Marshall DSL EQ

[richard parker]

I've read many folks say that the problem with these amps is the shared EQ i.e. it is not possible to get a good sound from both channels with the same EQ settings.

Is there anyone who DOES manage to get a good sound out of both channels with the same EQ ?

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Marshall DSL EQ

Not impossible. But there is a difference in BALLZ when switching between the two channels. The green channel, when pushed (crunch switch "in") has more bottom end than the red channel. It doesn't have remotely close to the gain that the red channel does. But it's more full-sounding by a ways.

I run my DSL50 like a pair of iconic Marshall heads. I use my Fulltone OCD (low gain, high volume) to hit the front end of the green channel on crunch mode (gain at noon - 2:00) to simulate a huge, ballsy JCM800 tone. And I set the red channel gain also at noon - 2:00 is, but kick off the OCD when I'm on the OCD and this channel reminds me of a JCM900. The red channel is for crunch rhythm work and I kick over to the green channel for big, fat leads. Or depending on my mood I'll mix it up and use the channels conversely.

Yeah... it'd be nice to be able to EQ each channel separately. But I just try to play to the strengths of each channel and roll with that. It's a kickass amp though. I traded into mine after I sold my Bogner XTC. And didn't find myself very "disappointed". So there's proof that the DSLs aren't the "rubbish" that some guys dismiss them as being. My Engl Powerball 2 is my new main squeeze, due to its versatility superior metal tones. But I pulled-out the DSL last week and played some seven string through it and it was great. So overall I think that the DSLs are one of the best values in tube amps out there right now. Though it's my backup, I'd have NO hesitation about gigging with it as primary (aside from being spoiled with the Engl).

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Marshall DSL EQ

Depending on you're style of music, it can be difficult. If you need the green channel to be set pristine clean and the red channel set to a crunchy-gained out rhythm, it's going be tough. The red channel is pretty thin sounding without the bass boost engaged. Problem is with it engaged, it's also engaged for the green channel which becomes too boomy for nice clean work.

I think there are some mods out there that would allow you to make the bass boost and button to turn green to orange and red to red 2 foot switchable which would help out.

An EQ pedal could also help ease transitions, but it becomes more pedal dancing than not.

Some guitarist strictly use the DSL as a one channel amp. I thought about that being that in Orange with an OD is an amazing crunch (prob one of best I heard). That being said, it's not worth having a 2 channel head to only use one channel.

 

[Left_Hand_Strat]

Re: Marshall DSL EQ

reminds me of the amps i used at college....

sounds like a small change or resistors and little bits could help that red channel.... but that's just me.