Marshall MG50GFX

Marshall MG50GFX - The Versatile, Powerful Marshall for the Band!

The MG50GFX delivers a solid foundation for rehearsal rooms and small stages with 50 watts of power and a 12" speaker. It’s a bit more generously equipped than its smaller sibling, the MG30GFX. Not only does it offer outstanding sound quality, it’s also fully programmable in all control and switching functions (except master volume). It comes loaded with the most popular digital effects (reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, vibe and octaver), which can be controlled via an external programmable footswitch. That makes it appealing even to touring pros who want a compact, affordable and extremely versatile stage combo.

Three effects can be used simultaneously: a modulation effect, the delay and the reverb. If you’re unsure which MG model to pick, the MG50GFX is almost always the safe bet thanks to its all-round qualities. A word of warning for home players: if you like to crank it up, you’ll want a house with a big yard — and you’ll probably become famous with the neighbours anyway, because this combo can easily keep up with drums and bass in terms of volume in most bands.

Four Channels for Stylistic Freedom

The MG50GFX features four independent analog channels that can be optimally matched because all parameters are freely programmable. Each channel is driven by the same set of controls, keeping the amp’s front panel simple, intuitive and clear. Still, the tone controls for Clean, Crunch, OD1 and OD2 operate in their own frequency ranges, so entirely independent core sounds are possible. Even the power-amp character can be tailored for each sound via the programmable "Damping" switch.

When the amp is in the "Preset" mode, all settings for each channel are stored separately, so the last setup for that channel including its effects is retained. In "Manual" mode, switching channels toggles between the currently dialed-in settings. The "Direct Sound Access" feature lets you jump straight to the active sounds in both modes at any time.

Classic Controllable Master Volume

The MG50GFX is 100% practice-oriented. That’s why the master volume remains classically adjustable, so you always have direct control over overall level independent of your programmed sounds. For extra headroom you can connect an active monitor or the PA to the emulated headphone output.

Reference-Quality Effect Sounds

The MG50GFX’s digital effects set a new standard for sound quality — chorus, phaser, flanger, vibe, octaver and delay can easily stand up to high-end modern studio gear. Each of these effects can be polished with the amp’s outstanding reverb. The intelligent delay adaptation is highly practical: when switching to a channel without delay the echo rings out fully; switching to a sound with the same delay time crossfades the delay level; and switching to a channel with a different delay time immediately triggers the new delay setting.

The separately adjustable reverb also includes this kind of adaptation. The delay time is stored via the tap function and indicated by an LED. The four delays (HiFi delay, tape echo, multi-tap delay and reverse delay) are separately adjustable on all MG models from 50 watts up, allowing three effects to run simultaneously. External effects units can be connected via the programmable serial effects loop.

Full Control with the Programmable Footswitch

The MG50GFX ships with a dual footswitch for channel selection that, together with the "Channel Memory" function, lets you comfortably call up the four most important sounds — so you can start playing right away. As optional accessory, the freely programmable four-way footswitch is available, allowing you to copy any front-panel switching functions or recall complete presets with all parameters including channel volume (excluding master volume).

Marshall has already patented this feature for the JVM footswitches. Even the use of a simple mono jack cable and battery-free power supply from the amp itself has been adopted from Marshall’s top models. The programmable MG footswitch PEDL90008 also integrates a chromatic tuner (reference A440), which can be selected from the front panel or via the footswitch.

Sound Quality You Can Hear!