Valvestate
Handbook
1
Marshall Amplification plc
Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1DQ, England
Tel: (01908) 375411
Fax: (01908) 376118
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
VS230R, VS232R
& VS265R Combos
2
2x30 Watt Combos with Reverb and
Chorus
Front Panel Features
1. Foot Switch Jack
For connection of Footswitch allowing selection
of Clean or Overdrive Channel.
2. Ch 1/2 Switch
Allows selection of Clean or Overdrive channel
via the front panel.
3. Input
Plug your guitar in here. We recommend that
you always use a high quality screened cable to
help prevent noise, interference and unwanted
feedback.
4. Volume
This controls the volume of the Clean Channel
and is useful for balancing the level of the
Overdrive and Clean Channels. Once turned past
half way this channel will start to crunch up your
guitar sound for semi-distorted chords and bluesy
leads.
5. Bass
Turning the Bass control will effect the amount
of low frequencies or bottom end in your guitar
tone. Rotating this control clockwise will increase
the lower tones and, depending on other settings,
will generally make your tone warmer and heavier
if combined with distortion. By turning the Bass
control anti-clockwise you will reduce the bass
frequencies in your tone which will make your
sound sharper, thinner and more cutting.
It should be remembered that your guitar will
probably be the main influence in your overall
sound and a naturally bassy guitar for example will
probably need less bass on the amplifier than a
naturally trebly guitar.
WARNING!
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LIST CAREFULLY
A. ALWAYS ensure that a good quality mains plug is fitted to your Valvestate™ conforming
to the latest B.S.I. standards (UK only) lead supplied.
B. ALWAYS ensure that the plug is wired in accordance with the regulations of your country.
C. DO NOT attempt to remove the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside your
Valvestate™.
D. ALWAYS have your Valvestate™ serviced or repaired by competent, qualified service
technicians.
E. NEVER use your Valvestate™ in damp or wet conditions.
F. WARNING This apparatus must be earthed.
The concept behind Marshall’s revolutionary Valvestate™ technology is to simulate the performance of a
Marshall valve power stage without actually using power valves. By providing the warmth, feel,
responsiveness and sheer musicality of a valve amp without involving the cost and weight, Valvestate™ has
placed the classic Marshall sound in the hands of thousands of waiting guitarists the world over.
This handbook is designed to help you to get the most from your Valvestate™ and covers our VS230, VS232
and VS265. All of which are perfectly suited to practising at home and recording. The VS230 and VS232 are
ideal for smaller gigs while the VS265 is capable of handling much larger venues. We would stress though
that the simplest way of getting the best from your Valvestate™ is by experimenting. Don’t be afraid of using
radical settings if that is what is needed to create the sound that you want. Valvestate™ is radical technology
for radical thinkers and players and is designed to handle the most gruelling punishment of any playing
situation with ease.
VS230
VS232
6. Treble
By adjusting this Treble control you can add or
take away the higher frequencies in your guitar
tone when on the Clean Channel. By turning up
the Treble control and increasing those high
frequencies you will make your guitar sound
brighter and more cutting.
7. Ch 1/2 On LED
Indicates whether the Clean or Overdrive
channel has been selected. Red indicates the
Overdrive Channel.
8. Gain
This in effect controls the amount of distortion
on the Overdrive Channel. Keeping this control
low will result in crunchy vintage type tones.
Turning this dial up will increase the amount of
distortion, fully clockwise giving maximum
distortion providing a gain drenched tone ideal for
heavy chords, wailing solos and ripping harmonics.
9. Bass
This controls the amount of bottom end or low
frequencies in your guitar tone when on the
Overdrive Channel. When using a heavily
distorted tone, increasing the bass will generally
make the tone darker and heavier.
10. Contour
The Contour control basically shifts the midrange frequencies in your guitar tone. By turning
the Contour fully clockwise you will scoop most of
the middle frequencies out of your sound. If you
combine this setting with heavy distortion and high
Treble and Bass settings you can get a killer
‘thrash’ tone, perfect for brutal rhythms and nasty
leads. By turning the Contour fully anti-clockwise
you can get some great fusion type tones. We
would suggest that you spend some time
experimenting with this control to find the
optimum setting for your style, if you’re not sure
simply leave the control set to 12 o’clock.
11. Treble
By adjusting the Treble control you can add or
take away the higher frequencies in your guitar
tone. By turning up the Treble control and
increasing those high frequencies you will make
your guitar sound more cutting.
12. Volume
This controls the volume of the Overdrive
Channel and allows you to balance the volumes of
the Clean and Overdrive Channels.
13. Reverb
Adding Reverb to your guitar tone will add
ambience and size, giving the effect of playing in a
large empty room or hall. This control allows you
to dial in the required amount of reverb.
14. On/Off Switch
Activates the Chorus function.
15. Speed
Governs the speed of Chorus oscillation.
16. Depth
Governs The depth of the Chorus effect.
17. Power Switch
Switches the mains power to the combo.
Rear Panel Features
2x30 Watt Combo with Reverb and
Chorus
1. Mains Input
For connection to the mains. We would always
recommend that your plug is wired in accordance
with your country’s regulations.
2. Head Phones Jack
For connection to headphones. When using
headphones internal speakers will automatically be
shut off.
-D.I. Output-
The VS230R/VS232 features a D.I. Output
which is ideally suited for connection to recording
equipment or to P.A. equipment. This facility is in
stereo which allows you to take full benefit of the
Stereo Chorus feature of the VS230R/VS232.
3. D.I. Output (Left)
Feeds the left hand signal of your sound to
recording or P.A. equipment.
4. D.I. Output (Right)
Feeds the right hand signal of your sound to
recording or P.A. equipment.
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