From Jim Marshall
I would like to take this opportunity to personally
congratulate you on choosing this MA amplifier from
Marshall.
It has always been my aim to produce guitar amplification
equipment that meets the needs and requirements of every
guitarist, whether those needs be a UK made, all-valve
professional head and speaker cabinet or a low cost,
solid-state combo. As a musician myself, I know the
importance of finding ‘your sound’ and understand how
frustrating it can be when the only thing that stands in your
way is not your talent, but your bank account. But how to
cater for those budget conscious guitarists craving that true
valve-driven Marshall sound? I put this question to the
Marshall Research & Development team and their answer
was the MA Series; a range of simple, road-worthy, all-valve
amplifiers with an affordable price tag. This incredible range
of dual channel amps has now made pure Marshall valve
tone more accessible than ever, a fact I am very excited
about.
Overview
The new Marshall MA Series comprises four models:
MA100H 100W head
MA50H 50W head
MA100C 100W 2 x 12" combo
MA50C 50W 1 x 12" combo.
Aimed at the players who find themselves on a tighter
budget than some of their contemporaries, this range of
practically featured valve amplifiers has enabled the
dream of owning an iconic full-size Marshall stack to
come true at last!
Designed, developed and quality controlled in the UK and
manufactured in Vietnam by our selected OEM partner,
the MA Series is a two channel valve amplifier with
independent control sections. A ‘Boost’ function on the
Overdrive channel creates a pseudo third ‘channel’ which
translates to a very performance-friendly amplifier for
today’s modern guitar player. ‘Resonance’ and ‘Presence’
controls allow for fine tuning of the amp’s tone at any
volume level in any musical style, be it crystal clean,
modern metal or anything in between.
The Basics
Mains Input & Fuse
Your amp is provided with a detachable mains (power)
lead, which is connected on the rear panel. The specific
mains input voltage rating that your amplifier has been
manufactured for is indicated on the rear panel.
WARNING: Before going any further, make sure your
amplifier is compatible with your electrical supply. If you
have any doubt, please seek help from a qualified
technician - your Marshall dealer can help you in this
respect.
The MA Series also contains a spring reverb with front
panel level control, a series FX loop and a two-way
footswitch (PEDL-91001) that caters for remote channel
change and boost engage, especially useful during live
performance.
The preamp utilises three ECC83 (12AX7) double triodes
with the trusty EL34 once again delivering the power into
the speakers. The MA100H and MA50H units also feature
transparent baffles and subtle internal lighting, allowing
the chassis and valves to be viewed in all their glory.
The tone is full-bodied, hamonically rich and instantly
recognisable as Marshall . . . enjoy!
The correct value of mains fuse is specified on the rear
panel of the amplifier. NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse
or fit one of the incorrect value.
ENGLISH
We have also worked extremely closely with our overseas
manufacturer to ensure that the MA Series delivers exactly
what you would expect from a Marshall; solid construction,
proven reliability and, above all, great tone.
I would like to wish you every success with your new
Marshall amplifier. Welcome to the family.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr Jim Marshall OBE
2 3
2
Quick Start
1. Make sure that the speakers/cabinet(s) are connected
to the correct impedance LOUDSPEAKER jack(s) on the
rear panel.
See the Speaker Output guides sections (22-23) in this
handbook for specific information regarding impedance
matching. When using an extension cabinet make sure
that you are using a proper speaker cable. Never use a
screened (shielded) guitar cable for this purpose.
WARNING! Failure to do any of the above may
damage your amplifier.
2. Ensure that the VOLUME controls on the front panel
are set to zero.
3. Connect the supplied mains (power) lead into the
MAINS INPUT on the rear panel first and then into an
electrical outlet.
4. Plug your guitar into the INPUT jack socket on the front
panel.
5. Turn the front panel POWER switch on and then wait a
couple of minutes.
6. After waiting, engage the STANDBY switch (see
section 20 of Front Panel Features for full explanation).
7. Turn the volumes up to your preferred level and your
amp is ready to play.