Introduction

ENGLISH

WARNING!

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LIST CAREFULLY

A. ALWAYS fit a good quality mains plug conforming to the latest B.S.I. standards where necessary (UK only). B. NEVER attempt to by-pass fuses or fit ones of the incorrect value.

C. NEVER attempt to replace fuses or valves with the amplifier connected to the mains. D. DO NOT attempt to remove the amplifier chassis, there are no user serviceable parts. E. ALWAYS have this equipment serviced or repaired by competent, qualified personnel. F. NEVER use an amplifier in damp or wet conditions.

G. DO NOT switch the amplifier on without the loudspeaker connected.

H. ENSURE that any extension cabinets used are of the correct impedance.

I. WARNING: When fitted into a standard rack or flight case, ALWAYS ensure that the front and back of the case are completely removed. For stand alone use, a clearance of 30cm is required at the top, back and sides.

J. PLEASE read this instruction manual carefully before switching on.

WARNING : This apparatus must be earthed.

Models EL84 20/20, EL34 50/50 and EL34 100/100 stereo valve power amplifiers are the latest step forward in valve rack technology from Marshall. Built as dedicated guitar system based units, they incorporate many features that are both revolutionary and evolutionary. From stunning styling, through to the radical circuit design, these power amps are in a sonic class of their own.

EL84 20/20

The EL84 20/20 is the latest all valve power amp from Marshall and utilises EL84 power valves to obtain that classic british tone, famous since the birth of British rock guitar in the early sixties. Despite its compact size and modest power rating, the 20/20 packs a big punch, both sonically and in terms of features. Carefully designed to maximise clean headroom and also endowed with superb overload capability, the 20/20 is ideal for compact rack rigs, for both sessions and club gigs alike. When miked up on larger concert stages it will provide pure valve tone with the minimum of stage spill.

The remotely switchable deep switch can be used to alter the sonic character of your pre-amp patches to great effect. Also the innovative valve line stage, at the input of each channel, helps to give true valve warmth to even the most sterile sounding pre-amp. The EL84 20/20 is a compact powerhouse which can greatly enhance the tonal palette of any rack rig.

EL34 50/50 & EL34 100/100

With the EL34 50/50 and EL34 100/100 the specially designed Marshall ‘Gold’ front panel provides a deep recess in which the controls are sited giving a smooth uncluttered finish, whilst allowing the controls to be set, with little fear of accidental re-adjustment. The two power amp halves of your EL34 50/50 or EL34 100/100 are totally separate ‘MonoBlocs’, a feature that is normally only found on expensive valve hi-fi power amps. This means that the only common electrical item (apart from when specifically cross linking inputs) is the mains supply and that nothing that occurs to one power amp can sonically react with the other half. Also in the unlikely event of one side breaking down, the other side will carry on working regardless.

Our constant research into valve amplifier technology has resulted in further circuit design improvements which dramatically affect the overall feel and playing response of your Marshall valve power amp. These improvements include Marshalls latest True Differential Inverter technology, which expands the capability of the phase splitter (inverter). Put simply, the phase splitter takes the incoming signal and inverts half of it. This inverted half of the signal forms the bottom half of the sound envelope and the non-inverted half forms the top half. The effect of T.D.I. technology is to give a more defined spectrum of sound over a broader band width, without compromising the overdrive and compression effects for which valve amplifiers are famed. This also allows more radical uses of feedback networks and the incorporation of the ‘voicing’ switching found on each channel. These incredible ‘voicing’ options, which can be remotely activated, can be used to greatly expand your pre-amps tone forming at the flick of a switch.

Mounting the Power Amp in a Rack

To allow the secure fastening of 19 inch rack units in a rack enclosure, a series of mounting holes are provided on the front of the EL84 20/20 and on both the front and rear of the EL34 50/50 and EL34 100/100. As with all rack mount products of substantial weight, such as the EL34 50/50 & 100/100, the rear of the unit must be supported as well as the front, therefore suitable brackets should be obtained and fitted between the provided rear mountings and the rack case. It should always be remembered that valve amplifiers generate a certain amount of heat, therefore they should never be mounted, or used, in any situation without adequate airflow.

EL84 20/20 specifications

Marshall Amplification has built a legacy of producing some of the most sought-after guitar amplifiers in the market, merging classic sound with innovative technology. The Marshall EL84 20/20 stands out as a remarkable offering, aimed at musicians who crave versatility without compromising on tone.

At the heart of the EL84 20/20 are two EL84 power tubes, which deliver 20 watts per channel of rich, dynamic sound. This choice of tubes contributes to a warm and distinctive tonal character, providing that quintessential Marshall crunch favored by many rock and blues guitarists. The amp features two independent channels, allowing players to switch between a clean and overdriven sound effortlessly. Channel one offers a pristine clean tone, while channel two lets players unleash the full fury of Marshall’s legendary overdrive.

One of the notable features of the EL84 20/20 is its innovative power scaling technology. This allows guitarists to control the wattage output, enabling them to achieve optimal sound at any volume level. This feature is particularly beneficial for studio recordings and small venue performances as it allows musicians to push the amp to its sweet spot without overwhelming their surroundings.

Another highlight is the built-in reverb, adding depth and ambiance to the sound. This is particularly useful for live performances, where atmospheric effects can elevate the overall experience. Players can dial in their desired reverb level to complement their tone, making it a valuable addition to the amp's versatility.

The EL84 20/20 is designed with a user-friendly interface, featuring straightforward controls that include gain, treble, middle, bass, and reverb for each channel. This intuitive layout makes it easy for musicians to customize their sound and dial in their ideal tone quickly, whether in the studio or on stage.

In terms of connectivity, this amplifier offers a range of outputs, including speaker outputs that allow for different cabinet configurations, as well as an effects loop for integrating external effects pedals. This flexibility caters to a wide array of performance styles and playing environments.

In summary, the Marshall EL84 20/20 combines classic Marshall tone with modern technology, making it an ideal choice for any guitarist seeking a powerful yet versatile amp. Its signature features, such as the EL84 power tubes, power scaling, reverb, and intuitive controls, ensure that musicians can achieve their desired sound with ease and precision, solidifying its position as a must-have in the world of guitar amplification.