Marshall Amplification Valvestate 8100, Valvestate 8200, Valvestate 8280, Valvestate 8240, Valvestate 8080 User Manual

Valvestate

Handbook

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8100 & 8200 Heads

&

8280, 8240, 8080,

8040, 8020

& 8010

Combos

Marshall Amplification plc

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

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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.

Nov ‘98

WARNING!

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LIST CAREFULLY

A. ALWAYS fit a good quality mains plug conforming to the latest B.S.I. standards (UK only).
B. ALWAYS wire the plug in accordance with the colour code attached to the mains lead (UK only).
C. DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
D. ALWAYS have this equipment serviced or repaired by competent, qualified personnel.
E. NEVER under any circumstances, operate the amplifier without an earth.
F. NEVER use any amplifier in damp or wet conditions.
G. ALWAYS ensure that the impedance of the speaker or speakers connected does not fall below the

amplifiers minimum impedance rating.

H. NEVER connect the negative side of the Valvestateloudspeaker output to earth (ground), e.g. by

connecting a D.I. box across the loudspeaker terminals.
THIS MAY SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR VALVESTATEAMPLIFIER, unless an earth lift switch
is used to separate it from other ground connected equipment.

I. PLEASE READ this instruction manual carefully before switching on.

INNOVATION IN AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY

Marshalls' Valvestateis a revolutionary concept in amplification.
Using the most up to date techniques our designers have produced a truly outstanding range of products for

every level of guitarist. From the 10 Watt practice combo to the 100 Watt stack and now with our latest
additions the 80 Watt per side Bi-Chorus combo and 100 Watt per side Bi-Chorus head, Valvestate



technology will give you a quality of sound that is in every sense true Marshall.
Valvestateis able to do this by simulating the performance of a valve power stage. Using Bi-Polar devices

in models 8010, 8020, 8040, 8080, 8100 and 8240 and MOSFET devices in models 8280 and 8200 in a new
constant current configuration produces the type of high impedance output levels normally only delivered by a
valve amplifier. This creates speaker reaction similar to that found in valve equipment. Ringing harmonics,
rich bass response and sensitivity give Valvestateamps that special Marshall ''feel" which is a joy to play!

To achieve the full dynamic potential of Valvestate



power, we designed pre-amp sections of incredible
versatility, with masses of gain and the widest tone control possibilities. Models 8040, 8080, 8100, 8240, 8280
and 8200 feature a Marshall ECC 83/12 AX7 valve in the pre-amp to give even greater dynamics by providing
real valve overdrive. In addition, our special "Contour" control lets you focus the overdrive from mellow
blues, right through to all out screaming metal. Also the totally analogue stereo chorus and reverb effects on
the 8240, 8280 and 8200 help create some of the biggest sounds imaginable. Whatever your style of guitar
playing, Marshall Valvestatewill give you the edge!

This handbook covers the Valvestate



guitar amp and combo range and has been compiled to help you to
get the best from your amplifier. There is no substitute for playing experience and due to the great versatility
of this range you should experiment as much as possible in order to familiarise yourself with the controls.

The Marshall Valvestate



range has been designed by our amplifier engineers to add new dimensions to
your guitar sound. The controls are there to be used to the full, so be extreme and enjoy getting to know
Valvestate.

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GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR VALVESTATE

TM

AMPLIFIER

There may be some features of your Valvestateamplifier with which you are not familiar. The following
terms are explained in order to help you to get the full benefit of these incredibly versatile facilities on those
models to which they apply.

GAIN

This is really just another term for input volume. On controls that have increased drive capacity, the more you
increase the gain, the greater the intensity of distortion. The Valvestateboost channels have an abundance
of gain and will give you countless overdrive variations. By playing with the positions of the gain and contour
controls combined, you will discover the many different textures of Valvestateoverdrive.

CONTOUR

Our special mid band shift contour control changes the voicing of the boost channel to give you the maximum
amount of variation on overdrive selections. It works on the frequencies that are most effective for guitar and
gives unlimited potential to your distortion tones. As with the EQ controls, playing experience will show the
optimum settings for your sound.

CRUNCH

A term used to describe semi-distorted sounds often used for rock rhythm or blues lead playing. Crunch is
achieved by turning the normal channel gain to maximum or just below. Valvestatemodels have extra gain
built into their normal channels to give you plenty of crunch (models 8080, 8240, 8100, 8280 & 8200 also
have a switchable crunch selection). Turning down the guitar volume brings the sound back to clean.

EQ

Short for equalisation which describes the tone control combination. The Treble, Middle, Bass and Presence
controls are extremely effective in your Valvestateamp and the only way to really get to know their full
range is to play with them.

EFFECTS SEND & RETURN

When linking external effects processors, some of the best results can be achieved by using the effects loop.
The Send jack sends the signal from the amp to the input of the effects unit. This then returns from the units'
output into the Effects Return jack. The loop comes in after the amps' distortion circuitry so is best suited to
effects units such as chorus and delay where extra colouration of the effect is not required. Effects such as
distortion and compression are more suited to the amp input where sound colouration will follow. A level
switch allows the loop to operate at high (0dB) signal levels for rack processors, or low (-20dB) levels for
floor pedals.

PRE-AMP OUTPUT

This socket gives a signal direct from the amplifiers' pre-amp section which can be used either as an effects
send, or as a means of driving an external power amp system.

POWER AMP INPUT

If you own a separate pre-amp, this socket gives you direct access to the Valvestatepower stage, without
involving the combo pre-amp. It can also act as an effects return.

LINE OUTPUT

The low level signal from this socket is specially filtered to enable you to link directly into recording or PA
mixing equipment and to still achieve the Valvestateguitar sound. The 8240, 8280 & 8200 have left and
right Line Outputs operating in stereo.

POWER STAGE

This refers to the part of the amplifier that delivers the signal from the pre-amp control section and amplifies it
in order to drive the loudspeaker. In your Valvestateunit this is the part that is so unique and will really
make your guitar sounds simply the best!

STEREO CHORUS

Chorus is one of the sweetest guitar effects. The 8240, 8280 and 8200 bring you stereo chorus through twin
Valvestatepower stages for a panoramic spread and superb chorus depth.

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