Marshall MG100FX/MG30FX Manual

MG15FX & MG30FX

MG15FX

MG30FX

1. Input Jack Socket
   Jack input for your guitar. Use a good quality guitar cable (i.e. one that's screened/shielded) to help prevent noise, interference and unwanted feedback.
2. Gain Control
   Controls the amount of signal entering the pre-amp and the amount of distortion created in the selected channel.
3. Clean: Crunch Switch
   Selects between Clean (green) and Crunch (red) channels.
4. Bass Control
   Turning up the Bass control will add warmth and lowend depth to your sound.
5. OD Switch
   Selects between OD1 (green) and OD2 (red) channels.
6. Middle Control
   Adjusting the middle frequencies will vary the amount of body in your sound.
7. Treble Control
   Increasing the Treble will make your sounds brighter and more cutting, turning it down will decrease your tone's edge and make it sound softer as a result.
8. Reverb Control
   This control lets you add a lush reverb to the selected channel, from a subtle hint to cavernous and all points in-between.
9. Volume Control
   Controls the volume of the selected channel.
10. Tap (Manual) Switch
    Matches the delay FX time to the time between two pushes. The LED flashes at the selected delay time. Holding down the Tap switch for longer than 2 seconds switches the amp between manual and preset mode (pg 2). When using the optional footcontroller, holding both the Tap switch and the Store switch will activate the tuner.
11. FX Control
    Selects and adjusts one of four effects - Chorus, Phaser, Flanger & Delay.
12. Store Switch
    Stores the current amp settings into the current channel or into the optional footcontroller. When in manual mode the Store button lights red.
13. Master Control
    Controls the master volume of the amplifier.
14. MP3 Line In Socket
    Jam to your favourite MP3, CD or tape track by connecting the line out or headphone output of your player here. Adjust the volume of your player to match that of your guitar and you've got the perfect 'playalong' practice system.
15. Footcontroller Socket
    ¼" Jack socket for the connection of the optional footcontroller (PEDL-90008).
16. Headphones Socket
    For use when silent practice is the order of the day. Connection of headphones will automatically mute the internal speaker.
17. Power Switch
    The power switch turns your amplifier on and off. A channel switch will light up when your amplifier is turned on and none will be lit when the amplifier is switched off.

Note: The specific mains input voltage rating that your amplifier has been built for is shown on the back panel. Before connecting to the mains electricity supply, always ensure that your amplifier is compatible with your electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please get advice from a qualified technician. Your Marshall dealer will help you in this respect.

Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply before being moved.

MG15FX & MG30FX Overview

Channel Selection

The amplifier has 4 channels - Clean, Crunch, OD1 & OD2.

Pressing the Clean/Crunch switch (3) selects between the Clean (Green Light) and Crunch (Red Light) channels.

Pressing the OD switch (5) selects between the OD1 (Green Light) and OD2 (Red Light) channels.

When moving from an OD channel to a Clean/Crunch channel, the unit remembers the last channel you were in before leaving. E.g. If you have moved from the Crunch Channel to an OD channel and you press the Clean/Crunch switch (3), the amplifier will revert back to the Crunch channel - rather than starting again in the Clean channel.

Modes

The amplifier operates in two modes - Preset and Manual.

To change between these two modes, you must hold the Tap switch (10) down for at least two seconds. When in manual mode the Store switch (12) lights red and the selected channel light (3 or 5) will start to flash.

The amplifier will remember the last mode it was in after power off and revert to it the next time it is powered on.

Preset

This is the factory default operation of the amplifier.

In Preset mode the position of all controls except Master Volume (13) are stored within each channel. Each channel should be considered a preset.

Selecting a channel automatically recalls the settings stored within the channel. Note: The physical position of the front panel controls, except Master Volume (13) which is not storable, will now not match the actual settings of the amplifier. All front panel switches will automatically update.

Altering a control will cause the associated parameter to jump to the current physical position of that control.

When a control is altered the selected channel light (3 or 5) will start to flash indicating that the current preset has been altered.

To store the updated settings, push the Store switch (12).

If you select another channel without pressing Store (12) then any altered settings will be lost as the new channel and its settings are recalled.

Manual

In manual mode the amp's settings always match the physical positions of the controls.

Changing channel only changes the channel, NO presets are recalled, NO other controls are altered.

Pressing Store (12) will store the current settings into the selected channel. These can then be recalled when using the unit in Preset mode.

When channel settings have been stored the current channel light (3 or 5) will stop flashing indicating the preset has been saved.

Reverb & FX

The amplifier provides two simultaneous effects, Reverb and one of four FXs (Chorus, Phaser, Flanger or Delay) Reverb The Reverb control (8) sets the amount of signal sent to the reverb section - allowing the reverb to spill between channels as different presets are recalled. When the Reverb control (8) is set to '0' the reverb is switched off, the status of the reverb is also indicated on the optional footcontroller.

FX

The FX control is split into four segments and selects the type of FX and adjusts its associated settings. When the FX control is set to '0' the FX are switched off, the status of the FX is also indicated on the optional footcontroller.

Tap Tempo

The Tap Tempo switch (10) is used for the Delay effect only.

The Tap Tempo switch matches the delay time to the time between two presses.

The Tap Tempo LED flashes red at the selected/recalled delay time.

The number of repeats is reduced as the delay time decreases.

If you change from a channel with delay to one without delay the effect will spill between channels.

If you change from a channel with delay to a channel with delay set to a different delay time the delay effect will not spill between channels.

MP3 / Line In

The 3.5mm MP3 / Line In socket (14) allows the connection of an external audio source e.g. MP3 or CD player.

Headphones

The 3.5mm Headphones socket (16) allows the connection of a pair of headphones. When a jack is inserted into the headphones socket the unit's speaker is muted.

Power

The Power switch (17) turns the amplifier on and off. If current settings have not been stored they will be lost.

Restoring Settings

ALL AMP & FOOTCONTROLLER SETTINGS WILL BE LOST

To restore the unit to factory settings (see handbook rear cover) you must hold the Store switch (12) while powering on the unit. The Clean/Crunch (3) and OD (5) lights will light orange. You can then release the Store switch (12).

Resetting the amplifier will erase all user Channel presets and all user Footcontroller settings, replacing them with the factory presets.

MG15FX Technical Specification

MG30FX Technical Specification

MG50FX / MG100FX

Rear panel shows MG50FX combo - MG100FX combo has the same features
MG100HFX head is identical except features two loudspeaker sockets

1. Input Jack Socket
   Jack input for your guitar. Use a good quality guitar cable (i.e. one that's screened/shielded) to help prevent noise, interference and unwanted feedback.
2. Gain Control
   Controls the amount of signal entering the pre-amp and the amount of distortion created in the selected channel.
3. Clean: Crunch Switch
   Selects between Clean (green) and Crunch (red) channels.
4. Bass Control
   Turning up the Bass control will add warmth and lowend depth to your sound.
5. OD Switch
   Selects between OD1 (green) and OD2 (red) channels.
6. Middle Control
   Adjusting the middle frequencies will vary the amount of body in your sound.
7. Treble Control
   Increasing the Treble will make your sounds brighter and more cutting, turning it down will decrease your tone's edge and make it sound softer as a result.
8. Rev Switch
   This control lets you add a lush reverb to the selected channel, from a subtle hint to cavernous and all points in-between.
9. Reverb Control
   This control lets you add a lush reverb to the selected channel, from a subtle hint to cavernous and all points in-between.
10. Volume Control
    Controls the volume of the selected channel.
11. FX Switch
    Switches the FX section (Modulation and Delay) on and off.
12. Mod Control
    Selects and adjusts one of three modulation effects Chorus, Phaser & Flanger.
13. Tap Switch
    Matches the delay FX time to the time between two pushes. The LED flashes at selected delay time.
14. Delay Control
    Controls the amount of signal sent to the delay effect.
15. Ext FX Switch
    Switches the external FX Loop on and off.
16. Master Control
    Controls the master volume of the amplifier.
17. Damping (Manual) Switch
    Switches the power amp damping between classic amp feeling (LED off) and modern response (LED on). Holding down the Damping switch for longer than 2 seconds switches the amp between manual and preset mode.
    When using the footcontroller, holding both the Damping switch and the Store switch will activate the tuner.
18. Headphones / Line Out Socket
    3.5mm headphones / Line out.
19. Store Switch
    Stores the current amp settings into the current channel or into the footcontroller. When in manual mode the Store button lights red.
20. Power Switch
    The power switch turns your amplifier on and off. A channel switch will light up when your amplifier is turned on and none will be lit when the amplifier is switched off.
    Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply before being moved.
21. Mains Input Connector
    Your amp is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, which is connected here. The specific mains input voltage rating that your amplifier has been built for is indicated on the back panel. Before connecting for the first time, please ensure that your amplifier is compatible with your electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please get advice from a qualified technician. Your Marshall dealer will help you in this respect.
    The correct value of mains fuse located in the small drawer at the bottom of the mains socket is specified on the rear panel of the amplifier. The drawer contains a space for a spare fuse. NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse or fit one of the incorrect value!
22. Footcontroller Socket
    Jack socket for the connection of the footcontroller.
23. Loudspeaker Output(s) Socket
    The MG50FX, MG100FX combos have 1 loudspeaker output and the MG100HFX head has 2 loudspeaker outputs.
    Always use a non-screened Marshall approved speaker lead when connecting an extension cabinet to these amplifiers.
24. MP3 Line In Socket
    Jam to your favourite MP3, CD or tape track by connecting the line out or headphone output of your player here. Adjust the volume of your player to match that of your guitar and you've got the perfect 'playalong' practice system.
25. Return Socket
    Connect to the output of an external effects processor or pedal here.
26. Send Socket
    Connect to the input of an external effects processor or pedal here.

Technical Specifications

MG50FX Combo

MG100FX 1X12" Combo (MG101FX)

MG100FX 2x12" Combo (MG102FX)

MG100HFX Head

MG50FX & MG100FX / MG100HFX Overview

Channel Selection

The amplifier has 4 channels - Clean, Crunch, OD1 & OD2.

Pressing the Clean/Crunch switch (3) selects between the Clean (Green Light) and Crunch (Red Light) channels.

Pressing the OD switch (5) selects between the OD1 (Green Light) and OD2 (Red Light) channels.

When moving from an OD channel to a Clean/Crunch channel, the unit remembers the last channel you were in before leaving. E.g. If you have moved from the Crunch Channel to an OD channel and you press the Clean/Crunch switch (3), the amplifier will revert back to the Crunch channel - rather than starting again in the Clean channel.

Modes

The amplifier operates in two modes - Preset and Manual.

To change between these two modes, you must hold the Damping switch (17) down for at least two seconds. When in manual mode the Store switch (19) lights red and the selected channel light (3 or 5) will start to flash.

The amplifier will remember the last mode it was in after power off and revert to it the next time it is powered on.

Preset

This is the factory default operation of the amplifier.

In Preset mode the position of all controls except Master Volume (16) are stored within each channel. Each channel should be considered a preset.

Selecting a channel automatically recalls the settings stored within the channel. Note: The physical position of the front panel controls, except Master Volume (16) which is not storable, will now not match the actual settings of the unit. All front panel switches will automatically update.

Altering a control will cause the associated parameter to jump to the current physical position of that control.

When a control is altered the selected channel light (3 or 5) will start to flash indicating that the current preset has been altered.

To store the updated settings, push the Store switch (19).

If you select another channel without pressing Store (19) then any altered settings will be lost as the new channel and its settings are recalled.

Manual

In manual mode the amps settings always match the physical positions of the controls.

Changing channel only changes the channel, NO presets are recalled, NO other controls are altered.

Pressing Store (19) will store the current settings into the selected channel. These can then be recalled when using the unit in Preset mode.

When channel settings have been stored the current channel light (3 or 5) will stop flashing indicating the preset has been saved.

Reverb & FX

The amplifier provides three simultaneous effects, Reverb, Delay and one of three Modulation effects (Chorus, Phaser, or Flanger).

Reverb

The Reverb control sets the amount of signal sent to the reverb section - allowing the reverb to spill between channels as different presets are recalled. The Rev switch (8) switches the reverb effect on and off, the status of the reverb is also indicated on the footcontroller.

FX

The FX section consists of two effects, Delay and Modulation. The FX section can be globally turned on and off via the FX switch (11).

Delay

The Delay control (14) sets the amount of signal sent to the delay section. When the Delay control (14) is set to '0' the delay is switched off.

Modulation

The Mod control (12) is split into three segments and selects the type of modulation effects and adjusts its associated settings. When the Mod control (12) is set to '0' the modulation effects are switched off.

Tap Tempo

The Tap Tempo switch (13) is used for the Delay effect only.

The Tap Tempo switch matches the delay time to the time between two presses.

The Tap Tempo LED flashes red at the selected/recalled delay time.

The number of repeats is reduced as the delay time decreases.

If you change from a channel with delay to one without delay the effect will spill between channels.

If you change from a channel with delay to a channel with delay set to a different delay time the delay effect will not spill between channels.

MP3 / Line In

The 3.5mm MP3 / Line In socket (24) on the rear panel allows the connection of an external audio source e.g. MP3 or CD player.

Headphones & Line Out

The 3.5mm Headphones socket (18) allows the connection of a pair of headphones. When a jack is inserted into the headphones socket the unit's speaker is muted.

Additionally the Headphones socket (18) can also be used as a Line Out to send the signal to an external equipment e.g. A computer, digital recorder or mixer. When a jack is inserted into the socket the unit's speaker is muted providing 'silent recording'. The unit's output can then be monitored directly from the external equipment used.

Damping

The Damping switch (17) selects between the two modes of power amp damping. When Damping is off (LED off), the power amp response resembles the feel of a classic power amp with emphasized middle and limited bass and treble. Switching Damping on (LED on) will boost the speaker resonances both in the bass and high frequency ranges.

FX Loop

The FX Return socket (25) on the rear panel is used to connect the OUTPUT of the effects processor or pedal you are using in the effects loop.

The FX loop is series and set at instrument level so both guitar FX or professional units can be connected.

The FX Send socket (26) on the rear panel is used to connect to the INPUT of the unit you are using in the effects loop.

The FX loop is switched on and off via the Ext FX switch (15) on the front panel.

Loudspeaker

ALWAYS USE A NON-SCREENED MARSHALL APPROVED SPEAKER LEAD WHEN CONNECTING AN EXTENSION CABINET TO THESE AMPLIFIERS.

MG50FX
The single Loudspeaker socket (22) is used to connect either the internal speaker or an external speaker cabinet to the unit's power amp. When using external cabinets ensure the total load impedance is equal to, or exceeds, 8 ohms.

MG100FX 1x12" & 2x12" Combos
The single Loudspeaker socket (22) is used to connect either the internal speaker or an external speaker cabinet to the unit's power amp. When using external cabinets ensure the total load impedance is equal to, or exceeds, 4 ohms.

MG100HFX Head
The two Loudspeaker sockets are used to connect to 1 or 2 external cabinets. When using external cabinets ensure the total load impedance is equal to, or exceeds, 4 ohms.

Power

The Power switch (20) turns the amplifier on and off. If current settings have not been stored they will be lost.

Restoring Settings

ALL AMP & FOOTSWITCH SETTINGS WILL BE LOST

To restore the unit to factory settings (see handbook rear cover) you must hold the Store switch (19) while powering on the amplifier. The Clean/Crunch (3) and OD (5) lights will light orange. You can then release the Store switch (19).

Resetting the amplifier will erase all user Channel presets and all user Footcontroller settings, replacing them with the factory presets.

Footcontroller (optional - PEDL-90008)

1. Footswitches
   Each footswitch can be assigned a different stored function.
2. LED Status Panel
   This always reflects the current status of the amplifier or tuner details:
   • CLN & OD: Current Channel
   • REV: Reverb On/Off
   • FX: FX Section On / Off
   • Ext FX: External FX Loop On/Off (MG50FX & MG100FX)
   • Damp: Damping Mode (MG50FX & MG100FX)
   • Tap: Tap Tempo speed.
3. Digital Display
   This display indicates the various functions of the footcontroller.

Footcontroller Factory Settings

Footswitch 1: Clean: Crunch Switch
Footswitch 2: Overdrive Switch
Footswitch 3: Tap Tempo Switch
Footswitch 4: Tuner

Programming

The footswitch can be programmed to store front panel switches (Switch Store) or complete presets (Preset Store). Switch Store To assign a front panel switch to a Footswitch (1), press and hold the front panel switch and while held down press the Footswitch (1) you wish to assign it to.

The Digital Display (3) will swirl to show that the footswitch has been assigned. You can then release the footswitch and front panel switch.

Preset Store

To assign a preset to a Footswitch (1), select the required channel and modify the front panel controls if required, press and hold the Store switch on the front panel and while held down, press your chosen Footswitch (1).

The Digital Display (3) will swirl to show that the footswitch has been assigned. You can then release the footswitch and Store switch. Footcontroller Presets are independent of the dedicated Channel presets stored within the amplifier. This allows you to create a number of presets based on the same channel/pre-amp setting.

When either a Channel preset or Footswitch preset has been altered the Digital Display (3) will begin to flash. The footcontroller will flash the relevant number if a Footswitch preset has been altered or will flash a "-" if a Channel preset has been altered.

Pressing only the Store switch at this point will overwrite the altered Channel or Footswitch preset.

To store an altered Channel preset to the Footswitch instead, hold the Store switch and while held down, press your chosen Footswitch (1) - Just like a normal Preset Store.

To store an altered Footswitch Preset to another Footswitch hold the Store switch and while held down, press your chosen Footswitch (1) - Just like a normal Preset Store.

Digital Display

When recalling a footswitch preset, the Digital Display (3) will indicate which footswitch number has been pressed.

If a Channel preset has been recalled the Digital Display (3) will remain blank.

When either a Channel preset or Footswitch preset has been altered the Digital Display (3) will begin to flash. The footswitch will flash the relevant number if a Footswitch preset has been altered or will flash a "-" if a Channel preset has been altered.

Tuner

The Tuner can be accessed in two ways:

MG15FX & MG30FX

By simultaneously pushing the Tap (10) and Store (12) switches on the front panel or by assigning the Tuner to the footswitch. Note: On factory reset / first switch on, the Tuner is already assigned to Footswitch number 4.

Assigning the Tuner to a footswitch is carried out like any other Switch Store. To assign the Tuner to the footswitch hold down the Tap (10) and Store (12) switches and press the chosen footswitch you wish to assign it to. The Digital Display (3) will swirl to show that the footswitch has been assigned. You can then release the footswitch and front panel switch.

MG50FX & MG100FX

By simultaneously pushing the Damping (17) and Store (19) switches on the front panel or by assigning the Tuner to the footswitch. Note: On factory reset / first switch on, the Tuner is already assigned to Footswitch number 4.

Assigning the Tuner to a footswitch is carried out like any other Switch Store. To assign the Tuner to the footswitch hold down the Damping (17) and Store (19) switches and press the chosen footswitch you wish to assign it to. The Digital Display (3) will swirl to show that the footswitch has been assigned. You can then release the footswitch and front panel switch.

For all amplifiers, when entering Tuner mode the unit mutes and Clean: Crunch (3) and OD (5) switches light yellow.

The Digital Display (3) indicates the closest current note being played. The indicator dot on the lower right hand corner shows if the current closest note is #.

The LED Status Panel (2) is used to show how far away from the closest note the current note being played is. When the central FX Status LED lights, it indicates the correct tuning, with the others progressively indicating the tuning is up to 50 cents up or down.

To exit the Tuner push any footswitch, the amplifier will then exit returning to the settings before entering.

Marshall Factory Presets

Clean: pure guitar tone with a touch of chorus + reverb

Crunch: low gain bluesy tone with subtle reverb

OD1: raw heavy crunch, no effects

OD2: high gain solo, reverb + delay

Compliance

* EUROPE ONLY Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC Directive 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 MG15FX is 2.5 amps.
The Peak Inrush current for the MG30FX is 5 amps.

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 the 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.

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Marshall Amplification plc
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 Amplification plc reserve the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

BOOK-900025-00 / 11 / 08