If you are a fan of Marshall amps and are looking for that classic Marshall look and tone in a small, affordable, and versatile package, the Marshall CODE50 amplifier is an excellent choice in every way.
Intro
When one thinks of digital modeling amps, Marshall is probably not the first company that comes to mind. After all, this is the company that made the amplifier stack an iconic part of music history. So why bother enter the already-crowded digital modeling amp arena?
Specifications
The Marshall CODE50 is 50 watt 1×12 combo with a digital modeling preamp and all solid state power amp section. It comes with 100 presets that focus on the company’s own rich history of guitar amplification. Aimed primarily at the home studio/practice player, the Code50 includes 1/8″ auxiliary inputs and outputs. Controls include traditional amp controls such as gain, bass, middle, treble, volume, and master. There are also dedicated knobs for presets and editing as well as a 1/4″ footswitch jack.
A mini-USB port is also easy accessible, as are buttons to edit “Pre FX” such as distortion. Other dedicated edit buttons include Amp, Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Power, and Cab. The effects include the standard array of distortion, overdrive, modulation, delay, and reverb effects. The amp models focus upon Marshall’s own amp lines, including models of the JTM45, DSL100H, JVM410H, Bluesbreaker, JCM800, JCM2000, and JCM2555 (Silver Jubilee). Currently, eight different cabinet models are available, including various 4×12, 2×12, and 1×12 combinations.
Performance
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical upon giving the Marshall CODE50 a run through. After all, they’re a company that’s known for their great tube amps, not modeling technology. But it doesn’t take long to see that the folks at Marshall have done their homework. What is perhaps most inspiring about the CODE50 and the CODE series in general is that the emphasis is upon the rich history of Marshall amps. Sure, they include the standard fare of American clean tones (e.g. Fender amps), but the number and quality of Marshall amplifier and cabinet emulations are really impressive. The JCM800 and Silver Jubilee models were especially very well done. I didn’t expect the effects to be as good as they were either.
While my first impression was that this would be a great home practice/teaching amp, I think the CODE50 (and its big brother the CODE100) is easily a gigable amplifier, both with respect to its volume and quality of tones, so long as you’ve purchased the “optional” footswitch (not really an option for live use – you need it). But it does excel as a practice and teaching amplifier, given the wide range of connectivity options, including excellent Bluetooth connectivity with both iOS and Android options. The USB options are also very impressive.
Final Thoughts
If you are a fan of Marshall amps and are looking for that classic Marshall look and tone in a small, affordable, and versatile package, the Marshall CODE50 amplifier is an excellent choice in every way.
Name of Gear: Marshall Code50
List Price: $375 ($299.99 street)
Manufacturer Info: Marshall Amplification; marshall.com
Pros: Solid models of classic Marshall amplifiers; excellent array of effects and cabinets; flexible interface options; good value
Cons: Footswitch pretty much a necessity for live use.