Tube
Amp
Screamer 50
Guitar-Amplifier
Operator´s Manual
Please, first read this manual carefully!
Screamer 50 - delivers the sonic goods—tons of tone and palette of hip sounds from squeaky clean
to hi-gain shred and everything in between. This all-tube beast is your first choice for many different
sound styles! With a host of practical features and a clearly-arranged control panel, handling this amp is a
piece of cake. The Screamer's opulent visuals are certainly arresting, but its unique, creamy tube tone and
silky spring reverb truly set this amplifier apart. The Screamer comes complete with a bit of technical
wizardry which you'll find useful where it counts most—out there in the real world of rehearsing and
gigging. Among these features are a Lo/Hi Gain switch, which in effect doubles your choice of channels
from two—Clean and Lead—to four—the afore-mentioned, plus Crunch and Heavy Lead. You also get two
different connection systems for different footswitches-conventional ¼" jacks as well as a port for the
ENGL compact footswitch Z-5 (optional). And then there's the ingenious feature "V.L.S.", an adapted
version of the extremely popular and highly practical Master A/B switching circuit found on high-end
ENGL heads.
Quality components, excellent workmanship and strict quality control ensure this amp retains its value.
You'll find guidelines on care and maintenance of tube amps on the last page of the manual.
Please read and heed these before operating your amp. You'll also come across boxes shaded grey
throughout the manual. These are located between the descriptions of the amp's functions and
contain handy tips on the preceding function. All critical information pertaining to the operation of
this amp is preceded by "NOTE" or "CAUTION." Please pay particular attention to these safety tips.
The ENGL team wishes you all the best—may you and your amp enjoy a "harmonically rich" future
together!
Frontpanel
Input
Lead
Bright
1
2
34
56
Presence
7
8
Lead
Volume
Reverb
910
MasterClean Lead Bass Middle Treble
Clean
Gain
Lead
Lo/Hi
11 13 14
12
Screamer 50
Tube
Amp
PowerStand By
15
1 Input: Input¼" unbalanced input. Plug your guitar cord in here.
2 Clean: Input sensitivity control (Gain) for the Clean and the Crunch channels.
(Clean: set the Gain-button 11 to the Lo position, Crunch: set the Gain-button 11 to the Hi position).
A TIP from the Designer: Gain settings depend on what type of pickups are installed in your guitar.
The recommended setting for humbuckers or active pickups lies between the 10 and 1 o’clock
positions and 12 to 3 o’clock for single coils for a pure clean response; the Gain button must be in
the OFF-position.
3 Bright: Alters the EQ by boosting the upper treble range; effectiveness decreases at higher
Gain (2,4) settings; the Bright feature affects all channels.
A TIP from the Designer: For a crisp glassy tone, set the Bright switch to the On position. This
setting boosts the treble response of muddy pickups.
4 Lead: Gain control pot for the Soft Lead channel and the Heavy Lead channel. It controls the amount
of preamp overdrive in the Lead mode. (Soft Lead: set the Gain-button 11 to the Lo position, Heavy
Lead: set the Gain-button to the Hi position).
CAUTION: Extremely high gain and volume levels in the Lead mode can produce
strong feedback. Avoid feedback squeals, they lead to hearing loss and damaged speakers!
A TIP from the Designer: To get Crunch-sounds and Rhythm-sounds set this control between
the 9 and 12 o´clock´s position (depending on the type of pick-up) and leave the Gain 11 pusbutton
in the Off-position.
5 Bass: Bottom end voicing control of the preamps´s passive EQ.
6 Middle: Mid-range voicing control of the preamp´s passive EQ.
7 Treble: Upper range voicing control of the preamp´s passive EQ.
A TIP from the Designer: To get an idea of this amp's capabilities, I suggest you set the tone control
pots Bass (5), Middle (6), Treble (7) and Lead Presence (8) to the 12 o'clock position. For extremely
soft lead, blues or jazz sounds, try setting the Treble knob to somewhere in the 8-to-11 o'clock range.
For aggressive metal riffs or spanky funk sounds, go for something in the range of 11 to 3 o'clock.
8 Lead Presence: This control defines the Treble response in the poweramp stage for
the Lead channel.
A TIP from the Designer: When you've adjusted the amp to relatively loud levels and high Gain
settings reduce the amount of Lead Presence (8) and Treble (7) to prevent annoying feedback that is
generated when your guitar's pickups and the speaker interact—something in the 8-to-12 o'clock
range should do just fine.
9 Reverb: Reverb control, adjusts the portion of the reverb signal and increases reverb intensity
if you rotate it clockwise; the reverb can be switched on/off via the respective footswitch connected
to jack 19 or 21.
10 Lead Volume: Volume control for the Lead channel (pre-FX loop, influences the Send level). Use
this knob to dial in the desired balance of levels between the Lead and Clean channels.
11 Gain Lo/Hi: When you press this button, the input sensitivity of both channels is increased.
The Hi-Gain function actually turns Clean into a "Crunch" channel, and Lead into a "Heavy Lead"
channel. It can also be activated via a suitable footswitch connected to Jack 19 or 20; the Gain
Lo/Hi button is automatically disabled when you connect a footswitch.
The yellow LED illuminates to indicate "Hi-Gain" mode is active.
12 Clean/Lead: Channel selector pushbutton for Clean and Lead modes, red LED indicate Lead
mode; This function can also be activated via the respective footswitch connected to jack 19 or 20.
Once a footpedal is connected, the channel selector pushbutton is deactivated.
13 Master: Master volume control for power amp output. The feature to switch between two Master
volume levels (V.L.S. - Lo or Hi) can be accessed by means of the respective footswitch connected to
jack 19 or 20. Adjust the ratio between the two volume levels with the "V.L.S. Ratio" pot
(see chapter 18).
14 Stand By: Power amp standby switch: Use this switch to silence (0 position) the amp when you
take a lengthier break. The amp's tubes stay warm, which means that it is ready to roll immediately
when you switch it back to full power. The standby switch is also well-suited for muting the amp for
brief breaks, for instance when you're switching guitars.
15 Power: AC power on/off.
Rear Panel
/ L
EAD
V.L.S.
R
21
EVERB
CAUTION !
DO NOT OPEN !
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK !
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE !
!
F.X. L
S
ENDRETURNBALANCE
22
OOP
DRY EFFECT
23 24
R
P
E330
E335
8 16OR 16AND OR-> 16 8OR 8AND
8 O
HMS
1 x 8 O
2 x 16 O
C
OMBO: INTERNAL SPEAKER
OWERAMP OUTPUT
P
ARALLEL
HMS
HMS
16 O
HMS SERIAL
1 x 16 O
HMS
(USE L
EFT JACK
!)
2 x 8 O
HMS
Guitar Amplifier
Screamer 50
C
OMBO: TYPE
H
EAD: TYPE
Amp-Design by
Horst Langer
MADE IN
GERMANY
All-tube
25 26 27 28 29 303132
B
ALANCED LINE OUTPUT
G
ROUND
TO PIN 1
ROUND
G
L
IFTED
L
INE OUT
G
ROUND
O
VERLOAD
L
EVEL
L
INE OUT
F
REQUENCY
C
OMPENSATED
C
USTOM
F
OOTSWITCH
F
OOTSWITCH
P
ORT
C
AUTION
!
Connect To
C
Custom
Footswitch
Only !
19
LEAN
G
AIN LO/HI
20
V.L.S.
ATIO
REPLACE FUSE
ONLY WITH SAME
TYPE AND RATING !
17
16
16 AC Socket:
CAUTION: Ensure you use an intact AC cord with an insulated plug only!
R
18
Connect an AC cord here.
Before you power the amp up, ensure the voltage value printed beside the
AC socket corresponds to the available current.
17 AC Fuse Box: Contains mains fuse (rear chamber) and spare fuse (front chamber).
NOTE: Ensure replacement fuses bear identical ratings (refer to the table)!
18 V.L.S. Ratio: Use this potentiometer to determine the balance between the two master volume
levels. We deliberately left the knob off this pot, but you can rotate the shaft to dial in the desired
preset. If you're operating the amp without a footswitch, "Master Hi" (high-volume mode) is active
and this pot is disabled. You can switch between the Lo and Hi Master volume levels via a standard
dual footswitch connected to Jack 21 (or via the MIDI Switcher) or the Custom Footswitch
connected to Jack 19. Turn the pot's shaft clockwise to turn up the "Master Lo" level.
19 Custom Footswitch Port: Connect the ENGL Custom Footswitch Z-5 (optional) to this port
(Sub-D, 9-pin). This special footswitch lets you activate the four channels directly via dedicated
buttons. V.L.S. (Volume Level Switching) and reverb are activated via two additional buttons.When
the Z-5 footswitch is connected, the Clean/Lead and Gain Lo/Hi buttons on the front panel as well
as footswitch Jacks 20 and 21 are disabled.
20 Footswitch Clean/Lead, Gain Lo/Hi: 1/4" stereo jack for a dual footswitch, executes the
following functions:
1. Channel switching between Clean and Lead (mono terminal).
2. Gain Lo - Hi: switches from Clean to Crunch during Clean mode and
from Soft Lead to Heavy Lead during Lead mode (stereo terminal).
21 Footswitch V.L.S., Reverb: 1/4" stereo jack for a dual footswitch, executes the following
functions:
1. Switching between the two Master volume levels Hi and Lo (mono terminal).
2. Reverb on/off (stereo terminal).
Impotant Note: You can use standard dual footswitches that connect the mono or stereo contact
of the ¼" jack and its ground. An LED that serves as a status indicator can also be connected in
series (power requirements approx. 10 - 20 milliamperes, depending on function). In practice
though we've found that not every footswitch by every manufacturer under the sun is compatible. If
you choose to use the ENGL Z-3 (basic plastic version without LED display) or ENGL Z-4 (rugged
metal version with LED display) footswitches, you won't encounter any compatibility problems.
A TIP from the Designer: If you want to control the amplifier via a MIDI system, use jacks 20 and 21
and a Looper or MIDI Switcher (e.g. ENGL Z-11). Use two stereo ¼" cords to connect the ENGL
MIDI Switcher Z-11 (optional). You can then preset the four switching functions Clean/Lead, Gain
Lo/Hi, V.L.S. and Reverb via the Switcher, store your custom switching setups as different MIDI
programs and activate the presets via a MIDI board (e.g. ENGL Z-12).
22 F.X. Loop Send: Signal output for the Effects loop. Connect this output to a signal processor’s
input/return jack via a shielded cable with 1/4" plugs.
23 F.X. Loop Return: Signal input for the Effects loop. Connect this input to a signal processor’s
output/send jack via a shielded cable with 1/4" plugs.
24 Balance: FX mix control for the Effects loop: Rotate the knob to the "DRY" position for the pure
amp signal, i.e. no effect on the signal. Turn clockwise to blend in an effect connected to the loop
to the dry signal (parallel/passive). At the "EFFECT" position, only the wet signal, i.e. the signal
sent from the FX device is fed to the power amp (serial/passive).
NOTE: If no effects processor is connected to this loop, leave this control in the "DRY" position!
25, 26 Poweramp Output 8 ohms parallel: Parallel 8-ohm speaker outs, connected
internally in parallel. Connect an 8-ohm cabinet or, in the case of the Combo E330, its internal
speaker here. Alternatively, two 16-ohm cabinets can also be connected to these two outputs.
27 Poweramp Output 16 ohms serial: 16-ohm speaker out, connected internally in series
with Jack 28. Connect a 16-ohm cabinet here. Two 8-ohm speakers are connected to Jacks 27 and
28, for example a combination of the internal 8-ohm speaker of the Combo E330 and an external
8-ohm cabinet, e.g. the ENGL models E112 or E412.
CAUTION: If you intend to use a 16-ohm cabinet only, make absolutely certain you
connect it to Jack 27. Jack 28 is only enabled when a speaker is connected to jack 27.
28 Poweramp Output 16 ohms serial: 16 ohms serial. This is an auxiliary output connected
in series with Jack 27. This jack is designed for one application for only—when you are driving a
combination of two 8-ohm cabinets/speakers. This output may only be used when an 8-ohm
speaker is connected to Jack 27. (See the example for Item 27)
NOTE: Never operate the amplifier without a sufficient load, otherwise you may damage
or destroy the power amp! Ensure your cabinet’s specifications match the respective
output’s specs.
Possible speaker combinations:
1 x 8 ohms or 2 x 16 ohms (Jacks 25 and 26) or
1 x 16 ohms (Jack 27!) or 2 x 8 ohms (Jacks 27 and 28).
29 Line Out Ground: This switch assigns Pin 1 of the XLR socket to ground (position "Ground to
Pin 1"). You'll find this option is handy when you want to shield the circuit you have routed to a
mixing console or recording device. In order to come up with an unbalanced signal (e.g. for
feeding the signal to a computer for HD recording purposes), you'll need a cord equipped with an
XLR connector on one end and an RCA connector or ¼" plug on the other. Pin 2 is used to carry
the signal and Pin 1 as the ground (set the switch to the position "Ground to Pin 1"). With this
application—an unbalanced circuit—you may encounter a ground loop caused by the respective
grounds of the two devices, which will generate audible hum.
NOTE: Pin 1 of the balanced line may only be connected to ground on one end
(either at the amp or mixer / recording device), otherwise it may cause a ground loop,
which in turn generates undesirable hum!
30 Level: Signal level control for the frequency-corrected line output; it is used to match
the amp’s signal level at the Line output to the mixing console or recorder’s input.
31 Overload: This LED denotes the Line output is overloading; in this case,
reduce the signal’s level via the Level control.
32 Line Out Frequency Compensated
The frequency-corrected, balanced Line output jack (XLR; Pin 2 and 3 signal, Pin 1 = Ground or
not connected, depending on the setting of switch 29). This signal can be routed directly to a
mixing console or a recording unit. The line out is located post poweramp in the signal chain, so
ensure the poweramp is activated and a load is connected to one of the output jacks.A
A TIP from the Designer: The Line Out’s output level is influenced by the following factors: By the
input level (Gain), the Volume control settings for the various channels, to some degree by voicing
control settings, and by the Master volume level. First dial in the desired sound combination at the
front panel. Then adjust levels at FX devices or signal processors (if connected). Now use the Level
control to adjust the Line level. The Line output is not overloaded until the Overload LED
illuminates brightly and continuously. You can push the level up to this point to match a mixing
console or recorder’s input level requirement. Use the respective device’s input sensitivity or gain
control to fine-tune level adjustments.
The different options for controlling the Screamer 50 amp remotely:
REPLACE FUSE
ONLY WITH SAME
TYPE AND RATING !
1.
Custom Footswitch
Clean
Lo Gain
C
USTOM
F
OOTSWITCH
F
OOTSWITCH
P
ORT
C
AUTION
!
Connect To
C
V.L.S.
R
ATIO
Crunch
Hi Gain
LEAN
Custom
G
AIN LO/HI
Footswitch
Only !
Lead
Lead
Lo Gain
Hi Gain
/ L
EAD
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK !
V.L.S.
R
EVERB
Contour
Reverb
CAUTION !
DO NOT OPEN !
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE !
Custom Footswitch Port
Caution !
Connect To Amplifier Only !
Custom
Footswitch
Type Z-5
Made in
Germany
Master A/B
Serial
Number
Lo/Hi
!
F.X. L
S
ENDRETURNBALANCE
ON/OFF ON/OFF
OOP
Tube Amplifier
DRY EFFECT
2.
All-tube
Guitar Amplifier
Screamer 50
C
OMBO: TYPE
H
EAD: TYPE
E335
Amp-Design by
Horst Langer
MADE IN
GERMANY
Tube Amplifier
ON/OFF ON/OFF
R
P
E330
8 16OR 16AND OR-> 16 8OR 8AND
8 O
HMS
1 x 8 O
2 x 16 O
C
OMBO: INTERNAL SPEAKER
oror
OWERAMP OUTPUT
16 O
P
ARALLEL
HMS
(USE L
HMS
3.
WRITE
HMS SERIAL
1 x 16 O
2 x 8 O
MIDI SWITCHER
MIDI
CHANNEL
EFT JACK
B
ALANCED LINE OUTPUT
G
ROUND
TO PIN 1
G
L
HMS
L
INE OUT
!)
G
ROUND
HMS
SWITCH
SWITCH
LOOP 1
LOOP 2
O
ROUND
IFTED
VERLOAD
L
EVEL
L
INE OUT
F
REQUENCY
C
OMPENSATED
SWITCH
SWITCH
SWITCH
LOOP 3
SWITCH
LOOP 4
LOOP 5
LOOP 6
1. ENGL Custom Footswitch Z-5: Connect it to the "Custom Footswitch Port" (19) port via a
9-pin computer cable. Functions: Direct access to Clean (Clean & Lo Gain), Crunch (Clean & Hi Gain),
Soft Lead (Lead & Lo Gain), Heavy Lead (Lead & Hi Gain) as well as V.L.S. and Reverb. This is a very
convenient yet compact solution.
2. Dual footswitch (e.g. ENGL Z-4): Connect it to the amp via a stereo ¼" cord. You will need
one dual footswitch for switching channels via Jack 20 and another footswitch for switching
V.L.S. and Reverb via Jack 21. Functions: Clean/Lead, Gain Lo/Hi, V.L.S., Reverb. With this solution,
you can't activate the channels Crunch and Heavy Lead directly, i.e. this requires an intermediate
switching operation.
3. MIDI-Switcher (e.g. ENGL Z-11): Connect the board to the amp via two stereo ¼" cords. The
buttons on the Switcher control Clean/Lead, Gain Lo/Hi, V.L.S. and Reverb. If you program the diverse
switching configurations to different MIDI program locations (e.g. Gain Hi & Lead & Master Lo &
Reverb), you can activate the desired configuration directly via a MIDI board (e.g. ENGL Z-12).
This type of control option is extremely versatile, we recommend it highly if you intend to use the
amp in conjunction with a MIDI system (e.g. MIDI effects devices).
Technical Data:
Rated power: approx. 50 watts at 8 or 16 ohms;
Tubes: V1(input-tube): ECC 83 / 12AX7, FQ Grade;
V2, V3: ECC 83 / 12AX7 selected;
V4: ECC 83 / 12AX7, standard;
V5, V6: 5881 (6L6GC) matched set.
Fuses: external: 1 AT (slow) at 230 Volts;
2 AT (slow) in the 100 and 120 Volts models.
internal: 1,25 AT (slow) at 230 Volts;
2,5AT (slow) in the 100 and 120 Volts models.
Important: Replace fuses only against same type and rating!
Power consumption: 155 watts max.
Dimensions: Combo E330 approx. 57,5 x 48 x 27 cm, (22,6 W x 18,9 H x 10,6 T)
Head E335 approx. 57,5 x 27 x 27 cm, (22,6 W x 10,6 H x 10,6 T)
Weight: Combo: approx. 22 kg (48,4 lbs); Head: approx. 18 kg (39,6 lbs);
Tube array:
Power
Transformer
V 5V4V 6
V3
Reverb-Connector
Output
Transformer
V 2 V1
Handling and Care
Protect the amp from mechanical knocks (tubes!).
Let the amp cool down before you transport it (approx. 10 minutes).
Tubes need about 20 seconds to warm up after you switch the power on,
and furtheron a few minutes before they reach their full power capability.
Avoid storing the amp in damp or dusty rooms, they are hard on jacks,
switches and potentiometers.
Make sure air can circulate at the rear and top of the amp
to allow for adequate cooling (increases component life).
Never operate the amp without an adequate load.
Replace tubes with select replacement tubes (special selection criteria) to avoid
microfonic properties, undesireable noise and unbalanced performance.
Attention! Please read the following!
This guitar amplifier can produce high volume levels.
Exposure to high volume levels may cause hearing damage!
Leave tube replacement and power amp biasing to qualified professionals.
Be sure the unit is switched off and unplugged!
Caution! Tubes can get very hot and burn skin when touched.
Always use high quality cables.
Never plug the amp into an ungrounded outlet!
Never bridge a defective fuse and be sure replacement fuses feature
identical ratings!
Pull the AC mains plug before replacing fuses!
Never open the chassis or attempt repairs on your own. Consult qualified
service personnel!
Never expose the amplifier to extreme humidity or dampness!
Please read the instructions carefully before operating the unit!
Be sure to operate and handle this amp as it was designed for. To this end,
please heed the instructions in the operator's manual.
You'll find an additional pamphlet accompanying this owner's
manual entitled "Instruction for the prevention of fire, electric shock
or injury of persons". Be sure to read it before you plug
the preamp in and switch it on!
ENGL Gerätebau GmbH
Internet: www.engl-amps.com
Text, design, grafics, photographies and layout by Horst Langer
We reserve the right to make unannounced technical upgrades!
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