Marshall CODe 50 Review
Our Verdict and Review Summary
With algorithms developed by engineers at Softube, the CODE 50 employs a wider range of amp models and sounds better than past Marshall modeling attempts, and does so with a far better tone quality, despite some style limitations.
BEST FOR: Beginners or intermediate players looking for an all-in-one amp solution that's versatile and easy to transport.
CHANNELS
87
VERSATILITY
89
CONTROL
92
COST/VALUE
87
- Clean sounds gets decently close to a Marshall tube tone
- Digital models don't sound overly "digitized"
- Learning curve isn't bad
- Volume from speaker cab sounds big and full
- Tons of control and tweaking options for reach sound
- Factory presets are already pretty good.
- Easy to tweak and bank sounds
- You'll never use all the presets
- Foot controller not included
- Historically Marshall isn't really known for their solid state amps
- High-gain settings are just okay
You can get a lot of the feel and sound of a true Marshall tube amp with the CODE 50, which has no tubes in it. Even that small amount of clean breakup that's so appealing in tube amps can be easily mimicked in this amp, simply by picking harder. It's even hard to distinguish between the CODE 50 and some of the models it emulates, particular the Marshall brand models.
Compare the CODE 50 to Similar Amps
Amps | Model | Rated | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Marshall DSL40C | 94.2 | |
 | Marshall CODE 50 | 88.7 | |
 | Boss Katana 50 | 89.8 | |
 | Boss Nextone 40 | 84.2 |
Sweetwater's Video Demo of the Marshall CODE
Marshall's demo does a good job of giving you a quick rundown of the sounds. For instructions on dialing in specific sounds, scrolling down below the table of contents for this page.
Clean sounds are excellent and, surprisingly, respond really well to pedals and external effects. Photo via Mandar Rai
Tone Quality
Most modeling amps tend to be really strong in regards to their versatility, meaning they provide a lot of different options and varying sounds to play with. What they're not known for is providing a high-quality base tone that can compete with the sound you get out of real tube amps.
While we wouldn't say the CODE 50 is as good as Marshall's tube options, it sounds appreciably similar. The algorithms built into the CODE's models and presets by Softube engineers are excellent and do a more than an admirable job of mimicking analog amplifiers in a distinctly modern flavor. In particular, the Purple Plexi preset - the default clean tone I mentioned earlier - does a good job of capturing the brightness and chime that we get in vintage Marshall tube amps.
Even the behavior of the sound reminds us of a tube amp. For example, playing heavy on your clean channel will give you a slight amount of bluesy breakup and distortion, just like you'd expect on a heavy tube amp. Here are some other tone characteristics we noticed:
CODE 50 Tone Highlights
- Wide range of modeling and preamp options
- Tight, closed-back clean tone
- Breakup can be subtle or a heavy saturation
- Cleans have a bluesy edge to them
- Effects feel and sound similar to the Boss algorithms
Control Options
The compatible footwswitch (that unfortunately is not included in your CODE 50 purchase) can control presets, effects usage, or channel switching. There's also an app that's free to download that can control almost every aspect of the amplifier via a Bluetooth connection. Whenever you choose an amp model, you can customize any of the following aspects:
- Preamp model
- Power amp model
- Speaker cab model
- Effects
In other words, you could have one preamp variety paired with a different power amp and a completely different cab. When testing the CODE 50, we noticed that unconventional combinations tended to sound a bit ambiguous, which lead us to stick with more expected preamp and power amp combinations. Still, it's a massive amount of versatility to work with, on top of the fact that the out-of-the-box tone is still really good.
You'll probably need the footswitch. Unfortunately it's not included in the purchase. Image via Brice Mery
Control Highlights
- 99 available presets
- Model amps and speakers
- Four power amp models
- Eight speaker cab models
- 24 effects (use up to five at once)
Onboard Effects
All of the 24 effects come with the expected controllable parameters. With delay, for example, you can choose delay models, set the time, and set repeats from your phone or from the amp itself.
We noted that the effects seem like less of a priority for the CODE series than the amp models did. Because while the onboard effects do sound really good (similar to having a bunch of Boss pedals available to you), it seemed to make less of an impact than the wide range of amp models did. Yet, the effects do sound really pristine and meld particularly well with the clean bluesier amp models.
The CODE 50 gives you a ton of flexibility, even without a pedalboard in tow. Image via Marcela de Campos
Value of the Marshall Code 50
One of the biggest selling points of the CODE 50 is the price, at only $299. Currently, I just had to move a desk into a corner in our bedroom, which has made me want to grab one of these for the headphone playing and easy computer hook up. I'd say any guitar player wanting more digital options or to play without running a loud tube amp, should consider the Marshall CODE series. In all likelihood it's going to be really good fit.
Conclusion
I totally understand people's hesitation with solid state modeling amps. All the digital features and the "bells and whistles" seem to run counter-intuitive to the pure tube-driven tone many of us grew up with. But I'd be willing to say that the CODE series by Marshall represents a significant step towards a world where modeling amps are more reliable and "true" to the original sound and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
After playing one myself and writing this review, I want to buy one for my home, especially since I have small kids that go to sleep early. In situations like that, the Code will get you a fantastic balance of digital convenience and tube-like sound quality.
Your Questions and Comments
Do you have questions about our Marshall CODE 50 review? Are your curious about a different amp we didn't mention here? If so, leave a question in the comments section below and I'll answer there as best I can.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Reviews
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Our disclosure↬
I played I’m bands for over 12 years. I played through a Randall RGT 100 (100 watt tube head) and 4/12 cab for most of that time. When it became too much to lug around big, heavy stuff I went digital and started a years long relationship with Line 6. Those are great modeling amos. However, a few years back, I found myself in need of new “stuff.” I saw the CODE 50 in Guitar Center and that was it…SOLD! My days of playing to hordes of people is long passed, but I still like to know that if the situation arose, I could have confidence that my rig would get loud enough to be heard while maintaining excellent sound quality. The Marshall CODE 50 is more than capable of that. Okay, the fact that I’m playing a Les Paul might be a factor. Still, great job, Marshall!
Ken, that’s great. Thanks for sharing. 🤘🏻