ENGL Fireball 100 vs Fireball 25 Comparison!

[@randolphcarlisle2976]

"Powerball... Fireball... Ironball... we here at ENGL pretty much have any kind of balls you want..."

[@alexsartandmusic]

I've been waiting for this video! Very nice comparison, as always. Weird thing I've noticed: The fireball 25 is voiced like a vintage amp, whilst the 100 is voiced like a modern amp. You CAN get them to sound almost the same, but never identical. Fireball 100 sounds a bit more relaxed and open, very huge sound; Fireball 25 has that in-your-face kind of vibe, a bit harsher and more forced, less relaxed, bass resonance is higher than that of the 100. Pretty damn cool! I'd use the big one for wall-of-sound kind of tones, and the small one for thrashy death metal stuff (I own the small one but I'm more of a fusion kind of player, really)

[@NecrosisTerminal]

I agree. I used to be a Peavey 6505+ user, but now I play with a ENGL Gigmaster 30 Head (the underestimated Fireball 25's predecessor), and a Randall Diavlo 20, and I love how easily I can saturate the amps without having to sacrifies my ears hahaha

[@X9Eric]

@@NecrosisTerminal which do you prefer? ENGL gig 30 or Randall Diavlo 20?

[@NecrosisTerminal]

@@X9Eric IMO are pretty different amps, the ENGL is more Modern Tight-ish High Gain amp, you can make a lot of gain on this amp, but you have to sacrificie the clean tone. The Randall on the other side, has a better clean tone, independent from the rythm channel, but also has less gain

[@X9Eric]

@@NecrosisTerminal great info, thank you!

[@jarrusjenkins]

I wonder why they would voice them differently

[@tfontmusic]

I’m a huge fan of these lower watt “lunchbox” style amps, but for $1400 I would probably opt for the full size version over the small size.

[@keyboardwarria]

yea it's weird, i rather buy a used full size at around the retail price of a new lunchbox head

[@valveir3345]

Man this is crazy. These sound so damn similar it’s insane and the slight difference that is there I think I actually prefer the 25. Without monitors they will likely sound identical. What a great little amp.

[@yalkinyalniz5030]

You're the best in this . Keep up the awesome work. Especially the isolated sound one after another is the best way to compare amps.

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

Dude! Both sounded amazing! I’d go with the lunch box amp! Great tones in a smaller package! I made my decision on this amp a long time ago when you did videos on the fireball 25. Been saving little by little to afford it

[@devingrubbs]

Hope you get it soon dude. I agree that FIreball 25 is so sick. One of my fav vids on this channel is that review, I've blasted those tones on my studio monitors so many times.

[@jonyocum5622]

I love it when John talks about "head" and "girth" 🤭

[@BrunoGomes666]

I have the ENGL Fireball 25 and I'm extremely happy with it. Great sound, quality amp, gorgeous and affordable (at least to me in Europe). I have it connected using the 4 cable method with an Avid Eleven Rack, with a Digitech Drop in the front. As I currently only play at home, this amp is ideal for me. I have the included power soak in the speaker off position and everything goes to a Two Notes Torpedo CAB M+ with custom IRs from Bogren Digital. I'm in guitar heaven... I mean, hell! Guitar hell!!! 🤘😈🤘

[@MrSleskus]

Hey Bruno - are you able to recommend a good speaker cabinet to match the Fireball 25?

[@BrunoGomes666]

@@MrSleskus If you have the budget, go with ENGL or Mesa. If you don't, go with Harley Benton. Any of these cabs will have Celestion V30 (considered the standard for metal).

[@Darth.Shredder]

I have the 25 (and a 50 watt Screamer MII). I think the obvious reason the 25 holds up against the 100 is the 6L6 power tubes instead of the usual EL84's in most smaller lunchbox amps. Same reason the MT15 is such a beast.

[@MaGariShun]

How much difference is there between the screamer and fireball? I have a screamer and am considering getting a fireball.

[@Darth.Shredder]

@@MaGariShunDo you have the M1 or MII Screamer? I have the MII. Either way, the Fireball 25 has more gain and mids but the Screamer sounds bigger and fuller to me. IMO the Screamer with a boost is a monster. The Fireball 25 holds up but side by side there's a difference. The Fireball 100 is obviously bigger and fuller too.

[@techforge-Nate]

I used to think I was crazy for having my treble way up and presence turned down on my Powerball II, but Jons PB2/Fireball videos make me feel like it was a good choice. I ended up putting the Bugera power soak between the head and the cab, and it helps bring down the volume enough to use the channel and master vols a little more. Be nice if ENGL would update their older lineups to include a switchable/power soak feature.

[@krisania96]

Yeah with fireball my general rule is i either have the mids treb lower around 4-5 range and the presence more up like 6 or mids and treble up to around 6-8 and the presence down at around 2-3 at most. Also i don’t get how soo many people turn the gain up on this thing whole i have my gain between 3-4 for death metal lol (without a boost, with a boost around 2 lol 🤣 though i dont feel the need to really boost this amp.)

[@stephenrinshaw9765]

You have hands down the best channel for metal amps great video as always

[@solidsnayk]

I've been 110% impressed and pleased with my Fireball 25 I got about 15months ago. I use it in a big stereo rig (5 cable method) and utilize the effects return of my old solid state Randall head which goes into a 1960B 4x12 for the right side, meanwhile I use the Fireball and ENGL 2x12 vertical as my left side (only using one preamp but 2 power amps and cabs, splitting in my FX loop with the Strymon Deco). Peace yo

[@eusma75]

Thanks for this video, Jon. 25 held its own against the big brother. These amps are probably on the top of the modern high gain mountain.

[@TheChugMonkey]

I've been waiting for this one. Engl amps have the best distortion imo. Great job as always Jon.

[@Michael-xr5yx]

Best amp comparisons online. Thanks so much for these man.

[@braddtatum]

I own the FB100 and I am in love with it. It’s my favorite amp of all time and honestly can’t imagine what another amp would need to do to dethrone it. I recently picked up the PRS MT15 lunchbox amp and it is great. Plenty loud and easy to haul around in my car to use for practice and even for show at gigs that mic up cabinets but the tone, while awesome, isn’t at the same level of awesome as the Fireball. It was much cheaper than the FB25 but I would love to have the FB25, just a cost issue.

[@anthonygallo6319]

I have the 25 and an Engl 2x12 cab w/ v30s,love it!!!! Sounds amazing,plenty of volume!!! Great video as always!!!!

[@MrSleskus]

Hi Anthony - is the Engl cab a good match? I wasn’t sure if the wattage of those speakers was too big for the 25W amp?

[@anthonygallo6319]

@@MrSleskus 👋 Hello!! The cabinet is amazing,it’s dimensions are a bit more hearty than the Marshall 2x12’s I have,they both have G12m greenbacks!! The fireball 25 w/v30’s sounds killer!!

[@immyownbestfriend9338]

don't know why, but this was the first video i could make it through til the end. well done!

[@euclidesanatolly6175]

Both amps are great, liked the tone, I would take 25 watts version for live gig because it doesn't take much space in my car.

[@newrockorder]

I‘ll buy the FB25 because of your videos that are very handy because of the fact that you don’t mic the speaker, the amps are in focus - very good channel - 10/10

[@dickieradd]

I don't even have time to watch this right now, but I saw engl vs engl and clicked like.

[@Jstall7543]

John, you should have way more sub’s, you are one of the best on KZbin l! Make sure you add a ton of tags when you upload a video! People will find you better! 👊🏻

[@brrblack497]

Love my ENGL fireball 25. I usually keep the gain on 4, no boost and the mid/treble on 7 ish'. Not just a Metal amp, I use mine in my looper rig just for leads. I play small gigs and at home, the 100 watter' is cool but just too much amp for my needs. I'd still like to have one though lol.

[@therileyobrien]

Now I guess I need a Secret Path reverb. You certainly aren't missing out on a lot going with the 25. Sounds great recorded but the Fireball is one of my favorite amps to play "in the room" also.

[@jonasirw1]

I bought the first Engl in America- 100 watt Straight. Still have it to this day

[@DrummingViking]

I've been wanting an ENGL amp for some time now, love these videos!

[@rd_rae]

Really diggin‘ both tbh. The 25 oh so handy for at home. Did/would you compare the Powerball II vs Fireball 100?

[@Rob-qr2kn]

I have an ENGL fireball paired with a MESA 2X12 vertical slanted cab. I love the sound it produces. I sold my MESA mark5:35.

[@marcusmchapman]

I really like your amp reviews, but as an old school and not up with modern technology am still micing cabinets at gigs. I’d love to hear an SM57 recording from a cab along with your IRs. Is your recording fed from your reactive load box straight to your DAW and IRs applied in the DAW? Also, I’d really like an FB25 but bought a Victory V30 Jack as no FB25s were available at the time. I’d love to see a lunchbox with 6L6 shootout with the Jack, FB25 and PRS MT😁

[@Soloist1983]

That first major 3rd overtone is VERY prominent in these amps, which sounds great. I am not sure I would ever need, or want 100w though. The 25w would be my choice for recording and rehearsals, the power soak feature is really fantastic to have. Owning the MT15 now, I can honestly say that, while it sounds amazing, I can't get it to a useable volume level at-home, it's just too damn loud :(

[@TheSubstrance]

Awesome video as always! Could you do one where you show your favorite amps with included load? For those of us who do not have an external loadbox. I'm sure many of us would appreciate it!

[@danomnihility2453]

Having the Fireball 25 for quite some time now I'm definitely considering getting the Fireball 100. On the 25 at the 1 watt setting it is unbelievable how good it sounds for low volume jamming. I have a savage 120 mk1 and it doesn't grind the same- missing that from the tone of the Fireball 25. Seriously considering trading the savage for the fb100.

[@danomnihility2453]

After getting the Fireball 100 I can say the preamps are the same (Fireball 25&100) although the bottom switch on the 100 adds ridiculous low end I've never heard out of any Engl. I don't regret selling savage mk1 for the Fireball 100- its by far the loudest, punchiest, rawest Engl I've tried.

[@tobins6800]

One other option is to Synergy Engl. Is it an easy mod to switch out the transformer for a 50 watt version? Also, is it like the MT15 where the wattage is more like 30-35 watts?

[@MegaAndyGG]

They are both so AMAZING!

[@metalvisionsongcontest7055]

Great Balls of Fire - and smaller ones. 😁

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

I can say for sure this video had lots of BALLs

[@NinecoreNeil]

Totally love the way chords sound on the Fireballs perfect gain structure More Girth more gain but the 25 was impressive I’ve heard some terrible scooped demos of these amps Great demo mate

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Cheers! As I've said on this channel before, these ENGLs can benefit from some more extreme EQ moves. Cranking the treble and mids for example really brings the sound forward.

[@NinecoreNeil]

@@SonicDriveStudio yeah the one I tried opened up great with the mids up around 7.5 from what I can remember

[@OfficialSNMvids]

I will go with the 100 watt version for the "balls" ;) Awesome vid as usual sir. \m/

[@tylerjames460]

Engl makes some amazing stuff and your tone is once again sculpted to perfection! Have you had any experience with the tiny “boutique” amps that have come out the past couple years, like the Diezel VH micro and Bogner Ecstasy mini etc? I feel like you would give a legit honest review on those. I’m wondering if they’re a waste of money.

[@ilovegreenock]

The Fireball 25 seems to be slightly voiced differently which I guess is due to less headroom but I will happily take both 😊

[@fluentfate]

They are close but there really is a difference, the 100 sounds fuller and must be sitting better in a mix. I was going to get a 25 but after hearing that I decided to spend the extra for the 100

[@MaxFreist]

100 W for me, hands down! Now the question remains - Fireball 100 or Amp1 Iridium? What would you say?

[@domdingle311]

ENGL Fireball 25...Yes. Great vid as always John!

[@haydendonahoo8885]

Love your vids! Been a long time subscriber. I was wondering if you could maybe make a vid blending real amps with modeled amps in the context of a mix. Not sure if you've done that already but that would be cool. Not just a comparison of the same amp with its modeled counter part, but like a real amp mixed with a modeled amp that isn't based on the real amp you're playing through

[@Behemoth92]

Does using the fireball 25 with the power soak at 'speaker off' sounds as good as connecting to a REACTIVE load ? or is it just like using a resistive load and I should still buy a reactive load ? I don't use cabinets, I would only use the fireball 25 line out (or reactive loadbox line out) to go to my pedalboard and IR pedal into my studio monitors. Thanks for the amazing videos :)

[@coffeeprince1574]

Very interesting question. I would like to see a video for that on this channel.

[@prodajemDomacuRakiju]

I second this. I’m using its power soak but would like to hear a comparison with a reactive load.

[@Behemoth92]

@@prodajemDomacuRakiju If you own a cabinet, you can record the fireball 25 line out using the power soak speaker off and then record the same thing with power soak full power. Will you get sound from the cabinet but you should still be able to record the line out. Let us know the resuts if you can test it :)

[@prodajemDomacuRakiju]

@@Behemoth92 Unfortunately I don’t have a cabinet (yet)

[@stevelegget9392]

I had the chance to use my 25 into my Engl 212 and it's a beast of an amp. I think it will be number 1 and keep my Invader 100 as back up. Most venues sound people won't want a 100, they are just too loud. I will use my Invader bigger gigs but mainly will be used with the 25.. sounds amazing. i was just using in my DAW and sounds nothing like it at all. I nearly sold it!

[@WillVRam]

0:50 what do you mean as "bigger iron" on fireball 100?

[@HotRats73]

Engl amp are awesome. Great comparison as usual.

[@mlwald79]

I wish they would make a Fireball 25 SE, like they did with the Ironball.

[@danc3746]

Hi Jon, on the "Clean" channel of the 100w, is there more gain when turned up compared to the 25w? The 25w gets some great rock tones on 10, add an OD and its even better, but does that 100w have even more gain to offer as it does on the Lead when comparing both? Thanks!

[@corentinsardet4057]

Hi, thanks for making those comparisons, you do it so well that it's always a pleasure to watch! I have a question, as a live guitarist, and about to record in studio many times, I don't know if a 100watts amp will work well, because we have to let our amp have the volume they need, I actually have a Mini Rectifier. Do you think in the situation I am 100 watts is too much? (that's what I think, but you seem to know a lot more than me). Thanks for reading, love! (Btw now I'm going to buy an Engl fireball, thank you lol)

[@mattwhite399]

These amps are excellent! They both sound amazing. They don’t sound enough different to spend the money on the 100, imho.

[@damienabyss5336]

They both sound good to me, but obviously you can get basically the same tones out of both with control variations and adjustment. It makes no difference whether they sound the same with the same controls placement to me. Just that they can give me the tone I want. And being tube, obviously you can change the tubes out for different tube characteristics and tonal changes. I personally have no need for a 100 watt head anymore and the 25 would do everything I need. I also don't use 4-12 cabs anymore and am much happier with single speaker cabs that are much easier to transport and carry. Plus I set up with different speakers for more tonal variations. Nice video bro. As always.

[@dazfarrell]

Tubes are not filters, they make little to no "tonal" difference in sound.

[@damienabyss5336]

@@dazfarrell You can see it however you want. That's your right. But it's not the truth in my experience. I hear the difference in tubes and have for decades. Some people can't even hear if their out of tune, but that's not my concern since I don't have to listen to them.

[@Krankenstein]

@@dazfarrell they make huge difference to my ears, el34 and 6l6 for example.

[@MrSleskus]

Hi Jon - great video as always. Would appreciate your opinion…I just bought the Fireball 25 and wondering what is the best Engl cab to match. Should I go the 1x12 slant box or the 2x12 pro horizontal? Would love your opinion. Thanks!

[@picksalot1]

I preferred the 25 for size, features, and sound, which was a little more organic/less harsh to my ears.

[@DragonBolo]

Exactly ! I tested both side by side and the Fb 25 was warmer sounding, the Fb 100 was too harsh for me.

[@Nitrav.]

Awesome comparison as always.

[@CraigCrider]

Once again, the NW44 (in your hands) kicks allllll the ass. If I had the money, the 25 would do me just fine.

[@michaellugaresi700]

Amps sounds great, but I didn't found any Diezel in the channel, I like the analysis here.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

It's on my wishlist

[@wrede4447]

How come you completely moved over to using York Audio impulse responses? What happened with Ownhammer?

[@JosephCee]

The Fireball 100 is literally my dream amp, coupled with a Engl 4x12 of course, just not sure exactly which model cab.

[@aarongreen3802]

I was looking at an EVH stealth 6l6 but after countless reliability issues I'm contemplating a fireball 25. are you able to compare an SLO 30 against a Diezel DMOLL? THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!

[@Eri4Jp]

for home usage, would you recommend an attenuator for the 100w? and if yes, which one ? thanks in advance.

[@sergejkrynycky728]

Hey man! If you'd have to choose one, Fireball 25 or Invective MH?

[@eds4754]

all about that 100W for the headroom and low end. lunchbox amps can never compete on these and I always miss it whenever I've tried them

[@yannicklesage4499]

Same feeling for me!

[@ryanpullin]

They weren’t the exact same comparison, but I noticed the same thing when A/Bing my mini jubilee with my 50 and 100 watt amps. I couldn’t really get that “big” sound without losing definition on the mini jubilee. The higher wattage amps just punched way harder.

[@MrSleskus]

Is anyone able to recommend the best cab to pair with the Fireball 25W? I’ve been told that the Engl 2x12 may not be ideal because they are “too much speaker” for a 25W amp. Any thoughts?

[@ohkey2999]

what do you mean too much?

[@lekkerblankastudio]

XXL engl 412

[@omarheavy2009]

Thanks for this video man!! I would like to get the 100w My question is; did you compare the fx loop on both and how do they sound?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I used the loops for the clean tones. Both work fine

[@colebengston3963]

I’d probably go for the 100 myself as I have a 6505 mini head already :)

[@HeartDrumMachine]

Hi. Can you check fender bluesbreaker 45 amp head. It is so cool amp. Plexi from fender). Sometimes they do sales for this amp. I bought new for 650$ in Ukraine month ago.

[@KingdomScorned]

Interesting, i have both of these heads and i tried a very similar test and mine came out to different results, my 100w sounds much darker than the 25w.

[@solarfallmori]

100 W for the win 😎

[@mikewatkins3533]

Excellent video! Where can I buy a ENGL fireball from? Cheers🍺🍺😎🎸👍

[@ohkey2999]

thomann?

[@vgordonw]

Jon please review KSR.

[@SapperRJMorgan]

Need these amps.

[@WillVRam]

I love to hear these killing tones while doing something else, like reading

[@Disponibilidad.Musical]

Suenan igual YEAH

[@JanusJanavas]

Hey

[@Suat_senocak]

my decision is the ENGL fireball 20 speacial edition with noise gate, delay and reverb

[@user-do7vd9tx3h]

Maybe that is how you dialed them, but clean on 25w version sounds terrible. Distortionwise, not so much difference. However, the low end is a lot better on 100w version. Just go with 100w version.

[@cimmeriakurt]

❤

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

Dude! Both sounded amazing! I’d go with the lunch box amp! Great tones in a smaller package! I made my decision on this amp a long time ago when you did videos on the fireball 25. Been saving little by little to afford it