INSIDE the Marshall DSL 1h - Kick Ar$e Amp

[@mofomartianp]

Stock 11:31 ecc82 12:39 ecc81 14:00

[@mofomartianp]

I just bought this amp, and was looking for a way to tame the ultra gain channel as well... was considering a 12AY7 tube in the V1 section. But your test and overview of this amp definitely helps, thanks :)

[@mofomartianp]

@@oldguyjammin7485 Well I just picked up a spare EH12AY7, so I'm gonna try it out and see how it responds.

[@nigeladams9819]

I put TAD, 5751, tubes in V1 and V2. This has improved the clean head room on channel 1. I also found that it was far too bright with my Gibson SG, so I turn channel 1,up full and back the guitar down to 6. This is now really warm and rich. I use channel 2, as normal and run the guitar on 8 and 10 for solos. I can cover 60s covers and 70 rock.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

nicely done \m/

[@matthewf1979]

12AX7 - 100mu 5751 - 70mu 12AT7 - 60mu 12AY7 - 40mu 12AU7 -20mu The “T” and “U” are used as drivers and output tubes because of their much higher relative transconductance and plate dissipation.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

transconductance is a really big word, am I on the right track with power dissipation being greater in the 12AU7 versus the others? With power being a product of current and voltage. Please clear up any of my misconceptions if I mis-spoke... don't want to be spewing nonsense, lol. Thanks

[@matthewf1979]

@@oldguyjammin9732 Yes, the plate dissipation is the thing to look for in output applications.

[@mattvdh]

Stock sounded the best to me. interesting video, thanks for the tour.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

You’re welcome! Apparently there is an orange, 8 ohm tap, off the output transformer. If I had the know how I’d attempt wiring up an 8 ohm speaker out option. The DSL5 is my all time favorite amp - just about perfect in every way.

[@birinhos]

Nice new sound on the high gain . Save the video to use on my dsl20hr

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Well all right, all right, all right \m/

[@marekzapaa3212]

Great little amp, way much better than Blackstar HT1RH i had before (that one was more hybrid, only one preamp tube). I swapped the preamp tubes in DSL1 to less powerful types too. Now ultra gain channel is lot more usable. What pedal do you use to push the green channel to crunch? For me the best choice was Vox Brit Boost and Mooer Blues Mood (BluesDriver clone) but still looking for old school ACDC like crunch sound. I dont use the power reduction, for me it makes this wonder muddy - its one resistor, nothnig complicated.

[@StratsRUs]

The Blackstar sounds great with an NOS Tube in.The Gain really smooths out.

[@Uncle_Gray]

Well To be fair this one ain't an all tubes either See those couple mosfets TR2 TR3 on the board which replaced a proper 12AX7 phase inverter The same story about DSL5CR I'm just saying

[@jonsnow7092]

@@Uncle_Gray still, it's far more of a tube amp than the blackstar. in these types of amps, the phase inverter is not designed to clip the wave (as in some voxes and oranges), the usual PI tube in DSLs is there just for phase inverting, so using some transistors to cut out costs on the cheaper models, makes perfect sense, as it would not impact the tone in any noticeable manner. totally different story with the low end blackstars that have (almost) all the overdrive and the tone generated by solid state components; and in case of HT1, the power section is also solid state.

[@jorgetome7089]

Cheers! The classic Gain channel in the DSL1 has more gain than the DSL5? thats the impression i have in the reviews, i like the classic gain in the DSL1

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I can’t say for sure re the amount of gain in the different amps but I can say that I love them both much more than their larger counter parts. Awesome little amps, the 1 and the 5.

[@jorgetome7089]

@@oldguyjammin9732 thanks. In this video you were using a guitar with hot pickups?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@jorgetome7089 - not sure but I think I’m using my old Charvel and it has a JB at the bridge… so not super hot, probably between PAF and Super Distortion.

[@snowyrain5730]

You literally pointed right at the (unused and tied off) white output wire which is the 8 ohm tap on these amps, should anyone need to run an 8 ohm cab instead of 16 (which is that orange wire).

[@alanst.4417]

Hey great to know there is such a possibility!

[@Deathwing-kw5fs]

Is it possible to have the reverb footswitchable?

[@BobCorey]

Cool, would be cooler if you had the cab miced too... Wondering if this little thing can replace my JCM2000 DSL50 for home recordings in order to have more volume. I mostly record rock / punk rock. I tested the DSL50 changes sound ALOT when changing volume (recorded & volume matched)

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I love the DSL1 and 5, sold the 20. I think Marshalls sound best with the masters up around 3 or so, can’t imagine what a beast you’re 50 would be, lol.

[@BobCorey]

@@oldguyjammin9732 Actually I was doing the test at 5 in the morning having the amp at different volumes wearing headphones to bare it, the neighboor comes knocking man it's like you're playing in my house haha. Someone had the DSL20 in the studio, I can't say I liked it, drive felt pedal-ish and too plastic compared to our OR15, so I am kinda scared to order the DSL1 thinking it might be more plastic than my JCM DSL50 which I don't like that I can't get the output compression, though I can kinda emulate it with a "TS" with low gains... Is the DSL1 pedalish at lower volumes and not high ones?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@BobCorey - tone being subjective I wouldn’t throw out an opinion on “pedal-like”. I found Orange amp more fizzy than Marshalls until I tried the Brent Hinds amp and that one I really liked except for the way too dark “clean” or natural channel. The DSL20 was… uninspiring. I’ve never tried a JCM DSL50 either so don’t know what it all about. The Orange amps have outstanding lower gain tones imo, lightly broken up, thick, and tight… don’t care for them when the gain goes up though… except for the Brent.

[@BobCorey]

@@oldguyjammin9732I very much agree on everything about the Orange Amps, very hard to make those clean-ish sounds to go bad. Btw did you find a tube configuration that gives to the drive channel that in the middle driven sound without hitting the bright thin point when gain is low? I can't tell listening to the audio of this video haha

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@BobCorey - Only thing I did with this amp is upgrade the BH7 (?) tube to an ElectroHarmonix I set the master about 2 and then bring up the gain, I boost it with a Mesa Flux Drive and have been really happy with the tones. I plug it into an oversized open back cab with a Creamback in it. My Friedman cab.

[@AllTheBeef]

What tube combo would give me the cleanest possible tone on the clean channel, but keep distortion sounding like the ecc82? I would like to play the clean channel louder but it distorts too much for my liking, but I don't want to give up too much on the distortion channel.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

If I understand you correctly, you might want to try an ECC823 tube, it keeps the clean channel at full gain, while dropping the dirty channel to a 12AU7/12Ay7 amount of gain. There is also an ECC832 which is the reverse… cuts the first channel while keeping all the gain of the second side for amps that are wired up differently.

[@optimusminimus-v3d]

Uber noob question: Would the spec’s that we see here be more or less the same for those in the dsl1cr combo? BTW a very informative post.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

No dumb questions in this arena \m/ specs should be the same. Just learned the other day (a few months ago probably) that there is an 8 ohm tap off the output transformer… would allow zero risk use with an 8 ohm cab. Enjoy the journey!

[@dekzan]

Please, can I try real power amp tubes like EL34, KT88, 6L6 in the DSL 1 HR ?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

No, you can not. The current demands of those larger tubes require much larger transformers, and is why you only see those large cans in 50W and 100W amps. There are some exceptions of course.

[@CC-fi3pp]

The 50th JCM2000 is also REALLY nice

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I keep hearing that, I'll do a dive later on. I did get the SC JCM800 20W but found it had some "issues" not to my liking.

[@CC-fi3pp]

@oldguyjammin9732 The JCM2000 1watt 50th's classic gain channel is as good as they come, reasonable home volume, no bias drift, ultra gain could be better - (maybe switching tubes would help) but it's not needed because pushing the classic gain with an SD-1 (upfront not in the loop) is higher gain heaven. Stick an RV-2 or DD-2 in the effects loop and drive at least 1 12" greenback, and you've got they best bedroom amp ever.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@CC-fi3pp - that is a harder little bugger to find... curiosity peaked! I wonder how the two compare... different in price for sure. You've sent me on a mission, lol. Appreciate it... love the little watt amps when they sound good.

[@sandlmv8301]

​@@oldguyjammin9732he's not wrong. I have the dsl1c and love it, but the one to have is definitely the 1watt 50th anniversary jcm2000 hands down. Too hard to find for me in Australia now, and usually over $1200aud as well. I scored my dsl1cr for $185aud, around $115usd I imagine. Very happy for that price.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@sandlmv8301 - I haven’t been able to find one for sale either. That good eh? Well hell…

[@pakujewpiwnicy6701]

hello :) if the tube amplifier does not have a connected speaker and you play it, then the amplifier will burn?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

yes, the output transformer needs some resistance on it (the speaker) or it will push too much current and overheat.

[@pakujewpiwnicy6701]

@@oldguyjammin9732 :)

[@motokev2727]

Tubes attached to the board not good. I think I'll still try one. I see some 4 sale locally.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

- true, those sockets are board mounted, but at least the tubes are upright so that the heat moves away from the board.

[@voloskoff]

Good job! Did you get back standard tubes nowdays?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Nope, I really like lowering the gain a bit - there’s still PLENTY of gain to be had. Check out the ECC832 - it’s perfect. Clean channel keeps ALL the gain, while the Ultra channel gets cut a bit.

[@Disabledguitarist1985]

This was fun

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Glad you enjoyed it \m/

[@killnoni5032]

Since it’s only 20 euros more to buy the cr instead of hr and you can also connect it to a 16 ohm cab, is it still better to buy the hr? I guess they would sound the same through the cab?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Ya, they should sound the same. I don’t like the sound of an 8” speaker, just too small imo. Combo’s in general aren’t as full sounding as separate cabs. But YOU ARE RIGHT, it’ll sound the same through a cab and you’ll have a killer little practice amp that’s easy to carry around \m/ Go For It!!

[@killnoni5032]

@@oldguyjammin9732 thank you so much for the answer!

[@danz4904]

Which do you prefer... DSL1 or Studio Classic? The DSL1 has the flexibility of 2 channels but I wonder if rolling the volume back on your guitar and/or using a boost pedal makes the SC a more pleasing tonal option. The power difference doesn't matter to me as I'm looking to use it in my studio. I have other amps for gigs. Thanks

[@oldguyjammin9732]

for playing around home, the DSL1 for sure. I even prefer the DSL20 to the SC 20W JCM. The JCM is great but... just different, quite a bit of loss in the effects loop, a bit noisy and to really shine needs a bright cap mod ~ I put a 4700 pf in mine and it made a huge difference. Sold it and the 2x12 cab some time ago.

[@danz4904]

@@oldguyjammin9732 thanks for the reply. BTW, in the DSL1 and DSL20 V1A and V2B are common to both the classic and ultra channels. V1B and V2A are used exclusively on the ultra gain channel. I can send you schematics if interested.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Am I the only one that likes the Origin 5c better over the DSL-1cr? Aside the wattage so much nicer to my ear. The DSL is an ok little amp though.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Your ear is what matters, not mine :-) except to me, then my ear matters more than yours \m/

[@Michel-r6m]

​@@oldguyjammin9732Seen many bashing the O5c because of its speaker. Both have an Celestion 8-15 in the combo. My assumption is there was a lot of parrotting reviews as wannabe experts on the matter. Well I am no expert (not even close) but got both amps. And agree that the O5c sounds better except if you like compressed to death high gain stuff. Haven't rolled any tubes, so there is some improvement to be had.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@Michel-r6m - you could be right, people love to ‘pile on’ and sometimes for the silliest of reasons. I didn’t even know they made a small Origin, so now I’m really interested. I think I found one used at GC, 5W head, two channels, reverb and an effects loop.

[@BellsCuriosityShop]

Never tried an Origin, but I assumed the clean channel on DSL would have been similar. My DSL1 is the combo and I don't like the sound from the speaker, but I play into my interface using a Two Notes Torpedo anyway.

[@marinkovic87]

Hi Oldguyjammin! Could this amp be played in 0.1 watt mode (like you said in this video..there is resistive load in output section that attenuates from 1 watt to 0.1 watts) from speaker out jack straight into sound card input...with no speaker attached? The idea is that 0.1 watt (low wattage mode) is basically line level signal (I heard that from other youtuber which builds diy amps)? Thanks in advance for response.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I wouldn't say YES for fear of your amp being ruined, sorry. From what I know, Marshall attenuates by changing how much of the preamp tubes are involved in amplifying the signal, rather than being a resistive load between the amp output and speaker like it is with Engl and Peavey.

[@marinkovic87]

@@oldguyjammin9732 Well, that is certainly very usefull information and I am glad I asked you for advice. Thanks again, it is much appreciated!

[@digitalchris6681]

@@oldguyjammin9732on their 1 watter it's a resistive load (also functions as a dummy load, thus disconnection of the speaker when using the emulated out etc). And it sounds shit. Other DSLs use a lower tube/valve voltage to achieve the power reduction.

[@ZxLayER]

Can I connect 2 amp speakers on dsl 1 amp head . Each speaker has 16 ohms

[@oldguyjammin9732]

There’s only 1 speaker out so I’m gonna say ‘no’ , but you could wire 2 8ohm speakers in series for a 16 ohm 2x12 cab, or configure a 4x12 cab to 16 ohms and rock the whole neighborhood.

[@marvinarno]

Do you prefer the Marshall DSL1 over the Randall RD1?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I do, the Randall is just too quiet so I tried the RD5 and it was better, but really dark and mid scooped… which is… what a Randall should be ;-) I’ve had bigger Marshalls but the little DSL1 and 5 just really do it for me.

[@PaulChoate-s4v]

Is it true that the extension cabinet can easily be made to go from 16ohm to 8ohm?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Not the cab, but there is an 8 ohm tap off the output transformer, zip tied to the orange 16 ohm tap. I believe the 8 ohm is a white wire :-0

[@toneconsultant]

@@oldguyjammin9732 Wait. Are you saying one could change the ohms on this head by removing the Orange wire on the transformer and using the white one?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

@@toneconsultant - a follow up email or phone call to Marshall wouldn’t hurt but I’ve been told by more than one that “YES” that is correct. The 50th Anniversary DSL1 has 8 ohm and 16 ohm options… they just hooked up that other wire, otherwise it’s the same amp. Phil McKnight stated on his channel that he runs 8 ohm cabs from the 16 ohm jack without any issues as well…?

[@toneconsultant]

@@oldguyjammin9732 Oh wow. I actually changed all of my cabs and speakers to 16ohm. Oops! I didn't know. Oh well, that's still really good info.

[@isaacroche3223]

Bias ? Cathode bias?

[@oldguyjammin9732]

cathode bias I believe, so no need to bias :)

[@danc3746]

Will you be reviewing the new Tonex pedal? I would like to see an honest opinion because everyone on YT is calling this the greatest but they are obviously being paid to say this. Reminds me of those crappy mini heads that you called out, and rightfully so.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I don't think so because it's not something I'd ever be into. I'd have no idea how to use it, what it does, etc. I'm more of an in-room-real-amp kind of guy... but!! I will be checking out the Friedman Little Sister very soon because everyone is saying the same thing about it "oh my gosh, best amp I've ever played" and "my favorite Friedman yet!". I had the JJ Jr but didn't care for it so we'll see...

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

The sound is fine with your voice, but the minute you play guitar it gets loud and I’m listening through headphones

[@oldguyjammin9732]

turn it down when I start playing

[@HEZ63]

Awesome amp, but can sound too bassy, too fat and/or too thin with the cheap Chinese stock tubes. Even replacing the ECC82 alone with a better one makes a difference. The bass dullness removes or is at least reduced and the general sound is fresher and more balanced. As preamp-tubes the Sovtek-12AX7LPS do a good job for me, combined with an EH-ECC82, but my personal favorites up to now are vintage RFT ECC83 and ECC82 tubes for a more authentic (hot-rod) Plexi-feeling (If you still get some at a moderate price...) Another alternative for sound improvements is, only to use the preamp and route it through Send to the Return (or Power Amp In) of an amp with an EL34 power amp. The result will have less gain than the DSL1 with it's own power amp section, but an even more plexi-voiced character. One addition: The 1W seems to be a fantasy value, the datasheet of a typical ECC82/12AU7 says, that it produces about 2,75W. On the other hand, a 1W tube amp produces about 99dB/m, a 100W amp about 119dB/m, so the differences are not really as large as expected. For bedroom level you definitely will need an attenuator, even better a good load box, most probably even in 0.1W mode, as in Ultra Gain mode the sound also increases with higher Volume levels, as it is expectable from a typical Marshall ;-). The alternative is, to use the Emulated Output, which sounds good to me and it's LIne level signal can also be connected to some computer monitor boxes with an AUX input. I personally anyway use this amp with a load box only, simply because I can then use a lot of different - mostly 412 - cabinet IR's. 212 also can work fine, but everything between 108 and 112 is not really sounding very convincing for my taste. It's a Marshall! And the first one, which brought me back to Marshall after some decades. ( I had been disappointed from ym original 1987 Silver Jubilee, meanwhile some other newer Marshalls came and went (OR-20, SV-20, SC-20, DSL15) but this one definitely remains! With the right tubes exactly the sounds, I always wanted to hear from a Marshall. Even with the investment in better tubes for the final sounds a bargain!

[@oldguyjammin9732]

YES! Just replaced V1 in my buddies DSL20 with an ECC82 and he was shocked at the reduction of overall noise and how the tone was so much more balanced and clear.

[@vancvrman604]

I hope anyone who is watching this knows not to touch anything inside the tube amp chassis without first draining the capacitors first.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

Guess I should open with that, eh? Good idea… I used to, hmmm…

[@DanielDavis730]

Since dsl is made in china they have completely lost there sound

[@johnnyn.5281]

How about quit talking and start playing,

[@oldguyjammin9732]

How about you just slide forward to the playing part you lazy schnits-swad! lol, I happen to like videos that have people talking rather than infinite signal chains through 8 mics and dual quad processors.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

It is usable. You just dont play that sort of music

[@oldguyjammin9732]

You're right of course, tone is always subjective. I came across a cool tube EC832 in which one half is full gain, and the back half is like a 12AU7... about 50% gain. The classic gain side can stay as is, and yet cut the gain on the ultra side. Eager to try it and see how it works out.