New DSLs...

[Pat6969]

Absolutely "LOVE" my DSL40CR, it has everything I need with the tone I have been chasing for a "LONG TIME" I control it with a Boss MS-3 via midi and that little pedal has all the effects I need to combine it with the 4 cable method. Just a great rig!

Can I ask how you implemented midi? I have an L6 HXFX that I'd like to do the same but the manual is vague.

The Marshall does NOT have a Learn button

Here’s info I received on the midi


On the DSL each of the 4 channels clean, crunch, OD1, OD2 are assigned in a loop to every four MIDI program change messages and can’t be changed e.g.



PC 00 = CLEAN

PC 01 = CRUNCH

PC 02 = OD1

PC 03 = OD2



PC 04 = CLEAN

PC 05 = CRUNCH

PC 06 = OD1

PC 07 = OD2



PC 08 = CLEAN etc.









Connect the MIDI controller to the DSL – MIDI Out to MIDI In. Multiple equipment can be connected using MIDI thrus where available. Always ensure each piece of connected equipment is set to a different MIDI channel.



Set the receive MIDI channel on the DSL, this only needs to be done once.…



Press and hold the Loop On/Off switch (Front Panel Function #23) while powering up the amplifier to activate MIDI waiting mode.



The LED will flash until a valid MIDI command is received.



Send a MIDI PC command on the required MIDI channel from the connected controller to the DSL.



The MIDI receive channel on the DSL will now be set.



If the user just wants to recall one variation of each channel, they can select each channel in turn from the front panel and set the state of the FX loop and Master (the switch settings are remembered per channel). They then only need to set their MIDI controller to send the appropriate program change message to recall that channel on the DSL.



If the user wishes to have multiple variations of each channel recalled e.g. Clean with FX Loop on and Master 1 and then clean with FX Loop Off and Master 2. They will need to set their controller to send a program change message to select the DSL’s channel and then MIDI CC messages to set the state of the FX Loop and Master.



e.g.



Clean with FX Loop On and Master 1



Send…



PC=00 [DSL Clean Channel]

CC=13 Value = 1 [DSL FX Loop On]

CC=14 Value = 0 [DSL Master 1]



Clean with FX Loop Off and Master 2



Send…



PC=00 [DSL Clean Channel]

CC=13 Value = 0 [DSL FX Loop Off]

CC=14 Value = 1 [DSL Master 2]



One final thing to note. When the 2-way footswitch is connected the amplifier will not respond to any MIDI messages and the channels won’t recall the saved state of the FX Loop (the 2-way overrides it), but the 6-way can be used without

Thanks for this.

 

[johnpace2]

What’s the difference in the dsl 40c and the 40cr? Just extra functions?

I assume it is the same as the 100H <>100HR
The circuit was tweaked: tighter low end, smoother highs
The difference is subtle but it is there

And dual master volumes on the R's.

It would seem that the new version is definitely an improvement over the JCM 2000 DSL 100 that I have. I have to revisit, but I feel the need to boost it (even the red channel) to get what I want. The new one seems to not really need it. This may be a great, cheap gigging amp.

 

[Zachalou]

Just got the new 100hr, loving it but there is this strange background popping and rumbling, it’s not very noticeable when I’m playing but it’s kind of annoying when I’m not. I moved all the knobs around to see if it was from one of the pots but no luck there. Happens on all channels and modes an equal amount.

Anyone have an idea what it could be? Maybe the tubes? I’d hate to have to return a third amp to zzsounds within a week lol

 

[ChurchHill]

Tubes would be the first thing I'd suspect. Popping and rumbling are pretty typical noises when a tube's not up to par. Make sure they're all solidly in their sockets (with the amp off), since I'm guessing that the amp was recently shipped. You can tap on each one with a chopstick or other non-conductive tool (with the amp on) and see if one makes more noise than the others.

 

[mackzach]

crankyrayhanky . . . your description of the midi implementation on the DSL 40CR is very helpful. My son just got an ES-8 effects switching system to pair with his DSL 40CR. Using your instructions/guidance, we have successfully sent PC values to switch between the Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2 channels. However, we have not been able to get the master volume select to toggle between 1 and 2. We have attempted to use CC=14 Value = 0 for Master 1 and CC=14 Value = 1 for Master 2. The midi implementation chart from the manual indicates that CC#14 is recognized by the amp for the "Master". It shows that: 0=Off; 1=On; and 2-127=Toggle State. I'm not sure I understand what is meant by "Toggle State". I'm new to midi controls, so any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Just need to get pointed in the right direction.

 

[DragonCrestPC]

crankyrayhanky . . . your description of the midi implementation on the DSL 40CR is very helpful. My son just got an ES-8 effects switching system to pair with his DSL 40CR. Using your instructions/guidance, we have successfully sent PC values to switch between the Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2 channels. However, we have not been able to get the master volume select to toggle between 1 and 2. We have attempted to use CC=14 Value = 0 for Master 1 and CC=14 Value = 1 for Master 2. The midi implementation chart from the manual indicates that CC#14 is recognized by the amp for the "Master". It shows that: 0=Off; 1=On; and 2-127=Toggle State. I'm not sure I understand what is meant by "Toggle State". I'm new to midi controls, so any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Just need to get pointed in the right direction.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

crankyrayhanky . . . your description of the midi implementation on the DSL 40CR is very helpful. My son just got an ES-8 effects switching system to pair with his DSL 40CR. Using your instructions/guidance, we have successfully sent PC values to switch between the Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2 channels. However, we have not been able to get the master volume select to toggle between 1 and 2. We have attempted to use CC=14 Value = 0 for Master 1 and CC=14 Value = 1 for Master 2. The midi implementation chart from the manual indicates that CC#14 is recognized by the amp for the "Master". It shows that: 0=Off; 1=On; and 2-127=Toggle State. I'm not sure I understand what is meant by "Toggle State". I'm new to midi controls, so any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Just need to get pointed in the right direction.

Your son has a solid rig!
I flipped the DSL
Loved the amp, but I get antsy to try new things. Not sure about the Master 1/2 midi question, hopefully someone here can help
If not, email Marshall support, they are responsive

MC!

 

[skoora]

Still digging the hell out of my 40c. If they tweaked the 40cr I sure don’t need it. I feel I can get whatever I want from a MV style Marshall out of the 40c. The EQ knobs actually work...lol
It’s just for at home so I don’t need the twin masters, midi etc. A lot of people dog the stock speaker but I’ve had no urge to change it and I have several speakers at home to choose from. I would probably dig deeper into it if it was a main amp. I don’t care at all for the 100 heads though. I prefer the UK made heads but actually prefer the 40c over even the UK heads.

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

I've owned the dsl100h for the past year and love it.
Has great tone. I did however had to send it in last month because it ceased to put out sound. Tubes were still operating. Still waiting for it to come back.

Tone wise, I'm happy with it. Havent played the newer HR series yet.

 

[Ryq]

Just got the new 100hr, loving it but there is this strange background popping and rumbling, it’s not very noticeable when I’m playing but it’s kind of annoying when I’m not. I moved all the knobs around to see if it was from one of the pots but no luck there. Happens on all channels and modes an equal amount.

Anyone have an idea what it could be? Maybe the tubes? I’d hate to have to return a third amp to zzsounds within a week lol

Hey Zachalou, did you have any luck figuring out the issue? I just picked one up and I'm having the same issue.

 

[Racerxrated]

Just got the new 100hr, loving it but there is this strange background popping and rumbling, it’s not very noticeable when I’m playing but it’s kind of annoying when I’m not. I moved all the knobs around to see if it was from one of the pots but no luck there. Happens on all channels and modes an equal amount.

Anyone have an idea what it could be? Maybe the tubes? I’d hate to have to return a third amp to zzsounds within a week lol

Hey Zachalou, did you have any luck figuring out the issue? I just picked one up and I'm having the same issue.

I'd bet it's tubes. 99% of all new amp related issues are tubes, because new production tubes are shit for reliability. I'd even say 30% of new tubes have issues. Everyone needs to build up a nice stash of older production tubes, used ones can be cheap and they are way more reliable than new production. I've had 3 different EVH amps bought new and all 3 had at least 1 preamp tube go microphonic. Absolute junk.
People don't need to spend on NOS tubes, most of my tubes are used but strong and very few have gone bad, and that's after years of use.

 

[Rex Rocker]

FWIW, I love the tone and functionality of my DSL1HR I just got to replace my Randall RD1H. I know it's just a 1W amp, but I love it.

This is a quick short test I made with it into my 1960A wih H-75 Creambacks:

It may not be much, but I think it's not too bad for a 1W head. I assume the 100W must be pretty impressive.

It is a bit hissy, though.

 

[sideshowsmitty]

FWIW, I love the tone and functionality of my DSL1HR I just got to replace my Randall RD1H. I know it's just a 1W amp, but I love it.

This is a quick short test I made with it into my 1960A wih H-75 Creambacks:

It may not be much, but I think it's not too bad for a 1W head. I assume the 100W must be pretty impressive.

It is a bit hissy, though.

Wow! That sounds massive!

 

[jsp]

FWIW, I love the tone and functionality of my DSL1HR I just got to replace my Randall RD1H. I know it's just a 1W amp, but I love it.

This is a quick short test I made with it into my 1960A wih H-75 Creambacks:

It may not be much, but I think it's not too bad for a 1W head. I assume the 100W must be pretty impressive.

It is a bit hissy, though.

That sounds pretty good

 

[Rex Rocker]

Thank you, dudes! The amp is a bit low-middy, but that makes it pretty chunky. I'm going to try some EHX tubes in it to see if I can make it a bit less stuffy.

And hi, Jung!

 

[LeoRodrigues]

crankyrayhanky . . . your description of the midi implementation on the DSL 40CR is very helpful. My son just got an ES-8 effects switching system to pair with his DSL 40CR. Using your instructions/guidance, we have successfully sent PC values to switch between the Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2 channels. However, we have not been able to get the master volume select to toggle between 1 and 2. We have attempted to use CC=14 Value = 0 for Master 1 and CC=14 Value = 1 for Master 2. The midi implementation chart from the manual indicates that CC#14 is recognized by the amp for the "Master". It shows that: 0=Off; 1=On; and 2-127=Toggle State. I'm not sure I understand what is meant by "Toggle State". I'm new to midi controls, so any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Just need to get pointed in the right direction.

I have a boss MS-3 and I'm having some trouble to implement the channel switching on th DSL40cr... I just want to change channels on the amp... I didn't understand what to do with that "press and hold loop while turning the power on" thing... and what exactly parameters I have to put on "MIDI PATCH" can someone clears me? thanks

 

[skullfxr]

I like the DSL40CR's a lot but I prefer the JCM2000 DSL's more than the current DSL heads.

 

[stephen sawall]

DSL is one of my favorite Marshall amps.

 

[155]

I have a older dsl40c and a dsl100 head they are awesome, the combo is really great, cheap and has awesome tones all around, cant be beat IMO for the price, marshall all the way

 

[Shadsunscrash]

I had the 100HR for about 3 weeks. Sounded fantastic, clean loop, midi, headphone out, trs out. Sadly it blew up and then I realized it had no accessible ht fuse on the rear. I sent it back. Not going to have an amp that needs the chassis pulled from the headshell to change a fuse if a power tube blows.

I made this account just to tell you your a wanker. I own the DSL100HR and its the best amp ive ever owned, and far from the most expensive. Just cause the High Tension fuse isnt on the back doesnt mean its hard to get to. The DSL100HR has external bias points which is a way better trade off. After about 8 months i blew the v5 power tube and it took out the HT fuse with it. All you had to do was take off the back screws, then the bottom 4 screws, slide out the chassi and youd have seen the fuze in a little clip on the left side of the board. I think it was FS3 but dont hold me to that its been awhile. Turns out the power in my house was going from 120v to 104v so when i set the bias if the line voltage was low it would skyrocket the bias when the power returned to normal levels. I got a cheap 30 dollar regulator that regulates the power up 10v if it falls below 116v and down 10v if it goes above 126v. Its been a perfect solution and i havent blown a tube since. Ive had this amp since launch. If your a tube amp owner you shouldnt ever be scared away by something as simple as removing the chassis to replace a tiny fuse. But finding the right value on the other hand was a pain in the ass. Its not the common HT fuse value anymore it was something weird like a 630mA which if again i remember correctly isnt the same as the old DSL's but dont quote me. But i found some 630ma fuses eventually really cheap and now ive got 30 on hand if this ever happened again. Im dead serious, i love this amp. Ive had it since launch so about 2 years and the longer i have it the more i love it. Im sorry if i sound harsh but i hate seeing reviews on sweetwater etc about guys who gave up on the amp cause it blew a tube implying the amp was bad cause it blew a tube lol. Tubes are going to blow, replacing them and the HT fuse isnt difficult. It was a brand new amp so yes there wasnt much info about the fuse value etc but a little digging and you can figure it out on your own. You should really give the DSL100HR another shot and be prepared for blown tubes and HT fuses. Also changing the power tubes to some EHX el34s made this amps fizz non existant except at very high volumes. People complain about the hiss but all they needed to do was find some decent tubes. Anyways im done, but just understand i didnt make this account to mock you or belittle you i did it cause i legit feel sorry for you. The DSL100HR is such a good amp for those willing to learn to take care of it.