January 16, 2010

By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com

Marshall JMD amps

New 50 and 100 watt Digital Marshall amps? Yep, it's true. Marshall now introduces the JMD:1 Series. The Marshall JMD:1 integrates an all-tube power amp, advanced digital preamp and studio-quality multi-effects to deliver an amp with a lot of versatility, from what I understand.

The idea seems to be to combine the benefits of new technologies and the legacy of tube power. The Marshall JMD:1 is marketed as the ideal amp for the modern musician seeking an authentic tone.

Video Demo

Overview

The preamp offers 16 presets divided into clean, crunch, overdrive, and lead categories; all are easily accessed via a single knob. These 16 settings reflect tones from a wide range of current and historic popular Marshall amps. Patented technology, developed in conjunction with the Swedish developers Softube, provides a truly natural playing experience. Unlike preamps that simply mimic a certain sound, the JMD:1 uses complex algorithms to replicate amplifier topologies at the component level, providing a much more interactive performance. Featuring four fully-programmable channels, the JMD:1 Series also include Marshall's STOMPWARE® foot controller, providing instant access to 28 programmable sounds.

On the power stage side, the JMD:1 uses the acclaimed EL34 pentode vacuum tube to provide the distinctive Marshall sound. The 50-Watt models use two EL34 valves; the 100-Watt models employ four. External speaker jacks are provided in both 8-Ohm and 16-Ohm configurations. The amps??? design allows changes in the digital preamp settings to affect the valve power stage, creating a more musical and well-defined character for each sound.

The JMD:1 effects fall into three categories. Modulation Effects include a choice of Chorus, Phaser, Flanger or Tremolo. The Delay offers Tap-Tempo timing, as well as Hi-Fi, Analog, Tape or Multi voicings. The custom-voiced Reverb operates independently. The Series/Parallel FX Loop offers a dedicated Dry/Wet Mix control.

The back panel provides a balanced XLR line output featuring emulated speaker cabinet characteristics. This can be used live without the need to mic up the amp's speakers. The Standby/Silent Recording mode allows this output to be used while muting the speakers, for recording in a confined space. A Headphone Output, Line Input, and unbalanced (1/4") Line Output are also provided. MIDI ports allow up to 128 sound memories to be accessed via MIDI.

Hmm... my thoughts? Dunno, really. If it sounds good and doesn't break down, well then brilliant. However, the price point seems to be fairly high, compared to the competition. I guess time will tell how this pans out!

What do they cost?

JMD100: 100 Watt Head
MSRP: $1500.00
Availability: February 2010

JMD102: 100 Watt 2 x 12" Combo
MSRP: $1650.00
Availability: February 2010

JMD50: 50 Watt Head
MSRP: $1350.00
Availability: February 2010

JMD501: 50 Watt 1 x 12" Combo
MSRP: $1550.00
Availability: February 2010

By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com

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