PHOTOGRAPHY NEIL GODWIN

JANUARY 2007

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MARSHALL JVM410H HEAD 899
GUITAR AMPS GUITARIST INTERACTIVE
Marshall JVM410H head 899
Loud to the power of phwoar with tone to match. Marshalls new agship will blow your socks off and probably blow your mind too by Nick Guppy
f you discount the various reissues, its been a long time since weve had a proper new model from Marshall to look at. However, Marshall never does things by halves and weve recently been blessed with not one but two new designs. Following on from the exciting KT66-powered Vintage Modern series, its time to check out Marshalls all-new agship the JVM 100-watt head. The JVMs cabinet and styling are
what weve come to expect from Marshall the word iconic is over-used these days, but nobody would argue that it shouldnt apply here. Heavy-duty hardware combined with black vinyl, gold control panel and the famous white script logo produces a reassuring presence that will make any guitarist feel right at home. The JVMs deep steel box chassis is home to a lot of electronics, and as youd expect from
an amp with 28 knobs on its control panel, these are all mounted on printed circuit boards. One very big PCB holds all the preamp and power amp components, including the valve bases and most of the rear panel items, while three more support all the front panel controls. The main board is through-plated and all the components are typical of Marshalls high quality standards. With

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JVM410H HEAD Build quality Features Sound Value for money

TEST RESULTS

The speakeremulated line out offers a silent recording mode
I WE LIKED Huge versatility linked to a switching system thats as easy as pie; superb tone; excellent low-noise performance MARSHALL JVM410H HEAD PRICE: 899 ORIGIN: UK TYPE: All-valve fourchannel head with solidstate rectication OUTPUT: 100W RMS VALVES: Five ECC83/ 12AX7 preamp, Four EL34 power amp DIMENSIONS: 260 (h) x 700 (w) x 225mm (d) WEIGHT (kg/lb): 21/44 CABINET: Birch ply CHANNELS: Four, each with three voicing modes FOOTSWITCH: Sixbutton stageboard included, can be userprogrammed to suit requirements CONTROLS: Gain, bass, mid, treble, volume and mode switch x 4, reverb level x 4, master volume x 2, presence and resonance ADDITIONAL FEATURES: MIDI in/thru sockets, series effects loop with bypass, parallel effects loop with instrument/line level switch and mix controls, balanced speakeremulated line out operates in standby mode for silent recording, digital reverb OPTIONS: Also available in 2 x 12 combo format as the JVM410C for 1,155, 1960A/B 4 x 12 cabinets, 460 Marshall Amplication www.marshallamps.com I WE DISLIKED The PCB-mounted preamp valves are deeply recessed, making them ddly to replace
such a reliance on PCB layout, internal wiring is minimal but what there is has been neatly routed. One benet of this type of construction is built-in consistency gone are the days when you could tweak a Marshall just by repositioning a few wires inside the chassis. However, this construction means the ve ECC83 preamp valves are deeply recessed and will be tricky to replace in a hurry. The reason for such a densely populated control panel is that the JVM is a proper four-channel design, with four sets of gain, volume and tone controls for each channel. Furthermore, each channel has a mode switch that offers three distinct voices with varying amounts of gain, giving no less than 12 preset sounds to play with. There is a digital reverb with a level control for each channel, two switchable global master volume controls and presence and resonance controls to ne-tune the power amps high and low frequency response. Moving to the rear panel, there are no less than ve speaker outlets, two effects loops (one series, one parallel), a balanced speaker-emulated line out, which works in conjunction with the front-panel standby switch to offer a silent recording mode, a footswitch jack for the included six-button stage board and a pair of MIDI sockets. Yes, the JVM is MIDI compatible so any
Marshall is back with a new agship that delivers on every promise. Its versatility is up there with the best and so are the tones

MIDI effects unit can track program changes, or send program changes to the JVM. But thats not all. The nonMIDI stage board is also programmable you can use it to either duplicate any of the front panel switches or recall entire channel presets. Every time you change a function the amp remembers this setting so, for example, if you select the crunch channel in red mode with reverb and the switchable master volume engaged, thats what youll get the next time you return to that channel. Marshall has deliberately left each footswitch button with a blank label, so you can work out your ideal set-up and then write the various functions on it yourself. Furthermore, this board isnt connected using an
expensive multicore cable; any twoconductor lead up to almost any length will do the job. Its a very clever and logical switching design, making what seems at rst glance an intimidating amp childs play to operate. SOUNDS: However, massive exibility and clever switching tricks arent enough. Do those four tri-mode channels cut the proverbial mustard? Holy rock n roll, yes they do! The clean channel is one of the best youll nd on any guitar amp, let alone a Marshall. In green mode, this channels volume control is bypassed, so the gain takes over as a single volume control, giving you a very pleasant, high-headroom clean sound that can be either fat and juicy or crystalline, depending on how you set the EQ. Switch to orange or red modes, and the gain stages are added post-EQ, which is unusual for a Marshall, giving a wide range of highly interactive mild break-up effects. The crunch channel takes you from JTM45 or Plexi tonality into JCM800

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The rivals

Mesa Stiletto Deuce 1,975 Hughes & Kettner TriAmp II 1,295 Rivera Knucklehead Reverb head 1,799 Mesas Stiletto is its dedicated EL34powered head its nothing less than a rehose of tone, capable of delivering some of the best rock guitar sounds in the known universe. But over here its also quite pricey. The TriAmp is a well-developed design with a long pedigree and neck-snapping good looks to match its awesome tonal armoury. It can be easily upgraded for MIDI use too, and its one of our favourite super-heads less well-known than the Mesa, maybe, but just as formidable. Riveras awe-inspiring MIDI-powered Knucklehead Reverb can easily match the JVMs huge exibility for tone its arguably the ultimate in EL34 power and its build quality is the best there is. Yet it is double the JVMs price and youd expect nothing less for that kind of money. The JVM is a full-blown four channel design with four sets of controls for each channel

The JVMs channels cover a vast array of territory and would not be found lacking in the studio
The clean channel is one of the best youll nd on any guitar amp, let alone a Marshall
the JVM cant rock hard if you want it to the sheer power and aggression is typical Marshall but you can do a lot more besides and that is this amps strong point: its a multi-channel, multimode monster that really works and, try as we have, we cant nd a single weak point in the JVMs tonal palette.

Verdict

territory as you switch through the three modes, while OD1 and OD2 cover just about every players wish for a great Marshall lead sound. Its all there JCM900, DSL, TSL and a lot more besides. The full-on power of OD2 with the gain control maxed out will be more than enough for any distortion end. Mind-blowing overdrive capability is matched by impressively low background noise in fact, with the clean channel selected, its hard to tell the amp is actually on until you hit the strings. There are many amps that cost considerably more, which are sadly lacking in this area. Its good to see Marshall leading by example, with a low-noise design that will work just as well in studios as it will on stage. The digital plate reverb used on the JVM is nicely EQd and very attering, with the added extra that the reverb tail isnt chopped off when you change channels, its left to decay naturally. All of the switching functions operate virtually seamlessly, with almost no clicks or pops, even at very high gain. Its great to have all this functionality but the abiding impression here is that the JVM sounds utterly superb far better than its immediate predecessors. For the rst time in quite a while, this is a modern Marshall that boasts an almost pure all-valve path from input jack to speaker socket. We say almost, but if you discount the digital reverb (which still uses a valve in the recovery circuit) and a single MOSFET in the resonance circuit, it is all valve, and the result is a more organic and exible tonality than youd previously expect from this kind of amp. Thats not to say So, after a long wait, Marshall is back with a new agship that delivers on every promise. Its versatility is up there with the best and so are the tones. You could easily pick one of several sounds lurking behind the JVMs front panel and cut an entire album without changing it. Build quality is as good as youd expect and better than many of its competitors. The nal clincher is the price at just under 900 for the head, the JVM represents incredible value for players at any level, especially as this is an amp to last. If youve been waiting for the ultimate Marshall, then its time you headed to your local dealer to meet it in person. The JVM is going to be one of the hottest amps of 2007, mark our words.

Marshall JVM410H head

RATING

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Marshall is back with a new flagship that delivers on every promise. its a multi-channel, multi-mode monster that really works and, try as we may, we cant find a single weak point in the JVMs tonal palette. Guitarist Magazine, January 2007
An All-Valve Legend is Born
What 100 Watt amp boasts 5 x ECC83 and 4 x EL34 valves Four totally independent channels 12 footswitchable modes Vast tonal versatility Insane amounts of gain Two footswitchable Master Volumes Studio quality, footswitchable digital reverb with controls for each channel Two FX Loops, one footswitchable Revolutionary 6-way footswitch with memory Built-in switch memory for each of its 12 modes 28 front panel controls and eight switches, yet, is incredibly intuitive to use MIDI control of all switches, and finally, built in England by the best in the business? Dr Jim Marshall and his daughter Victoria, the Managing Director of Marshall Amplification, are proud to introduce the all-valve, 4 channel, 100 Watt JVM Series. radical, revolutionary and ready to rock. JVM410H 100 Watt, all-valve, 4 channel head JVM410C 100 Watt, all-valve, 4 channel, 2 x12 combo

Loud & Louder

Dual Master Volumes increase the flexibility and balance of your sounds, and when assigned directly to the footswitch, can be used as a solo boost. The Resonance and Presence act as a global equaliser, controlling how the power section reacts with the speakers, adding another layer of tone control and letting you adjust the power amplifier dynamics to your own taste.

Speakers Corner

The JVM410C 2 x 12 is fitted with two different speaker types Celestion Vintage and a Celestion Heritage allowing the combo to deliver spacious, rich tones backed-up with a solid low-end thump.
12 All-Valve Amps in One!
Each of the JVMs four channels has three modes green, orange and red providing 12 totally unique, yet complimentary amplifier topologies, making it 12 amps in one! As a result, the Series offers an amazing array of instantly switchable tones from the cleanest clean to the highest gain ever found in a Marshall and all points in-between! Overflowing with harmonically rich tone and responsive fluidity, each and every one of its 12 modes exude that unmistakable Marshall sound while expanding upon it.
Seamless Switching, Perfect Memory & MIDI
The onboard logic not only ensures switching is swift and silent, but also remembers the position of each front panel switch in all 12 modes Reverb (on/off), FX Loop (on/off) and Master Volume (1 or 2). So, when you return to any mode, all switch settings will be exactly as you left them even after youve powered the amp down. This groundbreaking system combined with revolutionary, new footswitch technology, plus MIDI switching capabilities, add even further to the JVMs already incredible flexibility.
If youve been waiting for the ultimate Marshall, then its time you headed to your local dealer to meet it in person. The JVM is going to be one of the hottest amps of 2007, mark our words. *
* All quotes taken from Guitarist Magazine, January 2007.

FX Control

The JVM boasts two FX Loops that live on its rear panel. A footswitchable Parallel/Series Loop with Level and Mix controls, plus a Series Loop. When the JVM is combined with a MIDI effects processor and switched via MIDI, the skys the limit!
Right: JVM410H 100 Watt head. Below: JVM410H 100 Watt head and JVM410C 100 Watt 2 x12 combo.

Silence is Golden

When on Standby, the JVMs emulated XLR output is fully operational, allowing you to record in total silence a godsend for those late night recording sessions!
Channelling World Class Tone
The four JVM channels are: Clean: With the gain stages lurking after the tone controls, all three modes offer classic clean and bluesy tones simple, pure, perfect.
Ultimate Control & Connectivity
Every JVM is supplied with a 6-way, fully programmable footswitch. This revolutionary, UK patent-pending technology allows single front panel switches (SWITCH STORE) or entire setups (PRESET STORE Channel, Mode, Reverb, FX Loop and Master Volume switch setting) to be simply assigned to any foot switch. The footswitchs group of multi-coloured LEDs reflect every front panel switch status ensuring, in the heat of a performance, you know exactly where you are with no need to see the amp. To add to its already impressive guitarist friendliness, the JVM footswitch connects to the amplifier via a standard guitar lead, making it easy to replace with any length you may need. Additionally, the JVMs MIDI In and Thru connection means it can easily be integrated in a MIDI switching set-up, allowing you to store and recall 128 complete amplifier set-ups, for example, enabling your pedal effects board to easily control the amp. With its built-in memory and switching options, the JVMs possibilities are endless!

Marshall Heritage

Every JVM is made at the Marshall factory in the tonal heart of England. Time-tested, traditional methods of craftsmanship and construction are combined with the latest advances in modern manufacturing technology, ensuring world class build quality and roadworthiness. Internally, the JVM circuitry and layout has been kept to a minimum, ensuring the integrity of the guitar tone and an incredibly low noise floor this coupled with meticulous valve selection and high tolerance, quality components adds to the all-important reliability factor that is synonymous with the Marshall legend.
The clean channel is one of the best youll find on any guitar amp, let alone a Marshall. * Crunch: From a Plexi Super Lead (green mode) to a 2203 (orange) to a hot-rodded JCM800 monster (red), this is the classic rockers dream. OD1: Imagine every high gain, all-valve Marshall ever made and then add even more gain! Incredible tone and extreme gain that runs the gamut from cutting to fluid, OD1 is perfect for shredding, hard rock and metal. OD2: Add even more gain to OD1 and change the tone network topology in the all-important mids and you have a fire-breathing, modern high-gain monster that takes no prisoners. Totally addictive! Do these four tri-mode channels cut the proverbial mustard? Holy rock n roll, yes they do! *

Foundation of Rock

The JVM Series 100 Watt, valve-driven power stage is built on the classic design responsible for the legendary Marshall roar found in the JCMand Plexi Super Lead amplifiers a timeless foundation for countless classic rock and metal guitar tones for over four decades. Featuring a quartet of EL34 valves, this peerless design has been expertly crafted to compliment the extraordinary wealth of tones found in the JVM.
Marshalls new JVM410H will blow your socks off and probably your mind as well. *
Below: The JVM 6-way fully programmable footswitch.
Build quality is as good as youd expect and better than many of its competitors. *
Below: The JVM410H 100 Watt chassis.
Its a very clever and logical switching system, making what seems at first glance an intimidating amp childs play to operate. *

Logical Layout

The JVM front panel is simple and uncompromising; dedicated Gain, EQ, Volume and Reverb are present for each of the four channels. Add to this a Master section with dual Master Volumes, Resonance and Presence and you have a clear, concise layout that makes the JVM easy and intuitive to use.

Studio Quality Reverb

The onboard, studio quality digital Reverb is routed in parallel and mixed with the direct signal by means of a valve. When the Reverb is engaged no degradation of the direct signal occurs and when switched off it is removed from the circuit. The Reverb circuit has also been designed to avoid abrupt cut-offs, allowing the reverb tail to decay naturally when switching or changing from channel to channel.

Specifications

Features JVM410H JVM410C Type Head Combo Output (RMS) 100 Watt 100 Watt Speakers No 1 x Vintage, 1 x Heritage Pre-amp Valves 4 x ECCx ECC83 Power Amp Valves 1 x ECC83, 4 x ELx ECC83, 4 x EL34 Footswitch (supplied) PEDL-00044 PEDL-00044 Dimensions (mm) 750 x 310 x x 510x 265 Weight (Kg) 22 34.5
To find out more about the JVM Series and other Marshall products contact: Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ or visit the official Marshall website: www.marshallamps.com

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