Gigged the DSL so now an accurate compare.

[Scott_UK]

As you may've seen in a previous post, I've recently picked up a DSL 100 after playing a SL-X (50 watter) for 16 years. Speaker wise, I use a 1960A and add a 1960B for bigger venues

I use a variety of pedals, using a Boss SD2 for overdrive which gives me both crunch and lead overdrive at the touch of a latch. This is the main pedal and overall shapes my sound.

I've always liked the SL-X as it's fat, smooth (being a 50) and though being a single channel, has two foot switchable volumes. I'd set the gain controls to about 10 o'clock for a mild, yet punchy crunch. Cranked up, the valves get hot and it just sings! So why did I get a DSL 100? In short, it was stupidly cheap!

So first gig with the DSL:-
After sorting out the EQ on setup, I had a very mild crunch/clean sound on the "Classic Gain" channel which was a lovely start point. On tapping in the Boss SD2, it was immediate that I had to change the pedal settings. The DSL had more bottom end. With in under a minute I had three very usable sounds, one clean and two gain, that I found bettered the SL-X. Using the "Ultra Gain" as a lead channel, I set this to a slightly higher gain and volume to cut through. On finishing our first number, I was completely sold! A few EQ tweaks and a play with the reverb (I've used a EH Hall Of Fame with the SL-X), it was untouched right through to the end of our two sets. Even our drummer commented "F#ck me, that sounds nice! I didn't think I'd notice any difference!"

In short the SL-X is a great head and has given me 16 years of good service, though the DSL is much more suited to me. I find it much more controllable and not as "in your face" as the SL-X, which needed taming. The LP and Strat both sounded ten fold better to my ears and have a new found love for them. I like! It's just a shame I can't play at that volume back home, by living in a mid-terrace house. Maybe I should look into a plate or power breaker.

I'd be interested in your amp views and experiences.
Thanks for reading!

[SelLuap]

Great story!
Any videos from this gig by any chance?

I've always had a soft spot for the DSLs, if I start gigging again in the future I might pick up a DSL50 head - heard it before and quite liked it. Would have to have a proper sit down with it but I liked what I heard!

[Scott_UK]

Hi SelLuap!
Sadly I don't have any video clips from last night

I would've gone for a 50 watter as I like the smoothness of them. The only reason I went for the 100 is purely cost, it was a steal! I intended on selling it on for profit though not now. The DSL's are great amps IMO. Best of luck with your hunt!

[SelLuap]

Cool! How would you describe the difference between the 50 and 100? What do you mean by the smoothness - the overdriven sound?

I see you're in the UK too, where abouts was your gig - must be a fairly decent sized venue if you were able to "open" up your amp as you said?

[tazzboy]

That's wonderful man.

[Scott_UK]

I've not played the DSL 50, though the difference between the SL-X 50 and 100 I found quite subtle yet enough for me to chose the 50. The 100 was much more gravely, if that makes sence? The 50 was smoother and warmer, to my ears.

Yes I'm in the UK and gig around the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire areas. The band's called Inside-Out. Which county are you based?

[SelLuap]

Originally Posted by Scott_UK

I've not played the DSL 50, though the difference between the SL-X 50 and 100 I found quite subtle yet enough for me to chose the 50. The 100 was much more gravely, if that makes sence? The 50 was smoother and warmer, to my ears.

Yes I'm in the UK and gig around the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire areas. The band's called Inside-Out. Which county are you based?

Yeah I get what you mean now.

Ah cool, you guys got any tracks up online? I'm near Manchester at the moment.
I've heard this quite a few times, does the DSL have quite a lot of low-end to it?

[tallcoolone]

Love the DSL.


Dazed, a Tribute to Led Zeppelin - 7/8/11 - YouTube

[tolm]

Great stuff - the DSLs are very good amps by all accounts and sounds like you've gelled with yours big time.

I reckon Jim's smiling.

[middy]

Originally Posted by tallcoolone

Love the DSL.

Originally Posted by tallcoolone

Dazed, a Tribute to Led Zeppelin - 7/8/11 - YouTube

Band sounds dynamite. I'll be hunting down one of your gigs. Thanks for posting the clip.

[SelLuap]

Originally Posted by middy

Band sounds dynamite. I'll be hunting down one of your gigs. Thanks for posting the clip.

I agree! Nice performance and that DSL sounds amazing!