Marshall vs. Blackstar - Which 40-watt amp is best?

Рет қаралды 15,670

4 ай бұрын

We put the Marshall DSL 40 against the Blackstar HT Club 40 MkIII in a head-to-head amp shootout. Hear both channels on each, plus the direct-out performance. The No Fear Gear team lets you hear each dialed-in for a direct comparison; which do you prefer? Join the dialog and tell us in the comments.
Both are available at Sweetwater:
· Marshall DSL 40 sweetwater.sjv.io/0Z3zJY
· Blackstar HT Club 40 MkIII sweetwater.sjv.io/vNrmnW
No Fear Gear Guides:
‪@jimmyfranklin‬
‪@dredimura‬
‪@TomButwin‬

Пікірлер: 111

@thepizzaveteran Ай бұрын

I own a Marshall and a Blackstar so I’m not biased in my pick. For me the Marshall wins in every category except the direct out, the Blackstar crushes that category.

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Great to hear from someone that has the product and from someone that does not hear with their eyes. 😉 Thanks for adding your perspective here.

@jjavelar 15 күн бұрын

100%

@kirkr1961 2 ай бұрын

Like the format of three presenters with a random A/B of each amp. Pretty cool.

@NoFearGuitarGear 2 ай бұрын

Thanks. We are testing various ideas to find some approaches that are most useful to those that really want to learn more about the gear. Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated.

@JBouch33 Ай бұрын

Was literally deliberating between these exact two amps. It's like you guys made this video just for me haha I'm going with the Marshall though. It sounds more robust in my opinion. Thanks so much guys!

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

We are glad that it helped. We would love to hear your experience with your new amp if you do get it.

@adamstein9333 Ай бұрын

Marshall is def. Best Live. Blackstar is better for direct recording. You made the right decision, and there’s plenty of options to upgrade for direct recording on the DSL

@jessetate9701 Күн бұрын

Definitely Marshall cut out presence alittle

@sorenchristensen2149 Ай бұрын

Bought a blackstar because it was the only tube amp in my price range at the local guitar store but man I got lucky because I just love the warm smooth sound

@NoFearGuitarGear 29 күн бұрын

Great to hear from a real owner of one of the amps. Thanks for sharing that input here.

@stewarttomkinson3356 4 ай бұрын

Blackstar sounds better with the emulation out

@corytaylor8673 6 күн бұрын

Ayyyy working class Jimmy! Killed it

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 күн бұрын

We loved having Jimmy be part of this. He is awesome.

@richcarroll7510 4 ай бұрын

Blackstar win this one clearly, 3 guys that left Marshall started Blackstar

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

@richcarroll7510 thanks for joining the dialog. The Blackstar backstory is an intersting one. We do plan to cover that in the future.

@jimmcdougall9973 4 ай бұрын

The miking and volume settings were in favour of the Marshall. But I would go with the Blackstar. The ISF knob makes it such a versatile rock amp, which did not come across in the video.

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog, great feedback!

@user-kz9wk9ff5d 13 күн бұрын

The Marshall hands down... Thanks guys !

@CanadianRockerGuy 21 күн бұрын

Marshall sounded better overall except for the emulated out, but even that can be tweaked, I own the DSL and I'm very happy I chose it over the Blackstar, which is also a great amp in it's own right, but I do own the Blackstar Metal LT pedal because I do like Blackstar also, and it's alot more affordable than the amp, and that Metallica riff sealed the deal on the Marshall! Good shootout boys!

@yankeesrule64 Ай бұрын

To my ears on both the Marshall sounded better

@johnsmith-ug5tp Ай бұрын

Awesome demo! I have owned the BS and currently the DSL 40CR and the Marshall IMO wins on the tone. Clean, crunch and OD channels. The line out/ headphones is gawd awful. The BS's emulated out is outstanding along with the cab rig.

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your insights. Awesome to hear from players that have owned both. Very helpful!

@leoguzman2104 3 ай бұрын

Marshall the cleans were way batter and sounds more Open

@NoFearGuitarGear 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for that comment and being part of the discussion here.

@christopherguzzi1316 Ай бұрын

Overall my vote is for the Marshall. The Blackstar sounded boxier.

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog and sharing your thoughts here.

@kesmarley 2 ай бұрын

I’m with Marshall

@NoFearGuitarGear 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the conversation. Another vote for Marshall noted! ✔️

@donciseau 4 ай бұрын

Excellent tones!

@1997LT1Camaro Ай бұрын

Marshall’s overdrive sounds way better.

@atanasmarinov1814 14 күн бұрын

Marshall is the one and only, and the best !

@billyduff417 2 күн бұрын

I’ve had both. Marshall is just a better all around amp. Mine had a vintage 30 speaker in it and so did the blackstar. Marshall absolutely slayed the blackstar.

@NoFearGuitarGear Күн бұрын

Thanks @billyduff417 for sharing your specific experience and findings here. The more perspectives the better.

@adamwatson6916 Ай бұрын

The DSL 40 sounds great in stock form but it sounds alot better with a tube and speaker upgrade but it esoecially 2 sounds better when ran through a 2 by 12 or 4 by12 or an oversized 1 by 12 and sounds bettet still if those cabs are closed backk Celestion Creamback M65 the Creamback H75 and G12H30 Heritage are among the best i have tried with the DSl Amps . The Creamback M65 are the best stand alone speakers i have tried with the DSl and the best matched pairing in a 2 by 12 but my absolute favorite sound of the DSL is pairing a Creamback M65 and a vintage 30 either together in a 2 by 12 or having the M65 installed in the combo paired with a vintage 30 loaded 1 by 12. I really love the open back Creamback M65 loaded combo with the closed back vintage 30 1 by 12 sounds more vintage than using both those speakers in a 2 by 12. The combo sounds killer in it's own right with the Creamback M65. That speaker sounds like it was made for that amp.

@colinmortimore218 8 күн бұрын

I think the stock V Type sounds great!

@vovokidx9691 6 күн бұрын

is it loud enough for a club

@Matthew_Scan 3 ай бұрын

Blackstar wins cleans Marshall wins dirty

@nathanelliasin8739 4 ай бұрын

Blackstar also good sound. But for me Marshall is great choice in concert.

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

@nathanelliasin8739 thanks!

@user-tm4te7kj3k Ай бұрын

like them both......Marshall tone has less mid/bass which probably cuts thru better when the band is playing. Bstar amp sounds a bit muddy and may get lost in the mix once the band joins in - the big city nights riff showcased that very well

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Great points, we appreciate the perspective.

@vovokidx9691 4 күн бұрын

is it loud enough for gigs

@olfoogy 2 ай бұрын

I have both but my dsl goes from 4 watts to 40 just like the blackstar...I love em both...I like the blackstar for my strat a little better though

@NoFearGuitarGear 2 ай бұрын

That is fantastic input, thanks! We appreciate you adding that to the dialog here.

@user-jz4gy2vk4c 3 ай бұрын

on the fence between the Blackstar,Revv 25 or Bad Cat Black Cat,what do you prefer,thanks

@NoFearGuitarGear 3 ай бұрын

Tough decision with those three. We have an older Bad Cat and love it. The Blackstar has become our go-to in-studio amp since we used it for this shootout, so we know that is a good one. Have not had our hands on the Revv. Sorry that we can not be more helpful, but maybe someone else here in the comments have have tried some of those and can chime in.

@user-jz4gy2vk4c 3 ай бұрын

@@NoFearGuitarGear thanks for your advice,will try out the Blackstar today

@dadkingcoffey8333 Ай бұрын

Marshall all the way

@tonya4157 4 ай бұрын

DSL

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog here!

@tonya4157 4 ай бұрын

@NoFearGuitarGear I thought the Blackstar sounded best through it's DI. It does have an advantage in that aspect but add a Two Note or whatever to the DSL and it's back on top. It's nice to have separate EQs for clean and drive on the Blackstar but it doesn't seem to take advantage of it. Can't confirm it but believe that Blackstar's ISF feature is just the Contour control that Marshall used on it's Valvestate and MG amps years ago. You forgot to mention the 2 master volumes on the DSL and that are programmable to control any 2 of the 4 voicings. Also that there's a 7 button footswitch available for it. Then, throw in warranty, service and maintenance and the DSL pulls away.

@goodmanwiseman303 2 ай бұрын

The Marshall sounded way better except in the direct out and brown sound demos. Any other opinions are just trying to be edgy. Im not a Marshall fanboy for the record, I play an Orange.

@NoFearGuitarGear 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for joining the dialog and another vote for the Marshall is noted! 👍🏼

@eddiezandqoystudio 2 күн бұрын

I bought a Marshall DSL40 few months ago.. the clean was good but other than that i was a lil bit disappointed, reverb was really bad, and the built in extra gain stuff wasn't so satisfying... worst of all the amp started making very disturbing crackling noises and when i sent it the back to the dealer he said that this is a common issue in this model! So bad experience for me and checking for the Blackstar now lets see

@NoFearGuitarGear Күн бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience here. That is helpful info to others checking this video out, providing another perspective.

@RJW14 Ай бұрын

honestly, blackstar have interesting options but the DSL is just super versatile and maybe a bit more long lived than the blackstar, especially if it needs work done to it; blackstars and victories and similar amp brands are notoriously hard to work on. Tone wise tho, yeah every time I go looking for a marshall amp I buy something else, so I'd walk away with the blackstar still 😂

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Great insight. Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience.

@stefpenfield5918 3 ай бұрын

I'd prefer to hear all eq set to noon.

@SuperBriandamage Ай бұрын

They said they did similar settings but it was clear that the Marshall was EQd brighter and you don't have to get as extreme with the Marshall to make it sound brighter..But easy fix with the black star put an EQ pedal in the effects Loop. If I push the od2 option 2 button in on my Blackstar HT 60 it is way tighter than the Marshall at the higher gain settings. You turn the gain high on OD2 on the Marshall and it turns into mush. So you need a good overdrive in front of it to tighten things up. Not as necessary on the Blackstar. The Reverb on the Marshall DSL is a joke. Even turned all the way up it's barely Audible. Even on the last Model it was the same thing.. it was very stupid of them for to overlook that. Believe me I love Marshall I've owned a lot of them but some of the stuff they do with their amps doesn't make any sense to me

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Great insights, thanks for sharing them here! 👍🏼

@stewarttomkinson3356 4 ай бұрын

Amp 2 cleaner

@saintghost 29 күн бұрын

uuu marshall the best

@adamstein9333 Ай бұрын

I have owned Both. Not the Same wattage though, I owned the Blackstar HT1 Metal, Marshall DSL1, and the Randall RD1. Also the Micro Dark terror and Joyo Bantamps though I will focus on the true tube amps. Marshall Wins Live sound. Blackstar Direct Wins and of course extra options. Randall was Garbage and I Love Randall, however that overpriced range, and over rated and highly priced (even used makes it not even reasonable to buy). Bugera keeps Up with older Blackstar if Your looking for a cheaper alternative. You guys did an awesome review! Thanks

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

@adamstein9333 thanks for the really helpful insights. We love to have insights from real owners of the gear and a wider view at the specific amps is also helpful. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for the kind words about the channel.

@alvaroguimaraes8610 26 күн бұрын

Hey, how do you compare those to the Bantamps?

@maddoxmay611 Ай бұрын

To be honest, I have to go with the blackstar, the Marshall for some reason has a really poky unpleasant high end fizzyness that it unpleasant to the ears. I think a part of it might be the speaker, if there was a more balanced speaker in it like a greenback or a creamback, it might sound more pleasing to the ears

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog.👍🏼

@angusorvid8840 4 ай бұрын

I prefer the Blackstar. DSL are sort of blah. I dig the JVMs but they are overpriced, especially considering the unreliability of Marshalls.

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

Thank you @angusorvid8840 for chiming in and sharing your observations and insights.

@markg9254 3 ай бұрын

Blackstar seem to be way more unreliable. Even on there main amp page it seems like problem after problem. I think in it's own the Blackstar sounds better, but Marshall better in a mix.

@goodmanwiseman303 2 ай бұрын

Dude I had the same Marshall G80RCD for 15 years. Only thing that broke on it was the guitar input and that’s because I was always honking on it and eventually pulled it right out.

@randypittman4994 24 күн бұрын

Blackstar sounded better on the cleaner channels but the marshall was better on the gain channels. The blackstar sounded boxy on the gain channels.

@NoFearGuitarGear 24 күн бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog here.

@daleprice3998 20 күн бұрын

Black star all the way.

@NoFearGuitarGear 19 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your vote here!

@tjborekvideo 3 ай бұрын

Blackstar FTW

@NoFearGuitarGear 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog. 👍🏼

@goodheartmedia 4 ай бұрын

I have the Blackstar HT100 mkiii head and a DSL100HR. Compared thru the same cab, I prefer the Blackstar. For the combo, the Blackstar needs a speaker change. The Seventy80 stock speaker does not do that amp justice.

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

Great feedback and insights. Thanks!

@SuperBriandamage Ай бұрын

In time and alot of playing you may like the 70/80 They have pretty big magnets and take a while to break in.

@jcpunx1572 3 ай бұрын

Blackstar sound really better 😉

@NoFearGuitarGear 3 ай бұрын

Another Blackstar vote noted. ✔️ Thanks for being part of the dialog here.

@bigbelafonte8237 Ай бұрын

Lets be honest, 99% of people picking the blackstar own a blackstar lol

@NoFearGuitarGear Ай бұрын

It is likely Blackstar owners will often select Blackstar in a comparison like this and Marshall is the predictable pick for Marshall owners. We all have our preferences and getting accustomed to one brands sound does tend to lock in some sonic preferences as well as those brand name biases. Some players really are agnostic and want all the insights available, there is something for everyone in this guitar gear world we all live in today. A very good thing. 🤘🏽

@bigbelafonte8237 Ай бұрын

@@NoFearGuitarGear well said 🤝

@davidcaro8217 Ай бұрын

Too true. I have both amps. Love them both, but I generally gig with the Blackstar.

@bigbelafonte8237 Ай бұрын

@@davidcaro8217 Kudos to you, i would have a hard time turning down tubey tubes for a solid state amp especially for a live audience. I havnt had a solid state since i was a kid but generally i would assume the practical thing to do is practice at home with a solid state, tube might be too much hassle with tone & respectful volume unless you have an attenuator. & gig with the tube so you can finally crank those valves, get that crushing tone that would be too much in the house, & give the audience a treat that they all deserve! But to each their own, cheers 🍻

@neneaanghel7016 28 күн бұрын

@@bigbelafonte8237 Actually the blackstar is tube, they have some solid state parts wich many amps from marshall( jcm 900, Silver Jubilee) have. Blackstar ht are tube amps with preamp and poweramp tubes. I love both

@nicolaebreaban8154 3 ай бұрын

Blackstar wins for my taste

@NoFearGuitarGear 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining the dialog.

@robertcosta3948 2 ай бұрын

I prefer the black star. Of course i'm biased I do have that one

@justinwood3278 27 күн бұрын

@markkinney5030 Ай бұрын

The Marshall sounds way better. Blackstar i don't like it.

@MarkTurner-vs7uc 3 ай бұрын

Try to get your Blackstar repaired. Just call around and ask.

@deepzepp4176 2 ай бұрын

That is the main problem. I’ve had the MKi & Mii & have never had an issue. But my amp tech says once certain components go, it’s best to throw on the scrap heep, as it’d not worth repairing. Shame as I love the sound and versatility of them. I’m still tempted to try the MKiii. We shall see.

@stewarttomkinson3356 4 ай бұрын

Amp a dirtier

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

@stewarttomkinson3356 thanks for joining the dialog. It sounds like you preferred the Marshall for the sound samples and Blackstar for the direct out. We appreciate your input!

@michaelmarchei8539 2 ай бұрын

Marshall small combos just dont do it.. sounds like muddy ass or ice picks in the ear

@andrewslads 4 ай бұрын

Dsls are shit . The old ones are ok , but the new ones suck . They essentially give you a marshall sound in a box , but it doesnt translate to any real musicality when playing live . They are fine for banging out crunch chords / classic rock but don't do leads any justice . they are stuiff and brittle . doesn't even compare to the JVM . got rid of yjm and jvm for the dsl ( mainly because it was a combo and lighter ) but utterly crap when i gigged it . I then got a jubilee . decent . basically if its not a 'made in england marshall' its just budget crap , good for home use and the odd gig .

@NoFearGuitarGear 4 ай бұрын

Thanks @andrewslads for chiming in here. We appreciate you joining the dialog.

@richardjones2811 2 ай бұрын

Not good for leads? Are you sure it's the amp? Mine is a shredder when boosted with an overdrive.

@andrewslads 2 ай бұрын

@@richardjones2811 depends on what types of lead playing . Probably ok for classic rock , but I purchased one of these selling my YJM 100 and JVM and these amps were a different class , maybe I just was spoilt with how great they were for shreddy rock playing . The dsl for sounded really thin and brittle but it was ok to a point . I got a jubilee which was better . Thing is with the dsls they are fine for playing in the house but live they don’t compare to real Marshall’s and I mean the made in England ones. They need to be cranked .

@richardjones2811 2 ай бұрын

@@andrewslads That's what attenuators are for though. I play a lot of neoclassical and Paul Gilbert style lead on mine with no issues. Thrash is fine too when boosted with an mxr overdrive or boss sd1.

@andrewslads 2 ай бұрын

@@richardjones2811 depends , low volume is ok . Try it at band volumes . These amps are essentially budget amps . They are fine for power chords and riffing but they are bright and have no sophistication to the sound . I previously owned a JVM and a YJM and difference was clear as day , in sound and feel . Took it back and got a silver jubilee . If you want to gig with proper Marshall’s get the made in England ones .