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Marshall MG100HFX £264
The MG range receives a long-awaited revamp
Simon Bradley, Wed 25 Feb 2009, 10:13 am UTC
Marshall's MG series is fundamentally important to the company. The entry level product, it sells in big numbers and is therefore many a budding player's first hands-on introduction to the brand, holding the potential to make or break a lifelong love affair with the most revered amp company of all time.
When we first reviewed the MGs back in September 2002 we were very impressed, and since then, despite the growth in digital modelling technology, the series has usually punched above its weight due to some innovative features such as Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and a contour control, not to mention the onboard effects.
"If you're in the market for your first head and cab the MG100HFX is a strong contender."
2009 heralds the latest evolution: MG4, a totally new, completely redesigned range that sticks vehemently to an analogue design for the amp tones, meaning no digital recreations of amps of yore whatsoever.
The company says: "We live in an age of cloning where many amplifiers are attempting to copy each other. The new MG range produces the type of tone other amplifiers can only try to imitate."
Saucer of milk? Perhaps, but given that there's a Marshall simulation in every modelling amp ever made, you can see where the big M is coming from. Time to have a look at the class of 2009, then…
MG100HFX
Hear the amp in action in the following demo:
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
Probably the best sounding of the new MG amps, with the option of improving it still further by sourcing a pro-standard 4 x 12 cabinet.
Cons
Perhaps not as much gain as some modern amps. Question is, do you really need it?
Verdict
A portable and versatile head that'd be ideal for first-time giggers who can't quite stretch to a DSL or VM model.
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Where to buy
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Specification
MG100HFX
- Price:
- £264
- Country of Origin:
- Vietnam
- Additional Features:
- Mono effects loop, two speaker outputs, onboard tuner
- Audio Output Power (w):
- 100
- Available Controls:
- Bass, Crunch, Delay, Gain, Master, Mid, Reverb, Tap, Treble
- Cabinet Material:
- Particle Board
- Device Type:
- Solid-state head with effects
- Dimensions (mm (w x h x d)):
- 591 x 249 x 275
- Options:
- The angled and base versions of the MG4 x 12 cab both priced at 237
- Weight (kg):
- 11.4
- Weight (lb) (lb):
- 25.1
- Channels:
- 2
- Effect Types:
- Chorus1, Delay, Flanger, Phaser