Marshall Model 2030 – Professional Tube Mixer Unit
The Marshall Model 2030 Mixer Unit marked a high point in Marshall’s venture into professional-grade live sound equipment. Developed in the early 1970s, it represented a modular, expandable mixing solution capable of driving massive P.A. systems with studio-level control. With its integrated channel architecture, robust build, and compatibility with slave amps and high-frequency horns, the 2030 brought serious engineering to the stage—a visionary move from a company best known for guitar stacks.
Technical Overview
The Model 2030 offered:
Eight independent channels, each with:
Treble, Middle, Bass, and Volume controls
Dedicated Reverb control
Master section with:
Master Treble, Middle, Bass, and Volume controls
VU meter (2" x 2¼") for overload monitoring
Dedicated headphone monitor output with independent volume control
10-way selector switch for monitoring individual channels or full mix
Master ON/OFF switch with Mains indicator lamp
The mixer’s design allowed sound engineers to fine-tune individual sources while managing global output—a revolutionary feature set for live performance during the early '70s.
Construction and Modularity
The 2030 was housed in a black vinyl-covered wooden cabinet with satin-gold trim and matching front panel. Internally, it used modular construction:
Removable channel strips
Replaceable Master, Monitor, and Power Supply boards
This layout made servicing and customization far easier than most mixers of the time—a rarity that prefigured modern modular mixers.
Dimensions
Width: 25 inches (63.54 cm)
Depth: 15½ inches (39.37 cm)
Height: 12 inches (30.48 cm)
It was designed to stack neatly atop Marshall’s 2031 Slave Amplifiers, creating a unified and scalable P.A. tower with tremendous power and tonal range.
System Integration
The 2030 was the centerpiece of Marshall’s Professional P.A. System, often used with:
2031 100-watt Slave Amps (one per pair of speaker cabinets)
2029 or 2027 Horn-Loaded P.A. speaker cabinets
2055 or 1984 full-range cabs
This setup enabled studio-quality monitoring and live mixing capabilities on stage—a major leap ahead of traditional mixer-less heads like the 1966 or 1968.
Collector and Studio Interest
The 2030 is among the rarest and most sophisticated Marshall units ever produced. Because of its complexity and niche usage, very few were sold, and fewer survive in original condition. It is highly sought after by collectors, especially those reconstructing vintage P.A. rigs or seeking authentic analog front ends for studio reamping or archival use.
Got a Marshall mixer like the 2030?
Scruffs Vintage Guitars is always looking for rare Marshall gear from 1962–1974, including mixer units and full Professional P.A. systems. Contact us for a fast appraisal and top-tier offer.
