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HI GAIN MASTER VOLUME SL-X

The latest innovation from our valve designers involves the use of an extra ECC83 pre-amp valve in the gain
stage of the Master Volume SL-X models.
This gives a gain soaked front end that is the most extreme yet produced by Marshall and is controlled by twin
gain controls, the first (item 2), from 0-10, the second (item 3), from 10-20!  Combinations of these two
controls can take you from classic Marshall crunch in lower positions, to pure overdriven outrage on
maximum.  It is well worth experimenting with these twin gains in conjunction with the tone network (items
6-9) to really get to know the full capability of your new SL-X head.
The twin Master Volumes (items 4 & 5) are another unique feature of the SL-X amp giving you two
footswitchable output volume levels, ideal for rhythm to solo switching.
Although a clean sound is available, this amp was designed for the uncompromising high gain player who
demands a no compromise sound.

HI GAIN DUAL REVERB

The Dual Reverb range was designed for versatility with two independently controlled footswitchable
channels, each voiced totally differently.
Channel A is voiced for brilliant clean tones with the gain control (item 2) on lower settings and crunch to
lower gain lead as you turn it up.
Channel B is boosted with enough gain (item 3), for fearsome lead tones, ranging from classic on lower
settings to contemporary screaming solos on maximum.
Channel master volumes (items 9 & 11) and individual channel reverb controls (items 8 & 10) give you
incredible control and all round versatility in either, head or combo form.

VALVE OUTPUT POWER

The JCM 900 range use high quality 5881 output valves (x2 in 50 Watt models, x4 in 100 Watt models) for
their unique distortion properties and fluid tone.
With most valve amplifiers, particularly Marshalls', the best sounds are achieved when the Master Volumes
are set high enough to be utilising the driving power of the output valves to the full.
This delicate working balance between the pre-amp and power amp levels can only be achieved by
experimentation.
You will find that all the JCM 900 models like to work hard and are designed to withstand prolonged use at
full power quite readily. The PB100 Power attenuator is ideal for this use (connects between amp and
cabinets) as it will allow you to run your amp at full power but keep the overall volume low. 
The important thing to remember here is that it is the interaction between all the controls that plays a part in
achieving your sound. 

HI GAIN MASTER VOLUME 900 SL-X

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS

Models 2100 & 2500

1. Input Jack

Connects the instrument to the amplifier. (A high quality screened lead must be used).

2. Pre-Amp Volume Control

Sets the initial gain level of the pre-amp section (0-10). Lower settings for clean sounds - higher settings for
crunch and overdrive.

3. Gain Sensitivity Control

Sets the secondary gain level of the pre-amp section (10-20).

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NOTE:

Combinations of the two gain controls (items 2 and 3) provide a wide range of clean, crunch and overdrive
possibilities. Experimentation will reveal the optimum settings for each.

4 & 5. Master Volume “A” Master Volume “B”

Twin footswitchable Master Volume Controls.  Master “B” controls the overall volume exclusively when a
footswitch is not connected. The connection of footswitch P801 allows switching between Master “A” or “B”
giving independent volume levels for rhythm and solo playing.

6,7,8 & 9. Treble, Middle, Bass & Presence

Passive equalisation circuit. These controls are interactive to provide the maximum range of tonal variation.

10. Master Volume B “ON” LED Indicator

Indicates red when Master Volume “B” is selected.

11. Footswitch Jack Socket

Input for the connection of remote footswitch (model P801).

12. Standby Switch

Controls the H.T. supply to the amplifier valves. Allows the filaments to remain heated during breaks.

13. Power Switch

On/Off switch for total mains power to the amplifier. 

HI GAIN DUAL REVERB

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS

Models 4100, 4101, 4102, 4500, 4501 & 4502

1. Input Jack

Connects the instrument to the amplifier. (A high quality screened lead must be used).

2. Channel “A” Pre-Amp Gain Control

Sets the gain level for channel “A”. Lower settings give clean sounds - higher settings for medium drive and
crunch rhythm.

3. Channel “B” Lead Gain Control

Sets the gain level for boosted Channel B. Lower settings give slight overdrive - higher settings for maximum
drive and sustain.

4,5,6 & 7. Treble, Middle, Bass & Presence

Passive rotary equalisation circuit. These interactive controls provide a wide range of tonal possibilities  for
both channels.

8. Reverb Control Channel A

Controls the amount of reverb on Channel “A”.

9. Master Volume Channel A

Controls the overall volume level of Channel “A”.

10. Reverb Control Channel B

Controls the amount of reverb on Channel “B”.

11. Master Volume Channel B

Controls the overall volume level of Channel “B”.

12. Channel B ‘ON’ Push Switch/LED

Indicates red when Channel “B” is selected either manually or by remote footswitch (models P802).

13. Footswitch Jack Socket

Connects the remote dual footswitch (models P802) for reverb ON/OFF and Channel A/B switching.

14. Standby Switch

Allows the amplifier to remain at “standby” (i.e. the valve heaters remain on, ready for instant use, but
without the signal circuit being active).

15. Power Switch

On/Off switch for total mains power to the amplifier.

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SL-X hbk  4/3/05  12:22 pm  Page 4

Summary of Contents for JCM 900 valve series

Page 1: ...SL X MASTER VOLUME DUAL REVERB HANDBOOK ...

Page 2: ...in our product ranges over the years Our latest development of the Master Volume amplifier the JCM 900 MK 4 SL X uses an extra valve in the pre amp to offer more gain and tone than we thought possible just a short time ago In all the JCM 900 models there are degrees of innovation to give extra high gain wider tone control and greater connection flexibility to provide you with the widest possible s...

Page 3: ...ions G ALWAYS ensure that the impedance of the amplifiers speaker or speakers connected does not fall below the minimum impedance rating I PLEASE READ this instruction manual carefully before switching on INTRODUCTION Marshall have specialised in the production of valve amplification since 1962 The unique tone and playing response of the valve has formed the cornerstone of the Marshall Sound of Ro...

Page 4: ... contemporary screaming solos on maximum Channel master volumes items 9 11 and individual channel reverb controls items 8 10 give you incredible control and all round versatility in either head or combo form VALVE OUTPUT POWER The JCM 900 range use high quality 5881 output valves x2 in 50 Watt models x4 in 100 Watt models for their unique distortion properties and fluid tone With most valve amplif...

Page 5: ...ment to the amplifier A high quality screened lead must be used 2 Channel A Pre Amp Gain Control Sets the gain level for channel A Lower settings give clean sounds higher settings for medium drive and crunch rhythm 3 Channel B Lead Gain Control Sets the gain level for boosted Channel B Lower settings give slight overdrive higher settings for maximum drive and sustain 4 5 6 7 Treble Middle Bass Pre...

Page 6: ...d output i e 25 Watts on 50 Watts models or 50 Watts on 100 Watt models The high power position gives pentode operation for the full rated output 9 Valve Failure L E D Indicates red when output valve fails and causes valve fuse item 10 to operate 10 Valve Failure Fuse Operates in the event of an output valve failure and prevents any internal damage to the amplifier NOTE On 50 Watt models items 11 ...

Page 7: ...E DUAL REVERB REAR PANEL 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 NOTE On Combo models the rear panel is reversed NOTE On Combo models the front panel is reversed JCM 900 SL X HI GAIN MASTER VOLUME FRONT PANEL 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 14 13 12 11 10 9 1 15 ...

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