How did ENGL become a HIGH GAIN legend? (with Engl CEO Jürgen Gimpel)

[@KohleAudioKult]

What's your favorite ENGL amp and why?

[@matttaylor1449]

Engl Savage. It has the perfect balance of dry edginess and full bodied saturation.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

The Engl Retro Tube. I believe they didn't do themselves a favour with the name. It brings the thunder!

[@Sven.Jeschke]

I love my ENGL Artist Edition 50W. Compared to some other ENGL amps it‘s not as scooped and the low end is more punchy and less compressed. It’s kinda half German, half British ;-) IMHO it‘s the perfect amp for Thrash, but it can do lower gain stuff very well, too. Really comes to life and thickens nicely with higher master volume settings.

[@theviking8189]

The Savage Mk2 ruined every other high gain amp for me, the only amp that has ever come close was the Revv Generator. Absolute beast of an amp.

[@cosmopavone2609]

I had thunder 50 head, still miss this little beast. I’m using fireball 100 now and love it. Savage mk2 is on my radar now. All the ENGLS I’ve heard so far were awesome. They all have that lovely tight bottom end that is addictive to me.

[@Producelikeapro]

ENGL make great amps! Excellent video!

[@JanisKlinnert]

They sure do! My first ever amp was an ironbal and after that I got an invader 2 and the quality and tone is simply out of this world. And they even look great :D

[@Producelikeapro]

@@JanisKlinnert yes! I’m loving mine!

[@JanisKlinnert]

Produce Like A Pro oh that’s well cool you’ve got one!! :D

[@Producelikeapro]

@@JanisKlinnert Yes! Very cool!

[@jonnydubai]

@@Producelikeapro you NEED a Steve Morse. It’s sensational

[@CarcPazu]

I love that Kohler isn't afraid of telling them negative things to their faces. It was a little awkward for them but I appreciate the integrity more. How's the ENGL Invader compared to the Savage 120? People rarely talk about them, the name sounds brutal like the pickup, how bad can it be?

[@jensloetzsch]

I agree with him. I never liked the Power- and Fireballs but the Savage, Invader and the Blackmore are great Amps ! In my opinion the Invader is almost as great as the Savage but a little bit more ,, rounded '' and ,, polished '' and more modern imo. But still really mighty !

[@dimedisciple5144]

Yeah and the ENGL guys don’t seem like the best conversationalists either.

[@CarcPazu]

@@dimedisciple5144 Ze Germanz

[@CarcPazu]

@@dimedisciple5144 The language barrier at play here too. It's difficult to let your personality shine while speaking a different language.

[@musikhunden6694]

I also don't like the ball amps! Something weird in the highs, don't like! Savage much better!

[@clownshoes321]

I would def put ENGL pretty high on the list of amps that deserve more attention and love/respect.

[@vesves1524]

They do but they're so expensive that we can't really 😀🥲

[@freezingCode]

Fingers still crossed for a Savage 25!

[@denniz122]

but be honest even the 120 can be played pretty quiet with the master volume, but sure the weight and size is a different story

[@freezingCode]

@@denniz122 Price is my thing. If it was similar in price to the Fireball 25 it would be a substantial savings over the 120 @ $3,000 here in the US.

[@HauntedGuitarMan]

Just bought my first engl. From Pennsylvania. I've never played one. Took a chance. Nobody around here has engl. I absolutely love it. Heavy ass gain but clear as hell. The fireball 25. I will definitely be buying more.

[@JulianDaniels]

I really love ENGL amps, I've owned my third one some months ago. And the video is quite informative, thanks for that. What I really wish to see from ENGL amps is to be more present on KZbin. I really would like to see introductional/demo videos when a new amp is put out. Like the updated ENGL Invader II with the KT77 tubes, why it was released and how it compares to the EL34 version. Something like that. They just announce a new product on Instagram and that was it. It's a bit disappointing although I love those amps. Keep on rockin'!

[@KohleAudioKult]

I’ll do some videos like that soon!

[@JulianDaniels]

@@KohleAudioKult Cool! You could invite me and I would bring my Savage Mk. II. So, we could make a great comparison between the Savage I and II.

[@hectorluna6584]

The Synergy system looks great for small home studios. Looking forward for a review from you. Also, a review of the Ironball SE would be cool.

[@Heisenhuegel]

that's a damn awesome video. so many good brands have already been honored with great videos. this is missing from engl. you start 👍 my favorite engl amp is the Ironball. because ... i have an ironball xD and it always makes me happy. Of the audio samples that have accumulated, the savage would also be a favorite. btw I am currently on vacation for 40 minutes by car from the engl company. Bavaria is becoming more and more likeable to me xD

[@raytorvalds3699]

I've had an Ironball too. Bad ass amp ! Enjoy it in good health, Heisenhügel ! \m/

[@SeraphSlaughter]

I've been using an Engl Thunder since I was in high school - 16 years ago. The same amp for every show I've ever played. It only ever needs tube changes, otherwise going strong. I love it.

[@jensloetzsch]

The Savage is still a monster ! I also remember many many years ago playing over an Engl Blackmore Signature, this Amp still has that ,, old '' ballsy and big Engl sound. I'm not really into the Fire- and Powerball but the Savage, Invader and the Blackmore are still great Amps ! Also the overall quality is always top notch imo. I still have my Engl 4x12 with Vintage 60 Speaker and the overall build quality here is also great, this Cab works great over so many years !

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Great interview. Engl is one of those wishlist amps like a Friedman. Maybe one day. Liked and subbed

[@julienzimmermann]

I love the Retro Tube 100. Beautiful blues rock and classic rock tones and super mean metal tones as well!

[@cmd_f5]

Awesome stuff. Engl amps have a cutting and powerful sound. I want that little Fireball 25. Used to play through the 60w version and it was so much fun! Cheers \M/

[@NeuroticNexus]

I can recommend the Fireball 25. Try to test it! Consider that it has less features but it can deliver almost any sound (and also the very modern Metal tones). Maybe not the best choice for live performers who need to switch between so many different tones, but it does a great job and is a perfect one for recording and also performing :)

[@mattcrackswise]

+1 vote for a video checking out the Synergy amps! Looks like a cool system but I'm still a little skeptical on how they stack up to the real thing.

[@exocedrockguitare2288]

Great video!!Thank's a lot Kristian! Do you thing a factory tour is possible for another episode?cheers!

[@KohleAudioKult]

That's planned once Covid is over!

[@toom6087]

I still play my 1996' Engl 4x12 Richie Blackmore cab loaded with V30 : best cab ever for the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Rev G.

[@JanisKlinnert]

My fav engl is (as of now) the invader mkII. The thing basically does every tone, it looks absolutely awesome, the build quality is insanely good and it packs a serious punch! Paired with an engl 412 pro you cannot beat that amp! And it sits sooo well in the mix. Just awesome!

[@KohleAudioKult]

Looking forward to checking it out soon!

[@JanisKlinnert]

Kohlekeller Studio you might like Channel 3! Kinda has some rectifier vibes but with el34s! And since you do that with your rectos maybe that’ll work for you! 🤘🏻

[@paradox7743]

I've played a lot of Amps of the Years but when it comes to High Gain Madness- The FIREBALL reigns Supreme. It's Massive Distortion of Reality- It may have too much Distortion- But this is my ORCA- Devours Everything...

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

This interview was so illuminating. Amazing info on the inner workings and history of Engl 💀👍

[@carlthegnarl]

Guys, juice up your enthusiasm! You build great amps. Would be awesome to see that passion you put into your products in interviews. No need to go full on sales pitch. Just a tad less boring.

[@PsychotropicAeonian]

honestly they look like they're just hungover hahaha, even Kohle has the occasional empty stare

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

They’re German.

[@21stcenturymetal31]

They are German the only time you will see us excited is after we are drunk. lol

[@NinoHelfrich]

Awesome video Kohle! Even as a ENGL player for the past 10 years, I learned something from this one.

[@JanisKlinnert]

Jup same here! :D

[@DJ33]

Another good education in amps. I definitely like to see you take a deep dive into the Synergy series, a reasonably affordable way to go for those of us with no real need or space for the real deal heads.

[@KohleAudioKult]

That’s on the list!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

From some of new ENGL, the sounds are so nailed they have a Post produced recorded sound coming straight from the amp. I have heard guys with several high end amps said if they could only have one amp it would simply have to be the ENGL because it so flexible there isn't a situation where you can't find a sound to fit a given, tune, band, studio or gig.

[@enuxs]

12 heads, 2 rack amps, 10 guitar cabinets, 3 pedals - all from Engl - all tone heaven. ❤

[@wakjob961]

Had the Blackmore and e530...killer sounding gear.

[@firdeye2681]

amazing! Haha your comment about the first generation fireball criticism and making friends had me in a laughing fit. Engl make some of the most unique tones, really all german amps. Also, I love every accent in this video! just lovely. Also I just had to edit and say wow ENGL has very very few employees... I am shocked.

[@Zwidawurzn]

in 2007 i bought a 1994 Engl Savage 60, my first tube amp. Great sounds, i still have it but it needs some repair now. Are Engl doing repair work at their factory? It's not far from Upper Austria to Bavaria, i could just drive over there and bring my amp.

[@KohleAudioKult]

I’m sure they do, but you better ask!

I think the Invader 1 is a unique amp, i played it for years and only sold it because of its weight ... i would love to have channel 1 and 3 in a smaller amp. The distortion is so unique, no fizzy noise, just tight and saturated ... i loved it so much ... pleeeease engl if you listen :D make that amp :D

[@NeuroticNexus]

My best purchase recently was the ENGL Fireball 25 (red). It is simple but versatile and a perfect buddy for my studio. I also added the ENGL CabLoader, which makes recording tough metal tones so easy now and with the unique tube character still there. I own a Powerball 2, which I loved to have the days when I was still playing with my metal band. In my studio it is just an overkill and I do not want to buy another load box ---- BUT with ENGL Cabloader I can use the SEND through the Cabloader! I had an e530 combined with a Marshall Tube Poweramp (really nice looking amp!) but in the end the Fireball 25 is my best one today.

[@chrisripper9777]

Love it! Great guys!

[@allboutthemojo]

Henning is perfectly positioned to feel the bass response ⛽... if you know what I mean 🤣

[@lukevontajikistan3929]

yeah, he is getting some compressed low end :D Let us not speculate if beans were involved in the production of special effects here....

[@martyzimmermann6742]

It felt warm on the back, a little bit like a heating pad. Not sure if it's good or bad 🤷🏼‍♂️🤭

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

Synergy is excellent! You can try their power amps, but if you can get ahold of an old Randall RT 2/50, you can bridge the output, or you run two different sets of power tubs and switch between power amp channels.

[@vicentebravocabezas]

Oh hi Kristian, i found this in your "talks Guitars!" playlist :P Good vid! I love ENGL!!

[@KohleAudioKult]

You’re smart! And lucky! 🤪 I didn’t know the video would already show up in a playlist.

[@stephenmorton6732]

Great video! I love these amps!

[@Kiki_Guitare]

i went several times in Bavaria (from France) for my job in 2019, and it's an amazing country ... didn't know that Engl amps are from bavaria :D next time i will bring one of my guitar and try to find the factory :D

[@DawnofExistence]

I’m loving these history-type videos! I’ve just started looking into ENGLs and really like the Savage. I wouldn’t mind a Fireball though.

[@rossscott5357]

Love ENGL amps my fireball 25 is my first ENGL it made me stop using my boss metal zone. Although I do boost the lead channel with a pepers pedals dirty tree (fortin33/TC integrated preamp clone) to push it a bit harder and tighten the bottom end a little bit it gives me that sound that has been stuck in my head for a long time which I could not even get with a marshall DSL100H.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

ENGL makes killer amps one of my favorite brands now.

[@anibalojeda]

Im a high gain dude but the ENGL clean is AMAZING!!!! some of the best nights ever playing my Powerball on the clean on my EMG85

[@kujirastudios]

Symphony x the odyssey made me fall in love with the engl tone. Have yet to get my hands on a fireball😓

[@JanisKlinnert]

That sound from the inferno riff is so brutal! Micheal Romeo is a beast!

[@freezingCode]

I owned the Screamer and Blackmore. Blackmore was my favorite. Closest thing to the Savage I could afford at the time.

[@agnellone]

How do you compare them? Is it true that they are very similar? Although I imagine the Blackmore is punchier. The front panels have basically the same layout

[@JNCGaming]

Very informational!

[@cizmar1972]

I love my Fireball 100 ( I assume it is the updated version because it sounds amazingly good) that I use in a deathmetal band. It sounds excellent and doesn't need an OD pedal front of it. As a matter of fact, so far it sounds better without an OD, and I have tried a bunch.

[@CrushingAxes]

Nice ! It took sometime for me to really understand ENGL, but once you find a sweet spot, it sounds awesome in a heavy mix.

[@wrok88]

I have the Engl Thunder 50 reverb combo for at home (still a bit too loud :-D) for practising purposes and use the Engl Invader 100 in my two bands, combined with a slanted Engl 4x12 cabinet (Vintage V30s). Fantastic amps and still the ultimate metal amps in my opinion.

[@SonicSoundofDoom]

Half tubes, half processors... genius builds! Not much going on in the amp when compared to a hand wired Soldano but somehow these things sound sooooo good!

[@thomascoolberth2648]

I have a Powerball I ... sounds awesome even on volume 1 or 2. I'd like to know what everything thinks would be a preferable speaker for this amp. I currently use 2 1x1s A Diamond birch cab with a Celestion Seventy 80 and a Freidman with a Celestion CReam Back. Not sure these are right speakers ... (I'm strictly in a studio).

[@physicalremoval24]

Hope you get your hands on the inferno for a demo. Haven’t had any luck with trying one out since the release but would love to hear it in the right hands.

[@mjlagerwerf]

I'm really digging that iron ball SE! Next week I cant borrow an Invader mk2 from an acquaintance so very curious to hear what it sounds like!

[@russellzauner]

Dang. Oregon is the same - we love the beer and we had Sunn and now Benson/Fuzzlord :-)

[@damianofvoodoo]

It seems no one talking about invader what is your opinion on that one? I love engl amps (prefer them over Mesa) but my only criticism is they decals on face plate are easily removable in my invader 100 they almost gone. I was thinking this is the case with invader only but my friends powerball had that issue as well

[@KohleAudioKult]

I’ll check out some of their coolest amps soon. That will answer all your questions

[@damianofvoodoo]

Can’t wait 🔥🤘

[@andrzejthethinone1577]

Cool, great, etc! HUGE thanks for another fascinating sh*t! :)

[@TeleCustom72]

The world NEEDS a 'See You In Hell Motherfuckers' t-shirt.

[@gearheadroom]

Sovereign E740 and Savage MK1 both very brutal sound, aggressive and lots of low end

[@Shred_Rocket]

I typically use a 6505+ and Mesa OS 4x12 and I get the results I need, however, if I were able to afford the "over extreme" price of the Savage 120, it would be my preferred amp. That being said, it would be fantastic if you would please review in detail the Synergy Engl Savage Preamp Module, considering the price point may be much closer to earth for us mere mortal Kohle musicians living in "hell" that have no money!

[@KohleAudioKult]

It’s ironic that Engl amps are do expensive in the US. Over here an Engl Savage is what a Rectifier is for you guys.

[@brolsonmusic]

I have the ENGL SE and Pro xxl cab. Best amp ever!!!!

[@michaeljacobs942]

Would be great to hear your opinion on the synergy Engl savage. I have the Engl savage and Bogner Ubershall modules.

[@LIXOSonidoyDiscos]

Nice to know more about ENGLE Amps. I love sound produced by Fireball and Savage classic tube amps. I'm not a fan about digital fake amps. Sorry, I'm coming from the old school. Mart Fredman looks great. I like to have one in Colombia, but this wonderful brand is expensive for us. Cheers Bavarian bearers

[@nicwilson89]

The hell is the green and red Revv? Is that standard, just changed colour(or is it actually standard like that, I dunno)? Or something special?

[@Infernalhermit]

Jaysis, ENGL stuff is lovely. Between the XXL cab and the Savage, I just wish I could afford any of them.

[@KohleAudioKult]

Agreed! ❤️🍺👹

[@BLeeFAFO]

Amen to that 🙏

[@sauce_aux]

Mannnn I’ve been filming this video for like 3 weeks - you beat me to it! Yours came out better than mine would have Hahahaha Great vid, thanks!!!! Edit for my poor grammar

[@mo-draws]

Marty and Jürgen are sweethearts! Hey guys :)

[@KohleAudioKult]

Yes they are! 🤪❤️

[@martyzimmermann6742]

❤️😁

[@PASHKULI]

I think Michael Romeo plays ENGL most of the time (Mesa Dual Rectifier as well). That is heavy!

[@georgepelekoudis]

Wow! They’ve done a bunch of amps! You should visit their factory. Maybe they have one of vintage MIDI preamps. :)

[@AnyDrug]

Always loved my Savage and Powerball, and only during the last few years I discovered their single Preamps and Poweramp (like for racks in the studio or whatever) and holy shit they're incredibly good. Not many talk about them though.

[@CountNetsrac]

I always wanted to try an engl bass amp, but never saw one. Has anybody experience with them? Pity that you cut out Hennig in the video…he’s always the most funny (silly) person 😃

[@sammyold4708]

the newer black front fireball 100 has way more of a dark growl. Imagine between the first fireball 60 and that rectifier grrrrrr. it's my desert island amp!. I've repaired many heads and Engl seems like the most reliable , abused them for years and never had to repair one. Well done engl!

[@djabthrash]

Misleading video title. I wish you had asked them about the Engl tone.

[@josephsansalone1356]

ENGL Savage 120 is my most favorite ENGL amp for the heaviest of metal! Long live ENGL!

[@PooNinja]

Living room tone of the gods 🤘🏽

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

Oh snap! There go my plans! Must watch Kohle

[@michaelmeehan181]

There's only 21 or so ENGL employees?? How is that possible... they make so much stuff. Is that for real?

[@frominsight]

Just got Ironball, was really suprised how good it sounds!

[@papakefis4252]

Speaking of history in Engl family ,not even a single reference to the great Invader I 100?... it's a same. Such a great guitar amplifier!!!

[@agustiniancaggiano5282]

13:15 didn't expect that and scared the shit out of me lol

[@marcflores719]

I was looking forward to hearing about Mille's Extreme Aggression amp and how they went about putting KREATOR'S tone in an amp

[@KohleAudioKult]

Sorry! Not enough time. This also was very spontaneous.

[@bronsonjohnson9019]

I’m rockin the new ironball SE and it’s killer. Highly recomend

[@nicholasmullins3693]

Love the old Savage tones! Wish I could afford one... I'd set it next to the Framus Cobra that I also will never afford!

[@jeffkellogg76]

The Synergy is a great idea but the preamp modules cost almost as much as a complete amp. Buy the time you get the plug-in modules you’ll break most banks

[@descendinguniverse]

really best amp makers (among big companies)

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

Way too short! I would love to see a more detailed version of how the Invader came to be as well as how the Fire and Powerballs are related. How was the Ironball born? Is it actually closely related to the Powerball? What were the design goals for the PB and Invader mk II? Are the black face Fireballs really different to the older chrome faced ones, as some dudes on the internet claim? And of course the story of the Retro Tube, my favourite Engl! Please Kohle, get a hold of Horst Langer and interrogate him in your satanic fortress

[@KohleAudioKult]

I agree. This was very spontaneous though. But I’ll do another video showing all the high gain Engls.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

@@KohleAudioKult Dude, I can't wait! Excellent!

[@bradhill935]

I have these questions too!

[@UhuStick]

@@KohleAudioKult Nice! 😙

[@josephbutler148]

The engl special edition, invader 1 and the inferno are the 3 best amps out there for metal \m/

[@yanshcherbakov1859]

ENGL Fireball 60 is my ultimate favourite

[@jimshomestudio]

I want an E580 like you have no idea. Every now and then they show up used. I can’t get the stars and moon aligned.

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I have one but am not ready to sell it just yet. Great piece of gear.

[@prometheusrising8767]

how do you order a custom engl? how are the prices compared to the stock amps?

[@KohleAudioKult]

Google and check out the Engl Custom Shop website.

[@jgmopar]

I have always wanted an ENGL Savage. One day i will have one. I got to try a savage and really liked it just cant afford right now.. Yes Check out the Synergy stuff.

[@jgmopar]

i just got a fireball 100. i love it.

[@theRealBeatJunkie]

Everyone knows the "Music Mess in Frankfurt" X-D

[@LEONHABETS]

The ENGL straight 100W was amazing, still regret selling it..........

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I hope that ENGL brings back the Victor Smolski model that was my favorite amp they made.

[@martyzimmermann6742]

The amp is still in production 🤙🏼😎

[@schwarz.leandro]

That's a brand that I would like to try! Here in Brazil we can't afford it! Some day!

[@kow294]

Recently got the powerball mk1.. Its awesome..

[@CorbenEdward]

90 percent of the times I have I google'd a band or album's tone which I really like, it says ENGL lol

[@DDCTRL]

Thanks @Christian for this interview! But as a German, I'm shocked how bad this CEO's English is.. embarrassing

[@fredmartin150]

I never really got into ENGL amps. The first one I played was the new Fireball on the Musikmesse. It was the prototype and sounded great (handwired I guess). Back in a musuc store after the fair I played the Fireball once again but it had no balls and the sound was weak, no comparison to the one I played at Musikmesse. My second try was the Invader. It also sounded fantastic. But when I switched to my Mesa Dual Rectifier for an A/B comparison the Mesa buried the Engl in a second. Good Amps, but not for me. And by the way, a well designed amp does not need a noise gate in my opinion, and nearly all new ENGLs have one...

[@DallasGunther]

My Grandfather's name is(was) Horst. This is the first time I've heard of someone else with that name.

[@KohleAudioKult]

Not many Horsts left in Germany either to be honest 🤪

[@KrachWerke]

Gott weiss ich will ein ENGL sein!

[@KohleAudioKult]

😂❤️😂

[@TomMcCormickGuitar]

Did anyone else comment about the fuckin watermelon next to the Revv🤣🤣🤣

[@laura-sophiemohr4178]

I can smell the hangover from this video 🤣

[@KohleAudioKult]

Correct!

[@AD1978leo]

Beer and Metal? I think I love Germany!!!