Marshall Model 1985 – 50-Watt P.A. Amplifier
Compact, versatile, and designed with smaller venues in mind, the Marshall Model 1985 was the entry-level amplifier in Marshall’s early 1970s public address lineup. With its straightforward layout and all-analog circuitry, the 1985 became a go-to solution for bands, rehearsal spaces, schools, and churches that needed a simple but powerful sound reinforcement head.
Technical Overview
The Model 1985 delivers:
50 watts of output power
Four total inputs, arranged into two channels
Two individual channel volume controls
Shared tone control section featuring:
Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble
ON/OFF and Standby switches
Its simplified interface made it ideal for users who needed to amplify vocals, speech, or light instrumentation without navigating a full mixing console.
Construction and Dimensions
According to the May 1971 catalog, the 1985’s cabinet measured:
Height: 9 inches (22.86 cm)
Width: 26 inches (66.04 cm)
Depth: 8½ inches (21.59 cm)
Its compact and lightweight form factor made it easy to transport, quick to set up, and perfect for mobile or semi-permanent installations. Like other Marshall heads of the era, it featured seasoned wood construction, black vinyl covering, gold paneling, and sturdy hardware.
Usage and System Pairings
The 1985 appeared in several recommended Marshall setups:
50PA/3 – paired with two 2x12" Model 1983 P.A. column speakers
50PA/6 – paired with two 4x10" Model 1991 columns
Its 50-watt output was ideal for rehearsal studios, schools, smaller clubs, and portable vocal rigs, providing clear projection and responsive tone control without overwhelming the space.
The 1985 was also used as a modular component in custom P.A. stacks, frequently daisy-chained with other Marshall gear to expand power and channel capacity.
Sound and Tonal Character
With its simplified layout and low wattage, the 1985 offered clean, punchy response, making it perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. It was especially prized for its warm tonal character and natural EQ curves—qualities often lost in larger, more clinical P.A. systems.
Some guitarists even repurposed the 1985 as a clean pedal platform, taking advantage of its responsive tone controls and relatively flat EQ for vintage pedal-based setups.
Collector Interest
While the 1985 was once a common fixture in small venues and rehearsal spaces, it has become increasingly hard to find—especially in fully functional, original condition. Its combination of historical value, vintage tone, and portability makes it an appealing piece for collectors of early British amplification and live sound equipment.
Got a Marshall P.A. head like the 1985?
Scruffs Vintage Guitars buys rare Marshall amps and cabinets from 1962–1974, including compact P.A. heads like the 1985. Contact us today for a fast appraisal and fair offer from trusted vintage gear experts.
That wraps the core P.A. amplifier series. Would you like to continue with the Master P.A. systems next (Model 2003 and 2002), or pivot to Professional P.A. systems and slave amps?
