ENGL Invader Operator´s Manual
DER
A
V
IN
4 Channel Full Tube
Guitar Amplifier
with MIDI-Control
Operator´s Manual
Please, first read this manual carefully!
Tube
Tube
Amp
Amp
Technology
Technology
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features and Functionality at a Glance
Contents
page
4
5
6
:
Front Panel Features:
Bright
Channel 1: Gain 1, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 1, CH 1
Channel 2: Gain 2, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 2, CH 2
Power Amp EQ: Presence A/B, Depth Boost
FX Loop I/II, Noise Gate
Input, Hi Gain
Channel 3: Gain 3, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 3, CH 3
Channel 4: Gain 4, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume 4, CH 4
Power Amp section: Master A/B
Write/Copy, Amp Mute
Stand By, Power
Rear Panel Features:
Mains, Mains Fuse,
MIDI Section and Footswitch Ports
Noise Gate: Threshold Level
FX Loops I and FX Loop II: Send, Return, and Balance
Pre Out, Line Out
Power Amp Output, 4, 8, 16 Ohms
Poweramp Output: speaker options
Practical Info and Tips
Handling and Care
Glossary
Status-LED: Indications
Troubleshooting
Technical Data,
Tube Map, Tube Exchange Service
Wiring of Principal Connectors
Remote Control Options
Front Panel Diagrams for Noting Settings
Configuration table for Z-9 settings
Ground Lift Switch
Detailed Specifications and Ratings
6
6, 7
7, 8
8
9
10
10, 11
11, 12
12, 13
13, 14
14, 15
16
16 - 19
19
19, 20
20
20
21
21 - 24
24, 25
25
26
27, 28
29
30
31
32
33
34
CAUTION! Please read and heed the following:
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.
Note:
3
Congratulations InVader tube-powered head
now own an guitar amp. Featuring a
and , it delivers both and
packing a powerful punch contemporary traditional vintage
in the and quality!
tones finest tube flavors
sophisticated guitar amp all-tube technology
This marries the unrivalled tone of to
the awesome sound-shaping might of control features powered by
microchip circuitry a vast range of
great fundamental tones
variations all ofwhichmaybe .
The InVader amp offers - tweaked to
tonal spectrums
fast & heavy riffs punchy lead tone
assertive midrange kick
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
clean classic grind creamy rock lead tone thick, lush tube overdrive
to , and from with
to the kind of it takes to cut through in
heavy styles
What's more, the amp boasts a host of hip & practical features:
A/B Master switching
ENGL amps (it has featured in E920 power amps since the late '80s and in the
legendary SAVAGE 120 head since '93!). Your head also sports
switchable effect loops programmable Amp Mute
As an alternative to operating the amp remotely via a such as the
ENGL Z-15, you can also plug in an ENGL and manipulate
key functions directly. What's more, the amp comes with a stereo jack designed to take
ENGL Z-4 dual footswitch
an or a switching system for selecting the four channels. And
exterior's compelling visuals
the certainly match the interior's impressive
appointments. This amp's elegant and stylish look is sure to turn heads wherever you
play.
on your choice! With the , you
extraordinarily versatile state-of-the-art design
state-of-the-art
. This elegant combination puts at your fingertips
and an all but inexhaustible reservoir of compelling
controlled remotely via MIDI
four independent channels deliver different
for various styles and playing techniques, for instance, Channel 3 for
and an power chords; Channel 4 for with an
. All four channels offer Lo Gain / Hi Gain switching, as well as
vintage
aggressive hi-gain lead sound contemporary
.
is a powerful option that has proven its merits in countless
InVader Amp two
and a .
MIDI foot controller
Z-9 Custom Foot Controller
This affords you:
1. a logical control feature array, utmost and
handling
excellent sound-shaping options greatest flexibility
2. and courtesy of the many
voicing options and special features, and 128 MIDI presets offering a bevy of
programming options;
fundamental sounds excellent tube quality Two
3. in : , , and .
Gain stages double instant-access sounds Remote
MIDI Channel Gain Lo/Hi switching
sounds. (that is, automatic frequency response adaptation to suit
the selected Gain stage and activated channel) fine-tunes two Gain stages to
give you a much wider range of sounds.
Separate Gain Volume 3-band EQ
4. and knobs in each of the four channels and a
for let you dial in distinct tones with surgical precision.
;
in every channel the count of .
and affords access to a wide range of
EQ adapting
channels 1, 2, 3 and 4
ease of use remarkably intuitive
Clean Crunch Lead
4
ultra-advanced tone-generating machine
5. an that will give you years of
playing pleasure value to boot
and .
Features and Functionality at a Glance
Four basic channels
-> : , , and with
separate Gain and Volume knobs.
Two Gain variants
-> for each of the basic channels: The Hi Gain feature
lets you activate directly two different gain settings for every channel.
Four voicing sections
> : one EQ for each Channel featuring
-
Bass, Middle and Treble.
-> for and : tuned to match
Bright
Two effect loops:
-> and are variable, switchable effect
-> The power amp's and knobs are .
MIDI In Thru
-> and ports serve to integrate the amp into a MIDI system.
128 MIDI presets
-> , accessible via 16 MIDI channels.
-> The InVader
Programmable Noise Gate
-> for suppressing noise in ,
sound-shaping button
the given channels' tonal characteristics.
loops. Each effect loop may be activated for each channel.
MIDI controller 7 accesses , and in addition
MIDI-programmable
Pre Output tune your guitar
the signal to .
amp offers three different remote interface ports:
The Serial Amp Control Port accepts the Custom Z-9 Footswitch (optional); use it
as a conventional switcher to select channels and two sound-shaping 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.
and .
Channel 4
Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4
Channel 1 Channel 2
FX Loop I FX Loop II
A B Master accessible via MIDI
Amp Mute Amp Mute
. These choices come in handy if you wish to use
Channel 2 Channel 3
is
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
guidelines on care and maintenance of tube amps on page 24. Under the heading Tips
from the designer, you'll come across practical tips on the aforementioned features
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 calling your attention to these remarks for reasons of safety or other
compelling motives, so please give them due consideration.
Everyone at ENGL is confident that the
and aresure to delight you:
outstanding features Simply plug in, playand be inspired
by the tone of your new ENGL amp!
A few words of wisdom from the designer:
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
prevent malfunctions.
InVader tube amp's extraordinary versatility
5
Contents:
1. ENGL InVader Tube Amp Head;
2. mains cord;
3. this manual;
4. a pamphlet entitled
Electrical Shock and Injury
Instructions for the Prevention of Fire,
.
Front Panel Features
At the back of the manual, you'll find fold-out diagrams of the front and rear panels.
As you're reading the descriptions of the amp's features, you'll gain a better
understanding of the topic of discussion if you unfold and refer to them as we go!
1 Bright
This feature boosts the upper end of the high frequency range in Channel 1 and
Channel 2. The red LED above this button lights up to indicatethe Bright function is on.
This feature can also be switched via MIDI program change or Custom Z-9 Footswitch.
A tip from the designer:
For a very crisp or glassy tone, activate the Bright feature. This setting brightens the
sound of humbucking or muddy pickups.
I matched to suit the two channels' Gain characteristics, which is why you get
different sounds when you activate it. Its effect is strongest in Channel 1's Lo Gain
range. As the name would indicate, the amp's gain level is lowest at this setting, so you
can activate to conjure sparkling clean sounds with Trebleand Presence settings
as low as the 12 o'clock position.
This voicing option ups the twang factor inherent in certain types of guitars, and lets
you put a set of sonic cow horns on those that lack it.
Bright
prevent saturated sounds from growing too cutting or harsh, and tweaked it to deliver
a rich, pleasing overtone spectrum in finest tube-approved quality.
I also matched to Channel 2's tonal structure: Deactivate it for a more
pronounced midrange; activate it – particularly in Lo Gain mode – for a sweet, riffapproved sound with a distinctively vintage tone!
The Bright functions in Channels 1 and 2, in combination with the two Gain choices Lo
and Hi, give you eight markedly different sounds, all accessible via MIDI!
Bright
Bright
is not nearly as aggressive in Channel 1's Hi Gain range. I toned it down to
Bright
2 Gain 1
Channel 1 Gain control. This knob determines the preamp's input sensitivity for
Channel 1; use it to set the desired input level.
A tip from the designer:
The amount of distortion depends on your guitar's pickups and the Gain (19) setting.
In Channel 1, single-coil pickups may beginsaturating the preamp when the knobis set
to about the two o'clock position; pickups with very high output levels (humbuckers or
active pickups) will evoke mild overdrive at even lower settings. If you want squeaky
clean tone, simply back off the Gain knob accordingly.
If your guitar sports single-coils and you wantto add some grit to your tone and bite to
your riffs, set the knob somewhere between 11 and 3 o'clock. For higher output pick-
6
ups such as humbucking or active jobs, dial in settings between 9 and 1 o'clock and
activate .
Hi Gain
3 Bass
This is the preamp voicing section's passive low-frequency EQ for .
Channel 1
4 Middle
This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .
Channel 1
5 Treble
This is the preamp voicing section's passive high-frequency EQ for .
A tip from the designer:
To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that
you set all tone controls to or slightly higher than the center or 12 o'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 -1 o'clock
range is recommended). You will find that grittier tones generally sound better with a
touch less treble because preamp saturation makes higher frequencies figure more
prominently in the signal. Bear in mind thatyou also have the Bright (1) button, as well
as the power amp (14) an (15) knobs, at your disposal for
shaping the frequency range. I suggest you get into the habit of dialing in lower Treble
settings. That way, you can program various MIDI presets with the Bright option
remotely and have plenty of tonal variations at your fingertips.
Presence Depth Punch
Channel 1
6 Volume 1
Determines the level for .Use this knob to adjust the volume of and
dial in the desired balance in comparison with the other channels' levels. Because this
knob is located pre effects loop, it also determines the effects send level for .
The green LED to the right of the knob lights up to indicate is on.
Channel 1 Channel 1
Channel 1
Channel 1
7CH1
Push this button to activate preamp Channel 1 directly (in reciprocation with ,
Channel 3 Channel 4
lights up to indicate is active. may also be activated via MIDI
program change, the ENGL Custom Z-9 Footswitch, or a dual footswitch.
, ). The green LED to the right of the Channel 1 Volume knob (6)
Channel 1 Channel 1
Channel 2
8 Gain 2
Gain control for . This knob determines the input sensitivity in Channel 2
mode; use it to dial in the desired amount of preamp distortion.
A tip from the designer:
Single-coil pickups will evoke mildly overdriven sounds at settings somewhere
between 9 and 2 o'clock. Try settings between 8 and 12 o'clock for pickups with highoutput humbuckers or active pickups. Bear in mind the Hi Gain function. You can
activate it via an ENGL Custom Z-9 Footswitch or a preprogrammed MIDI preset to get
an even bigger, beefier crunch tone on the fly.
CAUTION:
Channel 2
Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 2 can produce powerful
7
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
prevent unchecked feedback!
9 Bass
This is the preamp voicing section's passive low-frequency EQ for .
Channel 2
10 Middle
This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .
Channel 2
11 Treble
This is the preamp voicing section's passive high-frequency EQ for .
A tip from the designer:
To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that
you set all tone controls to or slightly higher than 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 -1
o'clock range is recommended).
Each channel is equipped with a dedicated EQso you can tweak its sound separatelyto
suit your taste and the given sonic scenario. Bear in mind that you also have the Bright
(1) button, as well as the two power amp Presence (14) and Depth Punch (15) knobs,
at your disposal for shaping the frequency range. Though this passive voicing section's
controls range is narrower than that of a comparable active system, its EQ curve is
tweaked specifically for its designated purpose, and will give you satisfying results.
Channel 2
Channel 2
12Volume2
Determines the level for .Use this knob to adjust the volume of and
dial in the desired balance in comparison with the other channels' levels. Because this
knob is located pre effects loop, it also determines the effects send level for .
TheyellowLED to therightoftheknob lights uptoindicate ison.
Channel 2 Channel 2
Channel 2
Channel2
13 CH 2
Press this button to activate preamp directly (inreciprocation with ,
Channel 3 Channel 4
lights up to indicate is active. may also be activated via MIDI
program change, the ENGL Custom Z-9 Footswitch, or a dual footswitch.
, ). The yellow LED to the right of the Channel 2 Volume knob (12)
Channel 2 Channel 2
Channel 2 Chanel 1
14 Presence
Power amp Presence knob. This knob determines the power amp's high frequency
response.
15 Depth Punch
This control shapes the lo frequency response in the power amp stage and affects all
channels.
8
16 FX LOOP I/II
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
program change or the ENGL Custom Z-9 Footswitch.
A tip from the designer:
Both effect loops can be configured in series (that is, 100% processed signal when
Balance wet
Balance dry 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
FX Loop I/II FX Loop I
its knob to the position). Note that in the signal path, and
Master B FX Loop Return
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 dry
to activate the effect. In the latter case, serves as a bypass (set
Balance dry Master A
controls are post and pre the power amp.
FX Loop II
FX Loop I FX Loop II
17 Noise Gate
Press this button to activate an onboard and suppress excess noise in
channel 2, 3 or 4. Control the using the Level Threshold (48) knob on the
back of the amp. The LED above the button lights up to indicate the is
activated. This feature can also be switched via MIDI program change or the ENGL
Custom Z-9 Footswitch.
IMPORTANT note; please read and heed
when the is activated, a high-gain channel is selected, and the volume
exceeds the Threshold knob setting. At very high volume and gain settings, this may
generate instant feedback, particularly if your guitar is facing the speakers. Rather
than musical and controlled, this is the shrill, unpleasant and potentially harmful
variety of feedback squealing that sends your audience and fellow musicians packing.
Though the amp is not more susceptible to feedback when the is activated,
the fact that it suppresses extraneous noise means you can't hear those telltale signs
that feedback is swelling and consequently can't take measures to suppress it. For this
reason, make an extra effort to be careful when the is activated: Before
you approach the amp and speaker cabinet with your guitar in hand, turn the guitar's
volume knob to the far left position (to 0 so that no signal is audible) to prevent the
pickups and speakers from interacting!
A tip from the designer:
Noise is a definite no-no in many situations. For example, studio etiquette demands
that you keep a lid on extraneous noise during short breaks. It's in the nature of highgain rigs to generate undesirable peripheral noise in overdriven channels. This is
attributable to the physical properties of an amp's constituent components, in
particular its active components. That's right; those cherished tubes are the culprits.
The Noise Gate is a tool that lets you silence this noise during breaks by way of signal
mute circuit. Note that electric guitars pick up interference signals, and these are
amplified tremendously at high gain levels in Hi Gain mode. The most common source
of noise is 50 or 60 hertz mains hum, particularly when the guitar is positioned near
transformers and power units. Because in worst-case scenarios this humming can
attain extremely high levels, the Noise Gate can hardly distinguish between the
musical signal and noise. This makes it hard to find the right Threshold setting. It is
Noise Gate
Noise Gate
Noise Gate
Noise Gate
Noise Gate
: The may open up inadvertently
Noise Gate
Noise Gate
9
entirely possible for this humming and othernoise to rise to a levelthat deactivates the
Noise Gate
transformers and power units as space allows.
and therefore becomes audible. My advice is to stay as far away from
18 Input
¼" unbalanced input jack. Plug your guitar in here using a shielded cord.
A tip from the designer:
Depending on the type of cord and its shielding, you may occasionally encounter
interference from sources such as radio stations or powerful magnetic fields. When
this occurs, try connecting your guitar to the amp using different cords. What's more,
to minimize signal degradation due to high-frequency loss, use the shortest cords
feasible (as a rule, the shorter the cord, the less susceptible it is to high-frequency
attenuation).
19 Hi Gain
Pressing this button ups input sensitivity, thereby increasing the amplification factor
and the amount of distortion in all four preamp channels , , and . The
LED above this button lights up to indicate is active. This feature can also be
switched via MIDI program change or Custom Z-9 Footswitch.
A tip from the designer:
Obviously, the difference between Lo and High Gain is the latter gives you more
preamp juice. But I also tuned frequency response to suit each channel's gain structure,
which is a long-winded way of saying the four channels give you eight great sonic
choices. Depending on the selected channel and Gain knob setting, the spectrum
ranges from pristine clean to ultra saturated lead tone, rich in overtones and gain
reserves for screaming solos and crashing power chords. Whatever tones your style,
genre and whims may demand, you'll find it between these two extremes. The options
are too numerous to mention, so switch back and forth between Lo and High Gain in
each of the four channels to get to know their tonal characteristics and make the most
of these eight fundamental sounds.
Hi Gain
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4
20 Gain 3
Gain control for Channel 3. This knob determines Channel 3's input sensitivity; use it to
dial in the desired amount of saturation level.
A tip from the designer:
Depending on Gain knob and Gain option (19) settings, Channel 3's gain ranges from
middling to extreme, which translates to big power chords and mean leads. Note that
Channel 3's midrange is scooped - that is, not as dominant as Channel 4's - lending
Channel 3 a distinctive tone quite unlike the other.
CAUTION:
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
prevent unchecked feedback!
Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 3 can produce powerful
21 Bass
This is the preamp voicing section's passive low-frequency EQ for .
Channel 3
10
22 Middle
This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange EQ for .
Channel 3
23 Treble
This is the preamp voicing section's passive high-frequency EQ for 3.
A tip from the designer:
To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that
you set all tone controls to about the center or 12 o'clock position. For higher-gain,
high-volume lead sounds, your best bet is to turn the Treble knob down to prevent the
pickups and speakers fromgenerating feedback (asetting in the9-to-1 o'clock range is
recommended).
Each channel is equipped with a dedicated EQso you can tweak its sound separatelyto
suit your taste and the given sonic scenario. Bear in mind that you also have the two
power amp (14) and (15)knobs at your disposal for shapingthe
frequency range.
Though this passive voicing section's controls range is narrower than that of a
comparable active system, its EQ curve is tweaked specifically for its designated
purpose, and will give you satisfying results.
Presence Depth Punch
Channel
24 Volume 3
Determines the level for . Use this knob to adjust the volume of
and dial in the desired balance in comparison with the other channels' levels. Because
this knob is located pre effects loop, it also determines the effects send level in
Channnel 3 mode. The red LED to the right of the knob lights up to indicate the
Channel 3
is on.
Channel 3 Channel 3
25 CH 3
Press this button to activate the preamp's directly (in reciprocation with
Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 4
knob (24) lights up to indicate Channel 3 is active. Channel 3 may also be activated via
MIDI program change, the ENGL Custom Z-9 Footswitch, or a dual footswitch.
, , ). The red LED to the right of the Channel 3 Volume
Channel 3
26 Gain 4
Gain control for . This knob determines Channel 4's input sensitivity; use it to
dial in the desired amount of saturation level.
A tip from the designer:
Channel 3 Channel 3
Like , Channel 4's gain sweeps from middling to extreme. Unlike ,
its midrange is boosted, making this a great choice for leads.
CAUTION:
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
prevent unchecked feedback!
Channel 4
Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 4 can produce powerful
27 Bass
This is the preamp voicing section's passive low-frequency EQ for .
Channel 4
11
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