Marshall Model 2031 – Professional 100-Watt Slave Amplifier
The Marshall Model 2031 Slave Amplifier was the engine room behind Marshall’s groundbreaking Professional P.A. system of the early 1970s. Designed to work in conjunction with the Model 2030 Mixer Unit, this 100-watt slave amp delivered raw, reliable power to high-efficiency P.A. cabinets across concert halls, festivals, and live performance venues.
Technical Overview
The 2031 featured:
100+ watts of output power
Dedicated Volume and Presence controls
ON/OFF switch with Mains indicator
Warning-light fuse holder for quick fault detection
Slave Amp Link socket for chaining multiple units together
Its design allowed each 2031 to power one or more full-range or horn-loaded speaker cabinets, expanding the reach and volume of the 2030-controlled mix with studio-quality headroom and low distortion.
Modular Design and Construction
The 2031 was housed in a custom-designed SLIMLINE case—compact yet road-tough—allowing for easy stacking with other 2031 units or the Model 2030 Mixer. This streamlined footprint made it ideal for building vertical amp stacks or compact side-stage power towers.
Construction details include:
13-ply wood cabinet
Black leathercloth covering
Satin-gold trim and front grille
Rubber feet and stacking cups for modular stability
Rear Panel Features
The rear of the unit offered:
1 power input socket
2 speaker output sockets
Link socket for daisy-chaining additional slaves
This straightforward rear layout made the 2031 easy to integrate into expanding systems, whether powering horns, full-range cabs, or both simultaneously.
System Integration
The Model 2031 was purpose-built to amplify the output of the 2030 Mixer, creating a multi-amp, multi-cabinet sound system that rivaled studio monitoring in fidelity and punch.
It was typically paired with:
2 x 2029 (2x15" speaker + twin high-frequency horn) cabinets
2 x 2027 (2x12" + horn) cabinets
Or in larger stacks with multiple 2055/1984 P.A. columns
Together, these units formed the foundation of Marshall’s Professional P.A. series—a scalable, high-fidelity live sound system for elite touring acts.
Collector and Studio Value
Very few Model 2031 units were built, and even fewer survive in original, functional condition. Those that do are of great interest to:
Live sound historians
Vintage Marshall completionists
Studios recreating analog, period-correct monitoring setups
The 2031's robust power section and unique stacking format make it a standout piece in any collection focused on British pro-audio history.
Have a rare Marshall slave amp like the 2031?
Scruffs Vintage Guitars buys early Marshall gear—including Professional P.A. units like the 2031. Contact us today for a fast, knowledgeable appraisal and a serious offer.
