The Marshall Code 25 – 25W 1×10″ Digital Combo Amp shows what you can do with a broad library of all valve amps and an excellent team of software designers. Marshall, together with the Softube Team have created the Code 25 lightweight combo, filled with four power amps, 14 modeled preamps and eight speaker cabinets on top of 24 effects. It’s the smallest in the family, and with its 25 watts of power, it’s ideal for home use.
Marshall Code range integrates the Marshall legacy with the latest technology, to offer the peak of their most impressive and versatile digital product ever. The range provides options of power amps, digital amp models, cabinet simulation, and FX, enabling you to key in every tonal possibility you require.
Positive Aspects
Code’s MST preamps produce the best and one of the most acclaimed Marshall tones, 1962 Bluesbreaker, JTM45 2245, 1959SLP Plexi, JCM2555 Silver Jubilee, JCM 2203, JCM2000 DSL 100, JVM410H and more.
You can connect with Bluetooth to control Code 25 and stream audios from you Android or iOS device utilizing the Gateway App. When you have your friends come over, you don’t have to struggle to get a playlist; you can just stream from your device and listen to the songs on speakers. Additionally, you can connect through USB to utilize Code as a DAW interface to record, and to stream music from your laptop. Lastly, you can connect your MP3 player through Code’s audio input to queue along with your favorite tracks.
The amp has different effects that you may find useful; Distortions, Compressor, Auto Wah, Chorus, Pitch Shifter, Phaser, Tremolo and Flanger on top of the studio quality Reverbs and tap tempo Delays. You can access all these on the amp using the Marshall’s Gateway app or with a programmable controller, which you’ll buy separately.
The smartphone app enables you to control parameters remotely, and you don’t have to bend down to switch the knobs. Moreover, the amp’s tone is amazing especially for its price and comes with many effects
Negative Aspects
Marshall app looks like a fantastic idea and would make customizing the sound much simpler. But there are exceptions. There are mixed reactions to being able to connect to it with Android devices. The amp won’t read them. Similarly, it gives horrible sound when a fixed to a MacBook through its built-in USB port (with Logic Pro and DAW). It removes a consistent static buzz making it impossible to record.
The tuner works fine, but it doesn’t provide enough information on how to tune half step.
It does not feel very sturdy.
Pretty hard to adjust the settings on the presets to get a decent tone
Conclusion
Marshall Code 25 – 25W 1×10″ Digital Combo Amp is fitted with a 10” driver is a small combo but can push out some serious volume with excellent quality. With the Gateway App and connectivity, you can fly change your setting, manage the amp, create presets and even stream music directly to the amp through Bluetooth. Despite the negative aspects, it’s worthwhile.