Marshall MA50H Guitar Amplifier Head (50 Watts)

Throughout the history of Marshall Amplification they have strived to satisfy the needs of every kind of guitarist, from the iconic warmth and power of our all-valve flagships to the affordable and inspirational MG range.

In the nineties, Marshall developed their 'Valvestate' topologies, simulating 'all-valve tone' by placing an actual valve in the preamp stage of a solid state amplifier. With the help of suitable expertise and experience in sound manipulation the result was very impressive indeed.

In 2001, AVT was born, incorporating 'Advanced Valvestate Technology' in an effort to evolve this technology further bringing the true valve tone of iconic Marshall amplifiers even closer to the reach of those players who wanted more amplifier for their limited budget.

Marshall are pleased to announce that they have taken things to the next level by removing the solid state pre-amp and power amp sections ever present in Valvestate amplifiers and are able to offer a true all-valve amplifier range within the same price bracket, the MA range. All models in the MA range are fully valve powered and deliver that unmistakeable Marshall tone. They are the perfect stepping stone between every guitarist's first Marshall and one of their own iconic UK built tone monsters.

The MA has been carefully designed by Marshall's Research & Development team using the same basic principles as for all Marshall amps; to create an amplifier that delivers something new and exciting for everyone. By keeping the amplifier simple the MA is able to deliver the benefits of all-valve tone and colour, while maintaining an attractive price tag. What is more, like every Marshall, it is built to survive 'the road'. So as well as making it the perfect choice for everyone's first all-valve amplifier, the MA range is the perfect choice for people who want to take their sound on tour. The MA range offers a valve amp from Marshall that is more accessible than ever before.

Attractive Looks
The aesthetics of the MA have been specially designed to create a look that stands apart from most other amplifiers from Marshall, while still retaining the essence of what people have become familiar with for over 45 years. Two orange LED's illuminate the interior of the unit, highlighting the power valves. This effect is visible through the fret cloth where the trusty white script logo is mounted onto a solid piece of transparent Perspex.

Valve Power And Tone Simply Executed.
MA amplifiers are powered using the traditional Marshall mainstays of ECC83 double triode valves in the preamp, and EL34 pentode valves in the power amp. The layout and controls are kept simple, allowing you to explore unhindered the full potential of the all-valve tone within. The amplifier benefits from separate equalization stages for both the Clean channel and Overdrive channel allowing you to optimally adjust each one without compromising the other. An extra benefit has been provided in the form of a valve driven 'Boost' function on the OD channel giving you, for example, a solo boost with more volume and gain. The amp also contains a spring reverb for use with all channels within the amp.

Intuitive And Practical In Use.
The MA series was designed with the flexible control demanded by today's players in mind but with a streamlined feature set to keep it cost effective.

Whether in your own home or gigging, setting up the sounds and relative levels is very easy; Starting at the Overdrive Channel with the Boost enabled. This mode can deliver the highest gain and offers some real mean Marshall signature grind for effortless soloing or powerful metal riffing. Set all EQ controls and Crunch Balance to 12 o'clock for now. Turn up the Volume and Gain to get your sound at the required level when playing solos. Fine tune that sound with the EQ including the Presence and Resonance controls.

When you are happy with your 'solo' mode then disengage the boost to give you your rhythm or crunch sound. The volume and gain of this mode is further controlled by the 'Crunch Balance', (this control does not affect the Boosted mode). The Crunch Balance enables a player to preset the gain/volume difference between their rhythm and solo modes and the key to success is the careful balancing of the Overdrive Volume, Gain and Crunch Balance controls.

Finally, the Clean Channel with its own dedicated EQ section can be set to match up with the Overdrive channel.

The supplied footswitch assists live performance by allowing the player to toggle between settings; i.e. Clean to Overdrive, Clean to Boosted Overdrive and Overdrive to Boosted Overdrive ensuring maximum versatility.

Extras
Even though the MA range is designed as a no frills all-valve guitar amplifier, Marshall have included a couple of extra features that allow for yet more versatility in this amplifier range, ensuring the MA really does offer the best choice.

In addition to the all-valve pre-amp and power amp tone achievable, MA amplifiers are equipped with an onboard spring reverb tank which allows you to add an extra dimension to your sound. The reverb chosen perfectly compliments the valve tone of the amplifier and using the front panel reverb level control you can dial in how much you need for your own taste.

As well as an outstanding onboard reverb, all MA amplifiers are equipped with a serial external effects loop for guitarists who want to add effects units into their sound. The nominal level of -10dBV is suited to stomp boxes primarily but not exclusively.

Technical Info

Specifications
Power Output: 50W

Preamp Valves: 3 x ECC83

Poweramp Valves: 2 x EL34

Channels: 2

Clean Channel controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass

Overdrive Channel controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Gain, Crunch Balance

Master controls: Presence Resonance, Reverb

Overdrive Channel Boost: Yes

Footswitch (supplied) 'Channel Select' / 'Boost': Yes

Serial FX Loop (-10dBV nominal level): Yes

Speaker output options: 8 and 16 Ohms