This item runs exclusively on an operating voltage of 230 V and therefore requires a voltage transformer to run in your country of United States.
The Marshall DSL20CR Combo boasts two channels of all-tube circuitry as well as some useful extra features, including an emulated line out for direct recording, an audio input for playing back music from external sources, on-board digital reverb, and an effects loop that allows additional effects to be integrated. The three-band EQ has been upgraded to enhance its effectiveness, while the Tone Shift switch allows modern scooped sounds to be dialled in. Extra signal processing options are provided by the Presence and Resonance controls, which further shape the sound of the 20-watt power stage and its two EL34s. The result is clearly audible through the 12-inch Celestion Seventy-80 speaker – housed in a reassuringly robust and compact enclosure – which delivers outstanding presence throughout the entire sound spectrum.
The preamp stage of the DSL20CR is equipped with three ECC83 tubes and its two channels can be selected either via the front panel or the footswitch that comes included. Channel 1 (Classic Gain) provides a shimmering clean sound at low volume, which is gently compressed from about half-volume upwards and gradually becomes a gritty-sounding breakup when the volume is turned all the way up. Channel 2 (Ultra Gain) picks up where Channel 1 left off and delivers everything from sizzling crunch to high-gain lead with typical Marshall amp dynamics – and can then be further tightened for modern Metal tones using the Tone Shift switch. Both channels have their own volume and gain controls and share an effective three-band EQ, while the Presence and Resonance controls allow precise shaping of the power stage’s tonal response.
To take full advantage of the all-tube circuitry, the DSL20CR features a Low Power switch that reduces the power stage’s output volume by half. In addition to the effects loop, audio input, and foot switch connection, an Emulated Out is also included, which further enhances the output signal using cab simulation developed by Softube. This 3.5mm output can be used to connect headphones or, alternatively, to send the signal directly to an audio interface for high-quality recording. Last but not least, the three speaker outputs allow you to connect external speakers with 8-Ohm or 16-Ohm impedance – should you plan to use the DSL20CR on larger stages.
Marshall, the manufacturer from Milton Keynes in Great Britain, is an indispensable figure in the world of electric guitar. The tube amplifiers of company founder Jim Marshall († 2012) have been writing Rock music history since 1962 with names like Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. The classics of the JTM, JMP, and JCM 800 series are still highly sought-after today, as they shaped the sound of overdriven and distorted electric guitar more than any other product. To this day, the combination of the amp and 4x12" cabinet - the "Marshall stack" - is synonymous with the energy and power of the Rock music genre. Alongside these landmark achievements, however, Marshall has always kept its finger on the pulse of the times and a close eye on the needs of up-and-coming musicians.
With its 20-watt power stage and 12-inch Celestion speaker, the DSL20CR can be used at home, in the rehearsal room, or on smaller stages – and above all, it is an ideal recording companion in the studio. Its Emulated Out, which features cab simulation by Softube, was developed with this purpose in mind and allows the classic Marshall sound to be captured on computer without the need for a microphone. External sound sources can be connected via the audio input, which is ideal for practising to backing tracks, for example. And the effects loop also means that modulation effects such as reverb, delay, and many others can be easily inserted into the signal path and thus add the final touch to this already amazing-sounding amp.