Marshall 30thanniv schematic

30th

Anniversary

Amplifier

Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1DQ, England

Web Site - http://www.marshallamps.com

Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication,

due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Marshall

Amplification plc reserve the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

Marshall Amplification plc

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Dec ‘98

Handbook

1

Introduction

CHANNEL 1 - CLEAN

MID SHIFT

BRIGHT

BASS MIDDLE TREBLE VOLUME

The 30th Anniversary Amplifier is the most comprehensive valve amp ever built by Marshall. It’s three
separate channels each drive directly into the power amplifier, the same way as in early Marshalls, to
provide the maximum amount of natural warmth from the valve powered core.

Every feature has been carefully considered to give you the greatest flexibility and a range of sounds
unsurpassed in any valve amplifier. It is well worth getting to know these features as thoroughly as possible
as many of the functions are interactive and even minor alterations can have a dramatic effect on the
overall sound. The most exciting part of owning a new amplifier is exploring it’s possibilities - so take plenty
of time and learn to fully enjoy this work of Marshall art - you won’t be disappointed.

Input Section

1. Input jack socket For connection from the guitar.

2. High Compensation Switch

3. Low Compensation Switch Reduces unwanted low end “rumble” from high

Operational Note A: input Compensation

The sound will vary from guitar to guitar. Try all combinations to find which best suits your style and tone.

Reduces the high end “scratch” from single coil pick-ups.

powered pick-ups and tightens the bottom end of the
sound.

Channel 1 Clean

The most versatile clean Marshall channel yet produced. Every
conceivable Marshall clean sound, from rich and mellow through to
the “glassiest” JTM 45 and the fullest warm Super Lead can be
found. The bright switch gives you extra top end and bite for
ringing full chords or bell-like picking. Adding the mid-shift
changes the character to give you hard clean edge for crisp picking
and chord work.

4. Volume Control Volume level control for Channel 1 only.

5. Bright Switch Adds top end sparkle and “glassiness” to the sound.

6. Mid Shift Push Switch Changes the character of the mid-band by moving the

7-9. Treble, Middle, Bass Three band EQ for tonal variation and control. The

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frequency downwards. When selected this gives an
excellent percussive picking sound ideal for country
playing.

controls inter-act and dramatic changes can be
achieved by experimentation.

2

Channel 2 Crunch

CHANNEL 2 - CRUNCH

MODE B - C

MODE A- B

BASS MIDDLE TREBLE VOLUME GAIN

Crunch is an understatement when describing Channel 2. The
three sound selections span across three generations of Marshall
with full bodied tone and the unique character which only pure
valve power can produce. The gain selections allow you to
switch from fat creamy vintage blues, to driving hard rock and
devastating metal rhythms. There is as much tonal and gain
variation in this one channel as many amps have in total.

10. Gain Control Controls the level of gain on all crunch selections. As

11-12. Mode A-B-C Selector Switch

with all gain controls the amount of distortion increases
as the control is advanced.

Three modes can be selected on Channel 2. Mode A is a
low gain, natural valve overdrive reminiscent of an
original JTM 45.
drive of a 1959 Super Lead amp or early Master Volume.
Mode C gives high gain drive similar to the JCM 900
master volume amps.

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Mode B is crunchier with the feel and

13. Volume Control Controls the level of Channel 2.
14-16. Treble, Middle & Bass 3 band EQ network for tone shaping.

Channel 3 Lead

The ultimate lead channel! Marshall overdrive has always set the
standard, constantly pushing back the barriers that constrain
creativity. Superbly voiced EQ maintains real tone despite
unbelievable levels of gain. By adding the gain boost and using
the selectable contour, you can focus your lead sound through
every extreme of rock guitar playing. This level of gain can't be
described in words. When you play this channel you will feel
what we mean!

17. Gain Control Controls the gain level of the lead channel.

18. Gain Boost Switch Boosts the pre-set gain level of the lead channel to

19. Contour Switch Changes the middle control into a “contour” shaping

20. Volume Control Sets the level of the channel.
21-23. Treble, Middle & Bass Three band EQ for lead channel tone shaping. These

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GAIN

BOOST

BASS

MIDDLE TREBLE VOLUME GAIN

CHANNEL 3 - LEAD

CONTOUR

push your lead sound far beyond any previous limits.

control, giving instant mid band cut and boost where it is
most effective.

controls are interactive so experiment to find their full
potential.

3

Control Section

PUT CONTROL

STORE

3 2 1

24-26. Channel Selection switches

27. Store Switch Stores incoming MIDI information for channel selection

Operational Note B: MIDI Control

stored in the PATCH number that was LAST received. If no patch message has been received then no store will be
made. Try this example;

A. Send MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE to Anniversary amp (for example 24) B. Select ampchannel (for example 2) C.
Press store until all three channel LED’S flash momentarily. Now, whenever the Anniversary amp receives MIDI
PROGRAM number 24, it will automatically select Channel 2. The memory will be retained when the amp is switched off.

Note: The internal memory of your Anniversary unit can be reset (all patches Channel 1) by holding down the channel
1 button and the store button during switch on. Be sure you really want to reset the memory first!

Note: Ensure that compatible MIDI cables are used.

Selection switches with LED indicators to show
channel selected.

when used in conjunction with external MIDI device. (See
operational note B).

The MIDI section of your Anniversary amplifier is really very simple to
use. It allows you to control your amp’s channel switching (1,2 or 3)
via MIDI program change messages. The Anniversary amp has an
internal memory and can store Channel 1,2 or 3 selection in 128 MIDI
addressable patches. These correspond to the 0 - 127 MIDI
PROGRAM CHANGE message.

Note: The Anniversary amp is preset to receive MIDI messages on MIDI
CHANNEL 1 only.

On pressing the store button, the amplifier channel selection will be

Master Output

28. Effects Control

29. Presence Control Boosts the upper frequencies to give extra crispness to

30. Low Volume Compensation Switch

31. Master Volume Controls the overall volume level of the amplifier.

32. Standby Switch In the off position the valve heaters remain on,

33. Power Switch On/Off switch for mains power to the amplifier.

Gives control of the balance between effected and dry
signal when using external processors (see operational
note F).

the amplifiers output. Operates on low damp settings of
power amp only.

When the master volume is kept low, high gain valve
amplifiers can sound fizzy and unnatural. This switch
filters out the unwanted “fizz”, adds bottom and has
great benefits for recording and rehearsal. The
effectiveness of this control decreases as the master
volume is increased.

ready for instant use without the signal circuit being
active. With the standby switch off no sound will be
produced from the pre-amp or power stage.

4