! Still keeping the ToneLab tough! That thing can do marvel in the PA!
Hi Eddie, do you still think it can be used at bedroom level? I was glad to read your comment. I tried this amp and I'm considering it because I liked it and it seems really good. I would use it at home (one-family house) so I won't need to keep it as quiet as if I was living in an apartment or even in a dorm. I don't understand all these people saying this amp is no good for a home usage because of its "loudness". I found the DSL20 doesn't sound as good, but it can sound just as loud if you crank it... But I won't be cranking either ones so what's the point of settling for less? It's like saying that no one should get a "M" series from BMW for a city usage because it's too fast. You don't have to push that car's engine into the red zone to enjoy its sound, feel, luxury, comfort and prestige. So why it wouldn’t be the same with this amp? Why settle down with something less? Let me know your tough after a few months.
GuitarGary nevermind, I got myself the 40cr and couldn't be more happy. I did try the 20w model and at equal decibel level, the 40w sounded si much better (a lot better!!).
GuitarGary, yes... But I don't see how the 20 is more suitable for home as opposed to the 40. The 20 was as loud as the 40 but I would describe the difference as it's like having a Ferrari that would have only 4 cylinders... Even if it would be as fast, it would simply not be the same.
Shane, I bought the 6-button footswitch for my DSL40CR, and it's a game-changer for this amplifier. That switch lets you not only switch between all four clean(G1)-crunch(R1)-od(G2)-distortion(R2) settings but the G/R master volumes are switchable so you can set Red as a boost for solos. It's incredibly versatile.
Just bought one, coming from a hot rod deville, and I’m in love. So much better. You can actually play at different volumes. The different pickups sound different, tone knob on the guitar is actually useful. Best amp I’ve ever played.
V-Type speaker is a game changer... I have DSL 20 and swappped Sevent 80 with G12T75, but V-Type in that DSL 40 sounds much better and natural for Marshall
I bought the DSL40cr to use with my Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb in a clean/dirty amp pairing. It works fantastic as they are both stellar amps. The only problem is that the clean settings on the DSL are so good that you can do everything on it without the need for any other amp. It isn't very often that you get one amp that is a jack of all trades and great at ALL things at the same time. Marshall nailed it when they designed this one.
I couldn't agree more, except I find the DSL40CR clean (Green 1) channel is so much quieter than the other ones that I can not use the (included) footswitch to toggle back and forth between channels. (There is also a lag in the sound/output when switching via the footpedal. It's not instant.). I have been using an original USA Fender Hot Rod Deluxe for past 20+ years, and those channel switching capabilities are fantastic!
I really dig this new amp! Please let me know what you think. :-) . Thanks for all the folks giving me a heads up on being able to swap all 4 channels with the Midi switch. I only have the regular switch so I was unable to get that to work. At the end there's also a quick live clip of how it sounds in the mix. Get the best deals here: ► Sweetwater (USA) - imp.i114863.net/gdxY9 ► B&H Photo (USA) - bhpho.to/2RhWxOD ► Thomann (Global) - bit.ly/2WDpatz ► Amazon UK - amzn.to/34lAfBd ► Amazon Canada - amzn.to/2XfzVlT (affiliate links)
Interesting the new DSL is making such a splash, it's basically what the JVM was 8 or 9 years ago minus a couple of sounds and plus an attenuator. The idea of the two volumes are getting pre-amp distortion or power amp distortion depending on how they are set.
My only concern is a channel switcher with shared EQ. I'm worried that I'd setup a great clean sound, only to find that the dirt sound wasn't right - same issue with the Fender HRD. I thought the Katana Artist would have been a better all-in-one choice for about the same price.
intheblues Love the video Shane. Greetings from Chicago. I got one of the older DSL40C amps late last year and they sound great, by the way at 1:38 I'm digging the King of the Hill poster behind your head.
Hi Shane! Great review, this amp will be a great choice for any self-respecting semi-professional rocker. From my understanding, the double master section is actually a neat feature, if you pair the amp with the (optional) six-button foot switch. In this configuration, you can set the master knobs for a lead boost which works regardless of the channel you are using at the moment. The 6 button strip allows you to switch between all four channel settings, switch the loop on and off, and toggle between the two masters.
@@donniebrown2393 pretty loud.... I haven't opened up one of these, yet. I know there was/is problems with the dsl 100 heads; the circuit board ends up needing replaced. So, you may want to research the reliability of them. Although, I haven't heard anything terrible about these. I went out and picked myself up a Boss Katana 50 a few months ago. I am still VERY surprised at how well that thing sounds. Anyway, back to this amp. They really do sound great! Loud enough to gig with. For example, bars, and small venues. Would be perfectly fine to record with.
Hey Shane, so the reason for the two master volumes seems to be that there's a compatible 6 button footswitch that enables you to toggle between the two volumes (for a solo boost, for example)... cheers!
@@Dannys.channel running an effect unit into the efx loop can blow a fuse? i'm getting ready to pick up a DSL40 and use a GX-700 processor in the efx loop.
that dsl with an eq in the fx loop with a dimed compressor going into the eq is the best amp ive ever heard. the most versatile tones. man that 1st bass lever all thevway up makes it sound huge
I just want to say thank you for another great review. I traded in my mustang 3 and picked up the dsl40cr today (well ordered it after playing the in store display). Your mustang 3 patches kept my mustang going for years. Now I am into bigger and better things and I love the tones you got from this amp. I skipped the fender amps based on this review. I love pedals but there is something to be said for not having to use them. Your content is top notch. I will say as a home and garage band player I will be using the masters differently than you do but I still love the tone on this amp. I plan to "get the band back together"so this will be a home and stage amp. For now I am just excited to have full tube Marshall crunch. Keep up the great reviews. I will be a lifetime subscriber. Cheers!!!
Hi Shane. Just a tip. The two master volumes are great to equalize the levels between the two channels, so you don’t get drastic changes in volume when switching between channels. Unless you want that!
I love the sounds you're pulling from this combo. I've played JCM900's and 800's for many years, and my new band has downsized the equipment thing, so I've been playing through a Code 50 with a pedalboard. The downside is there's no true tube tone, as it's a modeling amp, but THIS one may have lured me back into tubes!
Congratulations Shane on the Marshall purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. When I got my Marshall 20 odd years ago, it was the first amp I didn't really need pedals for and could just setup, plug in and rock! Once you get into that frame of mind it's hard to go back. I play every cover, same settings, just change a guitar if I want a slightly different sound. Try playing some Beatles on a Marshall - what fun! Imagine Angus playing Twist and Shout - you get the picture. You're relying entirely on dynamics. BTW The two volumes are different. First volumes are levels into the preamp, the master volumes are for overall volume (most likely between preamp out and poweramp section). But you're right, you need the masters up around 7 or more and get the power tubes working. Set the channels up as rhythm and another channel as a lead with slightly higher volume and gain and you're good to go.
Played this amp at guitar center today. Get the ultra channel cranked, scoop the mids and it's INSTANT Hetfield circa 1984. This amp kicks. Will probably be my next purchase.
Dude, the audio in might be the best single feature that this amp has to offer in comparison to other amps. You just plug in the backing track and you solo for hours! Great for lonely evenings
Hi Shane, I'm glad that I revisited this video because I'm considering this amp. The tones you got here are very smooth and usable IMHO. In the other demos I came across they had it set very harsh and fizzy. I also just learned that there's a footswitch available that allows access to all 4 of the drive modes. Just think, you could go from dead clean to off clean to overdrive to blistering with a tap of the footswitch. Cheers from Williams Arizona!
Also thank you for your incredible review Shane. Honestly, i bought this DSL-40cr about 3 years ago, but sadly sold it cuz i really needed the funds. The good new is that Im in the process of buying another Marshall DSL-40cr. Merry/happy Christmas to me!!
Great demo - really showcases the amp's performance across the clean -> crunchy -> filthy spectrum. I'm between this and a Hot Rod Deluxe right now, and wasn't expecting to like the Marshall's cleans, but videos like this really sell its capabilities.
Didn't care for any of the tones until I heard the PRS through it with the tone shift button on. That changed everything. You're one of the few youtube'rs adding the live playing to your content which is why I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work Shane.
I have the older model (non-'R' version) without the masters. I did the C-19 cap bypass mod, to get some of the brittle out of the high gain channel. Also, got a matched set of pre-amp tubes (I think they were from Doug's tubes). Made it nice and creamy. Also added a set of handles on the sides of the case, and switched out the grill cloth. I love it!
Man, I've been leaning towards another Fender Hot Rod or even the new Tone Master...but I haven't had a Marshall in forever and the tones you demonstrated out of this combo are stellar!! Thanks for the vid and love that you included live action at the end! Cheers
Thank you for pointing out that the "fizzy" sound can be avoided! It's a real bummer that these amps are easily dismissed for that sole reason. But once any bodies had the chance to sit down, and actually play one, it really does stand out, and for a great price too.
Marshall has been hit or miss the last few years. I have an MG that is simply awful on the crunch or OD channels. Scratchy and unplayable. The solders on their electronics seem to be sketchy, too, wherever they are having their amps made these days.
I really like the way you present amps on that spinning chair. I get a true impression of the appearance of the amps and their dimensions. No one else presents this way and it’s very satisfying to watch, somehow. Great review and great tones as well. Ps: I think you called it a Fender at the end, as you were pointing out differences from the older DSLs. :)
I've been messing with pedals on my custom deluxe reverb 68 for 2 weeks trying to get a good crunch sound, I finally gave up and decided I'm gonna gig with my Marshall DSL. The clean tone is almost as good as Deluxe Reverb, and the crunch tones are great!
You need the FS 91016 foot switch, that way you can use the dedicated #5 foot button to toggle between the 2 Master volumes. Master 1 for rhythm, Master 2 for volume boost!
Bit late to comment but i just want anyone that might be considering buying this amp and wondering if you can use it for practice at home to know you definitely can. It sounds great cranked and really good at low volume, also it has the best emulated output i’ve heard. Its great live too and can go so loud. If you’ve got a bad back get a sack truck as its pretty heavy.
Great choice, I got a old generation DSL 15C and Its a great contrast to a fender style so you can mix up your tone a bit. And its as fizzy as you choose by the gain manipulation. Has great clean tone as well Has all the deep and tone shift functions
The 2 masters in addition to the channels is actually really nice because now u get to choose if you want pre amp or power amp distortion. Not many amps let you do that at all without being blisteringly loud. This seems like a really cool feature even if it is a bit redundant that allows some flexibility. The old dsl did not have tht feature and wuld be most of the improvement on the new version too me
Bought this to replace a modeling amp that I just couldn't dig anymore. Owner of 5 Star Guitar in Portland Oregon convinced me to consider looking past the 'flexibility' of modeling amps and focus on the sound of a tube amp. Like this review points out, I can play just about any sound I really want. I have an effects board I can run into it if I really want phasers and such but I hardly do. It is my home practice amp, and like he said, it can produce way more volume than I need but it just sounds so great even at lower volumes. Learned a few new things from this video. I have the 6 way foot switch which provides a lot of flexibility.
really cool! definitely has more features than the DSL20, which doesn't have the master volumes. I like that they have an easy cable disconnect on the back. great vid! hhaa liked the Fender swear at the end :)
I know the two far right masters volumes was mentioned as redundant. I add a plug from my iPhone to the back of the amp to play along with a song or a instrumental song with the leads playing missing and play on. So add on your smart phone, pick your TH-cam playlist, crank of your phone volume up and adjust louder with one of the master 2 volume knobs. You can also reverse the volume if your phone is on a stand closer to you. It is use-full.
Played one of these recently at GC. It’s amazing. It’s true. You can definitely play anything from blues to metal with this amp. W Anyway, I loved this amp combo. Really takes me back to when I played Marshall’s as a teenager. Had a JCM900 and some sort of tube/solid state hybrid amp. They were great. Gotta pick up a DSL40 one day... for nostalgia’s sake.
Excellent review.. the fact that you chose this as your personal gigging amp is what sold me on one. I will be ordering mine shortly. Well done sir. Keep rockin!! 🤘
Good review. Got one myself and regarding the two master volumes, I find them useful as a booster. Usually play rolling down a bit Master 1 respect 2 and use this one as a booster for solos. Now, you won't be able to switch from master 1 to 2 and back with the little pedal which comes with it. I bought the optional one with 6 switches. Selects 4 channels independently, plus master switch, plus FX loop switch. A bit bulky but opens many options if your set list covers multiple styles and gives you full control of the amp (except tone shift). For the price tag it has (around 730€), its a bargain IMO.
I just bought it with the Gibson Les Paul Gold top Standard 50s with P90s. I also have a Player series Strat as well as a Hagstrom Viking II 67. This amp is so rich sounding.
Yea i just bought this exact amp and a PRS SE Paul's guitar. It sounds bad ass just like he said crank the masters up and your good. I use the audio jack to play on backing tracks with my phone. Just turn the phone down and i adjust the volume on the channels and the guitar and it works for now until i get a sound system
I'm glad your review mentioned the reliability issues with the older model of this amp, seems like a lot of them conveniently ignore the fact that they CONSTANTLY FAIL. The 3 years of headaches I've had in dealing with my DSL40C is enough to make me never go Marshall again even if they do claim to have fixed the issues. I'm just glad I don't gig these days, I'd hate to have to power toggle my amp mid show because it decided to stop making sound for no apparent reason.
Great video on the DSL40CR - thanks. I replaced an old Crate amp that I have had for years with one of these and I love it. I do run it at home mostly, so I differ with you a bit on not running one at home. On the low output (20W) setting and lower volume, it is a great amp that won't piss off the neighbors too much. The one thing that I have noticed is the limited reverb that the amplifier can do. That is no biggie for me, I don't use reverb much anyway. Thanks again for the great review :)
Good review. I have the identical model. Thanks for the reminder to turn the master volumes all the way up and control the volumes with each channel. I agree that you can get a great sound with channel one . Thanks for a great video.
Just nailed this amp off Reverb. Mainly due to this video! Great review. Actually a friend recently got the predecessor, the C, and I tried it with my Les Paul. I had just put in an A3 Custombucker in the bridge and was anxious to see how it did. My god, it was awesome! Best tone I’d ever heard out of my LP! I practice often in my bedroom with headphones and tested a new one of these at the local GC using headphones through the emulated output and it sounded good. Probably more watts than I need right now but everything I hear about the 20- has 5-watt versions does not have me convinced they sound anywhere near as good as this 40CR. I just wasn’t getting the rich crunch I hear from this amp on my current amps: Blackstar HT-1 or HT-20 and after testing my buddy’s C with my LP it’s been keeping me up at night! This review also convinced me when I heard what great cleans it can do with a strat. Anyway someone posted one at a nice price on Reverb today and a good price offer later from me and my CR is on the way!
Hey just wanted to drop you a line and so thanks for helping me decide. I have the DSL40C now and was planning on getting the 20cr(it’s really only for bedroom use), but your videos helped me realize to to return and get the new gen 40cr. The 70/80, in my opinion, sounds like a stale piece of toast. Having the two master volumes has such a huge difference for bedroom playing, plus the 40/20 watt switch. Anyways thanks.
I had one and sold it because I liked my Peavey Bandit Restripe better. The clean and classic gain was great Marshall tones. Ultra Gain, particularly the red channel has a real scooped metal tone. The Reverb disappears when the gain is up and the 20 watt mode sounds horrible. Final straw was different bands complained it was too loud at maybe noon.
jjulch I don't doubt that one bit. Everyone loves Marshall gain, but where other Amp brands leave Marshall in the dust ( still ) are in the mushy low end of Marshalls, and not great note-to-note articulation like a Friedman, Soldano, VHT, Peavey, Mesa, etc. And let's be honest here, the Clean tone is clean "for a Marshall" , but is no where near as warm, round and beautiful as a Fender. I've had Crate combo amps from the 90s that sound better than most Marshall tube amps.
I am waiting for my new Marshall DSL40C 40-watt All-tube Guitar Combo Amp to arrive. This is my 3rd Marshall amp in 25 years its my first EL34 power tube amp. This will be a nice treat to play my Stratocasters through. It is a fair priced amplifier and it is easy to bias the power tube. I have Marshall 40/80 1x12 combo great trans tube 12AX7 and I have the CODE 50. All of my other Amps are Vintage Tubes amps 1960's . The new DSL will be a great addition to my amp tone pallete. BIG THANKS for the reviews ( specially this one ) Shane!
I just purchased the DSL 40 CR used on Reverb yesterday and It's absolutely mint. Only played in a small apt. It's tolex is Cream/White wrapped. I'm picking it up next week in NYC it's a cpl hour ride. I'm so stoked can't wait to pick this thing up I've got new Seymour Duncan Bridge JB sh4 and for the neck she has the perfect match a SD 59'. This is supposed to be one of the all-around best amps ever according to a lot of reviews I've read on the dsl40cr can hit every tonne from the old rock/blues tones to the crunch of metal and everything in between. This is supposed to be a very versatile amp according to all the reviews and praises that I've read about this amp.
Great sounding amp. Has that classic Marshall grit/dirt sound also really nice breakup on the gain channels. Glad you’re really digging this amp, great dirty/overdriven blues sounds your getting out of it Shane
This amp is a monster. My band mates constantly complain that I am too loud. On 20 watts and on classic gain red and either ultra gain, with master volumes at 3 o’clock and preamp volumes at 9 o’clock the amp is too loud at practice. I have played every gig on 20 Watts with these settings with the preamps set to maybe 11 o’clock in the bigger venues and I am loud. The only time I set it to 40 watts was at an outdoor event when I was playing next to a guy who cranked it up too loud. Then this amp really came to life. The reverb is practically useless but the amp is very versatile and has all the power that you need, and tone
Hi Shayne thank you for posting the video review I'm contemplating purchasing this amp. The video has helped make up my mind. Your reviews and your channel is excellent. Keep up the good work.
I loved your review, it gives new perspectives on this amp that you don't get from other reviews (master comment for example is very helpful, etc), you got great tones right there, impressive stuff (Marshal should be having you on their payroll!). One thing I was expecting to receive more information about is the headphone connection (at least I've read about this in the product description but I am a bit unsure of how it works) which might have a positive influence regarding the neighbor's situation ... All the best, greetings from Lisbon, Portugal.
The clean tones on this thing are unreal with the Strat and sounded even better with the Tokai. Also, I’d likely live in the Red Channel on Channel 1. 🤘🏼
Apparently, and I did not know this, I had the older version of this a couple of years ago. This version has some upgraded features to the older version which is why it is priced higher (I thought they just raised the price). The emulated output is a good addition. Despite this review not giving much to the 2 master volumes I am anxious to try them out. I think I will get back into this amp to go with my fender twin.
After watching your video i went to buy a DSL 40CR 😅 but .. when i cranked the *Master 1 & 2 knobs all the way to 10* and both the *Channel Volume at absolutely 0* .. even with no guitar plugged in .. i get a scratchy static-noise .. is that normal ??
I tried my amp that is four days old, and the sound is so much better at 20 watts. That is going to take care of most venues around here, as I believe all guitar amps should be mic-cid. It is a strong 40 watts. My Gibson Standard Les was feeding back when I tried to really turn it up for sweetness.. My room is sound proof almost, so things were noisy. The twenty watt mode is nice. That footswitch with six buttons on it will make this such a useful thing/
@@intheblues I know this is an old video but I do have a question. Having owned the amplifier for a while have you ever tried backing down one of those "useless" channel master volumes to get a clean tone? I believe what Marshall intended was for one of the channels to be set extra-clean so as to allow you to flip back and forth between clean and crunch! Just something I was wondering about and figured after all this time you would have maybe tried that! Great demo and thank you.
I've owned a Marshall DSL40 since 2015 brand new and I can get the Eddie Van Halen Brown noise, I can get just about any sound, making all of my guitar sounds so much better
There are some awesome amps out right now! I don't know, maybe it just feels that way since I had been on the market for a new one. This Marshall sounds amazing, great demo too. I went with the Boss Katana. For the first time in a very long time I've landed on an SS amp that I feel is better than my trusty peavey studio pro. The Katana, with its built in effects, is just a marvel imho. Nice & light too! But those effects just sound killer. Sorry, I know it's a Marshall vid. I'd definitely go for this amp if I had a need for it (or didn't live in a townhome, which is not amp friendly when your kind neighbors are elderly - just sayin').
I have the BOSS Katana 100w. I have been using it exclusively for a couple years, both at home and live. It has a great sound. It cuts through the mix and is EASILY loud enough to keep up with a loud drummer. The difference, though, when I bought the DSL, was that it just cuts through a lot better, and sounds THICKER in the mix. Also, I used to get high-end feedback with the Katana that was hard to dial out when playing heavier stuff (I'm in an 80s hair metal tribute band) and with the Marshall I just don't get that. Also, with the Katana, if you added too many mids it almost made my guitars sound too "throaty" in a way that made weirder chords sound almost out-of-tune...and then turning the mids down obviously sacrificed some thickness and presence in the mix. anyone else experienced this? Again, Katana, KILLER amp. But the Marshall is just a tiny bit better in a noticeable way. It definitely made me a more honest player. Definitely have to earn the sound with the Marshall. Any mistakes, and they cut through too! It has that "feel" that everyone talks about when they proclaim their love for tube amps. Hate to be your "basic: tube snob but it's honestly true. You have to earn the tone with chops and volume but once the natural tube compression and warmth kicks in, you can FEEL the strings almost pressing back against your fingers, and the sound just pulses through your veins up to your brain, making you one with the instrument. The Katana just didn't do that for me. My solution now is to practice on the Katana at home and take the Marshall out for gigs with the Katana as my trusty backup and I think it's a GREAT setup.
Ronnie, not that you care, but just for giggles, my Son bought this exact Marshall amp right? I did not know that, just assumed that he had the Blackstar he had already. I live in Thailand, bought him an Ibanez Guitar here, Steve Vai model, brought it home to Calif to him a few months back. He has a Fender Strat, Gibson Les Paul, Jackson and an Epiphone. I went into "Guitar showcase" back home. Was just looking around, started talking to a young guy there. Told him about the Guitar I bought in Bangkok. Cool....made a good choice he said. Ever heard of Boss Katana 100 amp he asked me? Nope. I am just an amateur, plugged the same Guitar in I bought for him and the rest is history. Jesus, both of these amps are just "beasts" to say the least. I had to buy it, price was so good for what you get. My Son said I am one cool Dad LOL! You guys are so lucky living in this technological world these days I tell you. Sounds coming out of these amps are second to none. All the best to all of you guys who play and have Marshalls or Boss Katanas.
I use this at home and luckily I live up in Santa Cruz Mtns in Nor Cal but I can crank it if i want but as far as just practicing at home it is great and doesn't have to be super loud
Hey Shane, just bought this Amp mainly due to your recommendations & been loving it, & I found one of the reasons why it has the two Master Volume knobs is because one Master is for your Audio In on the back of the Amp to mix in with your Guitar Volume. Long time viewer, thanks for this & all your great videos! 🙂👍🏻🎸🇦🇺
I love this amp I bought one 2 weeks ago and haven’t stopped playing it since. I love the classic gain channel which is the only on I play on at the moment. I was going to get the 20w but I decided to go the 40w because of the master volume. 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Awesome vid man, love the summary at the end as well found it really useful! I think the two master volumes are so you can set one louder and switch between them for a boost for solos etc. All in all great review, I need to check one of these out myself!
I just picked up a DSL40c for $400 that was converted from a combo to a mojotone head cab. You can't beat the price. Yrs ago I tried the TSL but the footswitch randomly jumped between channels on its own due to a problem w the multi pinned foot switch. While that's not an issue on the DSL, I don't like the dirt channel anyway. The DSL's magic is the clean channel, especially when driven w a high end dist pedal. It's a solid pedal platform.
I think that the addition of those volumes is to allow for the selection of preamp or poweramp distortion. Poweramp distortion is that really growly sound you get as opposed to the crispier preamp distortion.
So, one thing you'll notice with this amp is a fair amount of the channels are sorta modern sounding. They don't have that vintage vibe...so trying to dial in a warm/punchy mid sound for classic rock, isn't super doable. Or so I thought. It's a Marshall, I'm gonna play some AC/DC on it. But the tone was just not there. Then a smart guy (who does have the old JMPs and was doing his own circuit mods on Origins for that sound) was like "Hey you DSL40CR does a killer AC/DC tone. No mod needed. Just treat it like their amps. All clean channel, dime the gain and crank both the channel volume and the master volume to like 8...use the channel volume to dial it back a little but it needs to be loud. Then use a hard pick and really work those strings hard". I did all that and it was PRIMO AC/DC tone!! That clean channel is warm and buttery smooth in ways the other 3 channels are not. I'm sure swapping to a Creamback 65 speaker (the neo one was lame in it btw) would take it even further! So yeah, full clean with big volume!
I got a used DSL40C it about took my head off the EL34`s were Smokin Hot, the amp sucked, I took out the 70/80 speaker and put in a 65W Cream Back, pulled the board and turned the Bio`s down an 1/8th...baby we got da blues now" sweet as silk. good reverb and great distortion. bell tones on the clean channel.
When all is said and done, I still believe that you just cannot beat something like a 50w master volume mk 2 or a plain ole Marshall super lead or even a jtm 45, no need for built in this and that and built in whatever that many of us just don't need on our amps, build yourselves a half decent pedal board and you have everything that you'll ever need as a gigging guitarist. This has been a great informative video and is not a criticism of any videos that Shane produces for us.
NO NO NO dude, those master volumes make all the difference. This isnt an old plexi with and added master. This is a newer master volume amp so you can get so many different tones by using the preamp volume and gain to get your tone and then dial in the volume with the masters. Without the masters you cant dial down the preamp gain and volume if you want less gain and a brighter/less full tone cause then your volumes too low but with the masters you can then raise the volume back up. Im sorry but your thinking this amp works like the older style amps that just had a master volume thrown on, those didnt work because the origional amp circuit/amp design didnt account for it. But this amp has tons of gain on tap so you can get good tone at lower levels and then if you want lots of gain at high volume you just dial back the preamp gain and volume and raise the master. Think of the preamp volume as a way to make your tone brighter/thinner or warmer/fuller, the higher the preamp gain the warmer/fuller it is the lower it is the brighter/thinner it is. The preamp gain should also be used in a similar way. Plus AND THIS IS HUGE, having dual master volumes that are programmable to each channel/mode you can make sure your rhythm and lead tones match in level. Your stuck in the old way of thinking master volumes suck out tone because on older amps they did. But new master volume amps are designed around those masters which give you so much more tone/gain shaping possibilitys. Because of those masters this amp can do pretty much any tone/sound you could want and they allow you to be able to sound good at any volume. Your a smart guy but your so wrong here and people are going to see this video and jump on the wagon before they realize what an asset those controls are. NEVER EVER just dime the master on this amp or any new master volume amps and especially dont dime the preamp volume. By doing that you are killing the magic of newer master volume amp designs. Marshall builds these amps to have eq's and volume/gain controls that interact with one another. So if you move one control it changes the others, learning how they work together is what gives you the ability to get tons out of the amp i swear you dont know exist yet. Your missing out on so much. The days of master volumes on tube amps being a bad thing is over, dont push manufacturers back to primitive circuits just because you dont understand something great. Now go take my advice and realize what you were missing. Your welcome.
@@chrisdee5032 Smh, this again? I was commended every year in school for 2 subjects. One of them was Science the other was English. In college not only did I do my English homework my first year but I also did my Puerto Rican girlfriends as well. If I want to save my self the time it takes to type an apostrophe when im on my phone writing TH-cam comments i think it will be ok. Now if I "ws splling lke dis" then it would make sense to correct me. But im (see how i also didnt put an apostrophe there either?) not am I? So any reasonably intelligent person would use context clues to come to the conclusion i probably know better.
@@michaelinglis8516 some people are just retarded Michael don’t worry about it. I’m the same way. If my phone doesn’t automatically throw it in I leave it out 😂
I just bought one about a month ago. I like it alot. I think the clean channel in the crunch mode with the gain about 9:30 materss dimed is almost plexi like. Has beautiful singing sustain. Warnning the first one i got only played for three hours and the output transformer went out. Lets see if this one can go as long as my 40 year old carvin
The 2 master volumes drive the power amp and the other volumes and gains the pre-amp. There are 2 masters both used with all channels, this means with the 6 way footswitch you can use the second master as a boost for lead/solos etc... Great amp and enjoyed your review👍
Amen!!! Great job Shane!! The intro was great. Going from guitar to guitar with your tone only varying mildly was pondering in a good way. I'm playing a couple guitars today and I definitely have to consider my settings differently for each. Great demo. Good for Marshall .
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Sounds awesome, I’m sick of those digital amps with millions of presets that take hours to go through. Just show me the gas, that’s all I want. Nice!
For sure, solid state amps just always sound: digital.
I had all the modelling amps and I now have the DSL40CR - it is 1000% better.
You just have to look for good solid states
Getting to good ol' one amp for that reason! Got a ToneLab + PowerAmp for a while, I just want my tone now! Still keeping the ToneLab tough! That thing can do marvel in the PA!
Hell yeah!!
Got mine yesterday. Yes you can play at home at bedroom levels.
Agree. It gets loud quickly, but you can definitely turn it down and maintain good sound.
Hi Eddie, do you still think it can be used at bedroom level? I was glad to read your comment. I tried this amp and I'm considering it because I liked it and it seems really good. I would use it at home (one-family house) so I won't need to keep it as quiet as if I was living in an apartment or even in a dorm.
I don't understand all these people saying this amp is no good for a home usage because of its "loudness". I found the DSL20 doesn't sound as good, but it can sound just as loud if you crank it... But I won't be cranking either ones so what's the point of settling for less?
It's like saying that no one should get a "M" series from BMW for a city usage because it's too fast. You don't have to push that car's engine into the red zone to enjoy its sound, feel, luxury, comfort and prestige.
So why it wouldn’t be the same with this amp? Why settle down with something less? Let me know your tough after a few months.
GuitarGary nevermind, I got myself the 40cr and couldn't be more happy. I did try the 20w model and at equal decibel level, the 40w sounded si much better (a lot better!!).
GuitarGary, yes... But I don't see how the 20 is more suitable for home as opposed to the 40. The 20 was as loud as the 40 but I would describe the difference as it's like having a Ferrari that would have only 4 cylinders... Even if it would be as fast, it would simply not be the same.
@@snowpro1 So should I buy the 40 watt one? I play only at home.
Shane, I bought the 6-button footswitch for my DSL40CR, and it's a game-changer for this amplifier. That switch lets you not only switch between all four clean(G1)-crunch(R1)-od(G2)-distortion(R2) settings but the G/R master volumes are switchable so you can set Red as a boost for solos. It's incredibly versatile.
Can you tell me which one? Marshall switch?
@@Talonerski the 6 button switch.
@Talonerski Marshall PEDL-91016 6 Button Footswitch - 👍
Just bought one, coming from a hot rod deville, and I’m in love. So much better. You can actually play at different volumes. The different pickups sound different, tone knob on the guitar is actually useful. Best amp I’ve ever played.
The first day I owned this amp, I couldn’t stop playing the CLEAN channel for hours. It’s just awesome all the way around.
V-Type speaker is a game changer... I have DSL 20 and swappped Sevent 80 with G12T75, but V-Type in that DSL 40 sounds much better and natural for Marshall
I bought the DSL40cr to use with my Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb in a clean/dirty amp pairing. It works fantastic as they are both stellar amps. The only problem is that the clean settings on the DSL are so good that you can do everything on it without the need for any other amp. It isn't very often that you get one amp that is a jack of all trades and great at ALL things at the same time. Marshall nailed it when they designed this one.
I couldn't agree more, except I find the DSL40CR clean (Green 1) channel is so much quieter than the other ones that I can not use the (included) footswitch to toggle back and forth between channels. (There is also a lag in the sound/output when switching via the footpedal. It's not instant.). I have been using an original USA Fender Hot Rod Deluxe for past 20+ years, and those channel switching capabilities are fantastic!
I really dig this new amp! Please let me know what you think. :-) . Thanks for all the folks giving me a heads up on being able to swap all 4 channels with the Midi switch. I only have the regular switch so I was unable to get that to work. At the end there's also a quick live clip of how it sounds in the mix.
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Interesting the new DSL is making such a splash, it's basically what the JVM was 8 or 9 years ago minus a couple of sounds and plus an attenuator. The idea of the two volumes are getting pre-amp distortion or power amp distortion depending on how they are set.
My only concern is a channel switcher with shared EQ. I'm worried that I'd setup a great clean sound, only to find that the dirt sound wasn't right - same issue with the Fender HRD. I thought the Katana Artist would have been a better all-in-one choice for about the same price.
intheblues Love the video Shane. Greetings from Chicago. I got one of the older DSL40C amps late last year and they sound great, by the way at 1:38 I'm digging the King of the Hill poster behind your head.
intheblues +honestly I have not tried one yet, but may be worth checking out
Hi Shane! Great review, this amp will be a great choice for any self-respecting semi-professional rocker. From my understanding, the double master section is actually a neat feature, if you pair the amp with the (optional) six-button foot switch. In this configuration, you can set the master knobs for a lead boost which works regardless of the channel you are using at the moment. The 6 button strip allows you to switch between all four channel settings, switch the loop on and off, and toggle between the two masters.
This is THE amp I have tried to steer newcomers to for several years now. There's really nothing it cannot do.
@detroit Wrecker how loud is it at 20 watts at 6 on the volume
@@donniebrown2393 pretty loud.... I haven't opened up one of these, yet. I know there was/is problems with the dsl 100 heads; the circuit board ends up needing replaced. So, you may want to research the reliability of them. Although, I haven't heard anything terrible about these.
I went out and picked myself up a Boss Katana 50 a few months ago. I am still VERY surprised at how well that thing sounds.
Anyway, back to this amp. They really do sound great! Loud enough to gig with. For example, bars, and small venues.
Would be perfectly fine to record with.
@@DetroitWrecker666 thank bud
Hey Shane, so the reason for the two master volumes seems to be that there's a compatible 6 button footswitch that enables you to toggle between the two volumes (for a solo boost, for example)... cheers!
Also useful for running modellers into fx return
Yeah careful. It’ll
Blow the fuse
@@Dannys.channel running an effect unit into the efx loop can blow a fuse? i'm getting ready to pick up a DSL40 and use a GX-700 processor in the efx loop.
Tried this amp today after being set on an AC15, and I was blown away. Sounds great.
that dsl with an eq in the fx loop with a dimed compressor going into the eq is the best amp ive ever heard. the most versatile tones. man that 1st bass lever all thevway up makes it sound huge
I just want to say thank you for another great review. I traded in my mustang 3 and picked up the dsl40cr today (well ordered it after playing the in store display). Your mustang 3 patches kept my mustang going for years. Now I am into bigger and better things and I love the tones you got from this amp. I skipped the fender amps based on this review. I love pedals but there is something to be said for not having to use them. Your content is top notch. I will say as a home and garage band player I will be using the masters differently than you do but I still love the tone on this amp. I plan to "get the band back together"so this will be a home and stage amp. For now I am just excited to have full tube Marshall crunch. Keep up the great reviews. I will be a lifetime subscriber. Cheers!!!
Hi Shane. Just a tip. The two master volumes are great to equalize the levels between the two channels, so you don’t get drastic changes in volume when switching between channels. Unless you want that!
I love the sounds you're pulling from this combo. I've played JCM900's and 800's for many years, and my new band has downsized the equipment thing, so I've been playing through a Code 50 with a pedalboard. The downside is there's no true tube tone, as it's a modeling amp, but THIS one may have lured me back into tubes!
the noise gate on the code drove me nuts. otherwise it would have been fine. I dont mind amp noise
and I always turn my guitar off after songs.
Congratulations Shane on the Marshall purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. When I got my Marshall 20 odd years ago, it was the first amp I didn't really need pedals for and could just setup, plug in and rock! Once you get into that frame of mind it's hard to go back. I play every cover, same settings, just change a guitar if I want a slightly different sound. Try playing some Beatles on a Marshall - what fun! Imagine Angus playing Twist and Shout - you get the picture. You're relying entirely on dynamics. BTW The two volumes are different. First volumes are levels into the preamp, the master volumes are for overall volume (most likely between preamp out and poweramp section). But you're right, you need the masters up around 7 or more and get the power tubes working. Set the channels up as rhythm and another channel as a lead with slightly higher volume and gain and you're good to go.
Played this amp at guitar center today. Get the ultra channel cranked, scoop the mids and it's INSTANT Hetfield circa 1984. This amp kicks. Will probably be my next purchase.
Dude, the audio in might be the best single feature that this amp has to offer in comparison to other amps. You just plug in the backing track and you solo for hours! Great for lonely evenings
Hi Shane, I'm glad that I revisited this video because I'm considering this amp. The tones you got here are very smooth and usable IMHO. In the other demos I came across they had it set very harsh and fizzy. I also just learned that there's a footswitch available that allows access to all 4 of the drive modes. Just think, you could go from dead clean to off clean to overdrive to blistering with a tap of the footswitch. Cheers from Williams Arizona!
Also thank you for your incredible review Shane. Honestly, i bought this DSL-40cr about 3 years ago, but sadly sold it cuz i really needed the funds. The good new is that Im in the process of buying another Marshall DSL-40cr. Merry/happy Christmas to me!!
Great demo - really showcases the amp's performance across the clean -> crunchy -> filthy spectrum. I'm between this and a Hot Rod Deluxe right now, and wasn't expecting to like the Marshall's cleans, but videos like this really sell its capabilities.
Bought mine today, thanks for explaining the features and sound settings. Saved me a lot of time!
Didn't care for any of the tones until I heard the PRS through it with the tone shift button on. That changed everything. You're one of the few youtube'rs adding the live playing to your content which is why I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work Shane.
I have the older model (non-'R' version) without the masters. I did the C-19 cap bypass mod, to get some of the brittle out of the high gain channel. Also, got a matched set of pre-amp tubes (I think they were from Doug's tubes). Made it nice and creamy. Also added a set of handles on the sides of the case, and switched out the grill cloth. I love it!
Man, I've been leaning towards another Fender Hot Rod or even the new Tone Master...but I haven't had a Marshall in forever and the tones you demonstrated out of this combo are stellar!! Thanks for the vid and love that you included live action at the end! Cheers
Thank you for pointing out that the "fizzy" sound can be avoided! It's a real bummer that these amps are easily dismissed for that sole reason. But once any bodies had the chance to sit down, and actually play one, it really does stand out, and for a great price too.
Marshall has been hit or miss the last few years. I have an MG that is simply awful on the crunch or OD channels. Scratchy and unplayable. The solders on their electronics seem to be sketchy, too, wherever they are having their amps made these days.
The amp sounds great with the PRS SE. What a great guitar!
I really like the way you present amps on that spinning chair. I get a true impression of the appearance of the amps and their dimensions. No one else presents this way and it’s very satisfying to watch, somehow.
Great review and great tones as well.
Ps: I think you called it a Fender at the end, as you were pointing out differences from the older DSLs. :)
He said, Fender redesigned this amp. But we all know he meant Marshall. I was like, what? Fender designs for Marshall now. Lol
I've been messing with pedals on my custom deluxe reverb 68 for 2 weeks trying to get a good crunch sound, I finally gave up and decided I'm gonna gig with my Marshall DSL. The clean tone is almost as good as Deluxe Reverb, and the crunch tones are great!
Thats why you get both and make it stereo that's just me .
You need the FS 91016 foot switch, that way you can use the dedicated #5 foot button to toggle between the 2 Master volumes. Master 1 for rhythm, Master 2 for volume boost!
Bit late to comment but i just want anyone that might be considering buying this amp and wondering if you can use it for practice at home to know you definitely can. It sounds great cranked and really good at low volume, also it has the best emulated output i’ve heard.
Its great live too and can go so loud.
If you’ve got a bad back get a sack truck as its pretty heavy.
exactly what i was wondering about, actual volume at home levels for us bedroom only rockstars lol! Thanks
I got it in my bedroom, using channel volume and those 2 master volumes, it’s pretty possible to play in bedroom volumes, regarding the 2 watt mode.
@@arasharyanik1788how are the cleans in your opinion? Most people swear that Marshall cleans are horrible. I’ve never played on a Marshall
Great choice, I got a old generation DSL 15C and Its a great contrast to a fender style so you can mix up your tone a bit. And its as fizzy as you choose by the gain manipulation. Has great clean tone as well Has all the deep and tone shift functions
The 2 masters in addition to the channels is actually really nice because now u get to choose if you want pre amp or power amp distortion. Not many amps let you do that at all without being blisteringly loud. This seems like a really cool feature even if it is a bit redundant that allows some flexibility. The old dsl did not have tht feature and wuld be most of the improvement on the new version too me
Bought this to replace a modeling amp that I just couldn't dig anymore. Owner of 5 Star Guitar in Portland Oregon convinced me to consider looking past the 'flexibility' of modeling amps and focus on the sound of a tube amp. Like this review points out, I can play just about any sound I really want. I have an effects board I can run into it if I really want phasers and such but I hardly do. It is my home practice amp, and like he said, it can produce way more volume than I need but it just sounds so great even at lower volumes. Learned a few new things from this video. I have the 6 way foot switch which provides a lot of flexibility.
really cool! definitely has more features than the DSL20, which doesn't have the master volumes. I like that they have an easy cable disconnect on the back. great vid! hhaa liked the Fender swear at the end :)
Oh Man that LP with the cleanish tone had me in the guts. This amp is great. Thanks
I know the two far right masters volumes was mentioned as redundant. I add a plug from my iPhone to the back of the amp to play along with a song or a instrumental song with the leads playing missing and play on. So add on your smart phone, pick your TH-cam playlist, crank of your phone volume up and adjust louder with one of the master 2 volume knobs. You can also reverse the volume if your phone is on a stand closer to you. It is use-full.
Played one of these recently at GC. It’s amazing. It’s true. You can definitely play anything from blues to metal with this amp. W
Anyway, I loved this amp combo. Really takes me back to when I played Marshall’s as a teenager. Had a JCM900 and some sort of tube/solid state hybrid amp. They were great. Gotta pick up a DSL40 one day... for nostalgia’s sake.
Excellent review.. the fact that you chose this as your personal gigging amp is what sold me on one. I will be ordering mine shortly. Well done sir. Keep rockin!! 🤘
I got mine about 4 months ago and I absolutely love it.
Good review.
Got one myself and regarding the two master volumes, I find them useful as a booster. Usually play rolling down a bit Master 1 respect 2 and use this one as a booster for solos.
Now, you won't be able to switch from master 1 to 2 and back with the little pedal which comes with it. I bought the optional one with 6 switches. Selects 4 channels independently, plus master switch, plus FX loop switch. A bit bulky but opens many options if your set list covers multiple styles and gives you full control of the amp (except tone shift).
For the price tag it has (around 730€), its a bargain IMO.
I have the 20w version & it’s perfect for the bedroom & so awesome with my ‘19 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Holy Grail with Ebony Fretboard!
I have the amp and found that your suggestion of turning up both volume on the far right of the faceplate made a positive difference.
I just bought it with the Gibson Les Paul Gold top Standard 50s with P90s. I also have a Player series Strat as well as a Hagstrom Viking II 67. This amp is so rich sounding.
I'm gonna buy it! My Christmas gift 2020 to myself! It's really a great valve combo amp,and I can take it everywhere!
Yea i just bought this exact amp and a PRS SE Paul's guitar. It sounds bad ass just like he said crank the masters up and your good. I use the audio jack to play on backing tracks with my phone. Just turn the phone down and i adjust the volume on the channels and the guitar and it works for now until i get a sound system
I'm glad your review mentioned the reliability issues with the older model of this amp, seems like a lot of them conveniently ignore the fact that they CONSTANTLY FAIL. The 3 years of headaches I've had in dealing with my DSL40C is enough to make me never go Marshall again even if they do claim to have fixed the issues. I'm just glad I don't gig these days, I'd hate to have to power toggle my amp mid show because it decided to stop making sound for no apparent reason.
Great video on the DSL40CR - thanks. I replaced an old Crate amp that I have had for years with one of these and I love it. I do run it at home mostly, so I differ with you a bit on not running one at home. On the low output (20W) setting and lower volume, it is a great amp that won't piss off the neighbors too much. The one thing that I have noticed is the limited reverb that the amplifier can do. That is no biggie for me, I don't use reverb much anyway. Thanks again for the great review :)
Good review. I have the identical model. Thanks for the reminder to turn the master volumes all the way up and control the volumes with each channel. I agree that you can get a great sound with channel one .
Thanks for a great video.
If you do that whats the sense in having master volume? Then the dsl 40 c will do the same without all the extra switching
Just bought one. It'll be here in two days and I'm very excited.
Just nailed this amp off Reverb. Mainly due to this video! Great review. Actually a friend recently got the predecessor, the C, and I tried it with my Les Paul. I had just put in an A3 Custombucker in the bridge and was anxious to see how it did. My god, it was awesome! Best tone I’d ever heard out of my LP! I practice often in my bedroom with headphones and tested a new one of these at the local GC using headphones through the emulated output and it sounded good. Probably more watts than I need right now but everything I hear about the 20- has 5-watt versions does not have me convinced they sound anywhere near as good as this 40CR. I just wasn’t getting the rich crunch I hear from this amp on my current amps: Blackstar HT-1 or HT-20 and after testing my buddy’s C with my LP it’s been keeping me up at night! This review also convinced me when I heard what great cleans it can do with a strat. Anyway someone posted one at a nice price on Reverb today and a good price offer later from me and my CR is on the way!
Sounds great Shane, thanks for the demo. The prs sounded great to me even though Marshall’s and les Paul’s usually go together like nobody’s business.
Hey just wanted to drop you a line and so thanks for helping me decide. I have the DSL40C now and was planning on getting the 20cr(it’s really only for bedroom use), but your videos helped me realize to to return and get the new gen 40cr. The 70/80, in my opinion, sounds like a stale piece of toast. Having the two master volumes has such a huge difference for bedroom playing, plus the 40/20 watt switch. Anyways thanks.
I had one and sold it because I liked my Peavey Bandit Restripe better. The clean and classic gain was great Marshall tones. Ultra Gain, particularly the red channel has a real scooped metal tone. The Reverb disappears when the gain is up and the 20 watt mode sounds horrible. Final straw was different bands complained it was too loud at maybe noon.
jjulch I don't doubt that one bit. Everyone loves Marshall gain, but where other Amp brands leave Marshall in the dust ( still ) are in the mushy low end of Marshalls, and not great note-to-note articulation like a Friedman, Soldano, VHT, Peavey, Mesa, etc. And let's be honest here, the Clean tone is clean "for a Marshall" , but is no where near as warm, round and beautiful as a Fender. I've had Crate combo amps from the 90s that sound better than most Marshall tube amps.
Just ordered one. In the past ive been using a little solid state 10 watt fender mustang. Can't wait to get into real tube amp playing. Nice video!
I love my 40CR.
The G12 V-type speaker has a fat vintage tone. Great amp so far had it 1 month.
I am waiting for my new Marshall DSL40C 40-watt All-tube Guitar Combo Amp to arrive. This is my 3rd Marshall amp in 25 years its my first EL34 power tube amp. This will be a nice treat to play my Stratocasters through. It is a fair priced amplifier and it is easy to bias the power tube. I have Marshall 40/80 1x12 combo great trans tube 12AX7 and I have the CODE 50. All of my other Amps are Vintage Tubes amps 1960's . The new DSL will be a great addition to my amp tone pallete. BIG THANKS for the reviews ( specially this one ) Shane!
i have had this amp since march 2018 and i so so love it great gigging amp and practice amp
Do you have any problem with this amp?
@@Bran5d0n what kind of issues r u having?
I just purchased the DSL 40 CR used on Reverb yesterday and It's absolutely mint. Only played in a small apt. It's tolex is Cream/White wrapped. I'm picking it up next week in NYC it's a cpl hour ride. I'm so stoked can't wait to pick this thing up I've got new Seymour Duncan Bridge JB sh4 and for the neck she has the perfect match a SD 59'. This is supposed to be one of the all-around best amps ever according to a lot of reviews I've read on the dsl40cr can hit every tonne from the old rock/blues tones to the crunch of metal and everything in between. This is supposed to be a very versatile amp according to all the reviews and praises that I've read about this amp.
Great sounding amp. Has that classic Marshall grit/dirt sound also really nice breakup on the gain channels. Glad you’re really digging this amp, great dirty/overdriven blues sounds your getting out of it Shane
This amp is a monster. My band mates constantly complain that I am too loud. On 20 watts and on classic gain red and either ultra gain, with master volumes at 3 o’clock and preamp volumes at 9 o’clock the amp is too loud at practice. I have played every gig on 20 Watts with these settings with the preamps set to maybe 11 o’clock in the bigger venues and I am loud. The only time I set it to 40 watts was at an outdoor event when I was playing next to a guy who cranked it up too loud. Then this amp really came to life. The reverb is practically useless but the amp is very versatile and has all the power that you need, and tone
Hi Shayne thank you for posting the video review I'm contemplating purchasing this amp. The video has helped make up my mind. Your reviews and your channel is excellent. Keep up the good work.
I loved your review, it gives new perspectives on this amp that you don't get from other reviews (master comment for example is very helpful, etc), you got great tones right there, impressive stuff (Marshal should be having you on their payroll!). One thing I was expecting to receive more information about is the headphone connection (at least I've read about this in the product description but I am a bit unsure of how it works) which might have a positive influence regarding the neighbor's situation ... All the best, greetings from Lisbon, Portugal.
The clean tones on this thing are unreal with the Strat and sounded even better with the Tokai. Also, I’d likely live in the Red Channel on Channel 1. 🤘🏼
Apparently, and I did not know this, I had the older version of this a couple of years ago. This version has some upgraded features to the older version which is why it is priced higher (I thought they just raised the price). The emulated output is a good addition. Despite this review not giving much to the 2 master volumes I am anxious to try them out. I think I will get back into this amp to go with my fender twin.
After watching your video i went to buy a DSL 40CR 😅 but .. when i cranked the *Master 1 & 2 knobs all the way to 10* and both the *Channel Volume at absolutely 0* .. even with no guitar plugged in .. i get a scratchy static-noise .. is that normal ??
Man, if I were you, I'd sell all your other amps and just buy some more cool guitars! This was your best sound yet.
Great video! Don’t know if anyone on here will benefit from this, but with a TS9 (or similar) on OD2 Red this absolutely chugs modern tones with ease.
I tried my amp that is four days old, and the sound is so much better at 20 watts. That is going to take care of most venues around here, as I believe all guitar amps should be mic-cid. It is a strong 40 watts. My Gibson Standard Les was feeding back when I tried to really turn it up for sweetness.. My room is sound proof almost, so things were noisy. The twenty watt mode is nice. That footswitch with six buttons on it will make this such a useful thing/
Great that PRS and Marshall is stunning - good info on the setting overview
Lights are wild for a blues show.. :)
Great tones Shane!!!! Welcome to the Marshall Club!!!!😂🤣🤙🏾🎸🤙🏾
Thanks mate, I really love this thing! :-D
The shirt makes this video. It's this sort of attention to detail which puts these videos in a league of their own. 9 bucks well spent.
😂
That's fkn hil-air! 🤣
@@intheblues I know this is an old video but I do have a question.
Having owned the amplifier for a while have you ever tried backing down one of those "useless" channel master volumes to get a clean tone?
I believe what Marshall intended was for one of the channels to be set extra-clean so as to allow you to flip back and forth between clean and crunch!
Just something I was wondering about and figured after all this time you would have maybe tried that!
Great demo and thank you.
I've owned a Marshall DSL40 since 2015 brand new and I can get the Eddie Van Halen Brown noise, I can get just about any sound, making all of my guitar sounds so much better
There are some awesome amps out right now! I don't know, maybe it just feels that way since I had been on the market for a new one. This Marshall sounds amazing, great demo too. I went with the Boss Katana. For the first time in a very long time I've landed on an SS amp that I feel is better than my trusty peavey studio pro. The Katana, with its built in effects, is just a marvel imho. Nice & light too! But those effects just sound killer. Sorry, I know it's a Marshall vid. I'd definitely go for this amp if I had a need for it (or didn't live in a townhome, which is not amp friendly when your kind neighbors are elderly - just sayin').
I have the BOSS Katana 100w. I have been using it exclusively for a couple years, both at home and live. It has a great sound. It cuts through the mix and is EASILY loud enough to keep up with a loud drummer. The difference, though, when I bought the DSL, was that it just cuts through a lot better, and sounds THICKER in the mix. Also, I used to get high-end feedback with the Katana that was hard to dial out when playing heavier stuff (I'm in an 80s hair metal tribute band) and with the Marshall I just don't get that.
Also, with the Katana, if you added too many mids it almost made my guitars sound too "throaty" in a way that made weirder chords sound almost out-of-tune...and then turning the mids down obviously sacrificed some thickness and presence in the mix. anyone else experienced this?
Again, Katana, KILLER amp. But the Marshall is just a tiny bit better in a noticeable way. It definitely made me a more honest player. Definitely have to earn the sound with the Marshall. Any mistakes, and they cut through too! It has that "feel" that everyone talks about when they proclaim their love for tube amps. Hate to be your "basic: tube snob but it's honestly true. You have to earn the tone with chops and volume but once the natural tube compression and warmth kicks in, you can FEEL the strings almost pressing back against your fingers, and the sound just pulses through your veins up to your brain, making you one with the instrument. The Katana just didn't do that for me.
My solution now is to practice on the Katana at home and take the Marshall out for gigs with the Katana as my trusty backup and I think it's a GREAT setup.
Ronnie, not that you care, but just for giggles, my Son bought this exact Marshall amp right? I did not know that, just assumed that he had the Blackstar he had already. I live in Thailand, bought him an Ibanez Guitar here, Steve Vai model, brought it home to Calif to him a few months back. He has a Fender Strat, Gibson Les Paul, Jackson and an Epiphone. I went into "Guitar showcase" back home. Was just looking around, started talking to a young guy there. Told him about the Guitar I bought in Bangkok. Cool....made a good choice he said. Ever heard of Boss Katana 100 amp he asked me? Nope. I am just an amateur, plugged the same Guitar in I bought for him and the rest is history. Jesus, both of these amps are just "beasts" to say the least. I had to buy it, price was so good for what you get. My Son said I am one cool Dad LOL! You guys are so lucky living in this technological world these days I tell you. Sounds coming out of these amps are second to none. All the best to all of you guys who play and have Marshalls or Boss Katanas.
Out of all the reviews I've seen on your channel this is the first time I realized you're a fellow lefty (although I play right handed)
EXCELLENT review by the way. Nice to hear it in a band mix.
I use this at home and luckily I live up in Santa Cruz Mtns in Nor Cal but I can crank it if i want but as far as just practicing at home it is great and doesn't have to be super loud
Hey Shane, just bought this Amp mainly due to your recommendations & been loving it, & I found one of the reasons why it has the two Master Volume knobs is because one Master is for your Audio In on the back of the Amp to mix in with your Guitar Volume.
Long time viewer, thanks for this & all your great videos! 🙂👍🏻🎸🇦🇺
Thanks! This is just what I needed. I thought something was wrong with my reverb and I was confused by the master volume controls.
the channel volume is for the preamp. the masters are the power amp. it is different, a fender is like that master on 10 fixed, hence you like it.
I love this amp I bought one 2 weeks ago and haven’t stopped playing it since. I love the classic gain channel which is the only on I play on at the moment. I was going to get the 20w but I decided to go the 40w because of the master volume. 🤘🤘🤘🤘
I've got the same amp, killer tones, very happy with it, nice review mate.
For the clean, master volume maxed, volume of the channel maxed and adjust with gain. Chimey!
Just got mine today and I LOVE it!!! Thanks for the review Shane!!!
Magnifico sonido,con todas las guitarras un maravilloso ampli,y muy buen video demo,gracias
That thunderkiss 65 riff out of nowhere Shane 😂
Best review of this amp I've seen - and one your best vids too.
Awesome vid man, love the summary at the end as well found it really useful! I think the two master volumes are so you can set one louder and switch between them for a boost for solos etc. All in all great review, I need to check one of these out myself!
I just picked up a DSL40c for $400 that was converted from a combo to a mojotone head cab. You can't beat the price. Yrs ago I tried the TSL but the footswitch randomly jumped between channels on its own due to a problem w the multi pinned foot switch. While that's not an issue on the DSL, I don't like the dirt channel anyway. The DSL's magic is the clean channel, especially when driven w a high end dist pedal. It's a solid pedal platform.
I think that the addition of those volumes is to allow for the selection of preamp or poweramp distortion. Poweramp distortion is that really growly sound you get as opposed to the crispier preamp distortion.
So, one thing you'll notice with this amp is a fair amount of the channels are sorta modern sounding. They don't have that vintage vibe...so trying to dial in a warm/punchy mid sound for classic rock, isn't super doable. Or so I thought. It's a Marshall, I'm gonna play some AC/DC on it. But the tone was just not there. Then a smart guy (who does have the old JMPs and was doing his own circuit mods on Origins for that sound) was like "Hey you DSL40CR does a killer AC/DC tone. No mod needed. Just treat it like their amps. All clean channel, dime the gain and crank both the channel volume and the master volume to like 8...use the channel volume to dial it back a little but it needs to be loud. Then use a hard pick and really work those strings hard". I did all that and it was PRIMO AC/DC tone!! That clean channel is warm and buttery smooth in ways the other 3 channels are not. I'm sure swapping to a Creamback 65 speaker (the neo one was lame in it btw) would take it even further! So yeah, full clean with big volume!
I got a used DSL40C it about took my head off the EL34`s were Smokin Hot, the amp sucked, I took out the
70/80 speaker and put in a 65W Cream Back, pulled the board and turned the Bio`s down an 1/8th...baby
we got da blues now" sweet as silk. good reverb and great distortion. bell tones on the clean channel.
I love that marshall mid bump, making it sits very nicely in live a mix :)
When all is said and done, I still believe that you just cannot beat something like a 50w master volume mk 2 or a plain ole Marshall super lead or even a jtm 45, no need for built in this and that and built in whatever that many of us just don't need on our amps, build yourselves a half decent pedal board and you have everything that you'll ever need as a gigging guitarist. This has been a great informative video and is not a criticism of any videos that Shane produces for us.
NO NO NO dude, those master volumes make all the difference. This isnt an old plexi with and added master. This is a newer master volume amp so you can get so many different tones by using the preamp volume and gain to get your tone and then dial in the volume with the masters. Without the masters you cant dial down the preamp gain and volume if you want less gain and a brighter/less full tone cause then your volumes too low but with the masters you can then raise the volume back up. Im sorry but your thinking this amp works like the older style amps that just had a master volume thrown on, those didnt work because the origional amp circuit/amp design didnt account for it. But this amp has tons of gain on tap so you can get good tone at lower levels and then if you want lots of gain at high volume you just dial back the preamp gain and volume and raise the master. Think of the preamp volume as a way to make your tone brighter/thinner or warmer/fuller, the higher the preamp gain the warmer/fuller it is the lower it is the brighter/thinner it is. The preamp gain should also be used in a similar way. Plus AND THIS IS HUGE, having dual master volumes that are programmable to each channel/mode you can make sure your rhythm and lead tones match in level. Your stuck in the old way of thinking master volumes suck out tone because on older amps they did. But new master volume amps are designed around those masters which give you so much more tone/gain shaping possibilitys. Because of those masters this amp can do pretty much any tone/sound you could want and they allow you to be able to sound good at any volume. Your a smart guy but your so wrong here and people are going to see this video and jump on the wagon before they realize what an asset those controls are. NEVER EVER just dime the master on this amp or any new master volume amps and especially dont dime the preamp volume. By doing that you are killing the magic of newer master volume amp designs. Marshall builds these amps to have eq's and volume/gain controls that interact with one another. So if you move one control it changes the others, learning how they work together is what gives you the ability to get tons out of the amp i swear you dont know exist yet. Your missing out on so much. The days of master volumes on tube amps being a bad thing is over, dont push manufacturers back to primitive circuits just because you dont understand something great. Now go take my advice and realize what you were missing. Your welcome.
You're*
@@chrisdee5032 Smh, this again? I was commended every year in school for 2 subjects. One of them was Science the other was English. In college not only did I do my English homework my first year but I also did my Puerto Rican girlfriends as well. If I want to save my self the time it takes to type an apostrophe when im on my phone writing TH-cam comments i think it will be ok. Now if I "ws splling lke dis" then it would make sense to correct me. But im (see how i also didnt put an apostrophe there either?) not am I? So any reasonably intelligent person would use context clues to come to the conclusion i probably know better.
@@michaelinglis8516 So you wrote what can only be described as an essay but decided to save time by leaving out an apostrophe?
@@michaelinglis8516 some people are just retarded Michael don’t worry about it. I’m the same way. If my phone doesn’t automatically throw it in I leave it out 😂
@@chrisdee5032 HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA I love you for this
The second master volumes are for efx loop... you may want to control it separetely AFTER is passes the pre amp
I just bought one about a month ago. I like it alot. I think the clean channel in the crunch mode with the gain about 9:30 materss dimed is almost plexi like. Has beautiful singing sustain. Warnning the first one i got only played for three hours and the output transformer went out. Lets see if this one can go as long as my 40 year old carvin
The 2 master volumes drive the power amp and the other volumes and gains the pre-amp. There are 2 masters both used with all channels, this means with the 6 way footswitch you can use the second master as a boost for lead/solos etc... Great amp and enjoyed your review👍
Amen!!!
Great job Shane!!
The intro was great. Going from guitar to guitar with your tone only varying mildly was pondering in a good way. I'm playing a couple guitars today and I definitely have to consider my settings differently for each.
Great demo. Good for Marshall .
I got the DSL40CR... great amp... I feel it’s reliable... The clean channel is way more warm that I thought (which for me is fantastic!).
Love amp with single EQ for both clean and dirty. Gonna get mine later this month, cant wait !