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Marshall DSL20CR 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp

20-watt, 1x12" Tube Guitar Combo Amplifier with 2 Channels, High/Low Power Modes, Speaker-emulated Line Output, Digital Reverb, Effects Loop, and 2-button Footswitch
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DSL20CR 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp with Cover

$741.99 $729.00

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Marshall's Legendary DSL Is Back in Action

Tap into burly Marshall tone anywhere from your bedroom to the stage, with the Marshall DSL20CR tube combo amplifier. With per-channel Gain and Volume controls, a dedicated Resonance control, reverb, and an effects loop, the DSL20CR is ready to rock. And with its adjustable power level, you can dial in cranked-amp tones that won't wake your neighbors — or even use the Softube speaker-emulated output for direct recording and monitoring. Marshall even refined the EQ section for extremely versatile tone shaping. From glassy cleans to bone-rattling crunch to blistering high gain, your wish is the Marshall DSL20CR's command.

Related Videos: DSL20CR 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp

A 20-watt tone beast

Marshall's DSL20CR is an all-tube, twin-channel workhorse capable of conjuring any classic Marshall sound — past or present. Three ECC83s in the preamp section (in concert with the amp's gain/master volume arrangement) give you stunning tone-shaping mojo, and with two EL34s in the engine room, you have enough volume to rule small bars and clubs. Marshall has gone on to fit this little beast with critical upgrades that give you even more control over your sound. A Resonance control (as opposed to the original's fixed deep switch) lets you dial in your preferred amount of low-end girth. You also get studio-grade digital reverb (instead of spring), high and low power settings, and a rear-panel series effects loop. Marshall has even included a 2-way footswitch for channel switching and FX loop on/off.

The DSL series — a revered tonal heritage

The Marshall DSL20CR hails from a revered lineage. Marshall introduced the JCM2000 Dual Super Lead (DSL) series amps in 1997. Right from the get-go, these all-tube monsters enjoyed enthusiastic approval by guitarists and the press alike, forming the backlines of top acts in all musical genres and bludgeoning audiences worldwide for a decade before being replaced by Marshall's JVM series (a musical powerhouse in its own right). Considered the go-to rock amp by many tone-savvy guitarists, there is considerable pent-up demand for Dual Super Leads. And thus, Marshall is proud to introduce the new-and-improved DSL series.

Softube speaker-emulated output

Marshall has teamed up with software mavens Softube to create exceptional tones in their CODE series of amplifiers, and they've joined forces again on the DSL20CR. Its line output features an accurate emulation of Marshall's iconic 1960 speaker cabinet, allowing you to plug directly into a recording chain with confidence. Guitarists at Sweetwater love flexible recording options, and the DSL20CR delivers.

Marshall DSL20CR Tube Combo Amp Features:

  • Capable of conjuring any classic Marshall sound — past or present
  • 2 channels — Classic Gain and Ultra Gain
  • High and low power modes allow you to dial in appropriate volume for any setting
  • Line output with Softube's accurate emulation of a Marshall 1960 cab
  • Highly effective Resonance control replaces the original's fixed deep switch
  • Refined EQ section gives you incredible tonal flexibility
  • Studio-grade digital reverb
  • Rear-panel series effects loop
  • Included 2-way footswitch for channel switching and FX loop on/off

Additional Media

Guitar Amp Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Total Power: 20W (10W power setting)
  • Speaker Size: 1 x 12" Celestion Seventy 80 speaker
  • Preamp Tubes: 3 x ECC83
  • Power Tubes: 2 x EL34
  • Reverb: Yes
  • EQ: 3-band EQ, Tone Shift, Resonance
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (8 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (internal 16 ohm speaker), 1 x 1/8" (Softube emulated out)
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • Footswitch I/O: 1 x 1/4" (channel, effects loop)
  • Footswitch Included: Yes, 2-button footswitch
  • Bias Type: Cathode Biased
  • Construction Material: Black Tolex
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 16.5"
  • Width: 19.6"
  • Depth: 9.8"
  • Weight: 35.9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DSL20CR

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5

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Best All Tube Pedal Platform for Small-Medium Gigs

I sold all of my tube amps 20 years ago, and had been using a Helix Modeling setup, along with several Fender modeling amps which have served me well. However, I missed the sound of a real tube amp, and I wanted to get something to remind me of my 1990 Marshall Studio 15. This DSL20CR has been the perfect product for me. (Note: I immediately upgraded the factory speaker to a NEO Creamback, which added even more warmth and drive to the already classic Marshall tone) At just over 30lbs (after the NEO upgrade) it's really easy to haul around on weekend gigs. As a clean pedal platform I've discovered 20 tube watts is more than enough for my current needs. The quality is great, and the circuitry never needs to be biased by design, which is a great relief to me. With an attentuator, I can use safely this amp to practice with at my office, without bothering others.
by TMB from California on
Music background: Retired Professional

Tonal heaven!!

Where do I even start with this little beast? First of all…I can go from nice warm and glassy clean tones…to downright disrespectful high gain tones. I'm a metal guitarist and I hardly ever have to go past 12-1 o'clock on the ultra gain channel. I also run a tube screamer mini as well just to tighten my tone up and add a little bit more saturation. I've gone through about four other tube amps before finding this little gem (5150 iconic, Vox nightrain, blackstar ht5 for example)… this DSL combo just has a certain sound that is almost old school while still having a tight and modern sound at the same time. My ONLY gripe is I get a little bit of feedback if my guitars volume is wide open but that's due to the gnarly pickups in my jazzmaster (jim roots signature jazzmaster with his signature EMGs). All in all…I tell every one I speak to that if they are looking for a super versatile and gnarly sounding tube combo…give the DSL a try. I actually plan on putting a Weber BlueDog speaker in mine just because I love the sound Weber speakers have. This is my first Marshall and I plan on buying the 20w head as well.
by Jon on
Music background: Bedroom shredder and occasional jamming with friends band

Little Giant

I've own plenty of guitar amps, fenders, peavey, and marshalls. This amp is better than my Plexi. How you ask? Because it is far more versatile. I get the "brown tone" at any volume level without killing folks. And it's clean channel is quiet and rich in tone. Not to mention it didn't drain my bank account. A great buy.
by Hollen Stewart from PA on

Amazing DSL 20 Watt Marshall

This Marshall 20Watt (3 X ECC83's , 2 X EL34's) sounds so good. Has a FX Loop. input options this DSL 20 has it all. Also this is a very LOUD 20 WATTS if you want it to be..... I have a few solid state Blackstar Amps and solid state axe FX & there not as good as Tubes Amps yet. and the way the Les Paul responds to your playing with the Tube Amp doesn't exists with a solid state amp. Nothing Beats Rocking A Good Tube Amp......
by john from detroit on
Music background: very good

Cheap components

I like this amp, a lot. It's my first Marshall, and my first tube-amp, so I cannot comment or compare it to other tube amps. Many of my favorite musicians play and or played through a Marshall, so I know it fits my style.

Marshall cut some corners though. First, they put in a cheap budget speaker. The Seventy-80 speaker is awful. It's harsh and grating in the ears. I put about 200+ hours in on it, and it never improved.

I would highly recommend a 65W Celestion creamback speaker. Night and day difference! It's worth the $... But again, now this amp is about $... I think Marshall could have done us better by simply including it.

Also, they did a poor job assembling my particular cab. When I went into to replace the speaker, I noticed one of the screws was loose, and when I backed it out, I noticed it was stripped at the end and the t-nut holding it in place, was also stripped. I know this because it fell out of the wood when I backed the screw out.

I thought it would be an easy fix, and I could just find a replacement at the local hardware store. Wrong. It's actually hard to find. When I reached out to Marshall, they only referred me to a parts vendor, who then told me that they no longer supply that screw and nut. They were unable to help me. So I'm stuck with only 3 working screws on a new amp.
by Allen from Brooksville, FL on

There are countless "British"-style guitar amplifiers out there, but take it from the lifelong guitarists and tone connoisseurs at Sweetwater, when it comes to Marshall tone, there's nothing like the real thing. We've played them all, from vintage JTM45s and the ultra-cool Plexi reissue to modern handmade masterpieces such as the JVM410. There isn't a model among them we can't recommend with total confidence, and that includes their more affordable models too, like MG, DSL, and Code series amps. Thanks to our tight relationship with Marshall, Sweetwater's always on the cutting edge of their latest designs, custom models, and limited-edition gems. If you want iconic tone from across the pond, you want Marshall, and your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will help you find the perfect one.

See also: Combo Amps, Marshall, Marshall Guitar Combo Amps
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