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5 Best Marshall Amps for Metal

 


Most recommended
Marshall Code 50
  • 1×12 Marshall Speaker
  • Controls – 3-Band EQ, Gain, Pre FX, Reverb
  • USB Port And Bluetooth
A good choice too
Marshall MS2
  • Volume & Tone Control
  • Battery Operated (Polaroid 9V Batteries)
  • Headphone Jack
A good choice too
Marshall AS50D
  • 2×8 2 Channels Combo
  • Phantom-Powered XLR Microphone Input
  • Digital Chorus & Reverb
Marshall M-DSL40CR-U
  • Celestion V Type Speaker
  • 2 Separate Master Volume Controls
  • Softube Emulated Output
Marshall MG15R
  • Three-Band EQ
  • Two Channels (Clean & Overdrive)
  • MP3/Line In

Choose the Best Marshall Amp for Metal

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Marshall Amps for Metal

26 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

53.85% of users selected Marshall Code 50, 3.85% selected Marshall MS2, 7.69% selected Marshall AS50D, 23.08% selected Marshall M-DSL40CR-U and 11.54% selected Marshall MG15R. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Guitarists who are into metal music have a special relationship with their amps. Marshall Amps for Metal have long been the choice of metal players for their raw power and aggressive tone because they can handle the high-gain sounds that this style of music demands. This article will take a look at some of the best Marshall amps for metal, and offer some tips on how to get the most out of them. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, you can get full information about these music devices in this guide.

Marshall Code Digital Combo Amp, 50-50-watt

The Marshall Code Digital Combo Amp merges the best of modern digital technology with a classic Marshall design. You can choose from 14 different preamp models, or use the control panel to dial in your tone.

There are 30 presets available, or you can program your sounds. The amp also has a dedicated audio input for streaming music from your iOS or Android device, and it can stream audio from your computer as well. There are 4 power-amp models to choose from and 8 speaker cab models. You also get 3-band EQ, gain, volume, and 100 presets with 24 FX.
And if that’s not enough for you, there’s also Bluetooth connectivity so you can control the CODE amp with your smartphone or tablet. Plus, the onboard tuner makes keeping your guitar in tune easy. You get a lot of amp for the money with this one!

Pros
  • solid state Marshall Combo Amp;
  • 14 preamp models;
  • 30 presets or control panel functions;
  • dedicated audio input;
  • streaming music from iOS or Android device;
  • 4 power-amp models;
  • can stream audio from computer;
  • 8 speaker cab models;
  • 3-band EQ, gain, volume;
  • 100 presets 24 FX;
  • connection via Bluetooth to control CODE;
  • connection via USB to use CODE as a DAW interface;
  • can be connected to MP3 player;
  • programmable foot-controller.

Cons
  • tedious to edit exact tone;
  • controls on the top of the amp.


Marshall MS2: Battery-Powered Micro Guitar Amplifier

Marshall MS2: Battery-Powered Micro Guitar Amplifier. This little guy is a powerhouse, perfect for practice and small gigs. You’ll never have to worry about losing power with the external power amp, and the battery-operated model is super portable so you can take it wherever you go.

The low noise even at high volumes means you can crank it up without disturbing anyone, and with a 9-m radius of good volume, you’ll be able to rock out wherever you are. Plus, there’s a headphone jack for silent practice or late-night jams, and the single tone control ensures that you’ll be able to dial in your sound no matter what kind of guitar or bass you’re using.
And if that’s not enough, this bad boy can be used with an external speaker for even more volume. Need to hear your guitar at a large venue? No problem! Just plug in an extra speaker and you’re ready to go.

Pros
  • with volume and tone control;
  • external power amp;
  • battery-operated model;
  • about 9-m radius of good volume;
  • with a headphone jack;
  • low noise even at volume setting up to 10;
  • features a headphone output;
  • small and portable device;
  • switchable Clean and Overdrive channels;
  • a single tone control to dial it in;
  • can be used with acoustic guitars and bass guitar;
  • can be used outdoor;
  • easy to transport.

Cons
  • not powerful enough;
  • rattling at the higher volumes.


Marshall Acoustic Guitar Amplifier AS50D with 2 Channels, 50 Watt

If you’re looking for a guitar amplifier that can do it all, look no further than the Marshall AS50D. This amp comes with a digital chorus and reverb, making your sound that much richer.

Plus, the newly-designed polydome tweeter ensures high sound quality. The anti-feedback notch filter is perfect for use with guitars and drums, while the two 20-cm woofers provide plenty of volume and round bodied tone.
You’ll also appreciate the phantom-powered XLR microphone input as well as the stereo RCA phono inputs for connecting MP3 players. And if that’s not enough, this amp can also be used for other line-level electronic devices – thanks to its versatile design. So, whatever your needs, this amp is a perfect choice.

Pros
  • with digital chorus and reverb;
  • newly-designed polydome tweeter;
  • with an anti-feedback notch filter;
  • compatible with guitar and drums;
  • provides high sound quality;
  • two 20-cm woofers;
  • digital reverb and effects loop;
  • can be used with condenser microphones;
  • provides plenty of volume and round bodied tone;
  • a phantom-powered XLR microphone input;
  • stereo RCA phono inputs for connecting MP3 players;
  • can also be used for other line level electronic devices;
  • wear resistant fabric grill.

Cons
  • cannot be used with headphones;
  • without a foot switch.


Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier, M-DSL40CR-U

Introducing the Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier, perfect for both professionals and beginners. This amp is packed with features, including gain and volume per channel, a Celestion V type speaker for a crystal clean tone, and power reduction to 20 watts for those times when you need to keep the noise down.

Plus, there are two separate master volume controls and a dedicated resonance control to dial in your sound just the way you want it. And speaking of sound, this amp gives you the perfect overdrive, crunch, and rock tones that will take your playing to the next level. Rock on!

Pros
  • gain and volume per channel;
  • with Celestion V type speaker;
  • can provide a crystal clean tone;
  • with power reduction option to 20 Watt;
  • 2 separate master volume controls;
  • dedicated resonance control;
  • high and low power settings;
  • soft-tube emulated output;
  • for professionals and beginners;
  • ensures good old-school Metal tone;
  • perfect overdrive, crunch, and rock tones.

Cons
  • not suitable for more modern Metal and high gain;
  • heavyweight construction.


Marshall Guitar Combo Amp MG15R, 15 Watt

Marshall is one of the most legendary and iconic names in guitar amplification. With this amp, they bring you a unit that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

It features specially voiced digital effects, an emulated headphone output for great silent practice, and intuitive foot-switching technology. It also has four adjustable and storable channels with clean and overdrive channels to give you the options you need onstage or in the studio.
Plus, it boasts 15-Watts of output power to give your sound an added punch and lower-end. And it comes with a fixed power cable to make set up quick and easy!

Pros
  • suitable for both beginners and gigging pros;
  • specially voiced digital effects;
  • emulated headphone output for great silent practice;
  • with 3-band EQ;
  • intuitive foot-switching technology;
  • four adjustable and storable channels;
  • with clean and overdrive channels;
  • 15-Watt output;
  • includes fixed power cable;
  • MP3 / Line input;
  • integrated digital spring reverb effect;
  • brings an added punch and lower-end to sound;
  • with buttons of Clean volume, Channel select button, Overdrive Gain;
  • can also be regulated bass, middle, treble.

Cons
  • without effects loops;
  • heavyweight model.


Buyer’s Guide

History of Marshall Amplifications

In 1962, Jim Marshall opened a small music shop in London to help new and upcoming musicians find affordable gear. At the time, most amplifiers were hand-built by small, boutique companies, which made them expensive and inaccessible to many aspiring players. Marshall wanted to change that, so he began producing his line of amplifiers – the first Marshall amps.

The original Marshalls were designed for use in blues and rock bands, and they quickly became popular among UK artists like The Who and Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page is said to have used a Marshall stack on stage as early as 1965. By the 1970s, Marshall amps had become an icon of rock music, and their unmistakable sound could be heard on recordings by artists like AC/DC, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.

History of Marshall Amplifications

Today, Marshall amplifiers are still a popular choice for metal musicians. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Marshall amps for metal and provide tips on how to get the most out of them [1].

What to search for in a Marshall Metal Amp?

When looking for a Marshall amp to handle metal, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is that different amps can be better or worse for different styles of metal music. For example, an amp that is great for playing death metal might not be the best choice for playing power metal. So, make sure you know what kind of metal you want to play with, and then find an amp accordingly.

The second thing to think about when choosing a Marshall amp for metal is your budget. Amps can range in price from just a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. If money is no object then you can buy whatever Marshall amp catches your fancy, but most people will have to carefully consider their budget and find the best amp they can afford.

Finally, you need to think about what features you want in an amp. Do you need a lot of power? What kind of effects do you want it to have? How big does it need to be? These are all important questions that you need to ask yourself before making your purchase.

Tips for buying metal amps

  • When looking for a Marshall amp to handle metal, make sure you know what kind of metal you want to play. There are different amps made for different styles of metal music.
  • Think about your budget when making your purchase. Amps can range in price from just a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars.
  • Consider what features you want in an amp before buying. Do you need a lot of power? What kind of effects do you want it to have? How big does it need to be?
  • If money is no object, then buy whatever Marshall amp catches your fancy! But most people will have to carefully consider their budget and find the best amp they can afford [2].

Wattage

One thing to consider when looking for a Marshall amp to handle metal is the wattage. The higher the wattage, the more power the amp has and the louder it can be. If you need an amp that can be heard over a loud band, then you will want to look for one with a high wattage. Conversely, if you don’t need an amp that’s quite as loud, then you can save some money by buying one with a lower wattage.

The average power rating for a Marshall Amp head is 50 watts. However, some heads have a power rating as high as 100 watts or more. If you’re looking for an amp to handle metal and don’t need it to be excessively loud, then one with a lower wattage may be the best option for you.

Wattage

On the other hand, if you need an amp that can pack a punch, then you may want to consider one with a higher wattage. Just make sure that you won’t blow your ears out when playing at home!

Marshall also makes guitar amps with different wattages. The most common are 20 watts, 30 watts, and 40 watts. Again, think about how much power you need before making your purchase.

Marshall also makes combo amps, which are a head and speaker all in one unit. These come in a variety of different wattages as well, so you can find the perfect one for your needs [3].

Think about how easy it’s going to be to use

Another thing to consider when buying a Marshall amp is how easy it is going to be to use. Amps can come with a lot of different features, and not all of them are necessary for everyone. If you’re not sure what all the features do, or if you don’t think you’ll use them, then you may want to buy an amp without them. This will save you some money and make the amp easier to use.

Marshall makes amps with both digital and analog controls. Analog amps have knobs that you turn to change the settings, while digital amps have buttons and menus that you need to navigate through. If you’re not comfortable using digital controls, then you may want to stay away from amps with this feature.

Know the popular terms

When talking about amps, there are a few terms that you need to be familiar with. Here are some of the most common:

Amp head: The amp head is the part of the amp that creates the sound. It goes into the speaker cabinet to create the final product.

Know the popular terms

Amp cabinet: The amp cabinet is what houses the speaker(s). It’s usually made out of wood and has either an open or closed back.

Tube amp: A tube amp uses vacuum tubes to create its sound. These amps tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state amps, but they also have a warmer tone.

Solid state amp: A solid state amp uses transistors instead of vacuum tubes, and is usually less expensive than a tube amp. These amps are more reliable and require less maintenance, but they don’t have the same warm tone like a tube amp.

Gain: The gain is the amount of distortion that the amp adds to the signal. It can be turned up or down to create different types of sounds.

EQ: The EQ is used to adjust the tonal quality of the sound. It can be used to make the sound brighter or darker, add more bass or treble, etc.

Master volume: The master volume is used to control how loud the amp gets. You can turn it up for a distorted metal sound, or turn it down for a clean tone.

Preamp: The preamp is the part of the amp that shapes the tone of the signal before it goes to the power amp. It can be used to add more distortion or change the overall tone of the amp [4].

Head vs combo vs pedal amp: which format is right for you?

This is a common question that comes up for musicians looking to buy their first Marshall amp. The answer depends on your needs as a player. If you’re primarily going to be using the amp at home, then a combo might be a good option for you – it’s more portable and typically cheaper than a head and cab setup.

If you need an amp that can handle louder volumes or are planning on taking your music on the road, then a head and cabinet might be better suited for you. And if you want the flexibility of being able to use different cabinets with different heads, then a pedal amp might be right for you.

How much should I spend on a Marshall Amps for Metal?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a Marshall Amp for Metal. There are many great amps available at various price points. You just need to find the amp that is right for you and your budget.

There are some great amps available for under $500, and even some options for under $300. If you are looking for an amp with more features, or one that is louder, then you may need to spend a little more money. But overall, there are plenty of great options no matter what your budget is.

Just be sure to do your research before buying an amp, so that you know exactly what you are getting and how it will fit into your playing style. And be sure to test out any amp before you buy it so that you can be sure it is the right one for you.

How Much Amp Power Do You Need at Home?

First and foremost, you need to consider how much amplifier power you need. If you are just starting, or if you don’t play gigs, a lower-wattage amp might be all you need. Marshall offers a wide range of amplifiers with different wattages, so it is sure to fit your needs.

A 20-watt amp will provide more than enough volume for practice in a small room, while a 100-watt amp can easily fill a medium-sized venue.

How Much Amp Power Do You Need at Home?

For larger venues, go for something with at least 200 watts of power. This will ensure that your sound is heard over the other instruments and that you won’t have to worry about distortion.


FAQ

Which Marshall amp has the most gain?

The JVM410H has the most gain out of all the Marshall amps. It can go from a clean tone to a high-gain metal tone with ease.

What are some good tips for using a Marshall amp for metal?

Some tips for using a Marshall amp for metal include: turning up the mids and highs, using an overdrive pedal, and adjusting the guitar’s tone knob. You may also want to experiment with different cabinet configurations to find the best sound for your style of music.

Are there any specific pedals that work well with Marshalls?

Yes, many pedals work well with Marshalls. Some popular choices include distortion pedals, delay pedals, and modulation pedals. Experiment with different pedals to find the ones that sound best with your amp and style of music.

Why are Marshall amps the best?

Marshall amps are the best because they offer a wide range of tones, they’re built to last, and they have a reputation for being some of the most iconic amps in history. If you’re looking for an amp that can handle any style of metal, then a Marshall is your best bet. The Marshall manufacturer also offers a wide range of amp models, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Are Marshall amps good for rock?

Yes, Marshall amps are good for rock. They offer a wide range of tones, from clean to high-gain metal tones, so they can handle any style of rock music. If you’re looking for an amp that can do it all, then a Marshall is a perfect choice.

Which Marshall amp has the most gain?

The JVM410H has the most gain out of all the Marshall amps. It can go from a clean tone to a high-gain metal tone with ease. Moreover, it has a wide range of features that make it perfect for metal music. If you’re looking for an amp that can handle any style of metal, then the JVM410H is your best bet.

Marshall amps are some of the most iconic amps in history. They offer a wide range of tones, they’re built to last, and they have a reputation for being some of the best amps for metal music. If you’re looking for an amp that can handle any style of metal, then Marshall is your best bet. The manufacturer also offers a wide range of amp models, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

What guitars are good for metal?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different guitars will be better or worse for metal music depending on your style. However, some popular choices for metal music include Gibson Les Pauls, Ibanez RG models, and Jackson guitars. Experiment with different guitars to find the ones that sound best with your Marshall amp and style of music.

What is the cleanest Marshall amp?

The cleanest Marshall amp is the JVM205C. It has a very pure, clean tone that is perfect for classic rock, country, and other styles of music. If you’re looking for an all-around Marshall amp that can handle any style of music, then the JVM205C is a great choice.

What amp did Jimi Hendrix use?

Jimi Hendrix used a Marshall JTM45 amp. It was one of the first Marshall amps ever made and it has a very distinctive sound that is perfect for rock and blues music. If you’re looking for an amp that can recreate Jimi Hendrix’s iconic tone, then a Marshall JTM45 is your best bet.

What amp did Eric Clapton use on Layla?

Eric Clapton used a Marshall JCM800 220 watt amp on the song Layla. It has a very high-gain tone that is perfect for metal and hard rock music because it can handle lots of distortion. If you’re looking for an amp that can produce a similar tone to the one used on Layla, then a Marshall JCM800 is your best bet.

Useful Video: 5 Marshall Amplifiers Metal Comparison

Conclusion Paragraph

The reviewed Marshall Amps for Metal are all great for metal music. They are powerful and have a lot of features that will help you create the sound you want. These models are also durable and will last for a long time. No matter what your budget is, you can find a Marshall Amp that’s perfect for metal music. These amps are versatile and can be used for many other styles of music as well.


References:

  1. https://marshall.com/about/marshall-history
  2. https://guitarspace.org/amps/best-amps-for-metal/
  3. https://www.guitarchalk.com/best-marshall-amp-hard-rock/
  4. http://www.aikenamps.com/index.php/a-glossary-of-common-amplifier-terms