Marshall JMP 2203

I never had been a big fan of the real 2203, no matter if it is named a JMP or JCM, but this one sounds even worse, much too thin, too scratchy, for my ears wrong sounding harmonics and - opposite to the real amp - almost no typical low-end and low-mid punch, which is essential for this type of amp. At least for me.

I also find the G12T-75's not really the best choice, some Blackbacks, G12-65 or Lead 80 would have done a better job, but also a R121 microphone is missing, maybe also a SM57 Fredman microphoning, as much as an option to use external IR's within the channel strip.

Most of all, this plugin meanwhile is very old, had been used as exclusive UAD plugin for years and the conversion to VST obviously did not result in any sonic update or any other improvements, as far as I can hear.

Therefore also the sound, although it may be better than the one of some other Marshall plugins, meanwhile is not really state-of-the-art anymore. Urgently needs a sonic update - especially concerning treble and harmonics - in my opinion, plus some more contemporary features and additions.

This JMP 2203 should be a museum piece, so I have been astonished, that the stock JCM800 within Amp Room sounds much, much better, more naturally, more authentically and organically than this more expensive one. Obviously the guys at Softube can programm an excellent 2203 sound, so the problem must be located somehwere else.

For a Marshall approved amp plugin - whatever that means - it sounds disappointing to me. Some competitors come closer to the real amp, also offer some more features, especially concerning cabinets, speakers, microphones but also the Amp Room JCM is a better choice in my opinion meanwhile.

At least the channel strip allows better adjustment than the one of the Plexi, although I also here prefer the use of external IR's.