Marshall DSL20CR Settings

The Marshall DSL20CR is a compact and versatile guitar amplifier that has gained a strong reputation among guitarists of all levels. With its iconic Marshall tone and a wide range of controls, this amp offers an array of settings to help you achieve your desired sound. In this detailed article, we will delve into the features and controls of the Marshall DSL20CR and provide insights and recommendations to help you unlock its full sonic potential.

 

Controls The Marshall DSL20CR

1. Gain: The gain control sets the amount of preamp distortion in your signal. Lower settings produce cleaner tones, while higher settings introduce more distortion and saturation. Experiment with the gain control to find the right level of overdrive for your playing style and musical genre.
2. Volume: The volume control adjusts the overall output level of the amplifier. It governs the loudness of your sound, allowing you to match it with the rest of the band or the performance environment. Start with a moderate setting and adjust it as needed.
3. Bass, Middle, and Treble: These three-band EQ controls shape the frequency response of your guitar tone. The bass control adjusts the low frequencies, the middle control shapes the midrange, and the treble control modifies the high frequencies. Experiment with these controls to achieve the desired tonal balance and sculpt your sound.
4. Presence: The presence control affects the high-end frequencies of your tone, adding clarity and definition. It can help you cut through the mix or add shimmer to your sound. Adjust the presence control to find the right amount of sparkle and brilliance.
5. Resonance: The resonance control adjusts the low-end response of the amplifier, adding depth and weight to your tone. Lower settings provide a tighter and more focused sound, while higher settings offer more low-end thump and resonance. Experiment with the resonance control to suit your playing style and the characteristics of your guitar.
6. Reverb: The DSL20CR features an onboard digital reverb effect that simulates the natural reverberation of different spaces. The reverb control adjusts the amount of reverb effect applied to your signal. Experiment with this control to add depth and ambience to your tone.
7. Master Volume: The master volume control adjusts the overall output level of the amplifier’s power amp section. It allows you to control the overall loudness of the amp while maintaining the desired level of distortion and tone. Adjust the master volume to achieve the right balance between volume and tone.

 

Settings for Different Genres

1. Classic Rock:
2. • Gain: Set it to a moderate level to achieve a vintage crunch and sustain.
   • Volume: Adjust it to match the desired playing level.
   • Bass: Set it around the midpoint for a balanced low end.
   • Middle: Boost it slightly for added warmth and presence.
   • Treble: Set it to your preference, depending on the level of brightness desired.
   • Presence: Adjust to add clarity and definition without being too harsh.
   • Resonance: Set it to add depth and low-end response to your tone.
   • Reverb: Add a touch of reverb for a classic rock ambience.
3. Blues:
   • Gain: Set it low to maintain a cleaner and more dynamic tone.
   • Volume: Adjust it to match the desired playing level.
   • Bass: Set it slightly boosted for a full and round low end.
   • Middle: Boost it to enhance the expressive qualities of your tone.
   • Treble: Set it to your preference, depending on the level of brightness desired.
   • Presence: Adjust to add clarity and articulation.
   • Resonance: Set it to add depth and warmth to your bluesy tone.
   • Reverb: Use a subtle amount of reverb to add ambience and space.
4. Metal:
   • Gain: Set it high to achieve a tight and saturated distortion.
   • Volume: Adjust it to match the desired playing level.
   • Bass: Boost it to provide a solid and powerful low end.
   • Middle: Scoop it slightly for a more aggressive and modern metal tone.
   • Treble: Set it to your preference, depending on the level of brightness desired.
   • Presence: Adjust to add clarity and cut through the mix.
   • Resonance: Set it to add weight and depth to your heavy guitar tone.
   • Reverb: Use sparingly or keep it off for a more focused metal sound.

 

Additional Features

1. Power Switch: The DSL20CR features a power switch with two modes: Pentode and Triode. Pentode mode provides the maximum power and headroom, ideal for live performances. Triode mode reduces the output power, allowing you to achieve saturated tube tones at lower volumes. Experiment with both modes to find the right balance between power and tonal characteristics.
2. Effects Loop: The effects loop allows you to integrate external effects pedals into your signal chain. Connect your modulation, delay, or reverb pedals to the effects loop for added flexibility and control over your sound.
3. Tone Shift: The DSL20CR includes a tone shift button that alters the tonal characteristics of the amplifier. Experiment with the tone shift feature to achieve different tonal nuances and find the sound that best suits your playing style.
4. Speaker Output: The DSL20CR features a speaker output for connecting external speaker cabinets. This allows you to expand your sound and achieve a fuller and more immersive guitar tone. Experiment with different speaker configurations to find the one that suits your preferences.

 

Classic Clean Channel

The Classic Clean channel on the DSL20CR provides a classic Marshall clean sound. It is perfect for playing a variety of genres, from blues to rock to jazz. To get a good clean sound from the Classic Clean channel, start with the gain knob at around 1 o’clock, the volume knob at around 4 o’clock, the treble knob at around 10 o’clock, the mids knob at around 3 o’clock, and the bass knob at around 1 o’clock. You may need to adjust these settings to get the sound that you want.

 

Classic Crunch Channel

The Classic Crunch channel on the DSL20CR provides a classic Marshall crunch sound. It is perfect for playing rock, blues, and metal. To get a good crunch sound from the Classic Crunch channel, start with the gain knob at around 7 o’clock, the volume knob at around 4 o’clock, the treble knob at around 10 o’clock, the mids knob at around 6 o’clock, and the bass knob at around 3 o’clock. You may need to adjust these settings to get the sound that you want.

 

Tips

• Experiment with different guitars and pedals to find the sounds that you like.
• Use the amp’s built-in effects to add some extra flavor to your sound.
• Practice with headphones so that you can play at any time without disturbing others.
• Take your amp to gigs and shows so that you can get the most out of its performance capabilities.

 

Conclusion

The Marshall DSL20CR is a powerful and versatile guitar amplifier that offers a wide range of settings to help you achieve your desired tone. By understanding the various controls and exploring different settings, you can unlock a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you play classic rock, blues, metal, or any other genre, the DSL20CR provides the flexibility to tailor your sound to suit your musical style and personal taste. Remember, these recommended settings are starting points, and it’s essential to trust your ears and make adjustments based on your own preferences and the characteristics of your guitar. So, dive in, experiment, and enjoy the journey of discovering your perfect settings with the Marshall DSL20CR amplifier.