Marshall DSL40C Guitar Valve Amp Combo

The Marshall DSL-40C is part of an update to the DSL series, based on the best-selling JCM2000 DSL100 head, and provides vintage Marshall valve tones in a versatile combo.

The DSL40-C features two channels, Classic Gain and Ultra Gain, with separate Gain and Volume controls and for each. The Classic Gain channel is based on the 'clean' mode of a DSL100H's Classic Gain channel, while the Ultra Gain channel is based on the 'Lead 2' mode of a DSL100H's Ultra Gain Channel, which was influenced by a hot-rodded JCM800 2203.

The Classic Gain channel has separate Clean and Crunch modes, and the Ultra Gain channel has two channels providing different levels of gain; Lead 1 and Lead 2. The DSL40C features reverb with individual reverb level controls for each channel.

The DSL40C has a 5-band EQ featuring Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence and Resonance controls as well as Tone Shift and Deep options. Tone Shift reconfigures the tone network to give a new dimension to passive tone shaping and, when engaged and the Middle control is turned down, the amp produces an aggressive, scooped-mid, modern metal sound. The Deep button adds a resonant bass boost at the power-amp stage.

The Marshal DSL40C also features an output power selector, to switch between Pentode and Triode modes. Pentode mode outputs the full 40 watts, while Triode mode switches the amp's power output to 20 watts. Triode mode also produces a smoother, less aggresive sound. There's also an FX loop with Send and Receive jacks and an On/Off switch.

The DSL40C has two outputs for 8 ohm speakers and an output for 16 ohms. It is equipped with four ECC83 pre-amp valves and two EL34 valves in the power-amp stage. The DSL40 has a well built chassis in Marshall's famous black and gold colours and comes with a two-button footswitch.