Marshall Amplification MG30GFX 4-Channel Solid-State Combo Amplifier with Presets and FX (30W)

The Marshall Amplification MG30GFX is a four-channel, solid-state combo amplifier for electric guitar. Part of the gold series, the amp features a single 10″ speaker, five on-board effects, a dedicated reverb, and a three-knob tone stack.

The MG30GFX line offers four channels; Clean, Crunch, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2, providing a wide palette of classic Marshall tones. The Clean channel offers a harmonic-enhanced clean tone, while the Crunch channel adds a bit of distortion. Each of the Overdrive settings offers modern, high-gain tone with OD-2 providing the highest output.

The amp can be operated in either a Manual or Preset mode. In Manual mode, the amp’s settings always match the physical positions of the knobs, while in Preset mode, the position of all controls except the Master Volume is stored within each channel, and the physical position of the knobs will not match the settings of the amplifier. This means you can set up four distinct amp characters ahead of time and switch among them during the gig with an optional footswitch.

The five effects include Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Delay (with tap-tempo), and Octave, while the dedicated reverb offers digital simulations of studio reverbs or spring tanks. The tone of all four channels can be adjusted with the three-knob EQ section and stored within the channel’s memory for instant recall at a later time. Indeed, each preset is stored with EQ, effects, and reverb settings.

Additional features include a master volume control, a headphone output for silent practicing, an MP3 / line in to jam along with your favorite tunes, and a Store button to easily save presets. The MG30GFX is compatible with the optional PEDL-90008 footswitch and ships with a standard IEC power cord. The optional PEDL-90008 has an onboard tuner and each footswitch can be assigned to a different stored function. On a purely cosmetic level, the gold plating on the control panel and gold trimming lining the speaker lends the amplifier a distinctive look.