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Marshall MG100 DFX

The Marshall MG100 DFX is one of two 100W models in the MG range the MG100DFX 1×12 combo and the MG100HDFX Head.

Here is a list of the features it offers:

• 2 Channels (Clean and Overdrive) - These also separate into Clean / Crunch and Overdrive 1 / Overdrive 2.
• 3 band EQ (Bass Mid Treble)
• Contour control
• Inclusive Footswitch allowing switching between the two channels, as well as turning the FX on and off
• CD Input
• Emulated Line Out / Headphones (This “Emulated” output recreates the sound when a microphone is used to record the output from the amplifiers main speaker)
• FX Loop, allowing additional effects to be used in line with the amplifiers effects
• Digital FX
• Digital Reverb

The standard amplifier has a dual channel output of either clean or overdriven sound. The MG100 takes this one stage further by splitting each of these again. The clean channel can either be “clean” or “crunch”. Each of these is controlled by the gain knob. In clean mode, the gain takes you from a clean bell like tone, to a mild bluesy distortion. In crunch mode, the gain takes you from a creamy 70s crunch to a roaring hot-rodded JCM800.

The overdrive channel allows you to choose between a distorted channel, and a crushing distortion. Again, these two modes have their own gain knob allowing you to move from a rocky blues setting, right up to nu-metal hard rock riffing!

The amp features some basic inbuilt effects, such as chorus, delay and flanger. One control knob moves you between each of the four settings, and as you sweep through each of the four “sections” the amount of each effect can be controlled.

The amp features, as most good amps do, a digital reverb knob, taking you from a subtle hint to a huge cavernous echo.

Moving on to actually using the amp, my first experiences of the amp were good ones. Before I take you through these, I must just mention one small issue I had concerning the power supply fan. The MG100 is fitted with a small fan to allow the main power supply and internals to be cooled. I had to take the original MG100 back to the store and get a replacement as the fan would sometimes get stuck. Apparently this is due to the fan getting slightly out of line and catching on the fan surround. I only found that this happened for 30 seconds or so when the amp was switched on. Please check this in the store before you buy this amp, or any other amp fitted with a fan. For the sake of completeness, I urge you to use and play with any piece of equipment or instrument before buying. It will save you time, and potentially money at a later date.

OK, back to the good bits, coming from a 15 watt practice amp to this, was a big step. The main thing you notice is the volume! I practice with it on 0.5 or maybe 1! This is one loud amp. I have been advised that this is enough to play a large hall and most pubs. Using it mostly for practice, it is ample to keep up with a full sized drum kit and pretty much anything you can throw at it.

The distortion channels are pretty good offering a varied amount of drive, and the clean channel is very full bodied and warm. Overall, the tone is failry good for a solid state amp.

The MG100 also has a FDD switch. The FDD (Frequency Dependant Damping) switch allows you to mimic the functionality of an all valve power amp, giving you new depth and width to your sound. This setting really makes the difference, and for the price of the amp, it’s a great alternative to a more pricey valve amp.

The included footswitch lets you switch the FX on and off, and between the clean / overdrive channels.

One last feature of the amp is that it comes with a 3 year guarantee from Marshall, which is always nice. The will also pay for the postage and delivery to send it back for certain repairs, but do check on this.

Update

After using the amp for over a year, it has been a solid reliable bit of kit. The only, and rather big problem with the amp is that the sound leaves me cold. Perhaps I have been nipped with the valve bug. I listen to old 80s metal, and realise that no matter what effects units I use, I just won’t get this amp to sound how I want. I have been using a cabinet setting (on my Digitech RP50 pedal) to simulate a tube sound - but it’s just not right. I am now looking to replace the amp for a 30 or 50 watt tube amp.

This is personal preference more than anything. The MG100 has (apart from the slight niggle over the fan) never let me down. The build quality is amazing and if you are after an even sound at any volume - then this delivers. If you are after a warm tube sound - the FDD setting does try - but just can’t get close to that pure tube sound.