Are Tube Amps More Inspiring Than Digital Modelers?

[@wampler_pedals]

🔗Breadboarding Course: Interested in creating, building and experimenting with your own pedal circuits? Check out my course for newbies here: www.guitarpedalcourse.com/courses/complete-beginner-s-guide-how-to-design-your-own-guitar-pedal-circuits

[@nunninkav]

Steve and ENGL have really cooked up a winner here. Nice verb and delay.

[@ResponseAudio]

What a great sounding amp! Tons of features! Can't expect much else from Steve!

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

when it has Steve Morse's name on it you KNOW it is gonna be worth checking out! I almost bought the Steve Morse signature 100 watt head a few years ago but opted for the Savage 120 MKII instead simply because I felt it was more suited to what I generally play and it IS a beast of an amp! ENGL has some of the absolute best cleans for a tube amp even the aforementioned Savage has a sparkling clean channel.

[@davidbelcher2805]

I remember someone saying “No guitar amp should ever have built in MIDI”. I’m glad you reviewed this amp. The other reviews are for the higher gain players. This is what I needed to hear. Thanks Brian!

[@T00DEEPBLUE]

I'll never understand why anyone would think a guitar amp shouldn't ever have MIDI. It's objectively the best way to integrate the amp's features with a pedalboard.

[@jsullivan2112]

@@T00DEEPBLUE Basically they don't understand what MIDI is, that's what it boils down to. They just like to pretend that they do.

[@JorisGriffioen]

​@@T00DEEPBLUE 100% !! what we need is better MIDI controllers, not less MIDI devices.

[@T00DEEPBLUE]

@@jsullivan2112 Mate you have no idea what you're on about. The fragile harmonics that survive in a single channel amp with no tone controls are eliminated in the crystal lattice of a 5-pin DIN connector. That's all there is to it.

[@poulwinther]

Personally I wonder why anyone has built any amp post 1980's withOUT full MIDI. Makes no sense.

[@michaelhawkins6149]

Finally a distortion/overdrive that doesn't have the harsh fizz on the high end. A smooth, creamy OD makes my day. 😊

[@Torquemonster440]

If you don't have the budget for this Engle.. which is amazing btw. Check out a Marshall Origin 20 through a cab with green backs in it. No fizz, just classic Marshall crunch. Super fun and zero ear fatigue. 👍

[@Zwidawurzn]

Nice review! Engl amps are getting better and better. Some of their older models actually sound thin, fizzy and good for nothing but their new models are some of the most versatile tube amps out there. I use the Fireball 25 but i play more like psychedelic/desert rock than actual metal. It's so well coordinated, easy to set up and dial in, for what i do an amp like that is easier than most modelers.

[@m.whitleyacton821]

Wow! I didn’t realize you were still a gigging musician. You have my utmost respect.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

😂 Subtle dis. I love it. 😺

[@wesleyb_92]

Holy $h!+. That clean sound was awesome, but then turning up the gain on the clean channel was everything! Sounds amazing

[@sbrave2]

I watched Morse's demo of this little guy and it sounds amazing. Super clean to super high gain. I think whatever gets you the tone you want is the way to go. Modelers through a tube amp are pretty sweet, even if a mini head like this or my mini rectifier, etc.

[@Skoora]

Thank you so much for cranking the clean channel. I always want to see how much breakup a clean channel can get for edge of breakup and medium classic rock bite and so many people never crank it and just show it at its cleanest. I like how this one broke up, It makes the amp a lot more versatile. It’s like people who demo old Fender and JTM45 type circuits. They’ll crank them but leave the EQ at noon so it just goes to mush and they never kill the bass and get the treble and presence up.

[@odditeemusic6016]

Awesome tones! Combined with your pedals that is one versatile setup..and you are correct that it all comes down to what YOU want to hear and how it FEELS when you play..I embrace all technology as it is all just tools for expression and creativity and fun are what music is all about

[@mikechristy1840]

Im glad to see Engl get some recognition on here. I know Richard recently got an Ironball and likes it. Engl makes some great amps and its not always high gain players that ise them.

[@RomeoG39]

Whatever style Brian is playing, I like it! Lots of tasty licks and phrasing!

[@greggjones2000]

My opinions about tube amps versus modelers are exactly the same as yours. The sound I make is for me; Am I inspired to play? Does the sound make ME happy? The audience can't tell the difference in sound, but a tube amp makes me happy, and the audience CAN tell the difference if I am happy. All that said, I am running my pedalboard straight thru a Two Notes CabM for tonight's hot, outdoor gig with a chance of rain! 😂

[@jaysmoreymusic]

I love both amps and profilers. I like the idea of running a profiler into the fx return of a real amp and into a real cab. Gets the best of both worlds.

[@jeremeydonovan8286]

@@jaysmoreymusic that’s been fun for me to explore

[@tomaselke3670]

I tried this a while back with an ElevenRack, and a Vox Tonelabs SE. To be honest, it kind of sounded like ass. Amp profilers shine when they run through an FRFR, even the old stuff.

[@maze1666]

VOX Tonelab SE is a modeler, not a profiler. Kemper & ToneX are Profilers. I liked my Tonelab SE back then, but the difference to my ToneX (with my Engl E530 preamp captured) is huge.

[@Caged63Man]

You can do that?😧😳

[@JohnyToGoodForSchool123]

yeaj. i do the same. I run my pod 2.0 with no cab modulation into my fender tube amp or transistor fx loop amp... tubes improves the tone of amp modelers definetely

[@petruccirocks02]

I’m super impressed with the features on this amp! I remember playing a friend’s Engl Steve Morse head years ago and it was amazing! It had so many features and switches!

[@blindguava]

Great video! I still love my tube amps, but my back doesn't unfortunately, at least for gigging. When I play out I'm using a Kemper Player and I love it. It fits on my board and I still get to use all my favorite pedals with it. I still get inspired by the sounds coming out of it thankfully. I still use tube amps in my home home studio along with a Kemper non-powered rack. That way I have all the tone choices I want or need for recording. It's working well for me so far. Now...if I had a good back still or a regular roadie I'd probably still be taking at least a Fender tube amp out for shows, but I'm past those days! LOL!

[@onevoiceinc]

I started my journey using affordable solid state and/or (when they became available) digital amplifiers. I tried a few tube amps (probably the wrong tube amps) and that solidified my choices... then I got a hold of an amazing tube amp. That changed everything. Not only can a good ear hear the differences, the response is night and day. Yeah, the world can go digital - I don't care. I'll be rocking my tube amps and loving life. So yeah, tube amplification for me.

[@TreyAlexander]

I have been dying for a good company to make an amp like this I can’t wait to check it out!

[@alexgreychuck7605]

Great amp review Brian. I enjoyed insight into your recording method too. I like live amps for the feel of them (moving air)

[@michaelgriffin5304]

I feel like my Rivera gives me the best of both. All tube amp with a built in 'Output' section for silent recording and also a bypass to use with IRs. Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Top. Absolute MONSTER of an amp. Best I have ever played. Always used a lot of digital stuff for years and years and this converted me. Miles ahead!!! This new SM amp offers a lot of bang for your buck. I can't anything else competing at $1600 with all of these features. Sounds great too. This is a win.

[@scottakam]

Looks pretty cool. Like a lot of people, I started out on modelers. I have more recently started building some tube amps from mojotone and that is lots of fun. And they sound awesome!

[@lusiek0666]

I like both. I use both. Depeds on the situation.

[@1961jscofield]

An amp like this is a brilliant solution for anyone wanting an all in 1 lightweight rig to travel with and plug and play.

[@philf4086]

Nice amp, thanks for showing it off!

[@ComptonSlim]

I am a boomer, starting year 3 on my learn to play guitar journey, I prefer small tube amp. Supro 64 Super 5 watt, single knob, with Tumnus of course!

[@poulwinther]

Maybe if you add an EQ pedal you can get it less boomery...

[@ryangunwitch-black]

@@poulwinther😂 I see what you did there. 😂

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Proud honorary Boomer here and I agree.

[@vonster22]

i like the way tubes feel 100%

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

I attended a local music festival, numerous bands. Not a single guitar amp on stage, which must have been enforced by the venue organisers, also all bands were using in-ear monitors. It was enjoyable as a spectator ... except... not a single gripping fulfilling guitar sound all night. And I have seen one of these bands twice previously with proper amps on stage, so i know they usually have a great guitar sound.

[@joeltunnah]

From what I hear that's becoming the norm now.

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

@@joeltunnah I'm brooding about this now and I may be wrong. I'm in Australia. Since that festival in 2022, the venue has closed permanently, and several major yearly music festivals have ceased permanently. I was attributing it economic difficulties, but now I'm wondering if concert organisers banning real amps has killed some of the magic of concerts??

[@wea69420]

either the guys didn't know how to work digital gear or you just have a particularly bad case of confirmation bias

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

@@wea69420 I didn't notice any difference in bass, I noticed vocal harmonies were more accurate and the mix balance was excellent. Only one thing lacking. As I said I'm now wondering if the audiences are voting by withholding their cash.

[@skinnywebb]

I run a Wampler Dual fusion and Hotwired into a Helix. The amp model I use is the Fender Deluxe. Then direct into a small Henriksen. The best of both worlds, pedals and modeling amp.

[@pcbullets8726]

Not a bad sounding amp. It definitely would make things easier for certain gigs. Very versatile. More than enough gain for sure.

[@jimilee459]

Oh man, that’s badass and a great price. I typically use fender tube amps.

[@josv.d.zanden2595]

Great review sir Brian! My opinions and experience about modeling, is the same as yours. I have been fiddling with modelers also, only to be programming more than playing with fun. Also, the experience of a 'real breathing amp' next to you is not compensated by using modeling. The dynamics, coming from a decent amp, is second to none, from my experience. Besides that: you are always dependent on your soundman. Also: I visited a gig with a friend of mine, where two guitar players were on stage. One had a modeling amp, going into the p.a., the other guy had an 'old fashioned' tube amp with pedals (do not know if he was using Wampler though 🙂). My buddy is no musician, but he also noticed that the guitar of the 'old fashioned guy' had a more lively sound and cut through the mix much better, as the other guitar sound 'disappeared' in the sound.

[@moonroccs465]

YES they are.. I finally after 15+ years i got my first tube amp. Engl ironball 20 and it blew my mind. Im still paying off the amp got it on credit, but man its sent me on a rabbit hole of having to look at pedals, because ive used modelers with their onboard effects pedals. This entire new game for me. Ive used Vypr 1st gen, nux mg400, bias, jam up pro, guitar rig 6, revler 4, marshall mg15. Just blew all that stuff out of the water. My first pedal ganna be a fuzz pedal, but so many brands. 6505 mh is affordable on used market. and the invective mh imo is runner up to the ironball 20.

[@JonathanKobler]

Gear reviews and opinions are a minefield. My favorite amp, a 1965 Fender Bandmaster. Great pedal platform. Through an old Peavey 2x10 with Jensen C10Qs it can give me warm, loud clean for live gigs. True story, it makes any overdrive or distortion pedal, even the much maligned Metal Zone, sound more natural. The amp I practice and record with: a Fender Mustang GTX-50 modelling amp. Really good sounding models that sound good no matter what volume and it doesn't kill my back during the suck that is load out. The last amp I bought: A hand-wired Swampworks M1974 (the Marshall 18w) clone. Mod potential. Yeah, I don't care if it's two tin cans and a piece of string, if it gets the job done I'll hook up that shit.

[@dangolguitartech]

I started using synergy products about a year ago. I’m happy with those and at 54 years old. I think this will be my end of life rig. Sounds as good as my big old tube amplifiers because it is tubes yet very compact like the new modeling things. Don’t know if I’m bridging a gap of sorts but I’m happy where I’m at.

[@1970borntorun]

Right! Back in the good old days when sex was dirty and the air was clean! Lol

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I’m thinking about doing the same. Plus the recording application. I bet it doesn’t weigh as much as my Rivera S120 either. I’d like to try the Z Wreck and the Engl powerball module or maybe the Slo2.

[@dangolguitartech]

@@roscoepcoltrane23 the original SLO module has been my main sound from the rig since I got it, but I just got the SLOii two days ago and it’s going to give me everything I need. I’m pretty sure. I use the SYN.1 because it’s so compact… Actually smaller than a shoebox. But I guess I should also mention that I’m coming out of that and splitting the signal going to each side of the synergy 5050 stereo power amp into a pair of 4 x 12 cabinets. 🤠

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

@@dangolguitartech I think I’m going with the syn 2 and rack it up. I was thinking about the Fryette power station for the amp because I can use it for my other amps. Really would like a Suhr sl68 also.

[@dangolguitartech]

@@roscoepcoltrane23 that sounds like a good option. For me, the SYN1 was received as a birthday gift so I didn’t really choose my preamp housing. That being said though I think I’m trying to get another SYN1 so I can run two different modules at the same time to have different but complementary amplifiers as a true stereo rig. The SYN2 would be ideal for me if you could run both sides at the same time, but you can’t. As far as the modules I’ve had experience with, I think that the metroplex sounds great as well as the Morgan AC, but I’m just not a good enough player…… I use the game to cover up my sloppy mistakes. L O L… The Powerball sounds fantastic, the SLO is really good but the new one is way more versatile and much better and is my new main module. I’m hoping at some point they will release the Friedman JJ as that’s one I’d really love to have. Best of luck with whichever direction you choose… I know I really love mine and I hope yours turns out to be as satisfying for you.

[@BrianAnderson-7]

The Gen 3 Katana amps I think are the first amps that are trying to split the difference. It's the first amp that's not just a modeler that inspired me to use it on gigs vs my tube amp which I'll never part with. It's far lighter and I feel like I have what is an amp that inspires me on gigs and has the digital technology. It's not a quad cortex and it's not a tube amp but it is trying to go forward with respect to its elders.

[@taviswardlaw]

I’m absolutely a tube amp guy. I also sometimes run a Roland JC for wet effects and I’d rather just run that with pedals in the front than digital stuff. I have friends who sound amazing with digital amps, but I just can’t get on with them. I play a bit of synths as well, and I can get great around and more flexibility using VSTs in a DAW, but having an analog synth with knobs and faders I can interact physically with is far more exciting, even if you discount the sound of analog synth gear. I think there’s a similar tactile nature that helps with the creative process.

[@marbomitofsky3182]

Nothing compares than a Tube amp !!!

[@rob9993]

Would love to see schematic of the preamp stage? Yes I know it is a new amp, but always curious of preamp tube circuits.

[@kalkidasofficial]

My collection of 10 vintage tube amps approves your statement 😂😂😂

[@kalkidasofficial]

@@user-qr7ee2cp4y facts

[@EarthisnotforSale]

Nice review, I have had an eye on the Ironball SE, and this new SM model is pretty cool. I am into the brown sound/80's tone

[@Ron-ni8uu]

Get a bray 4550 in custom tolex

[@Ron-ni8uu]

Bray has brown all day

[@Ron-ni8uu]

Brown is my favorite also

[@Donald.W.Rissler-ARTS]

I find that that the difference between modelers and tube amps is how much I am forced to adapt to the available sounds( and feel). Amps are more ridged in having a defined character that I change my playing (more), to encourage it to make the sounds I need. Modelers on the other hand ( specifically Fractal) let me change an amps character to more match my needs. I can change tubes, feedback characteristics, gain, tone stacks.......all totally outside the original specs of that amps baseline. Neither approach is (Right), modelers can lead to option paralysis and tube amps can lead to GAS and acquisition anxiety. Whichever inspires you most is always the best answer.

[@robertthomas906]

I`ve tried quite a few amp modelers over the years including Amplitube, Guitar rig and others. They all sound rather dull until I plug some of my favorite pedals in front. For example, if you're using a Marshall type modeler in the effects chain turn down the gain and use a pedal like the Wampler Plexi Drive at the input. All of a sudden everything lights right up and comes to life.

[@wolfgangfranken2041]

Yes, great Amp and a great Video. 👍🍀👍🍀👍

[@Vermonster23]

I have played a lot of amplifiers. Some of the best amplifiers seem to have a high Fidelity quality about them. You can keep the settings, the same and plug a lot of very different guitars in and they will all sound good and keep their character. Other amps have to be adjusted for each guitar because it has a much narrower bandwidth of sound that it projects. In mix, I doubt anybody really could tell the difference. That’s because a lot is going on. You can get the job done, but It’s not 100% the same. In fact, the very argument compares modelers to the ideal, which is a tube amp.

[@gaberox1]

I love and use both all the time. The plug ins like Neurel DSP feel like cheating. Its so easy to get a great tone everytime and as a metal player the saturation is just so easy and perfect. Tube amps are so much more difficult for me to dial in and what settings sounds good one day I might hate the next day. But when I get it right its way more satisfying and exhilarating through a real cab. I have that ENGL Ironball SE and it has an amazing clean channel that can do classic crunch or whatever you would want. Awesome versatile metal amp that can do everything else as well.

[@muleblues71]

Did the kemper thing for a couple yrs. Spent more time tweaking to get a good tone with ss power amps, kones profiles,etc. Finally used a fryette powerstation with a real guitar cab. That was as close as you can get to a tube tone. Sold the kemper and bought a 100w evh head. 🤯🤯

[@Amish_Trivedi]

I've commented similarly across various videos on this front and will do the same here: if you're a reader, you don't really care what the author of the work you're enjoying wrote the work with. Whether longhand with a quill, on a typewriter, or in a google doc, you as the audience really don't care. However, as you correctly point out here, it's about what you inspires you as the creator- whatever that thing that gets the "work" from your brain to some kind of tangible space, whether the page or a YT vid or a Bandcamp track. My writerly friends and I obsess over pens and inks as much as guitarists obsess over gear, but as long as you're enjoying the process of creating, obsess away!

[@DreidMusicalX]

Well I grew up as a teen hitting 13 in 1981. Started playing in 1985. I love amps, but also got caught up in the middle analog vs digital wars. Analog is better, no digital is the future they said. I took both and ran with them. I'm doing the same thing 39 years later with amp vs modelers. I did the Line 6 stuff long ago, back to amps and now I got me a TONEX, running it into the return on my 100watt Marshall through a 2X12 Marshal custom cabinet w V30 and a Creamback H. I'm just adding and created even better tone combining both. I now have my tube amp of a nearly any modeled amp with the punch of a real tube amp. It rules.

[@Burkhimself]

I gig a lot with my FM9, but do bring my Marshall 800’s out on occasion. I usually play my marshalls 90% of the time when I’m at home……FM9 if I’m dialing in a specific sound/.effect….🤘🏼

[@PFB1994]

If it was the clean channel only, that would be a nice amp for me. The high gain sounded great too, but not where I go too often.

[@armybass223]

I’m with you. I like Tube amps and real cabs and pedals. If you like other stuff by all means enjoy!

[@mjones6983]

Did I miss where you said this was a Steve Morse signature model amp? Or did you not credit him at all?

[@seraph127]

I'm currently playing a Fender Champion 20 (apparently the Champions are being discontinued). I like it a great deal. I settled on the 65 Princeton model, and it may little resemble that, but I like it. It's clean-to-low-gain, goes from clean to overdriven with a boost pedal. I play it daily and have used it to compose a lot of music. I think the tube amp worship is mostly mystique and what many are used to. As for me, I love this cheap little digital amp about as much as most seem to love tube amps. Play what you want, fuck everything else.

[@stoofbuis]

Peavey used to make the XXL transtube head end nineties....sounded very tubey & versatile

[@BrendanMacsGuitarGear]

"Its not for them, it's for me" Thats my argument too! I couldnt care less if they cant tell the difference, I want to hear/feel that tone and if you don't get it, thats not my problem. Don't get me wrong, i still love my Line6 and digital stuff too but I aint using it live.

[@nicdee316]

In the room, yeah the amp wins, hands down. There's simply no replacement for displacement. On IEMs, I actually prefer the Quad Cortex, especially since I could capture my Plexi. Plus having stereo effects in a Bradshaw-style WDW setup without having to haul a fridge-sized rack is nice. Ideal scenario on stage being to run a signal split minus IRs/cab sims into a SS power amp and a guitar cab, so I can actually move some air and get the guitar/amp interaction. And then it's kinda the best of both worlds.

[@joeltunnah]

You could build a tube powered cabinet, driven by your modeler floor pedal of choice. That would be the best of both worlds.

[@scottcrist0070]

Love my Dr. Z Therapy, Vox HW 15 and 30 but... just got the FM3. frikin amazing

[@IV94704]

I enjoy using modelers and use them quite often. However, even my limited collection tube amps are more engaging and yes, inspiring.

[@CrookedMonkey-band]

love guitar tech, have Fractal, plus board and tube amps.. use whatever works best for the situation. Having said that, what you listen to the modeler with makes a HUGE difference. While you can send conistent sound to FOH it's still up to the sound of the PA , FOH and monitors. A cheap monitor with an 8" speaker just isn't going to sound or FEEL like a 1x12 in a nice big cab turned up. Different monitors definitely can sound drasticially different and can be excellent sounding. You can of course bring your own personal monitor be it a wedge, FRFR or tube amp return, Mix it up all I say, I like a marriage of tech and old school dependant upon the situation. Fm3 through nice desktop monitors turned up sounds fantastic and you can lazer shepe your sound. But I would live most people _enjoy_ the real amp experience.

[@tedrobinson3802]

Sometimes the internet really sucks. It just reminds you ever day of awesome things you'll never have.

[@JimBoom92]

Engl is just great. The quality is excellent, I've never seen this before. It is literally made of metal. You could probably kill someone with it and it would work just like before. Purest cleans to the heaviest metal tones are also no problem. I will take my Ironball to my grave when I die.

[@kaindog1007]

Didn’t Sinead O’Connor sing Nothing Compares To Tubes?

[@zerolight9420]

Sounds great. What can are you going through?

[@oldguitarjames9303]

Not sure I could gig with a modeller. I have a valve pre-amp and a decent IR loader if I ever need to go 'silent stage'. For recording I like the options a modelling device offers. This is especially true if I'm writing where being able to switch virtual amps and pedal rigs can be far more inspiring than just plugging into the same old setup.

[@tor2919]

Played plenty tube amps and solid state the last 30 years. Playing a tube amp feels way different and sounds different. I much prefer it. Don’t see myself switching away from tube for the rest of my life

[@jasonkirkham550]

Yep. Nothing beats a tube amp. I understand touring bands using modelers. Economics, logistics etc. But, no modelers for me.

[@ortanchibiri]

I love modelers for what they do. I've tried a few and I've been using a Helix for almost ten years IIRC, but nothing beats the real thing, at least not yet. Yes, tube amps are more inspiring than modelers, absolutely. Tube amp in the room feels different, makes me play different, enjoy it way more and consequently play better, because I feel more inspired

[@brianhubley4479]

The only non tube amp I have is an old tuck N roll Kustom which sounds great. Other than that my marshall JTM 45 and my plexi along with a gaggle of fender tweed and blonde and blackface amps does it for me. I don't use pedals except for a boss fender reverb pedal.

[@BW_Maher]

New to the channel so sorry if this has been covered but...Is that a Nashville with a p90 at the neck? I like the way it sounds.

[@wampler_pedals]

It’s the brent mason signature model

[@mmartinez9764]

Tube amp or digital modeler amp, as long as there a Wampler pedal in front, I'm inspired 😀

[@Awezomenis5150]

I think it matters what end of the equation you're on. If you're the audience, I don't think it matters. I think the debate really matters when it comes to the player. I feel that there is something in a tube amp that you can't duplicate with the modelers. However, if we're just talking frequencies, modelers can do the same.

[@rickjensen2833]

My model 1959 marshall plexi super tremelo and my fender super reverb black face are good enough for me. ❤

[@Lechamayama]

This amp sound great, but still I was, like "meh..." until I was back of the amp... DUDE! Crazy useful....

[@kurtoppenlander3205]

I am trying to build an lpb1 from scratch and have trouble wiring a 3pdt switch. Most wiring diagrams show that I have to connect it to the effect "In" and "Out", and that's pretty clear on a pcb dedicated to the circuit, but I'm using a veroboard. Completely offtopic, I know sorry

[@wampler_pedals]

So you just need to find out where the input and output is on the vero, then the switch wires up the same way

[@kurtoppenlander3205]

@@wampler_pedals as in the input and output jacks or before the first cap and after the last potenciometer? Thanks for the help c:

[@kurtoppenlander3205]

Ohhh I get it now thanks

[@Mistertbones]

I'm going to be honest, nothing sounds like a real tube amp.

[@Ottophil]

Thats true. But kids will say their mac sounds as good as an amp. But thats literally like comparing Apples to Oranges

[@dzamija922]

wow i never heard that one before lmao

[@mikeallen5291]

Facts

[@moonelfcosmo]

I’ll add to that, nothing feels like a real tube amp.

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

I'm oldish. My daughter has seen the anguish I have endured in trying to obtain and maintain an excellent tube amp sound the old way. So, she decided to go strictly modeller amps for her own guitar amplification purposes! Yes as expected her gear is more reliable and cheaper and smaller, hooray. But even she admits she prefers the sound of my gear.

[@geneevans7885]

I gotta go with the tube amp.

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Amazing amp😊!!!!

[@Partybob1]

Did you mention Steve Morse?

[@brownsparlour9813]

I think the answer is definitely yes.😊

[@jordanritkes]

How does this differ from the Rev D20 amps? Those amps have many of the same features but not as widely discussed

[@chrisact9601]

I find modellers aren't the issue. What I find "inspiring" is a speaker cab in the room with me. Especially an open back cab. The way the sound bounces around the room with an open back cab (sound coming out the front and back of the cab) can't be replicated with a FRFR speaker. It adds to the "size" of it all. So I run a Helix, into a power amp into a 4x10 open back cab. It's the best "feeling" rig I've ever had and gives me all the versatility of the Helix routing, snapshots etc but with a traditional "amp" sound and feel. That's what works for me anyway but I'm playing rock and blues, not metal.

[@shanemanp6057]

Sounds lot better than the 40 w warhead coming out

[@Ottophil]

Dime had the worst high gain tone of all time. Which is a bummer cause hes one of the best players

[@MoreMeRecording]

But that only $550 compared to what, $1600 though? - acknowledging that this is a staged price point for something coming down the pike, so no doubt a loss leader.

[@soundjunkiea22]

Love the features - hate EL-84’s. Had an AC-15 for a few weeks. Got rid of it. Fizz City. To each their own as they say. Also, 20 watts is barely enough for a two guitar rock band. Too bad the 100 watt ENGL Morse is double the money.

[@KennethCrickmore-sl8jl]

Tube amp, solid state. digital or modeler...It's all a matter of your taste. I like the sound of tube amps but not the prices of them. I'm happy with the tiny Blackstar ID Core stereo 40 I bought used for $100 a few years ago. the first versiom that can still use the online software suite. I can plug in from headphone output of the amp into the CD input of my surround receiver with the right adapter cable i happen to have in my collection. for more power and deeper bass. I plan to custom build a pair of tower cabs with built in amps for more power independent of all else. a small amp board wnd power supply in each can will do nicely.. or just the amp.

[@thesjkexperience]

I have 7 amps and none of them even have master volume(s). 😂🎉. It may be illegal for me to model 🤪. I do like that I can play through my iphone or iPad if I’m traveling. It’s fun to build amps that don’t exist. 🎉. But, I’d feel nekked on stage without a Strat, treble booster and my Morgan or Swart. 😊

[@ChrisBieniek]

YES!

[@spinaltap22]

If anyone hasn't played a modeller through a massive amp into a real guitar cab, you shouldn't really be making a decision one way or the other. My Quad cortex into a powerstage 700, into a 2x12 (Celestion G12 100 and Heritage G12H55) sounds and feels like every amp on the planet. I have a feeling most never play like this, despite comparing to tube amps that are set up like this (huge power, proper speakers). Modellers can perfectly replicate preamp sections. It's on you to replicate the amp and cab properly.

[@joeltunnah]

This 100%. A "modeler" can model the preamp, the preamp plus poweramp, and the speaker cabinet mic'd up. Those are all separate things, and you can turn off the cabinet part. It seems most people don't understand that.

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

Interesting point, thanks. Have you compared the 'digital preamp, solid state power amp, real cabinet' vs 'tube preamp, tube poweramp, real cabinet' at home and found nothing better about the real tube version? I'm not criticising you, I'm curious! I'll probably test it myself one day. Thanks

[@spinaltap22]

@@user-pu1jy1is4q Basically, yeah. I gigged an Engl Powerball and 4x12 for ~15 years. Ran the QC through the FX return for a bit, which opened my eyes to modellers Then I got a powerstage700, and was able to rig up A/B testing with my stereo 2x12. Turns out valves aren't magic. They're actually very old and unreliable.

[@user-pu1jy1is4q]

@@spinaltap22 Thanks! Then I probably will try it one day.

[@muzerino]

I’ve always been a little underwhelmed by the solid state power amps compared to tube ones. Even the Mooer one. My Helix always sounds better run through the power section of one of my real amps compared to a SS power amp. Not 100% sure why, it just does. 🤔

[@Peck_Bull]

Yes, they are, NO DOUBT.

[@ltxr9973]

Yes they are, but only single channel ones like a 2203. Everything that has more than 6 knobs distracts me from playing. Solid state amps that simple are usually cheap and don't sound that great. Even though there are some great ones like the older Bandits. A ENGL spaceship is almost as complex as digital gear but there's one thing they do right - no multifunction buttons/knobs. Always trying to simplify my setup but having less than 6 pedals on my board is just not realistic. Pretty good sounding ENGL amp. They're kinda hit and miss, the Blackmore/Savage/Retro sound great but the Powerball not so much.

[@Infinighost]

Am I losing my mind? I can't find the name of this amp in the video or description and I can't make out the signature name on the front panel lol I must be missing it

[@WillfulThinker]

Looks like Steve Morse Signature 20. Steve has been playing Engl for quite a while.

[@Mr.D34]

Real amps, whether it's tube or solid state are way more inspiring to play than digital modelers. However modelers are way more practical for recording and touring. I'm not touring or recording but i'm very glad that modelers exist.

[@jasonstone1046]

Yes. Especially Morse signature amps. Next question..

[@saturnskull1242]

Hey there what's your opinion about the Crab amp?

[@wampler_pedals]

I LOVE it!!

[@saturnskull1242]

​​@@wampler_pedalsGreat! Sorry to insist, did you order directly from the guy in Ukraine? Cause I am considering buying an amp from him.. Thanx!

[@wampler_pedals]

This one I bought on reverb, but I’ve talked quite a bit to the guy in the Ukraine

[@DV8-q6n]

Modelers are definitely more inspirational than tube amps. For the same price as that Steve Morse ENGL which is a great amp I can get a fractal or a TMP and have access to hundreds of amps and effects and cabinets and mics. More options mean more inspiration.

[@heavymetal6910]

Brian I own one of your bravado heads, do I own any modellers.......no I do not. I like the real deal. I hope that Engl doesn't have tubes on pcb's.

[@DMSProduktions]

I just watched Phil McKnight's review of this and his sounded MUDDY! Yours does not, so it MUST have been his guitar! (A Keisel Strat style with 2 hum buckers in it!) He also used a real speaker! DID you use a speaker(s) to record this or the built in IRs etc?

[@joerectifier]

Yes, yes, yes, yes......AND YES - "It is for me" - and I concur. I was born in 1963. I am a nobody and never will be a famous musician and it is my opinion - A tube amp is the ground zero epicenter and I will never change. Guitar, cable, tube amp - if ya'll can't do it with that then you need to ask yourself some hard questions.

[@ToneChaser2001]

Come on man that’s ridiculous. I’m 57, been playing since I was 7. I use both for different scenarios and I guarantee when I use modeling you can’t tell the difference. In the words of Paul Gilbert there is no one size fits all. Whatever works for YOU is good for YOU.

[@Gruppe_11]

I'm 57 and nothing beats a real tubeamp - NOTHING!

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m 53. I like physical knobs and amps. But, when I’m recording I split the difference and run my pedals into my interface and use NAM power amp captures and cab IRs. It sounds better than any mic setup I could manage to do in my room. This Engl looks like the perfect thing for me.

[@RikJSmith]

​@@lostinpa-dadenduro7555 Hi . What is NAM Power Amp Capture ? Hope you're doing well .

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@RikJSmith Ugh. My post didn’t post. Neural Amp Modeler. It’s tremendric. Companies are even making hardware for it now but it runs in your DAW as a plugin. Been out about a year. Lots of videos on it here.

[@mikeharris2650]

Its true!