DSL 40C

40 Watt Combo

DSL 100H
100 Watt Head

Dual Super Lead, All-Valve Amps with Reverb

Owners Manual

Overview
The mindset behind the DSL100H is a simple one and obviously identical to that of the original JCM2000 DSL100 head combine the world-renowned EL34 driven powerstage of the 1959 Super Lead Plexi (SLP) 100W head with a dual channel valve preamp, giving you two footswitchable Super Leads in one. Then, for good measure, add a built-in, studio-quality, digital spring Reverb plus extra preamp gain that can take you into JCM800 2203 territory and far beyond it. Hence the name DSL Dual Super Lead. The DSL40C is the same exact beast except in a 40-Watt, 1x12" combo form, housing a custom-voiced Celestion speaker. Both amps feature two footswitchable channels (footswitch supplied) named Classic Gain and Ultra Gain each with two modes, selectable via a front-panel button. As their names imply, each channel has a very different character. Classic Gain takes you from a 1959 style clean to the snarl of a JCM800 2203, and everything in-between, via its Clean/ Crunch mode button. Ultra Gain, on the other hand, takes you from a hot-rodded 2203 vibe to an even higher gain response with additional mid-boost, via its Lead 1/Lead 2, mode switch. Both channels share a passive three-band EQ with controls for Bass, Middle and Treble. The Equalisation section also features a Tone Shift button which, when activated (pushed in), shifts out the mid frequencies making the amp ideal for brutal, modern metal tones, especially when combined with high gain settings. Each channel also has its own individual Reverb level control for the built-in studio quality digital spring reverb, This effect can be switched on/off via the supplied footswitch. Both amps power section features controls for Resonance and Presence. Resonance adds a variable bass boost to your sound without muddying it up, while the Presence adds high end. The ability to select either full output power or half-power via the Pentode/Triode switch on the rear panel, adds further to your DSLs already impressive feature set. The all-round tonal and gain versatility makes both the DSL100H & DSL40C superb and exible performance tools for todays most demanding playing situations and you can rest assured it is packed full of our famed Marshall tone. The ability to select either full output power or half-power via the Pentode/Triode switch on the rear panel, adds further to your DSLs already impressive feature set. Enjoy your DSL amp and please read this handbook carefully before plugging in.

ENGLISH

From JIM MARSHALL I would like to personally thank and congratulate you for selecting one of our Dual Super Lead, all-valve DSL100H heads or DSL40C combos. Since I started Marshall Amplication in 1962 I have witnessed some incredible breakthroughs and advances in amplier design technology. These include, switchable channels, Master Volume, Reverb, MIDI technology, speaker emulation and digital effects processing, to name just a few. These may seem like every day features nowadays but this certainly wasnt always the case. However, the same values that were present in the rst Marshalls are still here today, that is, solid workmanship, reliability, iconic looks and above all great Marshall tone. As you may know, when the JCM2000 Dual Super Lead series of amps was rst introduced in 1997, we were delighted to see them get a fantastic reaction from guitar players and also the press. In fact one of the biggest American guitar magazines described the DSL100 as The best Marshall ever? It combines the best tonal qualities and features of both modern and vintage Marshall amps in one package. Better still, when the world renowned magazine, Guitar Player, reviewed the DSL100 it printed The Ultimate Marshall? as a subheading on their June 1997 cover. After a very successful life, the JCM2000 series was replaced by the JVM series in 2007, which has also gone onto great success and critical acclaim. That said, there is still a great deal of respect and demand for the DSLs with one of the UKs most popular guitar magazines recently referring to the DSL100 as the go-to rock amp. As a result of public demand, I have decided to introduce four affordable ampliers based on the popular DSL100, two of which are featured in this manual: a 100-Watt head the DSL100H, and a 40-Watt combo the DSL40C. In addition to their new names, these EL34 powered beauties both boast the same exact front panel features and functions. They also include a variable Resonance control (as opposed to the xed off or on Deep switch on the original) and a fresh, modern look, while remaining true to the great tones that made the original DSL100 such a popular amp. I would like to wish you every success with all of your musical endeavours and also your DSL amp, which I know will provide you with great tones and playing pleasure for many years to come. Welcome to the Marshall family! Yours Sincerely,

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Warning: Before going any further, make sure that your amplier is compatible with your electrical supply. If you have any doubt, please seek help from a qualied technician your Marshall dealer can help you in this respect. Mains Input & Fuse: Your amplier is provided with either a detachable mains (power) lead which should be connected to the mains input socket on the rear panel of the amplier or a xed mains (power) lead attached to the rear of the amplier. The specic mains input voltage rating that your amplier has been manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel of the amplier. The correct value and type of mains fuse for valve ampliers is specied on the rear panel of the amplier. NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse or t one of the incorrect value or type. Transporting your equipment: Please ensure that your amplier is switched off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply and that all removable cables have been disconnected from your equipment before attempting to move it. Important set up information: 1.  Make sure that the cabinet(s)/speakers, where appropriate, are connected to the correct impedance LOUDSPEAKER jack(s) on the rear panel of the amplier. See the Speaker Output guides in this handbook, if applicable, for specic information regarding impedance matching. When using an extension cabinet make sure that you are using a proper speaker cable. Never use a screened (shielded) guitar cable for this purpose. WARNING! Failure to do any of the above may damage your amplier. 2. Ensure that the VOLUME controls on the front panel are set to zero. 3.  For ampliers provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, connect the supplied mains (power) lead into the MAINS INPUT on the rear panel rst and then into an electrical outlet. 4. Plug your guitar into the INPUT jack socket on the front panel. 5. Turn the front panel POWER switch on and, if a valve amplier, wait a couple of minutes before going to point 6, other wise go to point 7. 6. After waiting engage the STANDBY switch (see Front Panel Features for full explanation). 7. Turn the volumes up to your preferred level and your amp is ready to play. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC Directive EUROPE ONLY Note: (Environments E1, E2, and E3 EN 55103-1/2) and the Low Voltage Directive in the E.U. EUROPE ONLY Note: The Peak Inrush current for the DSL100H is 44A and the DSL40C is 27A. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Jim Marshall

DSL40C Front Panel Controls & Switches (from Left to Right)

INPUT
2

GAIN
4 6 C n Clean Crunch C h 2 8

VOLUME
4 6 8 0 10 Channel Select 2 0 4

GAIN
6 8 10 Lead L 1 Lead 2 L 2

VOLUME
4 6 8 2 0 10

TREBLE
4 6 8 2 0 10

MIDDLE
4 6 8 2 0 10

BASS
4 6 8 0 10 Tone Shift

PRESENCE
4 2 0 10 6

RESONANCE
4 8 2 0 10 6 8 2

CLASSIC
4 6 8 2 0 10

ULTRA
4 6 8 0 10

OFF

POWER
OFF

Technical Specication Power (RMS) Valves DSL40C 40W 4 x ECC83 2 x EL34 2 1 x 12" 22.85 621 490 252

10

DSL 40C
ON ON

CLASSIC GAIN

ULTRA GAIN

EQUALISATION

REVERB

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

1. INPUT Input jack socket for guitar cable. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL 2. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL CONTROL Controls the Gain level for the Classic Gain channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound. 3. CLEAN/CRUNCH MODE SELECT BUTTON The Classic Gain channel features two modes Clean and Crunch. With the button pressed in, the Clean mode is reminiscent of an early 1959 Plexi Super Lead head and, depending on the Gain setting (2) will take you from clean to a Plexi style crunch. With the button pressed out, the Crunch mode gives you a JCM800 2203 style grind. 4. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL Controls the volume level for the Classic Gain channel. 5. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL LED This LED lights-up green to indicate that the Classic Gain channel has been selected. 6. CHANNEL GAIN SELECTION BUTTON Selects Ultra Gain channel when pushed in, and the Classic Gain channel when out. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL 7. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL LED This LED lights-up red to indicate that the Ultra Gain channel has been selected. 8. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL CONTROL Controls the Gain level for the Ultra Gain channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound. 9. LEAD 1/LEAD 2 BUTTON The Ultra Gain channel features two selectable modes Lead 1 & Lead 2. Lead 1 (button out) gives an open, high-gain crunch, with traditional Marshall characteristics, similar to a hot-rodded JCM 800 2203. Lead 2 (button in) produces a mid-boosted tone with even higher gain possibilities. 10. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL Controls the volume level for the Ultra Gain channel. EQUALISATION SECTION 11. TREBLE CONTROL Controls the high frequencies of the guitar tone, making your guitar sound brighter when it is turned clockwise.

12. MIDDLE CONTROL This controls the middle register of your guitars sound. Turning this up will make your guitar sound fatter, while turning it down will result in a sharper, scooped tone especially when used in conjunction with the Tone Shift button. 13. BASS CONTROL Controls the amount of bottom end (low frequencies) in your tone. 14. TONE SHIFT BUTTON The Tone Shift recongures the tone network adding a new dimension to passive tone shaping. When the button is pushed in and the Middle control (12) is turned down, the result is an aggressive, scoopedmid sound, ideal for many modern metal styles. 15. PRESENCE CONTROL Turning this control clockwise adds higher frequencies to your guitar tone, creating crispness and bite and making the sound more cutting and in your face. This control works within the powerstage. 16. RESONANCE CONTROL Turning this control clockwise adds a resonant bass boost to your sound, increasing bottom end thud whilst making your tone fatter around that allimportant low end. This control also works within the powerstage. REVERB SECTION 17. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL REVERB CONTROL Controls the Reverb level on the Classic Gain channel. 18. ULTRA CHANNEL REVERB CONTROL Controls the Reverb level on the Ultra Gain channel. POWER SECTION 19. STANDBY SWITCH Controls H.T. or high voltage to the valves, allowing them to attain correct working temperature before playing. NOTE 1: To prolong the life of the valves it is always advisable to switch on the Mains Power Switch (20) about 2 minutes before switching on the Standby (19). NOTE 2: On powering your amp down, the Standby should always be switched off before the Power Switch is. NOTE 3: The standby facility is particularly useful before playing, when changing guitars and between sets as it allows you to keep the valves operating at a functional temperature without any sound being produced.

20. POWER SWITCH On/Off switch for mains power to the amplier.

Channels Speaker Weight (kg) Dimensions (mm) W H D

ENGLISH

DSL40C Rear Panel Features (from Left to Right)

8&9

1. MAINS INPUT SOCKET WITH MAINS FUSE Your amp is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, which is connected here. The specic mains input voltage rating that your amplier has been manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel. Before connecting for the rst time, please ensure that your amplier is compatible with your electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please seek advice from a qualied technician. Your Marshall dealer will help you in this respect. OUTPUT POWER SELECTION 2. PENTODE/TRIODE SWITCH When Pentode (full power) is selected the amps output capability is the full 40-Watts. When Triode mode (half power) is selected, the amps output is halved to 20-Watts. Triode mode also produces a smoother, less aggressive sound. IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL NOTE: Whenever this switch is used the amp must always be in Standby mode. FX LOOP 3. FX LOOP SEND For connection to the input of an external effects pedal or processor. 4. FX LOOP RETURN For connection from the output of an external effects pedal or processor. 5. FX LOOP SWITCH This switches the DSL40Cs Series FX loop on or off.

FOOTSWITCH 6. FOOTSWITCH JACK For the connection of the supplied 2 button footswitch (PEDL-00009). This allows you to switch between the Classic Gain and Ultra Gain channels (Note: The footswitch overrides the front panel Channel switch) and also switches the Reverb on/off. LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL NOTE: With all-valve ampliers it is imperative that the amp is connected to a load whilst in operation and that the impedance output(s) on the amp matches the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used. Failure to comply with these points will result in damage to the amplier. The DSL40C features three outputs, a dedicated 16 output and two 8 outputs. The DSL40C must not be run into an impedance less than 8. 7. 16 SPEAKER OUTPUT For the connection of a 16 speaker cabinet. It should be noted that when this Speaker Output is in use the remaining Speaker Outputs (8 & 9) are not operational. 8. & 9. 8 SPEAKER OUTPUTS For use when the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used is 8. That is, when using either 1 x 8 cab or 2 x 16 cabs.

ont Panel 680mm x 67.7mm Issue 6 21_9_2011

DSL100H Front Panel Controls & Switches (from Left to Right)

REVERB

EQUALISATION
6 8 2 4 6 8 2 0 10 0 10 4 6 8 Tone Shift 2 0 10 4 6 8 2 0 10 4 6 8 2 0 10 4 6 8 2 0 4

ULTRA GAIN
6 8 10 L Lead 1 L Lead 2 2 0 10 4 6 8 Channel Select 2 0 4

CLASSIC GAIN
6 8 10 Clean C n Crunch C h 2 0 10 4 6 8

Technical Specication DSL100H Power (RMS) 100W Valves 4 x ECC83 4 x EL34 C hannels 2 Weight (kg) 24.2 Dimensions (mm) W 741 H 274 D 242

DSL 100H
POWER
ON

4 2 0

6 8 2 10

10

STANDBY

ON

ULTRA

CLASSIC

RESONANCE

PRESENCE

BASS

MIDDLE

TREBLE

VOLUME

GAIN

VOLUME

GAIN

INPUT

ENGLISH

10

11

12

13

14 15 16

17

18

19

20

POWER SECTION 1. POWER SWITCH On/Off switch for mains power to the amplier. 2. STANDBY SWITCH Controls H.T. or high voltage to the valves, allowing them to attain correct working temperature before playing. NOTE 1: To prolong the life of the valves it is always advisable to switch on the Mains Power Switch (1) about 2 minutes before switching on the Standby (2). NOTE 2: On powering your amp down, the Standby should always be switched off before the Power Switch is. NOTE 3: The standby facility is particularly useful before playing, when changing guitars and between sets as it allows you to keep the valves operating at a functional temperature without any sound being produced. REVERB SECTION 3. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL REVERB CONTROL Controls the Reverb level on the Ultra Gain channel. 4. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL REVERB CONTROL Controls the Reverb level on the Classic Gain channel. EQUALISATION SECTION 5. RESONANCE CONTROL Turning this control clockwise adds a resonant bass boost to your sound, increasing bottom end thud whilst making your tone fatter around that all-important low end. This is a function of the powerstage. 6. PRESENCE CONTROL Turning this control clockwise adds higher frequencies to your guitar tone, creating crispness and bite and making the sound more cutting and in your face. This is also a function of the powerstage. 7. TONE SHIFT BUTTON The Tone Shift recongures the tone network to give a new dimension to passive tone shaping. When the button is pushed in, and the Middle control (9) is turned down, the result is an aggressive, scoopedmid sound, ideal for many modern metal styles. 8. BASS CONTROL Controls the amount of bottom end (low frequencies) in your tone.

9. MIDDLE CONTROL This dictates the middle register of your guitars sound. Turning this up will make your guitar sound fatter, while turning it down will result in a sharper, scooped tone especially when used in conjunction with the Tone Shift button. 10. TREBLE CONTROL Controls the high frequencies of the guitar tone, making your guitar sound brighter when it is turned clockwise. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL 11. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL Controls the volume level for the Ultra Gain channel. 12. LEAD 1/LEAD 2 BUTTON The Ultra channel features two selectable modes Lead 1 & Lead 2. Lead 1 (button out) gives an open, high-gain crunch, with traditional Marshall characteristics, similar to a hot-rodded JCM800 2203. Lead 2 (button in) produces a mid-boosted tone with even higher gain possibilities. 13. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL GAIN CONTROL Controls the Gain level for the Ultra Gain channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound. 14. ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL LED This LED lights-up red to indicate that the Ultra Gain channel has been selected. 15. CHANNEL SELECTION BUTTON Selects Ultra Gain channel when pushed in, and the Classic Gain channel when out. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL 16. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL LED This LED lights-up green to indicate that the Classic Gain channel has been selected. 17. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL Controls the volume level for the Classic Gain channel. 18. CLEAN/CRUNCH BUTTON Just like the Ultra Gain channel, the Classic Gain channel features two modes Clean and Crunch. The Clean mode is reminiscent of an early 1959 Plexi Super Lead head and, depending on the Gain setting (19) will take you from clean to a Plexi style crunch. The Crunch mode gives you a JCM800 2203 style grind.

19. CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL GAIN CONTROL Controls the gain level for the Classic Gain channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound. 20. INPUT Input jack socket for guitar cable.

DSL100H Rear Panel Features (from Left to Right)

1&2

LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL NOTE: With all-valve ampliers it is imperative that the amp is connected to a load whilst in operation and that the impedance output(s) on the amp matches the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used. Failure to comply with these points will result in damage to the amplier. The DSL100H features three outputs, a dedicated 16 output and two 8 outputs. The DSL100H must not be run into an impedance less than 8. 1. & 2. 8 SPEAKER OUTPUTS For use when the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used is 8. That is, when using either single 8 cab or two 16 cabs. 3. 16 SPEAKER OUTPUT For the connection of a 16 speaker cabinet. It should be noted that when this Speaker Output is in use the remaining Speaker Outputs, items 1 and 2, are not operational. FOOTSWITCH 4. FOOTSWITCH JACK For the connection of the supplied 2 button footswitch (PEDL-00009). This allows you to switch between the Classic Gain and Ultra Gain channels and also switches the Reverb on/off. NOTE: The footswitch overrides the front panel Channel switch.

FX LOOP 5. FX LOOP SWITCH This switches the DSL100Hs Series FX loop on or off. 6. FX LOOP RETURN For connection from the output of an external effects pedal or processor. 7. FX LOOP SEND For connection to the input of an external effects pedal or processor. OUTPUT POWER SELECTION 8. PENTODE/TRIODE SWITCH When Pentode (full power) is selected the amps output capability is the full 100-Watts. When Triode mode (half power) is selected, the amps output is halved to 50-Watts. Triode mode also produces a smoother, less aggressive sound. IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL NOTE: Whenever this switch is used the amp must always be in Standby mode. 9. MAINS INPUT SOCKET WITH MAINS FUSE. Your amp is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, which is connected here. The specic mains input voltage rating that your amplier has been manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel. Before connecting for the rst time, please ensure that your amplier is compatible with your electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please seek advice from a qualied technician. Your Marshall dealer will help you in this respect.

Notes

Notes

Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ England Tel : +44 (0)1908 375411 Fax : +44 (0)1908 376118 www.marshallamps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Marshall Amplication plc reserve the right to alter specications without prior notice. BOOK-91009 / 10 / 11