The Marshall CODE 50 is a new generation, fully programmable amplifier combining classic and contemporary tones with pro-quality effects. It includes presets based on classic Marshall sounds, with the ability to create custom ones.
Overview of the Marshall CODE Series
The Marshall CODE series represents a significant leap in amplifier technology, merging traditional Marshall tones with modern digital capabilities. This series, including the CODE 50, is designed to be fully programmable, allowing users to explore a vast range of sounds. Developed in collaboration with Softube, the CODE series aims to provide authentic modeling of preamp, power amp, and speaker cabinet configurations. The series emphasizes versatility, offering a wide array of classic and contemporary Marshall tones, alongside professional-grade effects. This combination allows guitarists to craft their ideal sound, whether it be recreating iconic setups or forging new sonic territories. The CODE series also includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB functionality, and integration with the Marshall Gateway app, enhancing its usability and making it a powerful tool for modern musicians. It offers a comprehensive platform for tone creation and performance.
Key Features of the CODE 50
The CODE 50 boasts 50 watts of power, digital modeling, and programmable presets. It also has built-in effects, making it a versatile amplifier for practice and performance.
50-Watt Power Output
The Marshall CODE 50 amplifier delivers a solid 50 watts of power, making it suitable for various playing environments. This power output is ideal for practicing at home, rehearsing with a band, or performing in small to medium-sized venues. The 50-watt capability ensures that the amplifier can produce a sufficient volume to fill a room without becoming overly loud or distorted. This makes it a versatile option for guitarists who need a reliable amplifier that can handle different situations. The power output is designed to provide a balance between volume and clarity, allowing for a wide range of tones and playing styles to be explored effectively. The amplifier’s wattage contributes to its overall dynamic range and responsiveness, ensuring that the guitarist’s playing nuances are accurately conveyed.
Digital Modeling Capabilities
The Marshall CODE 50 boasts advanced digital modeling capabilities, developed in collaboration with audio software pioneers Softube. These capabilities allow the amplifier to emulate a wide range of classic Marshall preamps, power amps, and speaker cabinets. This means users can access a diverse palette of tones, from vintage sounds to modern high-gain options. The digital modeling technology ensures that each tone is accurately reproduced, capturing the nuances and characteristics of the original amplifiers. This gives guitarists the ability to experiment with different amp models and find the perfect sound for their playing style. The digital modeling feature is a key aspect of the CODE series, making it a versatile choice for musicians seeking a wide array of tones in one amplifier. The modeling also allows the user to achieve these tones at different volume levels and locations.
Programmable Presets
The Marshall CODE 50 offers users the ability to create and store up to 100 custom programmable presets. These presets allow guitarists to save their favorite amp models, effect combinations, and tone settings for easy recall during performances or practice sessions. Users can tweak parameters and save them into the presets. The included factory presets provide a starting point, showcasing classic Marshall tones that users can then modify to fit their preferences. The ability to program and save presets makes the CODE 50 a flexible tool, allowing musicians to switch seamlessly between various tones, without needing to readjust settings every time. This feature is especially useful for musicians who play in multiple genres or need quick access to different sounds. Users can edit, save, and organize their presets, ensuring a personalized collection of tones readily available. This also saves a lot of time when having to find the right sound.
Built-in Effects
The Marshall CODE 50 comes equipped with a variety of built-in digital effects, enhancing its versatility for different musical styles. These effects include classic options like distortion, overdrive, chorus, flanger, phaser, and delay. Users can easily access and adjust these effects through the amplifier’s control panel or via the Marshall Gateway app. The effects section provides a wide range of tonal options, allowing guitarists to sculpt their sound to match their individual preferences. The inclusion of these built-in effects eliminates the need for external pedals, making the setup more streamlined. The effects parameters can be tweaked, saved into presets, and recalled for later use. The combination of these high-quality digital effects with the amplifier’s modeling capabilities ensures a wide sonic palette for users. This feature makes the CODE 50 suitable for both practicing and performing.
Connectivity and Control
The Marshall CODE 50 offers versatile connectivity with Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, USB for computer interface, and optional footswitch control. These options enhance user interaction and control over the amplifier.
Bluetooth Functionality
The Marshall CODE 50 features built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to wirelessly stream audio from their mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. This functionality enables convenient playback of backing tracks or music for practice sessions and jamming. Furthermore, the Bluetooth connection facilitates integration with the Marshall Gateway app, providing a seamless way to control amp settings and presets remotely. The wireless connection eliminates the need for cumbersome cables, contributing to a cleaner and more organized setup. This modern feature enhances the overall usability of the amplifier by making it easy to access and manage sounds and settings from a distance without being tethered to the unit. This is particularly useful for live performances or when the amp is not within easy reach. The amplifier supports reliable Bluetooth pairing for stable and uninterrupted control.
USB Connectivity
The Marshall CODE 50 includes a USB connection, offering a direct digital interface with computers. This USB port serves multiple functions, including acting as an audio interface for recording directly into digital audio workstations (DAWs). This allows users to capture their guitar tones with the amplifier’s modeling capabilities straight into their recording software for further mixing and editing; Furthermore, the USB connection facilitates firmware updates, ensuring that the amplifier is always running the latest software and features. The USB interface also enables access to deeper editing features and allows for preset management using computer-based tools. The stable and reliable digital link via USB further enhances the amp’s flexibility and integration with other digital tools, providing a seamless workflow for both practice and recording scenarios. The port also allows for connection to the My.Marshall website for settings and preset changes.
Marshall Gateway App Integration
The Marshall CODE 50 amplifier fully integrates with the Marshall Gateway app, which enhances the user experience significantly. This app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows for wireless control of the amplifier’s parameters via Bluetooth. With the Gateway app, users can remotely adjust presets, tweak settings, and access a broad range of tones. This eliminates the need to physically interact with the amplifier’s controls for most adjustments, providing a convenient and flexible way to control the tone. The app also enables users to create, save, and share custom presets. Furthermore, it offers a visual interface, making the process of sound design more intuitive and accessible. The seamless integration between the amp and the app expands the creative possibilities and simplifies the workflow, enabling users to fully explore the capabilities of the CODE 50.
Optional Footswitch (PEDL-91009)
The Marshall CODE 50 amplifier offers enhanced control through the optional PEDL-91009 footswitch. This four-button footswitch provides hands-free operation, allowing users to switch between presets and turn effects on or off without needing to reach the amplifier. The PEDL-91009 operates in two modes⁚ preset mode and stompbox mode. In preset mode, the footswitch enables quick and easy switching between different stored tones. In stompbox mode, it can control individual effects, such as overdrive or delay, providing real-time control over your sound. This flexibility is crucial for live performance, allowing for seamless transitions and dynamic sound manipulation. The optional footswitch greatly improves the usability of the CODE 50, particularly for musicians needing quick and efficient control of their setup while playing. It is sold separately, and it unlocks the full performance potential of the amp.
Operation and Usage
Operating the CODE 50 involves using the ON/OFF switch, navigating presets with the selector, and adjusting tones. The amplifier allows for seamless transitions and dynamic sound manipulation through user controls.
Turning the Amplifier On/Off
The initial step in using the Marshall CODE 50 involves powering the unit on or off. This is achieved by using the designated ON/OFF switch, which is typically located on the rear panel of the amplifier. Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the amplifier and a functioning power outlet before attempting to power on the device. To activate the amplifier, flip the switch to the ‘ON’ position. Likewise, to turn the unit off, switch it to the ‘OFF’ position. It is crucial to ensure the amplifier is completely powered down before disconnecting it from the power source. Following these steps will guarantee the safe and effective use of your amplifier, protecting both the equipment and the user. Also, be sure to follow any safety instructions provided in the user manual to avoid any potential hazards or damage to the amplifier.
Navigating Presets
The Marshall CODE 50 offers a wide array of programmable presets, allowing users to quickly access different amp models, effects, and tone settings. To navigate through these presets, you’ll typically use the PRESET selector. This selector lets you scroll through the available options. The amplifier also includes user-editable presets, meaning you can create and save your own unique tones. Furthermore, the Marshall Gateway app provides an alternative method for browsing and selecting presets. This app can be particularly useful for organizing and managing a large number of custom settings. The CODE 50 features factory presets, which are designed to showcase the amplifier’s capabilities. Understanding how to navigate through both factory and user presets is crucial for maximizing the potential of this amplifier. Familiarizing yourself with these methods will allow you to effortlessly switch between different sounds during your performance or practice sessions.
Adjusting Settings and Tones
The Marshall CODE 50 provides a wealth of options for adjusting settings and tones, allowing you to craft your ideal sound. You can modify various aspects of the amplifier’s sound through its controls, such as gain, EQ settings, and effects parameters. The digital modeling capabilities enable you to emulate different preamp, power amp, and speaker cabinet models. Additionally, the amplifier’s built-in effects offer further customization. These adjustments can be made directly on the amplifier’s control panel. You can also control the settings via the Marshall Gateway app, providing a more intuitive and visual interface for fine-tuning your sound. The ability to save these custom settings as user-editable presets makes it easy to recall your favorite tones. Experimenting with different combinations of settings and models is key to understanding the full tonal flexibility of the CODE 50 and finding the perfect sound for various musical styles.
Additional Resources
The official Marshall website provides access to the user manual for the CODE 50, which contains detailed information. Firmware updates are also available through the site to improve performance.
Accessing the User Manual
The user manual for the Marshall CODE 50 is readily available online, typically in PDF format. You can find it on the official Marshall Amplification website, often in the support or downloads section related to the CODE series. The manual offers comprehensive instructions on all aspects of the amplifier’s operation, from basic setup and controls to advanced features such as preset editing and connectivity. It is an invaluable resource for understanding the full capabilities of the CODE 50. Additionally, some retailers that sell the amplifier might also provide a direct link to the manual on their product pages. The manual is available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. The manual is rated by users with an average rating of 7.9 out of 10.
Firmware Updates
Keeping your Marshall CODE 50’s firmware up to date is essential for optimal performance and access to new features. Firmware updates can often be obtained through the official Marshall website or the dedicated Marshall Gateway app. These updates typically include bug fixes, performance improvements, and occasionally, the addition of new amp models or effects. The process for updating the firmware usually involves connecting your amplifier to a computer via USB or utilizing the app. Ensure you follow the specific instructions provided with each update, which can be found in the user manual or on Marshall’s support pages. Regularly checking for updates will ensure your CODE 50 remains at its best.