TEST: Engl Savage MKII

 It is now the strongest German name in the amplifier sector when it comes to top-class high gain, perhaps even worldwide. We're talking about the all-tube amplifier manufacturer ENGL, which has built up a name for itself with a consistent model policy and a constantly open ear for customers, which stands for German global work and excellent sound on all Hard'n'Heavy stages worldwide. The manufacturer's top parts in particular are very popular with customers in the signature variations of Steve Morse or Ritchie Blackmore as well as in the series models Powerball, Invader and Savage. The latter has now also received an update and is available for testing under the name Engl Savage 120 MkII. So then, pushed the 4x12 forward and off we went!

The structure of the Engl Savage 120 MkII

Even though the Engl company offers classic 2-channel models, the company has become known for its 4-channel cars, which also include the Savage model. Once again, this model belongs to the all-tube league that Engl always pursues, even though the rectification is done using transistors. Right from the start, I notice the unusual power rating of 120 watts with only 2 output tubes. It is well known that the built-in 6550 power tubes deliver more steam than the still popular EL34, but up to now I only knew about 30 watts per piston. The fact that Engl tickles 60 watts per tube out of the glass bulbs is rather unusual.

With the dimensions (W x H x D): 71 cm x 27 cm x 29 cm and a heavy weight of 22 kg, it takes a little effort to balance the head on a full stack, but due to the massive appearance and the Excellent workmanship also comes with a corresponding value. In general, the head, which is manufactured in Germany, leaves an excellent impression in terms of feel. All components are of the highest quality and no compromises have been made here.

The difference from its predecessor

In contrast to many other competitors who put the MkII stamp on their products and like to leave it primarily to optical extensions, the Engl Savage 120 MkII is a completely new amp. In addition to a new output transformer and mains transformer With the exception of the standby and power functions, all switching functions are now controlled via MIDI, which makes the amplifier extremely flexible in terms of sound variety. The new version also has a noise gate, which many high gain users have been waiting for during breaks in the game. The Power Tube Monitor System and the Serial Amp Control socket are now also in the MkII version.

Operating the Engl Savage 120 MkII

Anyone who stands in front of the panel of a “large” Engl amplifier for the first time may wince for a moment because of the head's diverse switching and control functions. However, if you take a little time, you will quickly understand the logical concept behind the multitude of Detect controls and switches. The 4 channels each share 2 different tone controls, although there is also an unusual midrange control on the Clean and Crunch 1 channels. Here you can choose between 2 different midrange controls, one of which works more narrow-band and the other more broad-band. In addition, each channel has different sound designers in the form of Hi / Low, Bright, Preshape, Contour, Rough / Smooth switches, all of which have a massive impact on the subsequent sound.

On the back, in addition to the 5 output sockets (1 x 16 Ohm, 1 x 8 or 2 x 16 Ohm, 1 x 4 or 2 x 8 Ohm), 2 different FX loops catch the eye. In addition, according to the amp concept, 2x MIDI, a power amp line out and 2 footswitch sockets.

The Engl Savage 120 MkII in practice

As one of the few manufacturers with a focus on distorted sounds, Engl has managed to leave a sonic trademark in almost all of its models. Like many other products in-house, it is the combination of very tight compression, combined with a very tasteful scoop, which also characterizes the basic sound of the Engl Savage 120 MkII. Engl succeeds very well in not developing the scoop into the infamous center hole that other manufacturers with a similar basic direction strive for. Rather, the sound always remains transparent, no matter how hard you turn the controls or press the switches.

Let's start with the Clean Channel, whose basic tendency can be varied very nicely using the different pressure switches. It really depends on which instrument is used on the amp. The choice of pickups in particular allows for a very wide tonal spectrum in collaboration with Hi/Low, Bright and Contour. The sound in this is neutral, balanced and does a decent job.

The huge field of different crunch sounds begins with the first truncated half-waves, which never end in their tonal variation. Please keep in mind that all settings can be saved via MIDI and that you can do this alone, for example. For example, in the Crunch channel you can easily access 6-7 completely different sounds using the foot switch. Very few all-tube amplifiers offer such variety.

Depending on the switch position, Crunch 2 is already heavily featured in the lead area. Here, already carried leads can be performed with enough sustain. This is where the classic Engl voicing comes into play for the first time, the subtly hollowed out sound, which still has enough midrange definition to assert itself in the all-important range between 600 Hz - 1.5 kHz. Here too, many fundamentally different sound examples can be set using the various presets.

A special feature in this case is the rough/smooth switch. Pressing it brought a small question mark on my forehead. I initially expected a change in frequency grading for the tone control, but all of the tone controls on channels 3 and 4 suddenly lost a lot of effectiveness. The explanation for this is that by activating this switch, the bass and treble are reduced significantly, which corresponds to a midrange boost. This circuit is based on a circuit from the Engl Straight, in which the tone control was completely removed from the signal path. The sonic result is a very nasal sound that invites blues lines or retro arrangements. This sonic “outlier” further increases the flexibility of the head immensely.

Then, we now come to the sonic area in which the Bavarians have dethroned pretty much every competitor in recent years or at least share the seat with them, the high gain sector. Even the first sounds on this channel leave no doubt as to what the Engl Savage 120 MkII's flagship discipline is. The sound is heavily scooped and pushes like hell in the bass range without the sound drifting into muddy. Depending on the line-up, it's important to keep an eye on the bass control or deep switch, otherwise the guitarist will be so harsh on the bass player that there will be overlaps in the frequency spectrum. What blows your cap off when playing solo in the rehearsal room or in the studio can, depending on the band constellation, lead to a sound that is too bass-heavy, even in a trio.

However, with this in mind, the Head offers one of the best modern metal sounds the scene has to offer. Highly compressed without pumping, the amp hangs on the right hand like a textbook. If you have good palm muted technology, everything your hard rock/metal heart desires is possible with this channel, from classic rock to ultra djent chatter.

It should be clear to anyone who has dealt with this matter that a very high gain factor is inevitably accompanied by a high background noise. This is where the newly introduced noise gate can show its strengths, although with the appropriate gain settings you also have to use the appropriate noise gate settings, i.e. the gate sometimes has to be turned down hard in order to stop the noise when the volume control is turned down during breaks in the game. It does this job well, but in my opinion it could close a little softer.

Conclusion

The Engl Savage 120 MkII is another excellent all-tube amp from the Bavarian amp manufacturer on the market. Thanks to its four-channel design, which enables an extremely extensive variety of sounds thanks to a large number of pressure switches, the head offers almost all tonal shades that a modern rock and heavy amp can offer. The lead channel alone will move any modern metal fan to tears and justifies the purchase of the amplifier, which even seems comparatively cheap given that it is “Made in Germany” and costs just under 2,300 euros.

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Additional Informations:


Engl Amplification is a German manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and cabinets. The company was founded in 1983 by Hermann Engl, who is still the company's CEO today. Engl amps are known for their high quality, versatility, and powerful sound. They are used by a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to professionals, and are popular in a variety of musical genres, including rock, metal, and blues.

**Engl Amp Product Range**

Engl offers a wide range of amplifiers, from small practice amps to large stage amps. Their product range can be divided into the following categories:

* **Engl Topteile** (Engl: amplifier heads)

Engl offers a variety of amplifier heads, from the compact and affordable Fireball 25 to the powerful and versatile Powerball II. Engl heads are known for their high-gain capabilities, but they also offer a wide range of clean and crunch tones.

* **Engl Combos**

Engl also offers a variety of combo amps, which combine an amplifier head and speaker cabinet in a single unit. Engl combos are a popular choice for guitarists who need a portable and powerful amp.

* **Engl Cabinets**

Engl offers a variety of speaker cabinets to match their amplifiers. Engl cabinets are made from high-quality materials and are designed to deliver the best possible sound.

**Engl Amp Features**

Engl amps are packed with features that make them ideal for a variety of guitarists. Some of the most common features include:

* **Engl High-gain channels**

Engl amps are known for their high-gain channels, which are perfect for playing rock, metal, and other heavy music genres.

* **Engl Clean and crunch channels**

Engl amps also offer a variety of clean and crunch tones, making them suitable for a variety of musical styles.

* **Engl Effects loops**

Engl amps feature effects loops, which allow guitarists to add their favorite effects pedals to their signal chain.

* **Engl Direct outs**

Engl amps also feature direct outs, which allow guitarists to connect their amps directly to a recording console or PA system.

**Engl Amp Artists**

Engl amps are used by a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to professionals. Some of the most famous Engl users include:

* **Alexi Laiho** (Children of Bodom)
* **Dimebag Darrell** (Pantera)
* **James Hetfield** (Metallica)
* **John Petrucci** (Dream Theater)
**Zakk Wylde** (Black Label Society)
Andre Olbrich (Blind Guardian)

**Engl Amp Reviews**

Engl amps have received positive reviews from critics and guitarists alike. They are praised for their high quality, versatility, and powerful sound. Here are a few examples of Engl amp reviews:

* **Guitar World** magazine gave the Engl Powerball II a 4.5 out of 5 rating, calling it "a versatile and powerful amp that is perfect for a variety of musical styles."
* **Premier Guitar** magazine gave the Engl Fireball 25 a 4 out of 5 rating, calling it "a great choice for guitarists who are looking for a small, affordable, and powerful amp."

**Engl Amp Prices**

Engl amps are priced in line with other high-quality amplifiers. The price of an Engl amp will vary depending on the model and features. For example, the Engl Fireball 25 has a street price of around $500, while the Engl Powerball II has a street price of around $2,000.

**Where to Buy Engl Amps**

Engl amps are available for purchase from a variety of authorized dealers around the world. You can also purchase Engl amps directly from the Engl website.

**Conclusion**

Engl Amplification is a leading manufacturer of high-quality guitar amplifiers. Engl amps are known for their versatility, powerful sound, and wide range of features. If you are looking for a high-quality amp that will meet your needs, Engl is a great option.