Marshall DSL 1 Watt Head

[@keesengripp5489]

One thing I love about your channel is how simple it is. When you show the tones you don't put double bass blast beats that overwhelm the guitar tone that I came for. You show just simple riffs and licks that show the tone and not some crazy sweep picking bs that just shows your playing and not the amp. Your channel is the best

[@Zen-fn3sz]

Keesen Gripp completely agree. Just want to hear what the amp can do. No bs from Phil and not in anyone’s pocket.

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

That clean channel is so bright, it's a felony in 38 states and Puerto Rico to play a Telecaster through that amp.

[@ahmedrashed78]

Hahaha

[@StringBender567]

Only red states

[@boofert.washington2499]

What's the joke here?

[@alexmurphy5289]

@@boofert.washington2499 Telecasters are very bright instruments

[@elonmush4793]

this is too bright and the Blackstar HT1 is too boomy :( Why can't they get it right?

[@laynecampbell2230]

I literally went “Oh!!” when you started playing on the clean channel.

[@hazardgeek]

Your channel is simple, on point, and most importantly, you are humble. Thank you sir.

[@XxHarounXx]

You really weren't lying when you said bright. Yikes

[@blacktoothfox677]

Marshall come from a time when the backline cutting through the stage-sound was a really important thing. Most guitarists haven't even noticed that things have evolved considerably since then. It's like back in the 60's they were still building stages with a rake; evolution takes time I guess.

[@projectptube]

I have the DSL 1 combo. I love the clean being as bright as it is if I need it darker i just roll off on the treble.

[@adakhochalai]

What guitar do you use 🤔

[@bheater2615]

Agreed , the low different strokes for different folks plays in 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bw1955]

I know lol. I love my DSL1HR. It’s not even that bright. Turn down the treble if you need to I guess.

[@richardrondeau5625]

I had to have the 5c right when it came out ~4 years ago. I love it. It sounds perfect. I just purchased the 20 watt head you are referring to and find it a little fizzy/trebley. I think the difference is that they have presence controls. The thing with Marshall amps (tube) is that they crave volume. Lower treble + volume = good sounding Marshall.

[@thuisbestellen779]

well, i bought one and with a palmer cab with a celestion 12" neo creamback 16ohm 60 watt speaker and it is amazing, not to bright but just right in de clean channel, so the speaker is really important, even the deepswith gives a very nice blues tones for the clean channel, for the gain channel it was even searching for the sweet spot but there also 100% marshall, i recomended this for home use any day for the money

[@eriklundstrum4656]

Dang you weren’t lying when you said bright

[@jonathanm9069]

I actually love how bright it sounds. I really like that clean.

[@FangPaw]

5watts is too loud for bedroom use. I have a 7w non-MV Matamp (Matamp built all the early Oranges) with a power scaling valve - and even at 10% (ie 0.7w), it's way too loud cranked into a 1x12 Celestion G30M Greenback cab. I use it with a Hotplate attenuator for home use. Hearing is logarithmic - to double the perceived loudness, you need to increase amp power by 4 - 5-fold. So a 5w amp is half as loud as a 25w amp, and a quarter as loud as a 100w.

[@Cougar139tweak]

Agreed, 5w is brick through the window worthy.

[@wakjob961]

Spot on Fang, my 1 watt Randall on a 4x12 is pushing the limits of my apartment life. Thank god for digital modeling and amazing computer plugins these days.

[@elonmush4793]

10% volume of a 7 watt amp is not .7 watts. That's not how watts work!

[@dclunie5254]

My Tiny Terror on 7watts too loud in basement!

[@lperry65]

I’ve recently bought one of these and I’m very happy with it for home use. I emailed Marshall because the volume on the emulated line out was much lower than the speaker. The replied and said they have an update to the emulated line out and arranged for it to be collected and upgraded FOC. Not sure about it being compatible with an 8 ohm load, both the amp and manual say 16 ohm only, I’m no expert so happy to be corrected on this.

[@josephpickard3108]

I know two people break theirs with an 8ohm speaker.

[@amitsapir2]

Phil, are you gonna check the new Origin series?

[@elonmush4793]

Sadly, there is no marshall origin 1 watt :(

[@tinnedela3124]

Hi Phillip, maybe the question has been raised already but in the manual it is written "1x16 ohm" only, not "8 ohm minimum " ! Are you sure 8ohm load is safe with Dsl1HR ?

[@rccampbell460]

I have the 5 watt combo and its great for late night jamming of the Sunset Strip tone.

[@Havanacuba1985]

Really , I love sleaze rock/glam metal

[@enielsenvideos]

I bought this amp and use a 2X12 cab at 16 ohms. I love the sound and play out with it. I just mic it with an SM57. But it is quite loud alone.

[@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy]

An Amber Alert has been issued for the Bass

[@ToddsGuitarShop]

Being an owner of the original JCM 2000 DSL1 I was curious to hear the differences between the two. Wow! It is bright on the clean channel. I would have to agree with you Phil, to much for my tastes (I use 2 2x12 cabs with Celestion G12 50s) and use the clean channel with a few different dirt pedals (a Timmy and a Keeley Red Dirt mini) and it’s great. Basically making it a four channel amp. Like you though I wish that it had reverb as well. I’ve been using a MXR Carbon Copy delay in the effects loop to get a slight echo that seems to work well for my needs. The dirty channel still sounds pretty much like the original. I run mine with the gain backed down to about 10oclock, everything else around noon. Most of my guitars have low to medium output humbuckers, so this seems to work quite well for a nice dirty sound and cleans up fairly good when rolling the volume off on the guitar. I use the deep switch and run the mid cut switch in. I’ve notice that I get a pretty good jump in volume when I disengage the mid cut switch, I don’t know if this is due to the cut in the mid frequency or just inherent to the amp itself. This is my main amp that I play with at home at night on the .1 watt setting as it’s not to loud to be offensive to the family and still gives me a nice tone. Something I’m unable to do with my higher wattage amps. Thanks for the review Phil! As always good and to the point.

[@user-gh9kw2ur9e]

I just got this head and honestly after 3 hours of bedroom play I'm thrilled with it. I have an MX112 box but with a replaced V30 speaker, which I opened just like the SC112 box and it sounds very good. I also want to try it with the V-Type speaker that I have in the shipping package. Or I'll put it in a SJ2525c with a Greenback and I also have a MB Thiele 90 box. I bought it second hand for 70 Euro with 14 months still under warranty.... so much fun for a few bucks....

[@riffsnreviews]

Yep that amp sounds like it wants an EQ (preferably parametric) in the Loop. It sounds really bright no matter the channel.

[@andrewsmith1520]

Based on your demo I would recommend anybody interested in an amp like this to look toward trying to find a used Vox Lil NightTrain. It does clean and dirt both very well and you can get a really Marshall’s tone. No on board reverb though. You can usually find one used for around $150.

[@shaunm1983]

Andrew Smith I sold mine and got a Vox mv50 clean, the little mini nutube thing and I sounds so much thicker and nicer to my ears, great with my pedals too

[@Stratisfied22]

I agree I have one and it's an amazing little amp.

[@steverherb]

Yeah, why Vox stopped making the Lil Night Train I'll never understand. Such a cool amp

[@Deichwerkstatt]

My DSL 1 HR is definitely not to bright, using a Vintage Modern 425 Cab. Changing the Stock Tubes to old NOS Telefunken did A LOT to improve the sound. You can hear the amp in my videos

[@xWILZTAx]

Yes this review is crap. Through greenbacks this amp sounds amazing. I dont know how he made it sounds so bad but then i also think his channel is crap and he's wrong about most things.

[@1989eol]

I own one of these now for years. It is my home amp full stop. It does everything I want it to. I especially love the clean channel. I like that it is so clear. And it takes pedals really well. Its just a small Marshall. Just don't buy the combo, which is true for most of the small amps.

[@kirkr1961]

As always, a good video with an honest evaluation and great information. Thank you sir and keep it up

[@josephpickard3108]

I just bought one of these for £140 and its the sickest thing I've ever bought. I'm blown away.

[@pablo_parra_]

What about using the guitar tone knob to adjust for the clean?

[@Alswin2777]

Man this a fantastic amplifier. I've been playing almost 30 years and I've owned almost everything from ampeg thru Dr.Z Mine sounds absolutely amazing and my friends who play love it also. You don't even know how to get a clean tone out of the amp. Try turning it up and rolling the guitar volume back. Also try dialing in a tone instead of just setting the knobs how they look pretty to you then saying it's too bright when you've got the treble turned up halfway or more. If it was turned all the way down and still too bright then I'd understand your complaint. It's a perfectly good amp you don't know how to use correctly. I have a friend who is basically pro level and he's in love with this amp too. Maybe actually learn how to use a piece of gear before leaving an inaccurate review like this one.

[@portenawouak]

Alswin2777 next time he better use another guitar ... 😂

[@stevefowler4427]

I have to agree. In his demonstration, he completely ignored the EQ section. IMO, that was worst than a half assed demo. His ego got in the way.

[@ashthegreat1]

Dunno if you are still interested Phil but I have the DSL20HR. Its ok as a bedroom amp, but as soon as you crank the volume it becomes a weapon! The only thing the DSL20 lacks that the more revered DSL40C has, is a dedicated crunch channel. I overcame this putting an MI Audio Blues-Pro pedal in front of the clean channel. Now I have it all - sparkling cleans, melodic blues, hard rock sizzle and (with my boost pedal engaged) face searing metal gain.

[@NinecoreNeil]

I really like that clean 🤗

[@IamMusicNerd]

I always prefer brighter sounding amps. It’s far easier to make a bright amp sound darker with pedals and EQ, but it’s really hard to get a darker amp to sound brighter. But I would still choose the 20w over the 1w

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Yeah i'm with youon this amp Phil, I have had this amp for about 6months as my late nighter, and recently picked up a blackstar ht1r to use instead. If I had to recommend between the two based on tone the blackstar would be my recommendation even though it has no footswitch jack or effects loop. Drive is easy enough to control with guitar volume. That being said tone as you know is subjective.

[@schecterseven3894]

Hi Phill, and Thanks Phill.

[@joejohnson-tm4wx]

It's really best used in classic metal and thrash tones.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I agree. But, it could have a been a great pedal amp. Im going to check out the 20 watt version very soon

[@robertwillett4122]

I live in a condo. It's a great amp. 8 out of a 10. And for a tube amp, it won't break you. It's Awesome. Hooked mine up to a 1×12 fender cab. No complaints.

[@Scaredporkzz]

Iv'e had a DSL 15H for about a year and it serves me well as a practice amp and for jamming with folks. When I saw the DSL 20 comming I got pretty excited. It has a power section more in line with most marshalls (EL34s) and everything else just seemed like it was better thought out. So in early February I ordered one from Sweetwater (DSL 20H). I primarily play at home at lower volume. Primary guitar is a 2000 Gibson Les Paul studio with Duncan Alnico 2 pro (PAF basically) and a jazz. I found the DSL 20 overall to be very bassy at lower volume, bordering on wooly. Even with the resonance and bass turned way down it was just too much. However, once you do get the volume past 3 or 4 (which is pretty loud) the amp fills out the mids and tightens up the low end and it sounds great. It feels like an amp meant for jamming with a drummer, not for bedrooms basically. Eventually I decided to return the 20 and try the DSL 1 and I have to say the Ultra gain channel sounds fantastic at practice volume more balanced eq, and it sounds good cranked up as well, though it may struggle next to a drum set. I do find the ultra gain channel to be a tad dark, and there is no presence control. The clean channel really doesn't stay clean very long, but i do enjoy the way it sounds fully cranked, kind of a classic overdrive tone, but i agree it's a pretty bright clean channel. Basically, if you plan on playing loud with a band or even small gigs the DSL 20 will definitely be great , but if you just want something to practice on that can give you some nice tones the go DSL1. I would not advise getting the combos of either amp though, the speakers they come with are pretty much junk. All of my experience was with the head versions played through a Avatar 2x12 with a v30 and a g12h. I kinda wish they made a DSL 5 Head version...

[@AMetalheadsJourney]

So can you connect a 2x12 to DSL1?

[@Scaredporkzz]

@@AMetalheadsJourney sure , any 16ohm cab will do...I typically have mine going through a 1x12 with a g12m-65 as its kind of silly using a 2x12 when all I do is practice on the DSL1. But I also have run it through a 2x12 just to mess around in the past. Works great just a matter of what you want to do really.

[@robertromero9488]

Can you gig with it? Ive sold out Madison Square Garden for next Saturday.

[@POOKIE5592]

Chef Atheist I believe this was designed more for outdoor stadiums.

[@FelixFraenkel]

Watch out, the Front of house is gonna complain that the stage volume is too loud

[@BobZed]

This could definitely work if you mic it up properly.

[@xWILZTAx]

You'd be surprised hownloud this amp actually is. Even on 0.1 certainly not bedroom levels

[@davidsogeti]

@@xWILZTAx exact, I do not understand all people saying It is really nice/quiet for bedroom level .. NO WAY, even at 0.1 ! :/

[@trevoraeschliman5279]

Thank you for always giving no B/S reviews!! After watching your videos I walk away understanding what it is and what it will do. You just give your honest option. I don't feel I can get that anywhere else. I am subscribing today🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@just_budha212]

Love your honesty. It's why Im still here 😉

[@ryanm1638]

Thanks for the review! Cool option, but going by the sound clips, I'll stick with my Orange #4 (which sounds awesome through a Suhr reactive loadbox and a Twonotes CAB). Thanks again for the demo!

[@CunningStuntsGoFast]

i love small amps , after 20 years of using my fender hot rod , i bought a marshall sl5 and a vox lil nightrain . cant be hapier and end up playing a lot more

[@elonmush4793]

it only has an 16 ohm output... that sucks because 8 ohm speakers are much more common. You must not connect it to a lower ohm speaker combination otherwise you'll blow up the amp.

[@josephpickard3108]

My caveat to this is to play it safe with the impedance. A few people have had issues running a 1x12 with an 8ohm speaker.

[@davedynamite77]

I got the DSL 20..great pedal platform

[@mattyounis5636]

Does yours has a bad hiss when idle I tried the 1 and 20 returned them both

[@enriqueramos450]

@@mattyounis5636 Mine does. I thought I had a grounding issue since I had recently swapped pickups on my les paul. I learned to get over the hiss but it sill bugs me from time to time

[@straddieman1]

Ive had this amp for a year. Ive had the blackstar 1w for 3 years. If your after a 1w amp you probablly cant play at the loudest volumes but want that tube sound which is why your here. Well i wouldnt be able to play the marshall at volume 1 out of 10. Its that loud. Yes you can drop it to .1 w but it also sounds like its ina fishtank. Im sure it sounds great loud bit it is far to loud to be played at home. The blackstar on volume 5 or 6 is the same as volume 1 on the marshall. Clean channel on the marshall is woeful. Sold the marshall and kept the blackstar

[@tykit9230]

Thanks for the review Phillip! I am relieved to hear it can be ran through a 2x12. I was afraid to try it. I am in agreement, it's a cool practice amp, all tube Marshall. Exactly what I've been wanting. I don't care for the clean channel either. It's fun on the red channel though.

[@Kadotus]

Thank you for this video Phillip! You are the best!

[@davidfellows6250]

I know this really doesn't apply but i just bought the new dsl 40cr and was very impressed with the clean chanle.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Pushing that clean a lil more into breakup, neck pickup on a strat =😍

[@jeffbarnes2596]

Hey Phillip, I really enjoy your gear and info vids :) I know that you prefer amps with great clean channels (and reverb...can't forget the reverb) to put pedals in front of. Totally valid. But as someone that prefers to get the tone from the amp, this looks like a winner. All the reviews I found were 5 stars. And as far as the brightness on clean, it probably fattens right up with the gain that most people who buy it are looking for. I had a Class 5 and I had to turn the bass all the way off when it was dimed. Maybe if you just turn the treble down a little you'll prefer it. I have one of these delivering tomorrow so I'll know better soon.

[@jeffbarnes2596]

So here's an update after spending the afternoon with the DSL1HR. (My need is a silent recording tube head solution that can get a 70's warm distortion tone) My feedback has to do solely with silent recording into Logic Pro X. With an LTD Deluxe traditional (Les Paul style) and this little head,I found the classic but over-driven tone I was looking for specifically for recording....and here's how: *************** The 3.5MM Audio-In also works as a direct out *minus the cab simulation* which I found rather pokey. The settings I landed on are the Super-gain channel with volume at 12-2 o'clock (seems more saturated this way), gain maxed, Voicing button engaged (going for classic rock tone) Bass 10 Mid 75% Treble 75%. For recording, I can put this in front of a transparent (or any) amp sim, here comes the best part, ***and with any cab sim/impulses you want using the audio-in instead of the direct out (which has the cab sim). The Audio-In gives you total cab-freedom, and for recording, that's amazing. Until Orange makes an OR15 version of this, this will work. (And the effects loop is the other kicker).

[@jeffbarnes2596]

Final note: Phillip, I ended up agreeing with you on the general tone of the amp. But that is only because I specifically need a retro Marshall tone.....so I just bought a Class 5 combo. I scoured YT for demos of the new Origin but I just did not hear the dimed out Class 5 tone in the Origin demos. Phillip was right on this one :) Duly noted my friend!

[@SkeeterDigs]

? I have the JCM 2000 DSL1H ( not HR ), I have the head only and it is the 50th Anniversary made in England- what cab should I be using, and did it originally come with a cab? The head is MINT, please help and thank you!

[@dfifty2]

Hi Phillip, I own this "great" little amp. The issues you are talking about (glassy sound) I just can resolve turning back the treble to 11. Thats it !! Great warm sound with my Les Paul and 1 x 12" cabinet. (with 4x12 totally different) Obviously my Strat is a lot brighter. But IMO the sound depends a lot on the guitar you are playing thrue that amp. I'm very lucky with that Baby Marshall............for that small price, I've never played a better 1W amp

[@10centjanes44]

With a Les Paul I don't have any problems with the brightness at all. May be a singlecut-friendly amp...

[@milkandmeat]

​@@10centjanes44same

[@bobboitt3126]

Thanks for the great review. I was thinking of this for home and because it had reverb, but honestly that reverb is pretty poor and that thin clean tone is NOT for me.

[@warma731]

Just play the clean channel with neck pickup and/or tone button enganged. It sounds really good.

[@user-os3ko9fw3c]

Wish they made a DSL5H.

[@hogie1259]

Correct me if I’m wrong Phillip, but didn’t Marshall market these as not having a clean channel but a crunch channel that can be cleaned up a little. I bought mine with that understanding and just set my classic crunch channel to the gain setting I wanted and just roll the volume back on the guitar which seems to tame that high end quite a bit. Anyway, yeah I think you’ll be much happier with the DSL20h . I bought both when they came out and the 20 watter definitely has the dna from the JCM2000 series for sure . It can get loud as a mother trucker too! Thanks for posting up another great video!

[@Cougar139tweak]

My opinion, if most amps seem to dark for you, and you need it to be quiet but get some distortion, this amp is the one for you!

[@drittal]

I wish the DSL20 was available before I bought my DSL15. As I’ve learned signal chain as my pedal board grew I really came to regret not having an effects loop. However, it takes pedals very nicely in the clean channel and has enough headroom to not get ugly when hitting it with a Red Rox and Soul Food.

[@Ruinwalkers]

Run a Helix into the loop return. The DSL1CR combo sounds stellar this way. Pedal issues are resolved and you can get nearly any tone you want at 3:00am. Using the power amp gets you a neutral tube tone that FRFR’s don’t match. Also, stock tubes are shrill as hell. Replace them with some good NOS tubes. Lastly, the combo is for 16ohms only. Perhaps the head is different? Running at 8ohms will degrade the tone and make it brighter as this is an impedance mismatch with the output transformer. Not sure why an amp guru wouldn’t have pointed it out to you. Try it with 16ohm cabs and report back. It won’t be thin sounding.

[@gessi1332]

Ruinwalkers Is the marshall dsl1hr better than the cr? I have the dsl1cr now and its thin sounding and lass less low end. Do you think if i get the head and a 1x12 cab improve and make my tone full? Thanks.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Who buys a marshall for clean tones?? I have a fender for that. I like my dsl1cr and i got it for $315 new. Kerp up the good work Phil

[@davidwoodruff9660]

I have that same amp. I don't really use the clean channel so I have no comment on that. I did however switch it to an 8ohm load by unplugging the lead from op transformer going to circuit board and plugging in the lead that the factory has tied off. I have the amp plugged into a silver jubilee 212 horizontal cab. Sounds great for a $300 Marshall.

[@adakhochalai]

I guess lespauel type darker guitar would suit the amp more then a strat

[@TimpBizkit]

Sounds better than the clean on my Marshall 8020 open back

[@richard66754]

I have the original DSL 2000. The green channel has all kinds of whoopass in it. The red channel has never been my thing.

[@literallyme9740]

Quick question, would this amp paired with a 2x12 cabinet be loud enough to play in a band with?

[@Wagoo]

I have the anniversary made in UK one, it's really great

[@mavrim7]

I just bought a used demo version for less. Immediately after trying it out I opened up the cabinet and pulled the chassis out to investigate. There is a white wire tie wrapped insides coming from the output transformer. Thinking it has to be 8 Ohms. I will be installing another jack next to the original 16 ohm. This new version amp has both high voltage and output transformers mounted on the exterior of the chassis like full size Marshall’s do. The 50th anniversary models had everything mounted internally and output transformer was mounted on the PCB. Going to be modding this and start selling modded DSL1 amp on eBay and Reverb. Gain is too compressed, needs to be modded like my DSL15 needed.

[@MJPGuitar]

Hi I know this is an old comment and video, but can you confirm that there really was an 8ohm output wire inside the head? The stupid ohms issue is the only thing holding me back from buying one right now.

[@Xyrium]

OMG< that thing triggered my tinnitus like no other...ouch. Agree with your overall assessment wholeheartedly.

[@jessiclark4136]

Ive been gravitating to the Blackstar HT Series. They sound so much better to me. Especially the the HT 5R head. Great review as always Phil. Thank you.

[@RobCabreraCh]

I liked this video, it was nice and informative. I tried the 20w combo at my local store, and thought it was a bit boring. I was interested in the 1w head because I thought it may be easier to crank that clean channel for some old school Marshall tones. But I think even at the low power mode, it may be a bit too loud to crank in my tiny apartment. I have a Vox AC4 that I loved when I cranked it at the store, but it is way too thin and boring at home.

[@fraenkiboii]

Oh man I'm really sitting on a fence here. You saying it's not a good platform for pedals makes me hesitating. I've seen other videos where the clean channel doesn't appear that bright, maybe due to different speakers. Could you maybe revisit this one and focus on the EQ and pedal-usability on the clean channel? Thanks and all the best! Take care.

[@nofriendtojesus]

Can you do a video on low volume tube amps. Pros and cons?

[@SteelWolf_66]

Clean channel is so bad I backed out of buying this, I guess I’ll look at what Blackstar has.

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

It could be purposely bright to help offset the low volume being played at. I found the tone on the 5 watt to be very nice clean... Going to demo the the 1 watt combo tonight. Fingers crossed, as 5 is too loud. Looking for tv volume or slightly louder, apartment friendly amp.

[@TheGuitologist]

Know what I do when an amp is too shrill? Turn down the knob labeled "treble" and turn up the one labeled "bass". :)

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Then the dirty channel is to muddy and has to much bass. Im pretty sure the clean channel was a after thought. They most likely focused on the dirty channel because they figured thats where the customers are going to go.

[@lespaul1648]

I laughed out loud when I read your comment. Cause I was thinking the same thing watching this video.

[@therover4141]

PeterDad60 won't that only make the amp quieter and break up later. Does this amp only have 12ax7 tubes or is it 1 el34 or el84? I have the jcm 2000 dsl401 it has 4 12ax7 and 4 el84. Now as a single 12 amp with a single celestion the govner which is basicly a vintage 30 it can be bright and that's with my 80 l.p. custom or my sg classic but I don't use the single gov speaker I run an old 4x12 peavey cab from early 70s and man it sounds awesome a lot of people don't like the DSL 401 because it has el84s and not the traditional el34s they said don't sound like a marshall sounds like a Vox or something but to be honest the DSL 401 is almost nothing but a mini bluesbreaker from around 67 they had very similar tube set-up I tried the DSL 40 at Guitar Center it's just too heavy man too heavy too much gain I don't know for such a small I think the DSL 40 just it can't sound good crank with that one speaker maybe through a cab or something not trying to say that the 401 is superior but the way I run my tongue controls on the clean or the game Trouble about 5 mids at about 8 and base about four and a half sounds pretty freaking awesome it's too too muddy I'll just turn the treble up thank God there is no presence knob or mid boost or any of that crap I do wish that the clean Channel had a volume control just like the game channel plus the master but it don't basically what I'm trying to say is try that amp through a combination of speakers vintage 30 tight speaker the middle of the road those things are pretty bright pretty shrill try like the celestion 12100 or the 1275 or something like that those are pretty Basie and by the way people should give the dsl401 another shot May 1st come out it was component inside some type of heat transfer bridge that wouldn't get too hot and melt cuz ant does run hot but after 2006 they remedied that that doesn't have that problem anymore I run a little fan on the back of mine anyway but they can be found pretty cheap you can get some pretty dadgum good sounds out of them

[@TheGuitologist]

Phillip: ah, so you're wanting to not have to touch the EQ switching channels. I gotcha. if you're stuck with this thing and you don't like it, I suggest seeing if it has a bright cap on the volume of the clean. You can remove that and darken it up.

[@FangPaw]

The Rover and Over. Until pushed into breakup, there's really no difference in sound between different types of power tube. EL84's sound very much the same as EL34's. In an MV amp like the Marshall DSL 401, all the distortion is in the pre-amp, there is no power tube distortion. MV amps are deliberately made this way so they sound the same no matter where the Master Vol is set. A DSL 401 sounds nothing like an AC30 (despite both using EL84 power tubes), but does sound very much like a DSL 50 or a DSL 100, despite the latter using EL34's. It's only in a cranked non-MV amp (like an AC30 or a THD UniValve) that you hear power-tube breakup and the complex harmonics they generate.

[@GlenGreig]

I have recently purchased a DSL1H and on both the amp itself & in the manual, it clearly states 16 Ohm load ONLY. No ambiguity. Downloading the manual for the older 1w head from a few years ago, it does give the option of both. I believe that Phillip might have been mixing up the two amps.

[@gessi1332]

Glen Greig Is the marshall dsl1hr better than the cr? I have the dsl1cr now and its thin sounding and lass less low end. Do you think if i get the head and a 1x12 cab improve and make my tone full? Thanks.

[@GlenGreig]

@@gessi1332 the combo allows you to connect an external cabinet, doesn't it? Plug it into a few cabinets to see what it sounds like. Audio is so subjective the only way to know is to listen yourself.

[@Deathwing-kw5fs]

The reverb is not footswitch activated, only the channel is footswitchable.

[@Lilrockerdude13]

Dear Marshall, my ears from that clean! It's not terrible but wow my phone got x100 brighter from that.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Good review about what you actually thought about the clean channel being a bit thin. These heads are hitting the market at $399 everywhere so I'll wait to pick up a used one in a year for way less that's still in excellent condition. I just wish Marshall would have made these back in the 70's, my mom would have appreciated a 1 watt Marshall when I was a teenager and learning to play guitar, LOL! Yep, Mom would have liked these little Marshalls, I had a 100 watt head and a 4x12 cabinet for practicing... At least my rig never sounded thin!

[@paulsimmons5726]

PeterDad60 - I stand corrected, I'd just been looking at the combo model which runs around $349... That's where I got the 3 from. Once they flood the market with these, I'm guessing that you'll be able to pick up one in excellent condition for $150-175. A dual channel Marshall with reverb for that price, I'm in. Phil's problem with thin is not an issue since I play an R8 LP... just sayin! Thanks for the correction! Take care!

[@TraneFrancks]

Interesting to hear how bright your DSL1 is. I have a DSL1CR. While it was a bit shrill, replacing the tubes tidied that up and the clean channel has some beautiful grind without any harshness. With quality tubes, the amp just changes its entire character.

[@davidsogeti]

Hi Trane, which kind tubes did you go with ? Preamp/Poweramp/both ? Thank.. :)

[@TraneFrancks]

@@davidsogeti I replaced both pre and power sections with Genalex Gold Lion. 2 x ECC83/B759 (premium) in the preamp and 1 x ECC82/B749 in the power section. They are absolutely lovely. For bedroom use, I run at 0.1 Watts and adjust volume till the grind I want is there. While it's unnecessary to do so, I got matched and balanced preamp tubes. The output of the tubes I received is 91. It's worth noting that the stock V1 & V2 position tubes are not identical on the DSL1CR and DSL1HR amps. The stock V1 tube is a slightly more microphonic type than the tube in V2. I didn't want that, so stuck with the matched Genalex ECC83s. Stock tubes in V1/V2 are: VLVE-00049 12AX7B/ECC83 Shuguang High Microphony Gold Logo VLVE-90066 looks like rebranded JJ ECC83S The JJ ECC83-S is about 1/2 the price of the Genalex.

[@davidsogeti]

@@TraneFrancks Whaou thank you Trane for your detailed answer, very interesting :) In fact I do own the head version DSL1HR, you know what differs between Combo/Head tubes characteristics ? I will open it up and check tubes reference soon.. Concerning the 0.1 setting, with my current stock configuration, there is not way to get nice natural overdrive/distortion from clean channel, even in 0.1w, in a descent volume at home (appartment) => II could only try it in a gig room, putting volume after 12h. Last question .. what do you mean with "more microphonic type" ? - Thank you !

[@TraneFrancks]

@@davidsogeti One of the stock tubes is intended to have a higher gain characteristic than the other for a more aggressive tone on the Ultra Gain channel. For me, that tone was unusable. Regarding HR vs CR tubes, they're identical. The only difference is the chassis is flipped in the head vs the cab. You may want to use an overdrive pedal on the Classic Gain channel to get more breakup in the tone without excessive volume. You can set the drive pedal volume to unity (the point at which the volume stays the same when you turn on/off the pedal) and then just adjust the amount of gain to change the amount of distortion. I use an EHX Soul Food to good effect in this way. Whatever you choose, though, is a matter of choice. There are many different OD types that all have their tonal characteristics. I hope that helps.

[@marklivesey2167]

Great video I bought a dsl40cr for playing in the bedroom lol and I can’t really get that quiet enough with still keeping the tone and distortion so was thinking maybe add the 1 amp head on to it but think I’ll look at the 5 now unless you can recommend some others cheers

[@rbagel55]

Yeah Phil, i checked this amp out at the local Guitar Center and everything you said was spot on. it sounded thin, bright,no warmth. I wasn't impressed.

[@reddoggie100]

Another Gr8 vid Phil. I got the new DSL40CR & the Origin 20 combo. After switching the DSL40CR speaker to a creamback I’m absolutely loving it. The Origin hasn’t supplied yet but I’m worried about the 10” speaker. Kinda wishing I would’ve gotten the head version.

[@neoaureus]

2:35 ....the expression of Phillip when playing a major Rock riff...is so deadpan..."it belongs in a museum", to grossly misquote Indiana Jones Jr.

[@roberthart666]

jUST GETTING AROUND TO VIEW THIS VID PHIL, BUT I HAVE THE 1 WATT AND I LOVE THE SOUND OF IT ,LOW OR HIGH VOLUME, TOOK A BIT TO GET IT ADJUSTED BECAUSE I NORMALLY PLAY AROUND THROUGH A FENDER DELUXE. THE GAIN SEEMS GOOD, NOT MUDDY OR A HIGH PEIRCING GAIN.

[@jessebarrera159]

I’m a big combo fan, less work, really enjoy your videos thanks, big fan.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I tried and really liked the DSL 20HR except for the fx loop that radically changed levels when using a looper! If I tracked a clean phrase and then switched over to the hot channel to lead out, the looping phrase dropped in volume. If I looped a hot phrase and switched to the clean channel the looping phrase was way too loud. For this reason I returned the amp, which was really too bad cuz I did like the tones I was getting. Got the Rebel 30 Mkii instead and am very happy.

[@thebluesbunker9001]

Hey Phil, I have the DSL20h and it jams. This one watt thing is awful. Take it back. The 20 sounds good on the clean channel and on the dirty channel it will blow your mind. I am playing through a Bugera 2x12 cab. I can only imagine what it will sound like through some of the cabs you have. Keep up the great work.

[@newmexicojoe5443]

Didn't take long to decide I don't like it. Thanks for the vid.

[@JuddLofthouse]

I got one last week and love it ..horses for causes..

[@JuddLofthouse]

I like it you might not ..

[@rjeff753]

I totally agree with you on the clean on this. Way too thin. The gain channel sounds great though. I opted to go ahead and spend the extra and pre ordered the new PRS MT15 as I really like what I am hearing on both sides of it more than the DSL 20 I have demo'd. We will see when it comes in. Love your channel and reviews as you give us your honest opinions and also why you feel the way you do. Keep it real and rock on!

[@ScottGreenMusic]

I'd need an LP with the neck volume and tone rolled back to make that clean channel usable.

[@VicHightaian]

it has 2 12ax7 tubes. basically pre-amp tubes to power the amp

[@crystaloffrost]

Thanks for the review I was thinking to buy this amp, I almost gave up now ;). It seems it is not in par with 50th anniversary series. One thing to remember though is 50th anniversary series had 5 tubes, this one has 3 tubes only. That might explain the sound quality difference.

[@adamwiseman5831]

Best review off this amp by far. I agree 100℅

[@robertmontinaro4987]

What low wattage amps would you recommend for a pedal platform? I actually thought this amp would be good for it!!

[@jamjunkies3639]

It looks like they made the same mistake with that one as they did with the old DSL5. The old 5C had a shared EQ, very bright and glassy single knob classic gain channel, relatively dark (or not so bright) ultra gain channel and no reverb (but it did have a loop). To be fair the ultra gain channel sounded great so I just used it on that channel. The problem with giving the two channels different colouration is that a shared EQ can only park you in the middle and split the difference. Making the classic gain more 'Marshall' and making it closer to the Ultra channel would have been best in my opinion, or at the very least add a tone knob to the classic channel a-la Blackstar HT5 so the sound of the channels can be balanced. Huge score for the home team with the added reverb but, huge own goal for nerfing the classic gain channel.

[@cbeserra]

Love the honesty. Excellent review

[@RByrne]

I have one of the JCM1 anniversary mini stacks, and it sounds awesome. Nice and full sound, and more than loud enough to where i usually have it on the .1w setting. This sounds way too bright and harsh. I like trying out low watt tube stuff, but this one i havent seen a review that made me want it.

[@herschelwalker591]

Just buy the DSL20HR, I have a crude video up on my channel. Don't waste your time with the DSL1, which is tinny sounding, and can only handle a 16 ohm load. I think my only nitpick with the DSL20HR is the fact you can only run 1x16, 1x8, or 2x16 ohm loads but not 2x8 ohm.

[@snowyrain5730]

I just bought the 1HR because the 20 is out of stock everywhere until JUNE! Not going to be gigging so home levels are fine... still want a 20 eventually though, or the 40 if they ever make a head version.

[@milesv5352]

Thanks for the honest review. I find most amps that are hyped and on the cheaper side (under $500 made in china) to be uninspiring after a short time.They may sound good and entertaining the first couple of times but soon fades,.... kind of like a pop song ;). I hate to say it but it seems you get what you pay for in guitars and amps. Have you come across a reasonably priced, pro sounding, low wattage, Marshall/Classic rock amp for home use? Does it exist under $1000??? Thanks! MIles V