Engl Invader II User Manual

DER II

4 Channel Full Tube

Guitar Amplifier

with MIDI-Control

Operator´s Manual

Please, first read this manual carefully!

page: >6< <----------------------- 8 -----------------------> <---------------------------------- 9 -----------------------------------> <---------------------- 10 ---------------------> >11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

GAIN I

SOUND

Tube

Amp

INPUT

18 19 20 21 2522 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39

GAIN 2

HIGH GAIN

BASS

MIDDLE

TREBLE

VOLUME I

VOLUME 2

GAIN 3

CH 1

GAIN 4

CH 2

BASS

MIDDLE

TREBLE VOLUME 3

TREBLE

VOLUME 4 MASTER A

PRESENCE

DEPTH PUNCH

DER II

NOISE GATE

S.W.M.

WRITE /

COPY

STAND BY

MASTER B

FX LOOP

I / II

MUTE

MASTER

A/B

CH 3

CH 4

page: 11< <----------------------------12 ----------------------------> <------- 13 -------> <------------------------------------------ 14 ------------------------------------------> > 15 < <--16 --> >18<

INVADER II: Front Panel Layout

page: <------------------ 23 ----------------->

Type Plate

Midi

Midi FootController

CAUTION !

DO NOT OPEN !

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK !

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT

TO RAIN OR MOISTURE !

123456

Midi

Channel

Amp Mute

REPLACE FUSE

ONLY WITH SAME TYPE

AND RATING !

Ground Floated

Ground

Ground Lift

Switch

40 4342 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 63 64 65 6641

page:

<---- 18 ----> <------------------ 19 ------------------> <- 21 -> <--------------- 22 ---------------> <------ 23 ------> <---------------------------- 24 ----------------------------->

HRB 6238

Midi Thru

Footswitch

Serial Amp

Control Port

CAUTION: Connect Custom Footswitch Z-9 Only!

Channel:

Up < > Down

1 < > 3 / 2 < > 4

Noise Gate

min. max.

Threshold

Level

56 57 58 59

Low / High Gain - Volume Ratio Control

FX Loop I

Send Return Balance

Dry Effect

Channel 4Channel 3Channel 2Channel 1

FX Loop II

Send Return Balance

Dry Effect

All-tube

Guitar Head Amp

INVADER-II

TYPE E642-2

optically refined by Edmund Engl

MADE IN GERMANY

Tube

Amp

Signal Outputs

Tuner Poweramp

Pre

Line Out

Output

Poweramp Output

48Or 8And Or-> 816Or 16And

4 Ohms Parallel

1 x 4 Ohms or 2 x 8 Ohms

1 x 8 Ohms or 2 x 16 Ohms

8 Ohms Parallel

Or->

POWER

16 Ohms

INVADER II: Rear Panel Layout

Table of Contents

Introduction Features and Functionality at a Glance Contents

Front Panel Features:

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

page

4 5 6

6 - 8 8, 9 9, 10 10 10, 11 11, 12 12, 13 13, 14 14, 15 15, 16 16 - 18

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 Low / High Gain - Volume Ratio Control CH 1, CH 2, CH 3, CH 4 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 Front Panel and Rear Panel Diagrams

Ground Lift Switch

Detailed Specifications and Ratings

18,19 19 - 22 22 22, 23 23 24 24 24, 25

25 - 28 28, 29 29, 30 30 31, 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 2, 39

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!

Note:

Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

Congratulationsonyourchoiceofamp,themightyENGLINVADERII tubepowered head high-performance guitar amp severalinnovativenewideas remarkably efficient features

This marries the unrivalled tone of to the

top-notch guitar amp all-tube technology

awesome sound-shaping might of control features powered by modern microchip circuitry. This elegant combination puts at your fingertips a

fundamental tones

ofwhichmaybe . TheINVADER IIamp offers -tweaked to

tonal spectrums fast & heavy riffs punchy lead tone assertive midrange kick

well as dedicated Gain and Volume knobs and a3-band EQfor eachchannel thatgive you an even greater range of sound-sculpting options. The tonal palette ranges from

vintage clean classic grind creamy rock lead tone thick, lush tube overdrive kind of aggressive hi-gain lead sound

of .

contemporaryheavystyles

Then there's the nifty , a sort of that

extends unprecedented feature

amp's fundamental sound as you see fit and using the

SoundWizardmodule

This amp boasts a lot more hip and 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 also sports

switchableeffectloops programmableAmpMutefunction

Asan alternative to operatingtheamp remotely viaa suchas the ENGL Z-15, you can also plug in an ENGL and manipulate keyfunctionsdirectly.What'smore,theampcomeswithastereojackdesigned to take an ora switching systemforselectingthefourchannels.

ENGLZ-4dualfootswitch

And the certainly match the interior's impressive appointments. This amp's elegant and stylish look is sure to turn heads wherever you play.

, you now own a that incorporates

and .

and a virtually inexhaustible reservoir of compelling variations, all

controlledremotelyviaMIDI

four independent channels deliver different

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

to ,and from with

tothe ittakes to cut through thedin

Sound button DIY tone-tuning tool vastly

the amp's application range. This lets you shape the

fine-tune its voicing optional

is a powerful option that has proven its merits in countless

INVADER II head two

anda .

MIDIfoot controller

Z-9 Custom Foot Controller

exterior's compelling visuals

.Withthis

vast range of great

This gives you:

1. a logical control feature array, utmost and

handling

excellent voicing options great flexibility

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 :

Two gain stages double instantly accessible

sounds

;

and the provided by so many sound

ENGL Sound Wizard module

clean crunch lead sounds excellent tube-driven quality

in every channel the count of

. You can select channels and adjust Gain Low/High and the Sound

ease of use remarkably intuitive

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

spectrum tremendously

Separate Gain Volume 3-band EQ

4. and knobs in each of the four channels and a

channels 1, 2, 3 and 4

for let you dial in distinct tones with surgical precision.

ENGL INVADER II ultra-advanced tone-generating machine

5. - an that's versatile enough to cover a wide range of applications. It can even be with , all of which will give

years of playing pleasure value to boot

you and .

Sound function's voicing automatically adjusted

extended Sound Wizard technology

quick access broad tonal palette

extends the scope tonal

Features and Functionality at a Glance

Four basic channels

-> :,, and with separate Gain and Volume knobs.

Two Gain variants three

-> (and with the optional ) for each of the basic channels: The High Gain function affords you instant access

two gain settings different voicings every channel

to with for .

Four voicing sections

> : one EQ for each Channel featuring

Bass, Middle and Treble.

-> The versatile for Channel 1, 2, 3 and 4:

tuned match tonal characteristics

It is to the given channels' .

Two effect loops:

-> 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

MIDI-programmable

is . These choices come in handy if you wish to use

Pre Output tune your guitar

the signal to .

-> and ports serve to integrate the amp into a MIDI system.

MIDI In Thru

128 MIDI presets

-> , accessible via 16 MIDI channels.

INVADER II amp offers three different remote interface ports:

-> 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.

Programmable Noise Gate

-> for suppressing noise in , and .

Channel 4

Sound voicing button

Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4

Sound Wizard

FX Loop I FX Loop II

A B Master accessible via MIDI

Amp Mute Amp Mute

Channel 2 Channel 3

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 guidelinesoncare and maintenance oftubeamps on page 28. Undertheheading 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 callingyour attention to these remarksfor reasons of safety orother compellingmotives, so pleasegivethemdueconsideration.

Everyone at ENGL is confident that the

versatility outstanding features Simply plug in, play and beinspiredbythetoneofyournewENGLamp! SoundWizardmodule perfectadd-on morecreative sculptingyourtone A few words of wisdom from the designer:

Though this amphead is relatively easy to handle and you're probablyraring to give it a go, I recommend thatyou readthe owner'smanual thoroughlybefore youpower it up. It is equipped with several safety features that require further explanation to preventmalfunctions.

and are sureto delight you:

ifyou want togeteven when .

INVADER II tube amp's extraordinary

Andthe is the

Contents:

1. ENGL INVADER II Tube Amp Head;

2. mains cord;

3. this manual;

4. a pamphlet entitled

Electrical Shock and Injury

The Sound Wizard module referred to is not included.

Instructions for the Prevention of Fire,

in this manual

Front Panel Features

Onpage 2 and39ofthemanual,you'll find diagrams ofthefrontandrearpanels.

1Sound

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 LEDabove the buttonlights up toindicate the Soundfunction is enabled ( ). It may also be switched via MIDI program change or the ENGL CustomZ-9 footswitch. 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 ):

SoundWizard off

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

combined with switch #4 on the )

Sound off Sound on

Sound on

SWM

: (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

SWM

CHANNEL 4 & Low Gain Low End SWM CHANNEL 4 & High Gain Low Midrange High Midrange

combined with switch #4 on the ).

A tip from the designer:

TheSoundfunctiongivesyou so much creative leeway invoicing theamp thatit merits 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 isnot activated. Your choice of voicing will of course depend on the selected mode, which in turn is determinedby the currentlyactivechannelandthegivengain stage setting. 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.Avoicing such as would hardly enhance a distorted tone, so it's notmuch 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 LowGainandHighGainmodesand switch the Sound function off andon. Anaudition willtell you alotmorethanwordsever could. 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 modderswill find plentytoloveinthistool. 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 cameup with theSound Wizard module. Thisoptional add-on enablesany guitarist to fine-tuneall thefundamental sounds of the INVADERII amp without having totake a soldering iron to its circuitry. Best of all, these modifications can be done without any knowledgeof electronics. Restoring the INVADER II to itsoriginalvoicingisassimpleas flipping a single switch. The unique Sound Wizard module is truly extraordinary becauseitdoeswhat so many guitarists havebeen wantingtodoforsuch a long time -

it fine-tune

letsthem the sound oftheirampstosuittheirtaste.

The Sound Wizard module sits in the amp's rear panel, so all you have to do is replace thepanel. There's noneedtoremovetheamplifier chassis.

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 currentlyactive for a givenampmode (Channel, Gain &Sound settings). A slideswitch enables and disables the Sound Wizard module. The module's status is indicated by a separateLED on the module as well as bythe SWM LEDon the amp'sfront panel. You can encode atotal of 64 different settingson theSound Wizard module for eachamp mode. The variationson Channel, Gain & Sound settings giveyou a total of 16modes.

Twang Bright

: (that's switch #2 on the )

: & (that's switch #3

SWM

High Gain

Bright

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 themanual that comeswiththemodule.

Attenuator

Bright Twang Mid Boost

2 Gain 1

Gaincontrol for Channel1's preamp section.This knob determines thepreamp's input sensitivitywhen Channel 1 is selectedand,byextension,thepreampsignal'ssaturation level.

Atip from the designer:

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 (humbuckersor active pickups)will evoke mildoverdrive at evenlower settings. If you wantsqueaky clean tone,simplybackofftheGainknob accordingly. Ifyourguitarsportssingle-coilsandyou want to add some grit to yourtone and biteto your riffs, set the knob somewhere between 12 and 3 o'clock. For higher output pickups such as humbucking or active jobs, dial in settings between 10 and 1 o'clock and activate .

HighGain

3Bass

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivelow-frequencyEQfor .

Channel1

4Middle

This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .

Channel 1

5Treble

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivehigh-frequencyEQfor .

Atip from the designer:

To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that youset all tone controls toor slightly higherthan the centeror 12 o'clock position. For higher-gain preamp sounds, yourbest 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 rangeis recommended). Youwill find thatgrittier tones generally sound better with 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 tweakitssoundseparately to suit yourtaste andthegivensonic scenario. Bear in mind 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 tonalvariations at yourfingertips.

Channel1

6Volume1

Volume control for Channel 1's preamp section. Use this knob to adjust the volume of Channel1'spreampanddialinthedesiredbalancewiththeotherthreechannels'levels. Becausethisknobislocatedpreeffectsloop,italsodeterminesthesendlevelsforboth FXloops when isselected.ThegreenLED to therightoftheknoblights up to indicate ison. Usethe knob (56) on theamp's rear panel to balanceout the relativevolumesofHighGainandLowGainmodes.

Channel1

Channel 1

7CH1

PushthisbuttontoactivatepreampChannel1attheamp.ThegreenLEDtotherightof theChannel1 Volume knob (6)lightsup to indicate isactive. may alsobeactivatedviaMIDIprogramchange,theENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch,oradual footswitch.

Channel1 Channel 1

8Gain3

Gaincontrol for Channel3's preamp section.This knob determines thepreamp's input sensitivitywhen Channel 3 is selectedand,byextension,thepreampsignal'ssaturation level.

Atip from the designer:

Like Channel 4,Channel 3'sgain 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 figuringprominently in the tone. The High Gain function comes in especially handy in conjunction with Gain settings below 12 o'clockbecause you canuseittoshapeand access two distinctlydifferenttones.

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 preventunchecked feedback!

Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 3 can produce powerful

vigorous

9Bass

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivelow-frequencyEQfor .

Channel3

10Middle

This is the preamp voicing section's passive midrange frequency EQ for .

Channel 3

11Treble

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivehigh-frequencyEQfor .

Atip from the designer:

To help you get acquainted with the amp's fundamental sounds, I recommend that you set all tone controls to the center or 12o'clock position. For higher-gain sounds in

Channel 3

speakers from generating feedback (a setting in the 10-to-2 o'clock range is recommended).

your best bet is to turn the Treble knob down to prevent the pickups and

Channel3

Eachchannelisequipped with a dedicated EQ so you can tweak its sound separately to suityour taste and thegiven sonic scenario. Bearin mind that youalsohave the Sound (1) button, as wellas the two power ampPresence (14) and Depth Punch (15) knobs, atyour disposal forshaping the frequencyrange. Though thispassive voicing section's controls range is narrower than that of a comparable active system, its EQ curve is tweakedspecifically for itsdesignatedpurpose,andwillgiveyou satisfying results.

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

Channel 3

volumesofHighGainandLowGainmodes.

Channel3

is on. Use the knob (58)on the amp's rear panel to balance out the relative

13CH3

Pressthis button toactivate preamp at the amp.The red LEDtothe right of theChannel3Volumeknob(12)lightsupto indicate isactive. may alsobeactivatedviaMIDIprogramchange,theENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch,oradual footswitch.

Channel3

Channel3 Channel3

14Presence

Power amp Presence knob. This knob determines the power amp's high frequency responseand affects allchannels.

15DepthPunch

This control shapes the lo frequency response in the power amp stage and affects all channels.

16FXLOOPI/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 programchange or theENGLCustomZ-9Footswitch.

Atip 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

MasterB FXLoop 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

controlsare post andprethe power amp.

FX Loop II

FX Loop I FXLoop II

17NoiseGate

Press this button to activate an onboard and suppress excess noise in channel 2, 3 or 4. Control the using the Level Threshold (49) 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 CustomZ-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 thatsends youraudience andfellow musicians packing. Thoughtheampisnot more susceptible to feedback whenthe isactivated, the fact that it suppresses extraneous noise means you can't hear those telltale signs that feedback isswelling andconsequently can't take measures to suppress it. For this reason, make an extra effort to be careful when the is activated: Before you approach theamp andspeaker 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 pickupsand speakers frominteracting!

Atip 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 particularits active components. That'sright;thosecherishedtubesare the culprits. The 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 High Gain mode. The most common source of noise is 50 or 60 hertz mains hum, particularly when the guitar is positioned neartransformers and powerunits. Because inworst-case scenarios this humming can attain extremely high levels, the can hardly distinguish between the musical signal and noise. This makes it hard to find the right Threshold setting. It is entirelypossibleforthishummingandothernoisetorisetoalevelthatdeactivatesthe

Noise Gate

transformersand power units asspaceallows.

Noise Gate

and therefore becomes audible. My advice is to stay as far away from

Noise Gate

: The may open up inadvertently

NoiseGate

Noise Gate

18Input

¼"unbalanced input jack.Plugyourguitarinhereusing a shieldedcord.

Atip 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).

19HighGain

Pressingthisbuttonbooststhegainandamountofdistortion inall four channels, ,

CH2 CH3 CH4 HighGain

, and . The LEDabove this buttonlights up to indicate isactive. This feature can also be switched via MIDI program change or the Custom Z-9 footswitch. You can also use the optional Sound Wizard module to modify the two gainstages. See thedescriptionofthe for moreonthis.

Atip from the designer:

Obviously,thedifference between Low and HighGainisthat the latter gives youmore preampjuice. But I also tuned frequencyresponsetosuiteachchannel'sgainstructure, 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 rangesfrom pristineclean ( and )to ultrasaturated lead tone( and ), rich in overtones and gain reserves for screaming solos and crashing power chords. Whatevertonesyourstyle,genreandwhims may demand, you'll find it between these two extremes. The options are too numerous to mention, so switch back and forth between Low and High Gain in each of the four channels and vary the Gain knob settings to get to know their tonal characteristics and make the most of these eight fundamental sounds. The optional Sound Wizard module letsyou select another gain

MediumGain LowGain High Gain

stage, , in additionto and . See the description ofthe

SoundWizard

formore on this.

CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4

SoundWizard

CH1

20Gain2

Gaincontrol for Channel2's preamp section.This knob determines thepreamp's input sensitivitywhen Channel 2 is selectedand,byextension,thepreampsignal'ssaturation level.

Atip from the designer:

Channel 2

sounds with slightly higher gain levels and different flavors than those provided by

Channel 1 High Gain

subtle to in-your-face preamp overdrive. Even in Low Gain mode, you can conjure a slightly dirtier sound at Gain settings around 12 to 2 o'clock, and lower with humbuckingpickups. This isaniceoptiontohave when you're goingforagrittiertone.

CAUTION: Extremely high gain and volume levels in Channel 2 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 preventunchecked feedback!

offers moderate to middling gain structures for great alternative clean

. Set it to if you wish to dial in classic rock riffs with anything from

21Bass

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivelow-frequencyEQfor .

Channel2

22Middle

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivemidrangeEQ for .

Channel2

23Treble

Thisis the preampvoicingsection'spassivehigh-frequencyEQfor .

Channel2

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