Employing the KISS model, Marshall excitedly introduced its newest amp line at MusikMesse this week. The Marshall HAZE series are a step back towards traditional amplifier designs, with two models that feature simple straightforward circuits for the classic rock sound that made Marshall famous in the first place. Oh, but don't worry: there's some DSP effects on these guys as well.

Two HAZE amps and two cabinets were unveiled at MusikiMesse. The MHZ40C is a 40-watt, 1x12" combo that's powered by a pair of EL84s. The MHZ15 is a 15-watt head powered by two 6V6s, and made to push one or both of the new MHZ112 cabinets, an angled and a straight. The combo and the cabinets are both loaded with Celestion G12-66 speakers.

Both amps share the same preamp and tone-stack circuitry. Three 12AX7s (or ECC83 tubes, if you like) are apportioned between two channels, normal and overdrive. Both channels share a common three band EQ, and a bright switch adds bite and chime. The DSP Effects section includes echo, chorus, vibrato and an emulated spring-reverb. One effect + reverb is about as multi-effect as it gets with this spartan DSP module:

The HAZE 40 combo features a hybrid cabinet design, closed-back with ports for punch with a bit more air. The MHZ112 cabinets are closed-back to make the most of the 15-watts supplied by the MHZ15 head. The HAZE head features two 8ohm outs and one 16ohm out, enough to power a legit, dual-4x12 stack, but perfectly matched to the dual-1x12 HAZE mini-stack.

Both amps should be available July 2009, with MSRPs of $1000 for the combo and $840 for the head (no word on cabinet prices yet).