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Personal welcome from Jim Marshall, founder, about the DSL series amps.
Explains the Dual Super Lead concept and features of the DSL100H and DSL40C.
Crucial warnings and initial setup guidelines for safe and proper amplifier operation.
Covers input jack, Gain, Volume, Mode Select, LED, and Channel Select for Classic Gain.
Details LED, Gain, Volume, and Lead 1/2 mode selection for the Ultra Gain channel.
Explains Treble, Middle, Bass controls, and the Tone Shift button for tone shaping.
Describes Presence, Resonance, and Reverb controls for both channels.
Details the Standby and Power switches for amplifier operation and valve warm-up.
Location for mains power lead and fuse, with voltage compatibility checks.
Pentode (full power) and Triode (half power) selection for output wattage and tonal characteristics.
Connections for external effects pedals (Send/Return/Switch) and the footswitch jack.
Details the 16Ω and 8Ω speaker output jacks and impedance matching requirements.
Covers input jack, Gain, Volume, Mode Select, LED, and Channel Select for Classic Gain.
Details LED, Gain, Volume, and Lead 1/2 mode selection for the Ultra Gain channel.
Explains Treble, Middle, Bass controls, and the Tone Shift button for tone shaping.
Describes Presence, Resonance, and Reverb controls for both channels.
Details the Standby and Power switches for amplifier operation and valve warm-up.
Details the 16Ω and 8Ω speaker output jacks and critical impedance matching requirements.
Connections for the footswitch and external effects pedals (Send/Return/Switch).
Pentode (full power) and Triode (half power) selection for output wattage and tonal characteristics.
Location for mains power lead and fuse, with voltage compatibility checks.
The Marshall DSL series comprises two all-valve amplifiers with reverb: the DSL40C 40 Watt Combo and the DSL100H 100 Watt Head. These amplifiers are designed to deliver a wide range of tones, from vintage clean to modern high-gain, building on the legacy of the original JCM2000 Dual Super Lead series.
Both the DSL40C and DSL100H are dual-channel, all-valve amplifiers. They feature two footswitchable channels: "Classic Gain" and "Ultra Gain," each with two selectable modes. The Classic Gain channel offers tones ranging from a 1959 Plexi-style clean to a JCM800 2203-style crunch, accessible via its Clean/Crunch mode button. The Ultra Gain channel provides a hot-rodded 2203 vibe to even higher gain responses with an additional mid-boost, selectable via its Lead 1/Lead 2 mode switch.
Both channels share a passive three-band EQ with controls for Bass, Middle, and Treble. A "Tone Shift" button, when activated, reconfigures the tone network to scoop out mid frequencies, making the amp suitable for brutal, modern metal tones, especially with high-gain settings. Each channel also has its own individual Reverb level control for the built-in studio-quality digital spring reverb, which can be switched on/off via the supplied footswitch.
The power section of both amps includes "Resonance" and "Presence" controls. The Resonance control adds a variable bass boost without muddying the sound, while the Presence control adds high-end crispness and bite. A "Pentode/Triode" switch on the rear panel allows selection between full output power (Pentode mode) and half-power (Triode mode), offering further tonal versatility. Triode mode also produces a smoother, less aggressive sound.
The DSL40C is a 40-watt combo with a 1x12" custom-voiced Celestion speaker, while the DSL100H is a 100-watt head designed to be paired with external speaker cabinets. Both models are designed to be versatile performance tools for demanding playing situations, delivering the renowned Marshall tone.
| Brand | Marshall Amplification |
|---|---|
| Model | DSL40C |
| Category | Musical Instrument Amplifier |
| Language | English |











