Dead-simple amps like the venerable 1959 Superlead ‘Plexi’ notwithstanding, Marshall has been known to explore a ‘more than meets the eye’ philosophy with its amps from time to time. The popular DSL50/DSL100 offers four channels under the guise of two, thanks Lead 1/Lead 2 and Clean/Crunch buttons. The JVM series takes this idea light years further with a multi-channel, multi-mode design with a few additional tricks up its sleeve.

On the surface, the 100 watt JVM410C combo looks like tricked-out four channel amp. Each channel (Clean, Crunch, OD1 and OD2) features a full layout of Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass and Volume controls, and each channel also has a dedicated digital Reverb control. The reverb is routed in parallel and mixed in with the direct signal via a tube and has been designed to avoid abrupt cut-offs when switching channels. There’s a Master section with Presence and Resonance controls as well as two switchable Master Volumes, plus an FX Loop button and a foot switch/MIDI Program button. The Standby switch doubles as a silent recording switch. The valve layout includes five 12AX7s and a quartet of EL34s for classic Marshall tone. The power stage is based on the JCM800 2203 and 1959 Superlead amps.

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