Front Panel
Rear Panel
ENGLISH
Front Panel Features
| 1. Power Switch | (anticlockwise) will reduce the mids in your sound, giving |
| This is the On/Off switch for the mains power to the | you that aggressive ‘scooped’ tone that is a staple of |
| amplifier. Whenever it is switched ‘On’, the switch will | thrash and nu-metal guitar playing. |
| light. Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and | 6. Treble Control |
| unplugged from the mains electricity supply before being |
| This control determines the amount of treble and makes |
| moved. |
| | your guitar’s tone brighter as it is turned up. |
9
8 10
Rear Panel Features
Effects Loop Send & Return Jacks
To increase the flexibility of your 2203 even further, you may choose to add external effects in its Series Effects Loop, which allows direct connection of either floor pedals or rack processors, with the Level switch (1) providing the correct operating level.
impedance selected on the amp matches the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used. For example, if the amp is running into a single 16 Ohm cab, the amp should accordingly be set to 16 Ohms. If running into two 16 Ohm cabs, the amp should be set to 8 Ohms. If running into two 8 Ohm cabs, the amp should be set to 4 Ohms. Failure to comply with these points will result in
2. Standby Switch
The Standby Switch is used in conjunction with the Power Switch (item 1) to ‘warm up’ the amplifier before use and to prolong the life of the output valves.
When powering up the amplifier always engage the Power Switch (item 1) first. This allows the application of the voltage required to heat the valves to their correct operating temperature. After about 2 minutes, when the valves are up to the correct temperature, the Standby Switch can be engaged. Upon doing this the H.T. (High Tension) which is the high voltage required by the output valves to pass signal (and hence produce sound) is applied.
To prolong valve life, the Standby Switch alone should be used to turn the amplifier on and off during breaks in a performance. Also, upon full power down, always disengage the Standby Switch prior to the main Power Switch (item 1).
3. Presence Control
This control operates in the power amp section of your amp and adds high frequencies to your tone, creating crispness and bite. As you turn this control up (clockwise), your sound will become more cutting.
4. Bass Control
This controls the amount of low frequencies (bottom end) in your tone.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The 2203’s tone network is highly interactive and, because of this, altering the setting of one control can change the way the other controls behave. So, don’t be afraid to experiment!
7. Master Volume
Controls the output volume of the amplifier. This allows the user to turn up the Pre-Amp Volume control (8) for maximum gain whilst keeping the amp’s overall loudness at a desired level.
8. Pre-Amp Volume
This controls how hard you drive the pre-amp valves. Turning this control up overdrives the pre-amp and creates a desirable, harmonically rich distortion.
9. High Sensitivity Input
This is the High Sensitivity input of the amp – in theory, such an input is supposed to be used for low-output pickups. This said, 99.9% of all 2203 users ignore this and plug guitars loaded with high-output pickups into this input, because it enables them to drive the pre-amp even harder.
10. Low Sensitivity Input
This is the Low Sensitivity input of the amp, which was designed for hot (high-output) pickups; we would suggest you try both inputs and then decide which one is best for you.
1. Effects Loop Level Switch
This switch offers two different loop levels to enable you to match the type of effect(s) connected to the Series Effects Loop. The higher level (+4dBV: switch ‘out’) suits rack processors and the lower level (-10dBV: switch ‘in’) suits floor pedals (stomp boxes).
2. Effects Loop Bypass
When ‘out’ this switch completely bypasses the circuitry involved in the effects loop to maintain the amp’s absolute tonal integrity.
3. Effects Loop Return Jack
Connect the (mono) output of an external effects processor here.
4. Effects Loop Send Jack
Connect the (mono) input of an external effects processor here.
NOTE: As a rule, time based effects such as Chorus, Delay and Reverb are best suited for use in an effects loop. Effects involving distortion or Wah Wah aren’t usually put in an effects loop because they sound best when they’re ‘before’ the amp (i.e. placed between the guitar and the amp’s input). This said, when it comes to tone there are no rules!
5/6. Loudspeaker Output Jacks
These are for connection to an external load, i.e. speaker cabinet(s). (See item 7). Please refer to Important Safety Instructions, page 2.
damage to the amplifier.
Your amp should be completely powered down before the selector is turned.
8. Mains Selector
Matches the amplifier mains transformer voltage to the incoming mains voltage. Ensure that the rotary Mains Selector is set to the correct mains voltage applicable to the country where used. If you do not know the mains input voltage contact your authorised Marshall dealer.
Your amp should be completely powered down before the selector is turned. Adjustment from 230/220V to 110V or vice versa will require the mains fuse to be changed to the corresponding value as detailed on the rear panel.
9. Mains Input
Your amp is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead which is connected here. The specific mains input voltage rating that your amplifier has been built for is shown on the back panel. Before connecting for the first time, please ensure that your amplifier is compatible with your electricity supply. If you have any doubt, please get advice from a qualified person. Your Marshall dealer will help in this respect.
10. Mains Fuse
The correct value of mains fuse is specified on the rear panel of the amplifier. Please refer to Important Safety
