Marshall 2061X
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Marshall 2061X Description:
Historical, Tone and Tech Talk
The 2061X is an all-valve, 20 Watt, two-channel head with no
negative feedback in its cathode-biased output stage. When
building this handwired re-issue our goal was both obvious
and simple: to make it as close as possible to the original.
As Jim has already pointed out, we went to incredible lengths
to achieve maximum authenticity in terms of components,
circuitry, constructional methods, materials, specifications,
aesthetics, signal path, performance, tonal characteristics and feel. We are delighted to report that our
suppliers were equally as exacting in their tasks – none more so than our long term partners Dagnall
Transformers.
As you can see from its front panel layout, the 2061X is an extremely straightforward amplifier with both of
its channels only boasting a Volume and Tone control each. Like all Marshall, all-valve amplifiers, the 2061X
sounds at its very best when turned up full – and because of its relatively low wattage this can be done at
ear friendly volumes, making it a wonderful recording tool.
In keeping with its bigger, non-master-volume, all-valve, Marshall brethren such as the 1962 'Bluesbreaker'
combo and the legendary 100 Watt 'Plexi' head, the 2061X's sweetly distorted, harmonically rich, thick,
musical tones result from the power valves being overdriven. As a result, when 'cranked' the 2061X is
incredibly touch-sensitive, cleaning up or, if desired, sitting right on the edge of distortion when the guitar's
volume is turned down. It responds well to picking dynamics too – sounding aggressive when you play like
you really mean it and, once again, cleaning up as you pull back on your picking attack.
Unlike its 18 Watt predecessors which boasted an EZ81 rectifier, the 2061X features a solid-state, silicon
diode rectifying device, and is a much more aggressive and surprisingly modern sounding amplifier, while
still possessing that unmistakable and highly desirable, vintage all-valve tone.
Valve complement: Two ECC83s (12AX7s) in the pre-amp and a pair of EL84 power valves working
in push-pull. All valves are of the highest quality available and go through a meticulous grading and testing
process.
The way the two ECC83s (V1 & V2) in the pre-amp are utilised is as follows:
V1 acts as the pre-amp gain stage for the Lead and Bass channels. As both channel's pre-amps have a
single gain stage, each half of the valve (the ECC83 being a dual-triode) acts as a dedicated gain stage for
each. V2 acts as the amplifier's phase-splitter. Due to the fact that the pair of EL84 output valves attain
extremely high temperatures when the amplifier is in use, their valve bases are made from the highestgrade
ceramic available.
Tone Circuit: In typical Marshall fashion, the tone network of both channels is post gain and passive.
The tone circuit in the lead channel involves a blend of high frequency pre-emphasis and passive high
frequency cut – the mix of which is dependant upon the setting of the Tone control on the channel being
used. As one would expect, the bass channel is much darker sounding and is voiced for a tighter low-end.
Components: With the obvious exception of the valves, all components used were sourced from
European and American manufacturers.
Tag Board: This is exactly the same as the original in terms of surface dimension, thickness and
custom-drilled component holes loaded with avlugs. The material used is EM42. The reason we didn't use a
board with the exact same chemical composition as in the original units is because that material doesn't
pass current safety legislation regarding flammability.
Marshall 2061X Features:
1. POWER SWITCH
This is the On/Off switch for mains power to the
amplifier.
Note: Please ensure the amplifier is switched off
and unplugged from the mains electricity supply
whenever it is moved.
2. INDICATOR
This 6.3 Volt incandescent filament indicator will
light up when your amplifier is switched on. It will
not be lit when the amplifier is switched off and/or
is not receiving mains power.
LEAD CHANNEL
3. TONE CONTROL
This adjusts the tonal character of the Lead
Channel. Turning this control clockwise increases
the amount of high frequencies (treble) in the
sound.
4. VOLUME CONTROL
This controls the volume of the Lead Channel.
Turning it clockwise increases the volume level of
the channel.
5. LEAD CHANNEL INPUTS
These are the guitar inputs for the Lead Channel.
The top input is 'high sensitivity' and the bottom
input is 'low sensitivity', the latter being 6dB lower
in volume than the former with a darker sound.
Always use a high-quality, screened guitar lead.
BASS CHANNEL
6. TONE CONTROL
This adjusts the tonal character of the Bass
Channel. Turning this control clockwise increases
the amount of high frequencies (treble) in the
sound.
7. VOLUME CONTROL
This controls the volume of the Bass Channel.
Turning it clockwise increases the volume level of
the channel.
8. BASS CHANNEL INPUTS
These are the guitar inputs for the Bass Channel.
The top input is 'high sensitivity' and the bottom
input is 'low sensitivity', the latter being 6dB lower
in volume than the former with a darker sound.
Always use a high-quality, screened guitar cable.
Performance Note: Bridging or
'jumping' the two channels
Because both Channels of the 2061X have the
same number of gain stages (one) and are
therefore in phase with each other, it is possible to
bridge them together (a.k.a. 'slaving', 'jumping',
'linking' or even 'daisy-chaining') and use them
both at the same time, enabling you to expand
upon the amps tonal possibilities by mixing the
Lead and Bass channels together.
The most common way of doing this is to plug your
guitar into the top (high sensitivity) input of one of
the two channels and then run a short 'jumper'
guitar cable (i.e. a screened cable) from that
channel's bottom (low sensitivity) input to one of
the other channel's two inputs.
It is also possible to plug your guitar into the
bottom (low sensitivity) input of one of the two
channels and then run the 'jumper' cable from its
top (high sensitivity) input to one of the other
channel's two inputs. This less-common approach
can also yield some interesting tonal variations
Marshall 2061X Specifications:
- This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
requirements of the EMC Directive (Environments E1, E2 and E3 EN 55103-1/2) and the Low Voltage
Directive in the E.U.
- The Peak Inrush current for the 2061X is 11 amps.
Buy Today & We'll Throw In The Following Free Gifts!
Free Deluxe 20FT Instrument Cable, Free Korg GA30 Tuner!
This is a limited time offer so please act quickly!
Get your Marshall 2061X today!
