How to...

... Link Channels on Marshall Amplifiers

All of the reissue Marshall amplifiers (JTM45, JTM45 Offset, 1959SLP, 1987X, 1962) can easily be identified by their appearance and the four inputs located on the right front panel. What exactly is the purpose of these four inputs? You will notice that the upper and lower left inputs are labeled "1". The upper and lower right inputs are labeled "2". The "1" inputs are the high sensitivity (higher gain and somewhat brighter) inputs. The top "1" input is the higher gain of the two "1" inputs (the preferred input of most players). The "2" inputs are the low sensitivity (lower gain than the "1" inputs and somewhat bassier). The top "2" input is a higher gain input than the lower "2" input. Each of the four inputs has its own distinct sound.

While any of these inputs can be used on their own, linking them (with a short, shielded instrument cable), will blend the high and low sensitivity channels together. The most common channel linking scenario is as follows:

Essentially, this allows the player to blend the brighter channel ("1") with the bass channel ("2") to their liking. Although, the stated example is the most common way to link channels, there are not any set rules (it really comes down to the player’s preference).