TEST: Engl Cabloader

 Let's not kid ourselves, we all love to strike the fat rock star poses in front of a fat tube full stack, THE phallus symbol par excellence, and to give ourselves a feeling that is only surpassed by real coitus. We love leaving the assembly and dismantling to a qualified technician who not only treats your equipment as if it were their own, but can also identify and correct even the smallest error in a split second. Let's let this dream state affect us for a moment and now turn to reality. Any of the aspects mentioned above, be it the purchase of a full stack, its volume, its transport, its care and its storage requirements, are only an issue for a small, illustrious circle of professionals or enthusiasts in 2020 due to the immense costs. In order to at least ease the issue of microphone pickup a little, one of the big names in the all-tube market, the Engl company, has set out to shrink the extremely complex and complex form of miking a guitar loudspeaker to the size of a pedal with the Engl Cabloader.

The concept of the Engl Cabloader

Although they themselves are in the first ranks of the full stack protagonists, the Engl company is also aware of the signs of the times and relies on the possibility of using IR technology to recreate the complex transmission range in the last three signal components of the guitar pickup.

First of all, the Engl Cabloader is NOT a loadbox and NOT an attenuator! The pedal clamped between the amp and cabinet means the immediate death of the product! It's more about sending the signal range of the distortion pedals and / or the preamp via a power amplifier / loudspeaker / microphone emulation, packed in a hardware housing and immediately sending it to a PA or studio monitor. Well, what situations come into question for this.

1.) Very small club stage:
We all know the problem: when using a “real” amplifier, it simply cannot go below a minimum volume. Even a 5 watt amplifier needs a minimum of speaker deflection and moving air, otherwise it sounds like a cell phone speaker. However, there are situations where even this performance is too loud (keyword “playing as background music”… ugh) and you have to play directly into the PA/vocal system in order not to “disturb” the guests too much.

2.) Complete Inear System:
If the band also has an electric drum set, every garden party organizer's dream is fulfilled; you can actually turn the band's overall volume up and down as you wish. For this you need very good sound in the earphones, or the fun will be almost zero.

3.) Recordings without a recording room:
For many musicians and even some hobby studio operators, a room in which you can work as you like, regardless of the time of day and volume, is still an insurmountable problem. A recording solution with appropriate volume control is also available for this purpose.

4.) Transportability:
Traveling by public transport with a guitar, a small pedalboard and stage clothes? Gladly seen when it comes to the artist's transport costs themselves.

5.) Live direct recording without microphone:
If you want to avoid the sonic imponderables of a slipped microphone, you can place the cabloader in the FX loop of your amplifier and use the sound of the preamp plus the simulated power amp presets for the PA sound.

Well, let's see what the cabloader has to offer.

The construction

The Engl Cabloader really isn't above doing any dirty work and tackles the sound where it hurts. Not only will you mess up everything that you have laboriously coordinated in advance if you use the microphone incorrectly, but there are also almost unlimited possible combinations of speakers and microphones, which really doesn't make it any easier to find the sound in the end.

In order to give the user the widest possible spectrum, the cabloader offers 12 different IR-based loudspeaker, 10 microphone and 4 power amplifier simulations from the factory, which corresponds to a selection of 480 sounds and which are accessed via three gridded controls can. The power amplifiers have their own presence control, the microphones can be adjusted in orientation (center / edge) and distance from the speaker (distance). A master volume control regulates the final volume. You can also save your own combination of the aforementioned parameters or 3rd party IRs (can be charged via a USB port on the front of the housing) using 4 free storage spaces.

The Engl Cabloader offers a jack input that allows either direct instrument feed or a line signal via a push button. There is also a thru pass-through on the right side of the housing if the product is to be inserted into an FX loop. On the left there is an unbalanced jack line out, a balanced XLR out with ground lift and a mini jack headphone output. There are also 2 pressure switches for controlling the presets. The pedal rests on 4 pleasantly soft rubber feet and didn't slip a millimeter even on the glass top of my desk. The construction of the case is solid and the workmanship is flawless.

In practice

Cabloader-like products have been and have been around for years, but never before have such a wide variety of sounds been offered as this product. In order to be able to name the various possible combinations, Engl fortunately does not have to indulge in the “trademark description egg dance” but rather calls the emulated products, in this case the targeted loudspeakers and microphones, by name. A good thing, but in this case you also have to face a direct comparison, which is a real challenge. In the loudspeaker segment, products from Celestion are used without exception, and in the microphone area, in addition to the classics from Shure and Sennheiser, there are also the rarely used large diaphragm speakers from Neumann, as well as some exotic models from Marshall, Rode and AKG.

For the sake of fairness, we should clarify one point in advance. It was, is and perhaps never will be possible to acoustically reproduce a complex construction of power amplifiers, loudspeakers and microphones and their complex interactions with each other 1:1 using IR technology. The return current behavior of a loudspeaker in cooperation with the power amplifier with reference to the volume is already a topic in itself. The Engl Cabloader is about being able to add or remove a good sound as quickly and easily as possible, so no one should expect to get a constellation that costs around €3,000 in the real world at the Cabloader's retail price of €239 € to be able to break it down.

In order to be able to put the maximum demands on the Engl Cabloader, I put together a very sophisticated setup. On the one hand, Engl explicitly points out that you can also go directly into the cabloader with an overdrive / distortion pedal, and on the other hand, a real high gain sound still represents the maximum challenge for any loudspeaker emulation due to the numerous overtones. To achieve this, I placed my IRONFINGER Signature Distortion pedal directly in front of the cabloader and set a very fat high gain sound. Now the question is, does the Engl Cabloader manage to maintain the dynamics and does it manage the balancing act between a muddy sound on the one hand and a circular saw sound on the other.

In order to keep the different sounds in A/B comparison as much as possible, I played a standard riff several times in a row and changed the parameters each time. We start with the power amplifier simulation EL34, EL84, 6L6, 6V6.

What confused me a bit was the discrepancy between the two “American” output tubes 6L6 and 6V6. I had to look twice to be sure that the names weren't mixed up; from what I heard, I would actually have swapped the names of these two variants.

We continue with the presence control from dull to sharp.

Here are the loudspeaker variants, which were all assembled in Engl Cabinets when they were created: 112 V30, 112 G12-65, 112 G12M-65, 212 V60, 212 V30, 412 V60, 412 V30, 412 XXL V30, 412 G12M-25, 412 G12M-65, 412 V30/T75

It continues with the movement of the microphone from the edge to the center of the speaker and away from the speaker.

Finally, the microphone variants Shure SM 57 and 58, Sennheiser MD 421 and 441 U, Marshall MXL 2001P and 2003, Rode NT-1, AKG C 4000 B and Neumann U87 and U47.

As you can easily see, there is something for everyone in terms of sound. With the above The tonal variations can actually amount to thousands of parameters. If you don't find something there, you should reconsider your setting. Even if the emulations don't always match the originals perfectly in terms of sound (as is the case...), they do come shockingly close to some combinations.

The compression behavior and dynamics are generally somewhat different from an analog combination, but I don't know of any setup where you can produce such high-quality sounds with a distortion pedal played directly into the emulator. The Engl Cabloader leaves an excellent impression, especially for mobile use on a small board or simply for pre-production in songwriting mode.

Conclusion

With the Engl Cabloader, the German company currently has the most flexible and probably best-sounding speaker emulation on the market. The workmanship is very good, the tonal variation options are extensive and the sound itself is excellent. The pedal is the definitive secret weapon if you want something quick and easy.

Be sure to try it out!

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Additional Informations:

**Exploring the Comprehensive Product Range of Engl Amplifiers**

Engl Amplifiers is a renowned name in the world of guitar amplification, revered for its innovative designs, uncompromising quality, and remarkable versatility. Since its inception, Engl has consistently pushed the boundaries of amplifier technology, catering to the diverse needs of guitarists across various genres. From pristine cleans to blistering high-gain tones, Engl's product range covers a wide spectrum, ensuring that every player finds their perfect sonic match. Let's delve into the comprehensive lineup offered by Engl Amplifiers:

**1. Classic Series:**
The Classic series pays homage to the timeless tones of yesteryears while incorporating modern features for contemporary players. These amps boast a vintage-inspired design coupled with robust build quality. Models like the Classic 50 and Classic 100 deliver rich, warm cleans and creamy overdriven tones reminiscent of iconic rock and blues sounds.

**2. Ironball Series:**
The Ironball series is designed for players seeking portability without compromising on tone. These compact yet powerful amplifiers pack a punch with their high-gain capabilities. Featuring a straightforward control layout and a built-in power soak, the Ironball series excels in delivering aggressive distortion suitable for modern metal and hard rock styles.

**3. Powerball Series:**
The Powerball series is synonymous with brute force and sonic versatility. These amps are engineered to handle high-gain settings with finesse, making them a favorite among metal and progressive rock guitarists. With multiple channels, comprehensive EQ controls, and onboard effects loop, the Powerball series empowers players to sculpt their tone to perfection while maintaining clarity and definition even at extreme gain levels.

**4. Fireball Series:**
The Fireball series embodies the essence of aggression and power. Engineered for the most demanding players, these amplifiers excel in delivering tight low-end response and searing lead tones. Whether you're chugging palm-muted riffs or unleashing blistering solos, the Fireball series ensures uncompromising performance across the entire frequency spectrum.

**5. Savage Series:**
The Savage series stands at the pinnacle of Engl's amplifier offerings, catering to the discerning needs of professional musicians and tone purists. These amplifiers combine relentless gain with unmatched clarity, allowing players to articulate every note with precision, even in the most complex arrangements. With features like MIDI compatibility and programmable switching options, the Savage series offers unparalleled flexibility for stage and studio applications.

**6. Retro Tube Series:**
The Retro Tube series transports players back in time with its vintage-inspired design and tube-driven warmth. These amplifiers draw inspiration from classic circuitry while incorporating modern enhancements for enhanced reliability and performance. Whether you're seeking the creamy overdriven tones of the '60s or the crunchy bite of the '70s, the Retro Tube series delivers timeless sounds with a touch of nostalgia.

**7. Signature Series:**
The Signature series celebrates collaborations with renowned artists, delivering amplifiers tailored to their specific sonic preferences. From crushing metal tones to soaring lead sounds, each Signature model is crafted to capture the essence of the collaborating artist's style and musical identity. With input from artists like Marty Friedman and Steve Morse, the Signature series offers a glimpse into the sonic worlds of guitar legends.

**8. Artist Editions:**
Engl's Artist Edition amplifiers are designed in collaboration with esteemed musicians, offering a glimpse into their signature tones and playing styles. These limited-edition amplifiers feature custom aesthetics and specialized features tailored to the preferences of the collaborating artist. From boutique cleans to high-octane distortion, Artist Edition amps provide a unique sonic experience endorsed by some of the industry's most respected players.

**In Conclusion:**
Engl Amplifiers' product range epitomizes innovation, quality, and versatility, catering to the diverse needs of guitarists worldwide. Whether you're a bedroom enthusiast or a touring professional, there's an Engl amplifier that meets your requirements. With a legacy built on relentless pursuit of tone perfection, Engl continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of guitar amplification. Explore their lineup, unleash your creativity, and elevate your sound to new heights with Engl Amplifiers.