DSL Series

Originally launched as a 100W and 50W head, as the name suggests the Dual Super Lead (DSL) contains two foot-switchable channels; called Classic Gain and Ultra Gain. The Classic Gain has two modes capable of providing classic Marshall tone and high gain modern tones, taking the player from a 1959 style clean right through to the snarl of a JCM800 2203. The Ultra Gain channel on the other hand also features two modes, mimicking the vibe of a hot-rodded 2203 or providing even higher gain and a gut-twisting mid-boost, all at the switch of a button.

Powered by EL34s and housing ECC83s, the remarkable versatility marked the DSL out as the first Marshall amp truly capable of playing any style of music, and upon its release was particularly lauded for its clean tones. On top of this the DSL also featured an effects loop and reverb to add even more adaptability.

Due to high demand and a need for a portable alternative, 20W and 40W combo versions of the DSL followed in 1998, named the DSL201 and DSL401. The DSL401  also featured a power switch to drop the amp’s output by half meaning it was equally at home on stage, in the studio, or at home.

Fast forward to 2012 and Marshall looked to revisit the JCM2000 DSL, and build a new series based around it featuring updated technology. This new DSL family featured a DSL100H 100W and a DSL15H 15W head, as well as the DSL40C 40W and DSL15C 15W combo. The modernised DSL range used largely the same components as the originals but also boasted some standout new features, such as a new resonance control, digital reverb, and a two-way footswitch.