Marshall DSL1 power amp shootout

[bendedavis]

I've had my Marshall DSL1 head for a few month and I've been really impressed with the ultra and clean channels. I recently added an Xotic SL Drive for lower gain sounds. I've always found the amp a bit bassy. Adding a Boss SD-1 in front of the Ultra channel really tightened it up for heavier stuff. I already had an EHX 5MM laying around so I tested out sending the FX send into it and using that for the power amp since the amp has an internal load as long as no speaker cable is plugged into the head. This gave a presence I liked alot better and I've been liking that over the built in power section.

I figured I'd try out some other options for power. I recorded a few tones into an MXR Clone Looper out of the DSL1's FX Send for consistency across the test. Check out the results and let me know what you think. I still like the 5MM since I don't need a lot of volume but found the PowerStage to be nice too and the EQ and presence is a nice addition.

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

Nice video. Love that you get right into it..but cleans don't go round here

 

[japetus]

Those are some great tones! Easily recordable, could gain it up a little if need be.

 

[bendedavis]

Those are some great tones! Easily recordable, could gain it up a little if need be.

I’d be curious how the DSL pedal compares to the preamp section of the DSL1 since I’m not using its power. I’d imagine the feel wouldn’t be quite as good. Ultimately I’ll probably go with a Synergy rig with either the 5MM or Powerstage. Really interested in checking out the Wampler Pedalhead too.

 

[japetus]

Are you trying to do like, Marshall emo tones? Clean and a little od?

 

[bendedavis]

Are you trying to do like, Marshall emo tones? Clean and a little od?

I’d love to get my hands on a JMP1 but their prices have gone up so much lately. Big fan of Deftones and Sigur Ros. Maybe just stepping up to a DSL20 will give me exactly what I want with presence and resonance controls and more gain control on the classic channel.