1
The DSL-1C and DSL-1H are all-valve, 1 Watt
amplifi ers voiced to reproduce the sounds of
the Marshalls of the ’90s but at what Jim liked
to call a ‘home friendly’ volume.
As already mentioned, there were a number of
very successful Marshall amps in the ’90s, all
worthy of representing the decade. The DSL100
however was a true revelation that leading
critics dubbed ‘the ultimate Marshall’ as it
represented the perfect marriage of modern
fl exibility, high gain capability and features
with the signature ‘roar’ of the 2203s and
Superleads. The DSL-1s have been designed to
provide these distinctive tonal characteristics
at the surprisingly loud level of one Watt.
To add further to the ‘home/studio friendly’
nature of this amp, whenever the full 1 Watt
output proves too loud you can hit the Low
Power button on the rear panel to further drop
the volume - enabling you to crank the volume
to get the tone you desire.
Overview
ENGLISH
Follow all instructions and heed all warnings.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Warning:
Before going any further, make sure that your amplifi er is compatible with your electrical supply. If you have any doubt, please seek help
from a qualifi ed technician – your Marshall dealer can help you in this respect.
Mains Input & Fuse:
Your amplifi er is provided with either a detachable mains (power) lead which should be connected to the mains input socket on the rear
panel of the amplifi er or a fi xed mains (power) lead attached to the rear of the amplifi er.
The specifi c mains input voltage rating that your amplifi er has been manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel of the amplifi er.
The correct value and type of mains fuse for valve amplifi ers is specifi ed on the rear panel of the amplifi er.
NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse or fi t one of the incorrect value or type.
Transporting your equipment:
Please ensure that your amplifi er is switched off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply and that all removable cables have
been disconnected from your equipment before attempting to move it.
Important set up information:
1. Make sure that the cabinet(s)/speakers, where appropriate, are connected to the correct impedance LOUDSPEAKER jack(s) on
the rear panel of the amplifi er. See the Speaker Output guides in this handbook, if applicable, for specifi c information regarding
impedance matching. When using an extension cabinet make sure that you are using a proper speaker cable. Never use a screened
(shielded) guitar cable for this purpose.
WARNING!
Failure to do any of the above may damage your amplifi er.
2.
Ensure that the VOLUME controls on the front panel are set to zero.
3.
For amplifi ers provided with a detachable mains (power) lead, connect the supplied mains (power) lead into the MAINS INPUT on the
rear panel fi rst and then into an electrical outlet
4.
Plug your guitar into the INPUT jack socket on the front panel.
5.
Turn the front panel POWER switch on and, if a valve amplifi er, wait a couple of minutes before going to point 6.
6.
Turn the volumes up to your preferred level and your amp is ready to play.
EUROPE ONLY – Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC Directive
(Environments E1, E2, and E3 EN 55103-1/2) and the Low Voltage Directive in the E.U.
EUROPE ONLY – Note: the average half-cycle r.m.s. inrush current, on initial switch-on, is 1.1 amps
the average half-cycle r.m.s. inrush current after a supply interruption of 5 s is 1.0 amp
This is the fi rst Marshall product manual in living memory not to include an introduction from our
Guv’nor, the late, great Jim Marshall. Although the DSL-1H & DSL-1C had been blessed by Jim both
sonically and visually, he left us to go to a far better place before we started work on the manual.
That said, a couple of choice quotes from our much missed leader are included.
Thank you for purchasing this DSL1 - one of a Limited Edition Series of British made, all-valve, 1
Watt amps celebrating Marshall’s 50th Anniversary. All told this series will comprise of fi ve different
pairs of heads and combos - each pairing paying tribute to the sound and aesthetic to one of the
fi ve decades that make up our fi rst 50 Years of Loud. The DSL-1 you are the proud owner of is our
homage to the glorious ’90s. This particular decade was a diffi cult one to tie down to one amp as
we had several very successful valve products during that time - the JMP1, the 30th Anniversary,
the JCM900s and the JCM2000 Series which comprised of the DSL and TSL ranges.
“They were
all wonderful amplifi ers and that makes the ’90s a particularly tricky choice,”
Jim stated when
the series was being tied down.
“As we have to pick one amp to represent Marshall’s best in that
decade though, my choice is the DSL as that series really did get everyone excited. From the artists
and the press to our many loyal customers, the DSL really seemed to touch a positive nerve.”
Let it
be written, let it be said. DSL it is.
As Jim always closed his introductions with: we sincerely hope you enjoy your new amp. We know
it will bring you countless hours of playing pleasure.
Welcome to the Marshall family!
Sincerely,
The Marshall Team
As on the acclaimed DSL100,
the Classic Gain and Ultra
Gain channels, share the same
tone controls. The Classic Gain (Channel A) of
your DSL-1 gives you that harmonically rich
clean and edgy crunch reminiscent of a Plexi,
while the Ultra Gain channel takes you into the
open, high gain territory of a hot-rodded 2203.
These two channels are footswitchable via the
supplied footswitch.
In addition to the standard Treble, Middle
and Bass controls, the Tone Shift and Deep
switches add further to the tonal fl exibility of
your amp. As do the FX Loop and Speaker
Emulated Output found on the rear panel.
The combo is fi tted with an 8" Celestion
speaker specially voiced to provide the best
balance between a compact size and a full
sound. Both amplifi ers are also very happy
driving a full 4x12" cabinet for the ultimate in
mini Marshall ’90s tone.
