DigiTech/Johnson Amplification Millennium and Marquis Guitar Amps

July 11, 1997 -- Johnson Amplification, a division of DigiTech, has proudly unveiled its first two guitar amplifiers-the "Millennium Stereo 150" and "Marquis Stereo 100". Each of these new 'Integrated Modeling' amplifiers pushes the envelope of guitar amplification to the next level.

The Millennium Stereo 150 combines programmable preamp simulations with a powerful 150-watt stereo amplifier (75 watts per side), two 12-inch Celestion "Vintage 30" speakers and an amazing on-board programmable multi-effects processor. Likewise, the Marquis pairs the same preamp simulations and processor with a 100-watt stereo amplifier (50 watts per side) and two 12-inch Celestion speakers.

Featuring dual inputs for normal and bright, the front end of the Johnson combos features two 12AX7 tubes to provide the warmth and clarity that only tubes can offer. Featuring six different possible amp voicings-American Stack, British Stack, American Combo, British Combo, "Johnson" and Custom Distortion-the amplifiers can simulate virtually any amplifier on the market, as well as create tones all their own. They are even capable of morphing between their dual-path preamp and effects.

All of the traditional amplifier controls are provided on the Johnson Millennium Stereo 150 and Marquis Stereo 100, including Input Level, Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Level, Contour and Master Volume. Rear connections include Mono Effects Send, Mono Effects Return, Speaker Outputs (4), Cabinet Emulation Direct Outputs (2) and MIDI In, Out/Thru. There are also input jacks for Johnson Amplification's new J-12 foot controller, DigiTech's FS-300 footswitch or DigiTech's Control One foot controller, as well as two separate expression pedals jacks for real-time true effects morphing.

The flexibility of the amplifiers' shared effects section is unparalleled by any other guitar amplifier in history. Based on the DSP operating system of DigiTech's new 2112 Studio Guitar System, the preamp's parameter controls are located on the front panel, giving users instant control over the principal aspects of their sound. A large, custom LCD display and backlit buttons additionally add to the user-friendliness of the system.

Aside from the tube and solid-state distortions, effects include digitally-controlled Analog Wah, EQ, Noise Gates, Reverbs, Choruses, Flangers, Intelligent and Smooth Pitch Shifters, Detuners, Smooth Whammy, Phasers, Tremolos, Auto Panners, Rotary Speaker Emulation, Cabinet Emulation and more.

The Millennium and Marquis combos' preamp also features full MIDI implementation, dynamic modifiers and a chromatic tuner. Using 20-bit, 128x oversampled digital conversion, the amplifiers' DSP section offers nothing short of full-bandwidth, studio-quality digital effects with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio greater than 98dB (A-weighted, ref = max signal, 22kHz measurement bandwidth).

Even the cabinets themselves are manufactured with the finest materials and covered with a virtually indestructible layer of Uni-Vinyl that actually binds the joints creating amazing tonal resonance.

Currently shipping, the Millennium Stereo 150 is available at the U.S. suggested retail price of $1,595.00, while the Marquis Stereo 100 is offered for $1,395.00. These two amplifiers are the inaugural offerings in what Johnson Amplification expects to soon be a complete line of guitar amp solutions.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digitech.com.