Marshall DSL20CR & DSL20HR - Dual Super Lead Amplifier Manual

INTRODUCTION

The DSL provides the legendary Marshall tone, allowing you to express your distinct playing style and attitude.

From clean to distorted overdrives, the DSL 20 is a versatile all valve amp that allows you to easily dial in the sound you desire.

This DSL amplifier not only delivers the tone you expect from a Super Lead amplifier it is also packed with an array of features such as an effects loop, power reduction and studio quality digital reverb. Right out of the box your DSL provides you with the functionality you need to take your sound from rehearsal to the studio with confidence.

Your DSL amplifier has been designed specifically for those who need the full rich tone of a valve amp in a compact and portable format. This makes the amp ideal for a live environment, studio or at home thanks to the power reduction system.

OVERVIEW

The DSL 20 Head and DSL 20 Combo feature the same functions. The combo is equipped with a 12" Celestion Seventy-80 speaker chosen for its ability to deliver exceptional tone and flexibility.

The DSL features two foot switchable channels: CLASSIC GAIN and ULTRA GAIN.

The CLASSIC GAIN channel can deliver sparkling clean sounds through to the more aggressive break-up of a Marshall JCM800 amplifier. The ULTRA GAIN channel provides even more distortion and break-up for players looking for high gain tone from their amplifier.

Both channels share a passive three-band EQ, with BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE controls. The EQ section also features Tone Shift, which when activated reconfigures the pre-amp mid frequencies making DSL ideal for contemporary metal tones, especially when combined with higher gain settings.

The DSL 20 features professional quality digital REVERB and a series FX LOOP. The LOW POWER function adds a further dimension to the DSL sound, giving you rich valve tone at an ear-friendly volume.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Before going any further, make sure that your amplifier is compatible with your mains electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please seek help from a qualified technician – your Marshall dealer can help you in this respect.

MAINS INPUT & FUSE

The specific mains input voltage rating that your amplifier has been manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel of the amplifier. Your amplifier is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, which should be connected to the MAINS INPUT socket on the rear panel of the amplifier (Rear Panel Function #16). The correct value and type of mains fuse is specified on the rear panel of the amplifier.

NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse or fit one of the incorrect value or type.

TRANSPORTING YOUR EQUIPMENT

Please ensure that your amplifier is switched off, unplugged from the mains electricity supply and all removable cables have been disconnected from your equipment before attempting to move it.

IMPORTANT SET UP INFORMATION

1. When using the DSL20HR, or the DSL20CR with an extension speaker cabinet(s), make sure that the speaker cabinet(s) is connected to the correct impedance loudspeaker jack socket(s) on the rear panel of the amplifier. See the LOUDSPEAKERS guide in this manual for specific information regarding impedance matching (Rear Panel Function #22).
   
   Failure to do the above may damage your amplifier. When connecting a speaker cabinet make sure that you use a proper speaker cable. Never use a screened (shielded) guitar cable for this purpose.
2. Ensure that the POWER switch is set to the OFF position (Front Panel Function #15).
3. Ensure the OUTPUT switch is in the STANDBY position (Front Panel Function #14).
4. Connect the supplied mains (power) lead into the MAINS INPUT (Rear Panel Function #16) first and then into an electricity outlet.
5. Ensure that the volume controls on the front panel are set to zero (Front Panel Functions #3 & #6).
6. Plug your guitar into the INPUT jack socket (Front Panel Function #1).
7. Switch the amplifier ON using the POWER switch, wait for a few minutes and then switch the OUTPUT switch to either the LOW or HIGH position.
8. Turn the front panel POWER switch on and wait for a few minutes before going to point 9.
9. Turn the selected channel volume up to your preferred level and your amplifier is ready to play.

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE PLUGGING IN.

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND HEED ALL WARNINGS.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS

1. INPUT
   Input jack socket for your guitar cable. Use a good quality screened/shielded guitar cable to help prevent noise interference.

CLASSIC GAIN CHANNEL

2. GAIN
   Controls the gain level for the CLASSIC GAIN channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound.
3. VOLUME
   Controls the volume level for the CLASSIC GAIN channel.
4. CHANNEL SELECT
   Press to switch between CLASSIC GAIN and ULTRA GAIN channels.
   The CLASSIC GAIN channel status LED will light green to indicate that CLASSIC GAIN channel is selected.
   The ULTRA GAIN channel status LED will light red to indicate the ULTRA GAIN channel is selected.
   Note: Channels can be selected using the supplied 2-way footswitch.

ULTRA GAIN CHANNEL

5. GAIN
   Controls the gain level for the ULTRA GAIN channel. As the amount of gain increases, so will the distortion level in your sound.
6. VOLUME
   Controls the volume level of the ULTRA GAIN channel.

EQUALISATION SECTION

7. TONE SHIFT
   Reconfigures the preamp EQ network's mid frequencies adding a new dimension to tonal shaping.
8. TREBLE
   Controls higher frequencies of your sound. Turning clockwise will increase the highs making your sound brighter and more crisp.
9. MIDDLE
   Controls the middle register of your sound. Turning clockwise adds girth. Turning anticlockwise reduces the middle frequencies 'scooping' the sound – this is accentuated when used in conjunction with Tone Shift (Front Panel Function #7).
10. BASS
    Controls the amount of lower frequency, or bottom-end, in your sound. Turning clockwise will increase the bottom-end making the sound fuller.
    Tonal Note: The preamp EQ network is dynamic and highly interactive. Please note that because of this, altering the setting of one control can change the way that the other controls behave – experiment to find your sound.
11. PRESENCE
    Controls the amount of higher frequency content in your sound. Turn clockwise to add bite for a more cutting tone. PRESENCE is an power-stage function and acts independently of the preamp EQ network.
12. RESONANCE
    Controls the amount of lower frequency content in your sound. Turning this control clockwise adds a resonant bass boost, increasing bottom end. RESONANCE is a power-stage function and acts independently of the preamp EQ network.
13. REVERB
    Controls the overall REVERB level.
14. OUTPUT
    This three position rocker switch combines STB (standby) and HIGH/ LOW output power functions. The output stage and power control for this amplifier has been designed to deliver the optimum tonal performance at all power levels. The HIGH and LOW output functions allow the user to choose between two configurations of the internal power supply. These two configurations give the choice between two output power levels, but ensure that the output valves behave in the same way for both. This means the amplifier can be put into LOW power mode without compromising on tone.
    HIGH: This is the 20 Watt high power setting.
    STB (standby): This is used in conjunction with the mains POWER switch (Front Panel Function #15). When powering up, always switch mains POWER on first, leaving the OUTPUT switch in the STB (standby) position. Standby mode should also be used to mute the amp during breaks in performances to avoid stress to the valves of the amplifier.
    LOW: This is the 10 Watt low power setting.
15. POWER
    Mains power switch.

REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS

16. MAINS INPUT
    Connects the amplifier to the mains electricity supply.
    Note: The MAINS INPUT socket has an integrated fuse compartment. Ensure that the value of a replacement fuse matches the labelling on the amplifier rear panel. You MUST ALWAYS switch the amplifier OFF and disconnect it from the mains electricity supply before attempting to access the fuse compartment. If in doubt, contact your Marshall dealer.
17. FX LOOP RETURN
    Connect the output of an external FX pedal or processor.
18. FX LOOP SEND
    Connect the input of an external FX pedal or processor.
19. F/S
    Connect the supplied 2-way CHANNEL and FX LOOP footswitch here (PEDL90012).
20. AUDIO IN
    Connect an external device here for practice or to jam along with music.
21. EMULATED OUT
    Frequency compensated line level output for headphones or for connection to a mixer. The DSL is equipped with a high quality emulated output using Softube-designed studio cabinet emulation. This ensures that your headphone and output signal from this socket provide the best possible tone for practice or recording.
    Note: For silent recording via EMULATED OUT set the OUTPUT switch to STB (Front Panel Function #14).
    
    Using EMULATED OUT does not omit the need for a speaker load to be connected (See Rear Panel Function #22).
22. LOUDSPEAKERS
    There are three speaker cabinet output jack sockets available. They are labelled according to the intended impedances:
    • 1 x 16 OHM: Connect a single 16 Ohm speaker cabinet to this jack.
    • 1 x 8 OHM or 2 x 16 OHM: Connect a single 8 Ohm speaker cabinet or two 16 Ohm speaker cabinets.

Although the amplifier has three speaker outputs, never attempt to connect more speaker cabinets than rated. The safe combinations are: 1 x 8 Ohm speaker cabinet, 2 x16 Ohm speaker cabinets or 1 x 16 Ohm speaker cabinet. Any other speaker cabinet configuration may stress the power amplifier section and in extreme cases may lead to valve and/or output transformer failure. NEVER use DSL20HR or DSL20CR without a speaker load.