Engl INVADER II User manual

Operator´s Manual
Please, first read this manual carefully!
4 Channel Full Tube
Guitar Amplifier
with MIDI-Control
INV
A
DER II

2
INVADER II: Front Panel Layout
INVADER II: Rear Panel Layout
GAIN 2
GAIN I
MIDDLE MIDDLE
TREBLE TREBLE
VOLUME 2
VOLUME I
GAIN 4
GAIN 3
TREBLE TREBLE VOLUME 3
VOLUME 4 MASTER A
PRESENCE
MASTER B
DEPTH PUNCH
INPUT
POWER
STAND BY
BASS BASS
BASS BASS
MIDDLE MIDDLE
SOUND
CH 4
FX LOOP
I / II
CH 1 CH 2 MASTER
A/B
CH 3 NOISE
GATE
WRITE /
COPY
MUTE
HIGH
GAIN
IN
V
A
DER II
S.W.M.
Amp
Tube
123456
REPLACE FUSE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE
AND RATING !
Poweramp Output
48Or 8And Or-> 816Or 16And
8 Ohms Parallel
1 x 8 Ohms or 2 x 16 Ohms
4 Ohms Parallel
1 x 4 Ohms or 2 x 8 Ohms
16
16 Ohms
Noise Gate
Threshold
Level
min. max.
FX Loop II
Send Return Balance
Dry Effect
FX Loop I
Send Return Balance
Dry Effect
DO NOT OPEN !
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK !
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE !
CAUTION !
!
Footswitch
Serial Amp
Control Port
CAUTION:
Connect Custom
Footswitch Z-9 Only!
Midi
Thru Midi
In
Midi Foot-
Controller
Channel:
Up < > Down
1 < > 3 / 2 < > 4
Midi
Channel
&
Amp Mute
Signal Outputs
Line Out
Pre
Output
HRB 6238
Tuner Poweramp
Ground Lift
Switch
Ground
Floated
Ground
Or->
Channel 4Channel 3Channel 2Channel 1
Low / High Gain - Volume Ratio Control
All-tube
Guitar Head Amp
INVADER-II
TYPE E642-2
designed by Horst Langer
optically refined by Edmund Engl
MADE IN GERMANY
R
Amp
Tube
page: >6< <----------------------- 8 -----------------------> <---------------------------------- 9 -----------------------------------> <---------------------- 10 ---------------------> >11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
page: 11< <----------------------------12 ----------------------------> <------- 13 -------> <------------------------------------------ 14 ------------------------------------------> > 15 < <--16 --> >18< page: <------------------ 23 ----------------->
18 19 20 21 25
22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39
36
Type Plate
<---- 18 ----> <------------------ 19 ------------------> <- 21 -> <--------------- 22 ---------------> <------ 23 ------> <---------------------------- 24 ----------------------------->
page:
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37
56 57 58 59
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 25
22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39
36
40 4342 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 63 64 65 6641
37
56 57 58 59

Table of Contents page
Introduction
Features and Functionality at a Glance
Contents
Front Panel Features:
Rear Panel Features:
Practical Info and Tips
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Technical Data,
Tube Map, Tube Exchange Service
Wiring of Principal Connectors
Remote Control Options
Front Panel Diagrams for Noting Settings
Note:
:
Handling and Care
Sound
Channel 1: Gain 1,EQ-1: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 1, CH 1
Channel 3: Gain 3, EQ-3: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 3, CH 3
Power Amp EQ: Presence A/B, Depth Punch
FX Loop I/II, Noise Gate
Input, High Gain
Channel 2: Gain 2, EQ-2: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 2, CH 2
Channel 4: Gain 4, EQ-4: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 4, CH 4
Power Amp section: Master A/B
Write/Copy, Mute, SWM LED
Stand By, Details on Amp Mute and the P.T.M. System, Power
Ground Lift Switch
Low / High Gain - Volume Ratio Control CH 1, CH 2, CH 3, CH 4
Pre Out, Line Out
Poweramp Output: speaker options
Mains, Mains Fuse,
MIDI Section and Footswitch Ports
Detailed Specifications and Ratings
You'll find an ancillary pamphlet accompanying this owner's manual entitled
Instructions for the Prevention of Fire, Electrical Shock and Injury. Be sure to read it
before you plug in and power up the amp!
Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.
Noise Gate: Threshold Level
FX Loops I and FX Loop II: Send, Return, and Balance
Power Amp Output, 4, 8, 16 Ohms
Configuration table for Z-9 settings
Front Panel and Rear Panel Diagrams
CAUTION! Please read and heed the following:
Status-LED: Indications
4
5
6
25 - 28
28, 29
29, 30
30
31, 32
33
34
35
36
37
38
2, 39
6 - 8
8, 9
9, 10
10
10, 11
11, 12
12, 13
13, 14
14, 15
15, 16
16 - 18
18,19
19 - 22
22
22, 23
23
24
24
24, 25
3

Congratulationsonyourchoiceofamp,themightyENGLINVADERII tube-
powered head high-performance guitar amp
severalinnovativenewideas remarkablyefficientfeatures
top-notch guitar amp all-tube technology
vast range of great
fundamental tones
controlledremotelyviaMIDI
four independent channels deliver different
tonal spectrums
fast & heavy riffs punchy lead tone
assertive midrange kick
vintage clean classic grind creamy rock lead tone thick, lush tube
overdrive kind of aggressive hi-gain lead sound
contemporaryheavystyles
Sound button DIY tone-tuning tool vastly
extends unprecedented feature
fine-tune its voicing optional
SoundWizardmodule
A/B Master switching
INVADER II head two
switchableeffectloops programmableAmpMutefunction
MIDIfootcontroller
ENGLZ-4dualfootswitch
exterior's compelling visuals
excellent voicing options great flexibility
ENGL Sound Wizard module
clean crunch lead sounds excellent tube-driven quality
Two gain stages double instantly accessible
sounds
.Withthis
, you now own a that incorporates
and .
This marries the unrivalled tone of to the
awesome sound-shaping might of control features powered by modern microchip
circuitry. This elegant combination puts at your fingertips a
and a virtually inexhaustible reservoir of compelling variations, all
ofwhichmaybe .
TheINVADER IIamp offers -tweaked to
for various styles and playing techniques, for instance, Channel 4 for
and an power chords; Channel 3 for with an
. All four channels offer Low Gain / High Gain switching, as
well as dedicated Gain and Volume knobs and a 3-band EQ for each channel that give
you an even greater range of sound-sculpting options. The tonal palette ranges from
to , and from with
tothe it takesto cutthrough the din
of .
Then there's the nifty , a sort of that
the amp's application range. This lets you shape the
amp's fundamental sound as you see fit and using the
.
This amp boasts a lot more hip and practical features:
is a powerful option that has proven its merits in countless
ENGL amps (it has featured in E920 power amps since the late '80s and in the
legendary SAVAGE 120 head since '93!). Your also sports
anda .
Asanalternative tooperatingtheampremotelyviaa suchasthe
ENGL Z-15, you can also plug in an ENGL and manipulate
keyfunctionsdirectly.What'smore,theampcomeswithastereojackdesignedtotake
an oraswitchingsystemforselectingthefourchannels.
And the certainly match the interior's impressive
appointments. This amp's elegant and stylish look is sure to turn heads wherever you
play.
and the provided by so many sound
shaping and other special functions. You can also tweak the amp's fundamental
sound to taste using the , and your voicings can be
assigned to 128 MIDI presets.
3. fundamental , , and in :
in every channel the count of
. You can select channels and adjust Gain Low/High and the Sound
Z-9 Custom Foot Controller
1. a logical control feature array, utmost and
;
2.
ease of use remarkably intuitive
handling
This gives you:
4

function's setting via MIDI, affording you to a .
What's more, the is to match
the amp's various operating modes, which of its
.
4. and knobs in each of the four channels and a
for let you dial in distinct tones with surgical precision.
-> and ports serve to integrate the amp into a MIDI system.
-> , accessible via 16 MIDI channels.
-> The
The Serial Amp Control Port accepts the Custom Z-9 Footswitch (optional); use it
as a conventional switcher to select channels and two more functions directly.
Then there's the MIDI In, which accepts the Z-9 for use as a simple MIDI
footcontroller or any other MIDI footcontroller. Finally, the amp is equipped
with a stereo jack that takes a dual footswitch, allowing you to switch the
four channels remotely.
-> for suppressing noise in ,
and .
Among the hallmarks of this fine amp are painstaking workmanship and finishing as
well as rigorously tested and carefully selected quality components. You'll find
guidelinesoncareandmaintenanceoftubeampsonpage28.UndertheheadingTips
from the designer, you'll come across practical tips on the aforementioned features
quick access broad tonal palette
Sound function's voicing automatically adjusted
extends the scope tonal
spectrum tremendously
Separate Gain Volume 3-band EQ
channels 1, 2, 3 and 4
128 MIDI presets
INVADER II amp offers three different remote interface ports:
Programmable Noise Gate
5. - an that's versatile
enough to cover a wide range of applications.
It can even be with , all of which will give
you and .
-> :,, and with
separate Gain and Volume knobs.
-> (and with the optional ) for each
of the basic channels: The High Gain function affords you instant access
to with for .
> : one EQ for each Channel featuring
Bass, Middle and Treble.
-> The versatile for Channel 1, 2, 3 and 4:
It is to the given channels' .
-> and are variable, switchable effect
loops. Each effect loop may be activated for each channel.
-> The power amp's and knobs are .
MIDI controller #7 or #28 accesses , and in addition
is . These choices come in handy if you wish to use
the signal to .
ENGL INVADER II ultra-advanced tone-generating machine
extended Sound Wizard technology
years of playing pleasure value to boot
Four basic channels
Two Gain variants three
two gain settings different voicings every channel
Four voicing sections
Sound voicing button
tuned match tonal characteristics
Two effect loops:
A B Master accessible via MIDI
MIDI-programmable
Pre Output tune your guitar
Features and Functionality at a Glance
Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4
FX Loop I FX Loop II
Amp Mute Amp Mute
Sound Wizard
-
MIDI In Thru
Channel 2 Channel 3
Channel 4
5

throughout the manual. All critical information concerning the operation of this amp
is preceded by "NOTE", "CAUTION", "Read and heed" or some other eye-catching
comment.We're callingyour attentionto theseremarks forreasons ofsafety orother
compellingmotives,sopleasegivethemdueconsideration.
Everyone at ENGL is confident that the
and aresure to delightyou:
Andthe isthe
ifyouwanttogeteven when .
Though this amp head is relatively easy to handle and you're probably raring to give it
a go, I recommend that you read the owner's manual thoroughly before you power it
up. It is equipped with several safety features that require further explanation to
preventmalfunctions.
1. ENGL INVADER II Tube Amp Head;
2. mains cord;
3. this manual;
4. a pamphlet entitled .
The Sound Wizard module referred to is not included.
The Sound function takes on a certain type of voicing that is determined by the
selected channel and the given gain stage setting. This function's setting - Sound off/
on - affects the amp's overall sound. You can assign many typical voicings individually
to the two and settings when using the ENGL Sound Wizard
module(optional). The LEDabovethe buttonlightsup to indicatetheSound function
is enabled ( ). It may also be switched via MIDI program change or the ENGL
CustomZ-9footswitch.
The following list shows how the Sound function works when enabled ( ) in
various modes and the ENGL Sound Wizard module is not installed (or the is set
to ): : (that's switch #4 on the )
: (that's switch #3 on the )
: (that's switch #5 on the )
: (that's switch #3 on the )
: (that's switch #2 on the )
: & (that's switch #3
combined with switch #4 on the )
INVADER II tube amp's extraordinary
versatility outstanding features Simply plug in, play and
beinspiredbythetoneofyournewENGLamp! SoundWizardmodule
perfectadd-on morecreative sculptingyourtone
A few words of wisdom from the designer:
Contents:
Instructions for the Prevention of Fire,
Electrical Shock and Injury
Sound off Sound on
Sound on
Sound on
SWM
SoundWizardoff
CHANNEL 1 & Low Gain Twang SWM
CHANNEL 1 & High Gain Low Midrange SWM
CHANNEL 2 & Low Gain Bright SWM
CHANNEL 2 & High Gain Low Midrange SWM
CHANNEL 3 & Low Gain Low End SWM
CHANNEL 3 & High Gain Low Midrange High Midrange
SWM
Front Panel Features
in this manual
Onpage2and39ofthemanual,you'llfinddiagramsofthefrontandrearpanels.
1Sound
6

CHANNEL 4 & Low Gain Low End SWM
CHANNEL 4 & High Gain Low Midrange High Midrange
SWM
Twang Bright
High Gain
Bright
: (that's switch #2 on the )
: & (that's switch #3
combined with switch #4 on the ).
TheSoundfunctiongivesyousomuchcreativeleewayinvoicingtheampthatitmerits
a closer look: In the preceding section, you learned that you can activate a certain
voicing such as for Channel 1 in Low Gain mode or for Channel 2 in Low
Gain mode. Note that 'Low Gain mode' simply means that is not activated.
Your choice of voicing will of course depend on the selected mode, which in turn is
determinedbythecurrentlyactivechannelandthegivengainstagesetting.
The Sound button's voicings are automatically adjusted to match the amp's operating
modes as determined by the given channel and gain stage. This is very beneficial to
your tone. Here's why: Each tonal flavor has certain frequency ranges that can be
tweaked to fine-tune that type of tone. As you can imagine, these frequency ranges
vary from sound to sound, say from a pristine clean tone to a heavily overdriven lead
sound.Avoicingsuchas wouldhardlyenhanceadistortedtone,soit'snotmuch
use in shaping lead sounds. However, tweaking the low end and various midrange
frequencies can certainly change the flavor of crunchy rhythm sounds or singing lead
tones. But I don't want to bore you by trying to describe all the Sound voicings'
specifics. Besides, tone is very subjective, so here's my recommendation: Plug in your
guitar and try out all 16 variations by combining the channel's fundamental sound in
LowGainandHighGainmodesandswitchtheSoundfunctionoffandon.Anaudition
willtellyoualotmorethanwordsevercould.
Nonetheless, I do want to devote a few more words to an optional feature that
extends the tonal capabilities of the Sound function on the INVADER II amp. It caters
to demanding players who want to sculpt their sound with the surgical precision of a
scalpel rather than beat it into shape with a mallet. Closet hot-rodders and amp
modderswillfindplentytoloveinthistool.
Seeking to give creative guitarists practically unlimited freedom to shape their tone, I
started tinkering with the idea of a sound-tuning tool for everyone. Eventually, we
cameupwiththe Sound Wizardmodule. Thisoptional add-onenables anyguitarist to
fine-tune all the fundamental sounds of the INVADER II amp without havingto take a
soldering iron to its circuitry. Best of all, these modifications can be done without any
knowledgeofelectronics.RestoringtheINVADERIItoitsoriginalvoicingisassimpleas
flipping a single switch. The unique Sound Wizard module is truly extraordinary
becauseitdoeswhatsomanyguitaristshavebeenwantingtodoforsuchalongtime-
letsthem thesoundoftheirampstosuittheirtaste.
A single connector plugs the Sound Wizard module into the amp's circuitry. The ENGL
Sound Wizard module provides 96 rockers on 16 DIP switches for fine-tuning your
sound. 16 LEDs next to the DIP switches tell you which configuration of rockers is
currentlyactivefor agivenampmode(Channel,Gain&Soundsettings).Aslideswitch
enables and disables the Sound Wizard module. The module's status is indicated by a
separateLED onthemodule aswellas bytheSWM LEDonthe amp'sfrontpanel. You
can encode a total of 64 different settings on the Sound Wizard module for each amp
mode. The variations on Channel, Gain & Sound settings give you a total of 16 modes.
A tip from the designer:
it fine-tune
The Sound Wizard module sits in the amp's rear panel, so all you have to do is replace
thepanel.There'snoneedtoremovetheamplifierchassis.
7

All this means you have a whole bunch of configurations for fine-tuning your amp. In
addition to offering specific voicings such as , and , the Sound
Wizard also lets you modify the gain stages in certain modes and activate a special
parameter called for each amp setting to balance out different volume
levels. You will find a detailed description of the Sound Wizard's tuning capabilities in
themanualthatcomeswiththemodule.
Gaincontrolfor Channel 1'spreampsection.This knobdetermines thepreamp's input
sensitivitywhenChannel1isselectedand,byextension,thepreampsignal'ssaturation
level.
The amount of distortion depends on your guitar's pickups and the High Gain ( )
setting. In Channel 1, single-coil pickups may begin saturating the preamp when the
knob is set to about the two o'clock position; pickups with very high output levels
(humbuckersoractive pickups)will evokemildoverdriveat evenlower settings.Ifyou
wantsqueakycleantone,simplybackofftheGainknobaccordingly.
Ifyourguitarsportssingle-coilsandyouwanttoaddsomegrittoyourtoneandbiteto
your riffs, set the knob somewhere between 12 and 3 o'clock. For higher output pick-
ups such as humbucking or active jobs, dial in settings between 10 and 1 o'clock and
activate .
Thisisthepreampvoicingsection'spassivelow-frequencyEQfor .
This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .
Thisisthepreampvoicingsection'spassivehigh-frequencyEQfor .
Bright Twang Mid Boost
Attenuator
HighGain
Channel1
Channel 1
Channel1
Atipfromthedesigner:
2 Gain1
3Bass
4Middle
5Treble
19
To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that
youset alltonecontrols toor slightly higherthan thecenteror 12o'clock position. For
higher-gain preamp sounds, your best bet is to turn the Treble knob down to prevent
the pickups and speakers from generating feedback (a setting in the 10-to-2 o'clock
rangeisrecommended). Youwill findthat grittiertonesgenerallysound betterwith a
touch less treble because preamp saturation makes higher frequencies figure more
prominently in the signal. Each channel is equipped with a dedicated EQ so you can
tweakitssoundseparatelytosuityourtasteandthegivensonicscenario.Bearinmind
that you also have the Sound (1) button, as well as the power amp Presence (14) and
Depth Punch (15) knobs, at your disposal for shaping the frequency range. You can
program various MIDI presets with the Sound option remotely and have plenty of
tonalvariationsatyourfingertips.
Atipfromthedesigner:
8

6Volume1
7CH1
8Gain3
9Bass
10Middle
11Treble
PushthisbuttontoactivatepreampChannel1attheamp.ThegreenLEDtotherightof
theChannel1Volumeknob(6)lightsuptoindicate isactive. may
alsobeactivatedviaMIDIprogramchange,theENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch,oradual
footswitch.
vigorous
To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that
you set all tone controls to the center or 12 o'clock position. For higher-gain sounds in
your best bet is to turn the Treble knob down to prevent the pickups and
speakers from generating feedback (a setting in the 10-to-2 o'clock range is
recommended).
Channel1 Channel1
Channel 3
Volume control for Channel 1's preamp section. Use this knob to adjust the volume of
Channel1'spreampanddialinthedesiredbalancewiththeotherthreechannels'levels.
Becausethisknobislocatedpreeffectsloop,italsodeterminesthesendlevelsforboth
FXloopswhen isselected.ThegreenLEDtotherightoftheknoblightsupto
indicate ison. Usethe knob(56) onthe amp'srear panelto balanceout the
relativevolumesofHighGainandLowGainmodes.
Gaincontrolfor Channel 3'spreampsection.This knobdetermines thepreamp's input
sensitivitywhenChannel3isselectedand,byextension,thepreampsignal'ssaturation
level.
Like Channel 4, Channel 3's gain structures range from to extreme, making it
a great choice of channel for fat, creamy lead sound with plenty of sustain. The High
Gain (19) and Sound (1) functions let you tune Channel 3's fundamental tone to suit
different playing techniques. This channel has plenty of headroom, so I recommend
setting the Gain knob to somewhere between 8 and 1 o'clock. This will let you dial in
impressive sounds with preamp saturation figuring prominently in the tone. The High
Gain function comes in especially handy in conjunction with Gain settings below 12
o'clockbecauseyoucanuseittoshapeandaccesstwodistinctlydifferenttones.
Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 3 can produce powerful
feedback. Avoid feedback squeals; they can lead to hearing loss and damage
speakers! At higher volumes, back off the Gain, Treble and Presence levels in order to
preventuncheckedfeedback!
Thisisthepreampvoicingsection'spassivelow-frequencyEQfor .
This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .
Thisisthepreampvoicingsection'spassivehigh-frequencyEQfor .
Channel1
Channel 1
Channel3
Channel 3
Channel3
Atipfromthedesigner:
CAUTION:
Atipfromthedesigner:
9

EachchannelisequippedwithadedicatedEQsoyoucantweakitssoundseparatelyto
suityourtasteandthegivensonicscenario.BearinmindthatyoualsohavetheSound
(1) button, as well as the two power amp Presence (14) and Depth Punch (15) knobs,
atyourdisposal forshaping thefrequencyrange. Thoughthis passivevoicingsection's
controls range is narrower than that of a comparable active system, its EQ curve is
tweakedspecificallyforitsdesignatedpurpose,andwillgiveyousatisfyingresults.
Pressthisbutton toactivate preamp atthe amp.TheredLED tothe rightof
theChannel3Volumeknob(12)lightsuptoindicate isactive. may
alsobeactivatedviaMIDIprogramchange,theENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch,oradual
footswitch.
Power amp Presence knob. This knob determines the power amp's high frequency
responseandaffectsallchannels.
This control shapes the lo frequency response in the power amp stage and affects all
channels.
13CH3
14Presence
15DepthPunch
16FXLOOPI/II
Channel3 Channel3 Channel3
12Volume3
Volume control for Channel 3's preamp section. Use this knob to adjust the volume of
Channel3'spreampanddialinthedesiredbalancewiththeotherthreechannels'levels.
Becausethisknobislocatedpreeffectsloop,italsodeterminesthesendlevelsforbothFX
loopswhen isselected.TheredLEDtotherightoftheknoblightsuptoindicate
is on. Use the knob (58) on the amp's rear panel to balance out the relative
volumesofHighGainandLowGainmodes.
This button switches to and fro between and . The red LED above
the button lights up to indicate is on. You can also select loops via MIDI
programchangeortheENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch.
Both effect loops can be configured in series (that is, 100% processed signal when
is set to ) or in parallel (1% to 99% mix of preamp and effect signal when
is set somewhere between and ), or be bypassed altogether (0 % wet
balance when is set to ). You can connect an effect device to each of the
effect loops and switch from one effect device to the other using the FX Loop I/II
function, or employ just one of the two effect loops (for example, FX II Loop) and use
to activate the effect. In the latter case, serves as a bypass (set
its knob to the position). Note that in the signal path, and
controlsarepost andpre the power amp.
Channel3
Channel 3
FX Loop I FX Loop II
FX Loop II
Balance wet
Balance dry wet
Balance dry
FX Loop I/II FX Loop I
Balance dry Master A
MasterB FXLoop Return
Atipfromthedesigner:
10