Marshall Code25

Marshall guitar amplifiers are undeniably a legend in the music world, having greatly influenced the sound of rock and metal over the last six decades of their existence. CODE Digital Modeling Amplifiers are one of the brand's newest series. It was introduced in 2016 and immediately became the flagship in the niche, combining modern connectivity and many presets. We will talk about the youngest model of the line — Marshall Code 25.

Updated classic

The amplifier almost retained the appearance of the classic Marshall, but became more strict. A solidly closed body, a black grill with a logo, and a top settings panel with signature golden vintage knobs create an almost flawless look and evoke a feeling of reliability and high cost. The model turned out to be quite light, only 6 kg, and compact, 35x34 cm, so it will not cause problems with transportation.

Control from Marshall Gateway

In terms of I/O interfaces, there is a headphone output, an instrument input, AUX, a foot switch jack, and a USB port that allows you to use the DAW interface to record and stream audio to and from a PC. But that's not all. You can set up and control your combo via Bluetooth using the Marshall Gateway mobile app for IOS and Android, and trust me, it will come in handy.

Guitar processor included

Code 25 is a treasure trove of sound effects that can be combined and customized almost endlessly. It's essentially a fusion of a classic combo amp and guitar processor with over 100 presets, 14 preamp models, 4 amps and 8 guitar cabinets that will keep you busy for hours before you figure them out. A digital display that displays the current setting will help facilitate management.

A spoon of tar

Perhaps the only drawback of the Code 25 is its 10-inch speaker. To understand how mediocre it is, just compare the sound with headphones and without. For example, when the sound of an instrument decays, there is often an annoying electric buzz, the bass sounds dull and awkward, and the middle is not transparent enough that even a 3-band equalizer does not save. In addition, the sound is inexpressive in the mix, and this makes the model poorly suited for live performances. But for rehearsals at home, recording and working with sound, it will be just right.

Well, another fly in the ointment. Practice shows that the more electronics in the device, the more likely it is to fail. The first versions of Code 25 had problems with Bluetooth pairing stability, saving presets, and even the sudden shutdown of the amplifier. As is the case in new models, buy Code 25 and check it out for yourself.

Verdict: Marshall Code 25 is an inexpensive combo ($250) for beginners and intermediate players who prefer to have everything in one device. It is a good helper for rehearsals, sound experiments and amateur recordings. If you are looking for something more serious in digital and the same brand, prepare another $100 and choose Code 50.