ENGL

ENGL is a German manufacturing company specializing in high-end tube amplifiers for electric guitars, mainly focusing on high-gain metal amplifiers.

Notable users include: Ritchie Blackmore, Alexi Laiho, Kai Hansen, Michael Romeo, Obscura, Ihsahn, Chris Broderick, Steffen Kummerer, Phil Campbell, Marty Friedman, Jeff Loomis, Steve Morse, Rudolph Schenker, Paul Stanley and Glenn Tipton.^[1]

Current amplifier models

Steve Morse

The Steve Morse Signature 100 E656 is a 3 channel amp designed for and with Steve Morse, lead guitarist of Deep Purple. The amp is based on the ENGL Invader, omitting the two high gain channels to feature one extremely versatile lead channel. All three channels on the Steve Morse have an individual equaliser. The lead channel gives extended control over the midrange by means of two sets of mid controls; high mid 1, high mid 2, low mid 1 and low mid 2. The two sets are individually switchable and combined with the tone switch that allows for 8 different equaliser settings within the same channel.
Furthermore, the amp features two parallel effects loops, a noise gate, two master volume controls, tone- and gain switches for all channels.

Blackmore

The full name of the Blackmore is the Ritchie Blackmore Signature E650. The design is based on the ENGL Savage 120 with modified voicing to suit the style of former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
The amplifier head features 2 channels with footswitchable gainboost (similar to the Engl Screamer): clean, crunch, lead and heavy lead. There is a shared passive 3 band equalizer, mid contour switch, bright switch and 2 master volume controls.
There is one effects loop post preamp with a control for adjusting between serial and parallel operation.
The power amp section is a 100 watt class A/B design featuring one ECC 83 and four 5881 tubes. The preamp section features a further three ECC 83 tubes. It was the only signature model produced by ENGL, until very recently with the new Steve Morse Signature 100 Head. Ironically, Steve Morse replaced Ritchie Blackmore in the legendary band, Deep Purple. There is also a very rare "slowhand" version of this amp which uses EL34s instead of 6L6s, which is some times referred to as the Engl Blackmore (Slow Hand Motion edition).

Classic

There are 3 models in the Classic range.
Classic Head E 355 C
Classic Combo 2 x 10" E 350 C
Classic Combo 2 x 12" E 358 C

Fireball

The Fireball E 625 is a 2 channel 60 watt guitar amplifier head. The design takes a no frills approach with less control options compared to similar products in the ENGL range. Its lead and clean channels share a gain control and 3-band equalizer, which can make optimizing the sound of each channel at the same time difficult. It is favored by some, however, for its simplicity and ease of use, while retaining the tone that ENGL is known for. The amp is equipped with 4xECC83 Preamp tubes and 2x6L6GC tubes in Poweramp. Despite offering a clean mode, the main intent of the Fireball was aimed at the heavy metal guitar market. The clean and lead gain control also serves as a primary volume and by turning this control to zero, silences the amplifier completely.

Invader

The Invader features 4 independent channels, each capable of producing a wide range of tones, differing from traditional designs of having dedicated clean and lead channels.

The power amp design is 100 watt produced by four EL34 tubes or 150 watt by six EL34 tubes, with a depth and presence control.

The preamp features separate gain and volume controls for each of the 4 channels, each featuring a dedicated 3 band passive eq, powered by four ECC 83 12AX7 tubes.

The amp also features 2 parallel effects loops and a noise gate.

Powerball

The Powerball E 645 is a 100 watt amp with four channels (Clean/Crunch/Lo-Lead/Hi-lead). These are divided into 2 main channels (channel 1-clean/crunch, channel 2-Lo-Lead/Hi-Lead), each with its own gain control and 3 band e.q (4 band in the case of channel one as it has independent treble controls for the clean and crunch modes) the 4 channels all have their own master volume, added to 2 master volumes (switchable only by footswitch e.g. custom Z5 footswitch) and the bottom and bright controls (adding bass or treble boosts respectively) for clean/crunch channels and independent bottom controls for the Lo-Lead and Hi-Lead channels. Poweramp presence and depth controls are also included, tailoring the poweramps high and low frequency response respectively. Furthermore, there is the option to switch between open mode, less pronounced mids giving a more vintage sound, and focused mode, a much tighter, more mid-rich sound - noticeably more modern sounding, that affect all channels (independent mid controls for these 2 modes are given on channel 2 - Lo-Lead/Hi-Lead).

It is equipped with 4 6L6GC tubes and 4 ECC83 tubes.

As of mid 2010, ENGL officially released the new Powerball II, replacing the original Powerball, ENGL's best selling amplifier to date. The key differences with the Powerball II is that it now comes with a black (powder coated like) finish for the dial face and a black grill with a red (instead of orange) power switch. The biggest functional differences are that each channel now has its own gain control whereas the old Powerball only had two, one for the clean and crunch and a second for the lo lead and hi lead channels. Also, the Powerball II now takes a different footswitch (Z-9) using a normal quarter inch stereo lead. The Powerball II is designed to offer further tonal versatility than the original Powerball.

Savage 120

Another seminal ENGL Amplifier head, and the basis for the Ritchie Blackmore signature amplifier. It is much more versatile than its successor the Blackmore, with much greater control over the 4 channels as they are divided into 2 main channels (channel 1 – clean/crunch 1, channel 2 – crunch 2/lead) each with eq controls, a common ENGL theme, also present on the SE and Powerball models. The 2 main channels each have their own gain control, as well as a further control for the crunch 1 and lead channels, to add extra gain and shape the tone further. There is also a further boost on the lead channel available. There are 2 switchable master volumes and 2 switchable presence controls. There is also a HiBalance control, tailoring the high frequency response even further in relation to the control on the relevant treble setting. powered by: preamp: v1-ECC83/7025 F.Q, v2/v3/v4-ECC83/12AX7 selected, v5/v6-ECC83/12AX7 standard poweramp: v7/v8-6550 Matched pair Despite the ENGL being rated at 120 watts, this can only be achieved at peak power rating however, the pair of 6550 power amp valves peak at approximately 40 watts each making an 80 watt amplifier.

Screamer

The ENGL Screamer 50 is a 50 watt all tube guitar amplifier. The amp sports the typical Engl heavy duty grill front and classic 'chicken head' knobs. The front panel comprises, left to right, input socket, Clean volume, Bright switch, Lead volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Lead Presence, Reverb Lead Volume, Gain Lo/Hi switch, Clean/Lead switch, Master volume, Standby and Power switches. The rear panel contains inputs for digital (e.g. Engl Z4 footswitch) and analogue footswitchs to control channel selection, reverb and, in the case of the Z4, a 'Solo' volume boost. Next to these are the input/output for a parallel effects loop with wet/dry mix knob, a variety of external speaker output sockets including a series configuration output section for 1 x 16ohm speaker or 2 x 8ohm and a parallel configuration output section for 1 x 8ohm speaker or 2 x 16ohm speaker as well as a Balanced D.I. Output panel. The amp has 2 channels but each has 2 separate 'voices' available through the switches on the front panel or a footswitch attachment. All four channel voicings share the same 3 band equalizer (Bass, Middle & Treble). The preamp consists of 3x ECC83 valves and the powerstage valves are 1x ECC83 & 2x 5881(6L6). The amplifier is available in head and combo versions, the combo being open-backed with one 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, many years back, it had a different speaker ( celestion v12-80).

Sovereign

The Sovereign E365 and E368 are essentially combo versions of the Savage. The E365 is a 60w version featuring a 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker and the E368 is the 120w version with two 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.

Special Edition

The ENGL Special Edition (E670) features 4 Independent channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead 1 and Lead 2, with modern/classic mode and "mega-low punch" options. It has 3 FX loops (1 Serial 2 Parallel) and a built-in noise gate. The poweramp section can operate in either 100w or 50w mode, running on either EL34 or 6L6 tubes depending on the model. It also features Master A/B, Presence A/B and Speaker A/B switches, and a Deep Boost button. The Special Edition also includes MIDI-Programmable functions for storing almost any combination of settings.

Thunder

The ENGL Thunder 50 is a 50 watt all tube amplifier available in head or 1×12" speaker open back combo form. HEAD: It is a 3 channel amplifier (clean/crunch/lead) but all channels share gain and e.q. controls and only crunch and lead channels have volume controls, clean is effectively always at maximum and can only be controlled relative to the crunch and lead channels via the master volume. Front panels controls are: Gain knob, crunch/lead selector button, bass knob, middle knob, treble knob/crunch volume knob, lead volume knob, clean/crunch selector button, master volume. Channel switching is done via the 2 selector buttons, the clean/lead controls the basic channel switching: from clean in the out position-LED is not lit-to crunch or lead in the in position-LED is lit- (crunch if the crunch/lead selector is out-LED is not lit- and lead if the crunch/lead selector is in-LED is lit).

COMBO: The combo is available in 2 models, the 'drive' model, specifications as above, and the reverb version which sacrifices the crunch volume control for a spring reverb control, all other specs are identical. The combos use 1 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. There also was a limited 'Scott Moffatt Signature' version of the Thunder Drive, featuring 6L6GC tubes in the power stage instead of the stock 5881's. This version has become rare, although it is still (wrongly) advertised in many places.

Footswitching can be done via a 2-way button footswitch (Engl make the Z-3 and Z-4 footswitches, the Z-3 being constructed of plastic and the more expensive Z-4 using a metal casing and also using status LEDs for both footswitch functions) the 2 footbuttons each correspond to a selector switch on the amp faceplate.

Current cabinets

Most ENGL cabinets are covered in grey and black with the ENGL logo at the grill. Standard and Pro cabinets can be found as slanted and straight. All cabinets are loaded with Celestion speakers.

Standard models

Can be found in 1x12, 2x12 and 4x12 versions. All cabinets are loaded with Celestion v60 speakers. The baffle board of the Standard cabinets are made of Siberian birch, the rest of the cabinet is made of particleboard.

Pro models

Same as the Standard cabinet models, except that they are fully made of Siberian birch and loaded with the Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Pro cabinets are more expensive than the Standard cabinet because of the more expensive V30 speakers and the usage of more expensive wood.

XXL Pro models

This is essentially the same cabinet as the 4x12 Pro model, only larger.

Classic models

2x10 and 4x10 cabinets. Loaded with Celestion Vintage 10 speakers. White color cabinet.

Discontinued amplifier models

Straight 100

Two-channel all-tube, with five 12ax7's and four 6L6GC's or EL34's depending on version. There were 50 and 100 watt heads & combos. George Lynch is humored to have used an Engl Straight at one time early in his career, the E504 to be specific.

E401

Combo 50 Watts

E402

Head 50 Watts

E403

Combo 50 Watts special (3 channels)

E404

Head 50 Watts special (3 channels)

E501

Combo 100 Watts

E502

Head 100 Watts

E503

Combo 100 Watts special (3 channels)

E504

Head 100 Watts special (3 channels)

Squeeze 30

A two-channel, all tube, 30 watt combo amplifier with a single 12" Celestion Greenback speaker. The pre-amp uses three 12AX7AC4 HG valves and the power stage has two EL84-MRs.

Squeeze 50

A two-channel, all tube, 50 watt combo amplifier with a single 12" Celestion Greenback speaker and reverb. This model also has 2 channels, ECS - Emergency Circuit System and a fx-loop.

The combo design has black panels and there is no standby-switch. It was the basis for the Road amp (see below)

The pre-amp uses 1x ECC 83 FQ, 1x ECC 83 ST, 1x ECC 83 SE valves in the preamp stage and the power stage has two 6LC GCs.

Road 50 watt

This is the same design as the Squeeze 50 above, but had 50 watts (EL34) with 3 channels.

They both came out at the same time.

Savage 60

A 60-Watt older version of the Savage, with 4x12AX7/ECC83 tubes in the preamp section and 2×EL34 tubes in the poweramp section. 2 channels: rhythm and lead, each one has a boost control, a separate volume and a presence control. The EQ is common to the two channels, and features a "high range suppressor" control, which is coupled with the treble control and allows fine tuning of the mid high range. The amp also features a bright switch and two bass boost switches, one per channel.

Savage Special Edition

The ENGL Savage Special Edition boasts a number of efficient features and operating modes: four channels, Clean, Crunch 1, Crunch 2 and Lead, which are assigned to two main channels, each featuring an individual voicing section. Four gain controls and a separate volume control for each channel allow for precision-tuning between channels. The Rough/Smooth mode selector for the Crunch 2 and Lead channels generates two completely different types of overdrive which produce two distinctive tonal variations: Rough for loads of upper-end grit and powerful bottom-end; Smooth for creamy mids with plenty of punch. This feature combined with the four channels lets you access six individual sound modes! Additionally, diverse switching functions allow you to shape the main channels' tonal characteristics to your taste. Furthermore, the two poweramp operating modes, Triode and Pentode, and the option of switching between two different speaker cabinets both enhance this amp's tonal spectrum. The poweramp's two voicing sections and two master volume controls have proven to be both practical and effective. These, along with the channels and a several other features, can be selected and accessed via the front panel, a footswitch or a MIDI switching system. By means of the ENGL MIDI Interface (optional), these features can be controlled via a MIDI pedal board and the settings for switching functions can be programmed in up to 99 memory locations. This amp also features a number of signal paths: a passive parallel/serial FX loop for each main channel or a switchable master FX loop, a variable balanced line out featuring speaker simulation and an overload LED, as well as selectable 4, 8 and 16 Z speaker outputs for numerous cabinet connection options. Yet another handy tool is the "ENGL Impedance Test and Cable Check System"; This unique feature helps you to check speakers´ impedances and cables equipped with 1/4" plugs. The integrated ECS (Emergency Circuit System) protects the amp from damage due to power tube defects/failure and allows the amp to continue to function at reduced power until the failed tube can be replaced. This model is discontinued and is now rare. It is powered by: v1-ECC83/7025 F.Q, v2/v3/v4/v5 -ECC83/12AX7 selected, v6-ECC83/12AX7 standard, V7, V8, V9, V10 -> 5881s or 6L6 GCs

References

External links

• ENGL official website
• Celestion Guitar Speakers
• U.S. ENGL Dealer
• ENGL Amps unofficial resource website
• Musician's Friend