Marshall DSL40CR Amplifier – A Modern Classic!
Marshall DSL40CR Amplifier Long-Term Review
The Marshall DSL40CR is a modern classic! After owning it for six years, it’s the most versatile amp I’ve owned! I have been using this amplifier for live shows, festivals, and recording purposes, and it’s been very reliable. This article will discuss the pros and cons of this amp and how it stacks up against the competition. For those wanting technical specifications, please visit my in-depth Marshall DSL40CR Article.
Marshall DSL40CR Versatility
There are several things I like about the Marshall DSL40CR amplifier. Let’s start with my favorite thing – this is the most versatile tube amp combo I have ever purchased. The DSL40 is loaded with a great clean channel (think RHCP). Additionally, it has two killer classic crunch channels that will do Hendrix, Blues, Classic Rock, and more. Furthermore, it has a high-gain channel called “Ultra Gain,” which enables you to get high-gain Santana or 80s Chug metal lead tones.
Marshall DSL40CR Long-Term Review Video
Provided Footswitch
The Marshall DSL40 also has a footswitch that allows you to switch between two channels. The Clean and first Crunch channels are shared, so channel one will depend on your choice. If you set the amp up for Crunch or Ultragain on the second side of the amp, you can switch to that. You can also set it up to use two crunch channels for a lower and higher gain tone.
The Marshall DSL40CR Footswitch also lets you turn the FX loop of the amplifier on and off, which is great. You can run a pedalboard or a single effect into the FX loop for the best tone. FX loops are great for time or modulation-based effects like Delay, Reverb, or Tremolo. I have used this with many different effects pedals, and it works great. There’s a slight delay in signal between turning it on and off, but it’s minimal, and I’ve noticed nothing to ruin a set, show, or recording.
Power Scaling
The Marshall DSL40 is rated at 40 watts, and while it’s loud enough to overwhelm any drummer I’ve played with, the two-way standby/power switch allows you to switch it down to 20 watts. This lets you get a great tone at a much more controlled volume. While 20 watts is still loud, you can use this setting for home recording or smaller club shows.
Stock and Replacement Speaker
The Marshall DSL40CR comes stock with a Celestion V Type speaker. At the same time, these speakers are very good but too bright for my taste. I swapped the Celestion V Type to an Eminence Texas Heat because these tame the high frequency and increase the mid-range. If you want to learn more about the best speakers for the Marshall DSL40CR, check out my article on Guitar Speaker Guide. The stock speaker is quite good, and if you’re looking for a classic, bright, and very “English” style sound, you’ll get a kick out of it.
I had to crank the amp very loud to compress the high-end or turn the treble and presence controls almost off to make it work. I tried a few different speakers in the Marshall until I settled on the Eminence Texas Heat. (Sweetwater Affiliate link).
Check out my video guide below to learn how to replace a speaker in this amplifier.
Downsides
The DSL40CR’s weakest point is the digital reverb. I don’t have any issues with digital technology, but I find this reverb not wet enough. There are two settings on this reverb: Classic and Ultra. I am not exactly sure what these controls do other than increase the same sound, so leave them at 100% unless you don’t like using reverb.
These controls are dimmed to 100% for what I consider “just enough to keep me happy.” You can use a reverb pedal or multi-effects processor pedal in the FX loop for a better reverb, but this onboard reverb is okay at best.
Another potential downside of this guitar amp is its weight. It weighs 50.7 pounds or 23 kg, which some folks might find too heavy to lug around. I use a small trolly to transport my amp from the car to the venue to avoid hurting my back. You might be better suited with a lighter amplifier like their DSL20CR if you have back issues.
Marshall DSL40CR Reliability
My DSL40 has been near bulletproof. In the six years that I have owned it, I have never needed to have the valves changed or had it in for service. I take good care of my gear, but I have put this amp through its paces both live and in the studio using my Two-Notes Captor X. My personal experience with this amp has been fantastic, which is another reason why I have kept it for so long.
Alternatives
I consider only a handful of amplifiers viable alternatives to the Marshall DSL40CR. The first is the Marshall DSL20CR, which is smaller and lighter but only has two channels. This alternative also is only 20 watts, so it’s not ideal for gigging in all situations.
Secondly, the Fender Bassbreaker 30R is another solid choice. The Bassbreaker is a solid amplifier in tone, but from what I’ve seen online, it can be unreliable. Sadly, the Bassbreaker 30R is discontinued, forcing you into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
Thirdly, Yorkville makes an amplifier called a Traynor YCV-40 (reverb affiliate link). The Traynor YCV-40 is a 40-watt amp with a clean, crunch, and high-gain channel, but it leans more towards an American sound than your typical English sound. While these aren’t your typical Marshall sound, they are excellent amps made in Canada.
Disclaimer:
This article or video review below is not sponsored. I purchased the amplifier and replacement speaker and decided to use them myself.
