Engl Fireball Head

Two shared gain channels. 60watts, shiny faceplate.
4x12 with V60 (nothing like the V30 as i will go into later)

I wish it had 2 separate gains but its never an issue. Shared EQ is a bit worrying but still not an issue.

I like the sound of this Amp, Its dark but still very clear and punchy. I was worried about the shared EQ and gain between the 2 channels but its got a great clean where the gain is sweet on the dirt channel.

I mainly play high gain death metal, and thats pretty much what this amp does best. It can get rather noisy if you over zealous with the gain, I run it on about 11 at the most which is plenty.

The cab on the other hand is very muddy and muffled, it honestly sounds like there is a blanket over the speakers. The V60 is not a higher wattage V30, they are nothing alike. They are charging $2000au for this cab so if people knew what they were in for, They would not sell ONE!!!
Happy ending though as i bought a Marshall 1960a cab with the Celestion GT-75s in it and the amp has come to life.

Because of the Speakers they chose for the cab they missed out on a 10 here.

built like a tank, In 3 years it has never broken down. I wouldn't play in my bedroom without a backup! let alone gigging.

Its a great amp but an expensive one. If you play metal from old school thrash to deathcore this amp will cater accordingly. just avoid the standard series cabs, get the pro series with the real V30's in it!

I previously reviewed this head in November of 2006 and I still love it for its lack of features because in a live situation, I don't want to be tweaking 28 knobs. But read on for my opinion of using the Fireball live if there's another guitarist in the band.

This is probably the best sounding amp I own. It's also great for recording. The distortion rules, the clean rules, but if there's another guitarist in the band, forget about anybody hearing its bad*** tone. It just won't cut thru the mix. Period.

I'm in 3 working metal bands that range from thrash, progressive, and death. Almost every night my Fireball is up against either a Peavey 5150II, Mesa Mark VI, Engl preamp/Peavey Tube Power Amp, or an old Traynor Tube Head with a HardWire dist pedal in front. The Fireball can be heard over the Traynor, but not much.

I've owned it for nearly 3 years and have played a ton of shows with it and it has bounced all over the U.S. in a trailer under extreme hot and cold conditions. No problems. The effects loop never really worked right though. I tried to throw an ISP decimator in the loop to kill the preamp noise. It worked fine at bedroom volume, but at band volume it throws off a feedback unlike any I've ever heard. The FX mix knob does not help. While I'm at it, I'm not sure the bright and deep switches do anything to alter the sound.

If you're looking for a killer amp to record with, whether it be clean or distorted, this is the amp.

If you're looking for a killer amp to play shows with, keep looking. The Fireball doesn't play well with Peaveys and Mesas. Sure it sounds more brutal, but if nobody can hear you what's the point? I've recently purchased an original 5150 and a 6505+. I'm still using the Fireball at one of the practice spots, but only until I get another 5150 or 6505, at which point the Fireball will be confined to recording only.

60 Watts
2 Channels with a shared eq
It can cover many styles but its true strong point is metal
Wish it had separate eq for each channel but its not a huge deal
Presence control is a cool feature

Im playing this head for metal and some shimmering cleans when i need them. I usually play my Jackson DKMG dinky with EMGs and also an Epi les paul custom with carvin pickups i had installed.

It sounds pretty full even at a low volume which really pleased me. I was used to playing 100W tube heads that sound like S*** at a bedroom volume but im surprised that this one sounds decent. It has some pretty brutal dark tones for metal. If you want ballsy low end tone for detuned metal than this is your amp.

I havent had it that long but the guy i bought if from has had it for a few years i think and it seem to be built like a tank! This is by far the heaviest head i have ever tried to carry. its got to way like 60lbs or more im not even kidding. Looks and feels very sturdy.

Never dealt with them

Overall, its a badass head if you like rock - metal. If you can find a used one in good condition than buy it because they are kind of hard to come by. Sounds way better than any solid state obviously. If stolen, i would hunt the bastard down and give him what for!

I have played mesa dual rectifiers, single recs, and i have owned a Krank Krankenstein. This kills them. The only thing that bothers me is the shared eq between the drive and clean channels.

This amp is set as simple as it gets. 2 channels; Clean and Ultra Lead. A single EQ set for both channels; Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, 2 master volumes, plus a bright switch, depth switch, and an ultra gain switch. It's simple, yet it still gives you many tonal options.
This amp is only 60 watts, but boy is it LOUD. It feels alot louder than my previous 100 watt amps, this will handle any live show venue you throw at it!
Not that it needs it, but I would have loved a built-in EQ like on a VHT. However it does have an fx loop, so adding an EQ pedal is an easy option.
Also comes with a great Z-4 footswitch, if you don't have one, I highly advise getting one.

This amp is built for hard rock / metal, it covers many tones with a very simple EQ range. I mainly play progressive death metal, and for this style it couldn't get any better, the tone is crushing! It has been compared to a 5150, but as an ex-5150 owner, this amp out does it in every way. The clean channel is nice, the shared EQ means you have lose a little to get a little between the channels. It could defo use a chorus to make it shine. The Ultra Lead channel needs no help at all, like a 5150 it is brutal, it is very clear and tight, so no room for bad playing! It is a little noisy on the lead channel, so a noise supressor is advised. I use high output passive pickups, but i can image this amp loves actives, guess I'll have to move on to them soon!

all good so far!

Never needed it!

I've owned several amps; Peavey 5150, XXX, Soldano Hot Rod, River Knucklehead, Framus Dragon, Randall RM100. For hard rock / metal tones EnGL amps deliver the goods, it's what they do best! At the price these are sold for, it's a steal!

I'm sure you very well know the features of this amp by now. They amp is more versatile than some people give it credit for, it has nice clean, crunch and high gain tones. I don't mind the shared EQ between the Ultra Gain and the Clean channels, i just wish the clean channel had a separate gain control.

The Depth and Bright switches are both useful in their own ways, it really depends on your guitar and pickups as to how you use them. It has more than enough gain for any (and i mean any) type of music. The EQ is fairly responsive, but not too touchy.
The amp is very loud at 60 watts, plenty for just about any gig paired with my G-Flex 2x12.
The effects loop works great, though, i only use an EQ in the loop.

I'm currently using a cheap basswood Schecter with an X2N in the bridge and a Tone Zone in the neck. I'm running it through a G-Flex 2x12 cabinet with the stock speakers. I just have an ISP Decimator in front and an MXR 10-band Equalizer in the effects loop.

For the type of music i play (Death metal/Grindcore/Black Metal), i really haven't played a better amp in the price range. I'm sure some people may prefer the more gritty and aggressive 5150, but i find the Fireball to be a smoother and thicker. It still retains some of the aggressive qualities of the 5150 though. It stays tighter than the 5150 as well. It is also a lot quieter than most high gain amps in it's price range, even without the Decimator.
The clean is surprisingly pleasant on this amp, can get really warm and bassy jazz tones to chimey, bright, Fender-like tones. My one gripe is that if you are playing with the gain over about 4 (i play with it on 6), the clean channel breaks up fairly easy, but you can just roll back the volume knob on your guitar to fix that.

Overall this amp just has a crushingly thick and aggressive high gain tone, perfect for any metal player. The clean is also a really nice complement, but i really think this amp is best suited for straight up metal playing.

I've had this amp for about 6 months and had no problems at all. The previous owner had it for a year with no problems as well.

That is all i can really say about the reliability at this point.

Never had to deal with Engl so far.

I had a 5150 before this amp. For me, the Fireball just crushes it in my opinion. This is an amp i can see myself using for quite sometime, i never want to sell it. The tone for death metal just slays and i love the clean sounds with the neck pickup on my guitar.
My only gripe is the shared gain control for both channels.

One of the best metal amps in the $1k range.

This is a update on a review I did 7 years ago. I bought this amp at the 2002 NAMM in Anaheim. It is still a great amp for what I like (metal) but can also do rock and cleans very well. I run this head through a ENGL 4x12 slant vintage 30s ( very nice ). I just retubed the amp with JJ Electronics tubes and the gain is back were it should be. 7 year old tubes tend to sound crappy (HA HA) The one thing I have changed in my opinon is I like EMG pickups much better with this amp than passive. I would like to play this amp louder but I live in a condo. I still would not replace this amp. No other amp can touch the high gain and it sounds awesome at bedroom levels. Notice on the price of $997.00 and it came with a footswitch and footswitch cord (25ft). I love the great deals at name.

I use 2 LTD Eclipses with EMGs, Dean Black Gold Z, Fender Strat with Dimarzio HS3s. The only amps I thick could replace this one is other ENGL products, Deizel, and they all cost too much for my budget.

This amp has never had a problem. When I first bought this amp no one I knew had heard of ENGL and I had no idea where to go for service back then. Now everybody has heard of them and I can't image it would be hard to get fixed.

Never needed it.

I have thought of selling this a couple of times since I am not in a band and at the time of purchase alot of amps I owned such as Hughes & Kettner, Mesa, Carvin, Soldano SL60 didn't quite have what I thought I wanted. They were all great amps but kind of hard to play at lower volumes. I do regret selling all the other amps, I do enjoy collecting them. I realized when I put this up for sale all the guys calling wanting it to replace some other good amps and it made me thick twice.

If you're reading this you probably already know what the amps control panel looks like :p One EQ for both channels, 2 master volumes, brightness and depth switches, presence knob, and a power tube monitoring system. It has an FX loop, a footswitch input, and several outputs on the back for a variety of ohms and speaker dimensions.LEDS make the Tubes glow RED!!!

I'm using a Fender American Fat Strat(Tonezone, Blue velvet, Texas Special) and a Mesa Boogie 2x12 closed back recitfier cab with V30's.

I play alternative metal and melodic death metal with alot of complex rhythms and higher chords that need to shine through clearly to sound well. This amp produces everything I need. First off, the Ultra Gain channel sounds pretty much amazing at any EQ setting. When you adjust the EQ properly with your guitar, you can open the pearley gates to DJENT and CHUG Heaven and produce some of the sickest artificial harmonics ever. The amps BASS is an incredible punch in the nads and with an over-sized mesa cab that already produces bass you can keep it leveled down on the amp so that your bass player doesn't feel useless. The MIDS are the best I have ever heard on a hi-gain amp and you would have to be toneTARDED to scoop it unless you're playing Cradle of Filth or something equally irritating(which the amp is also good for). The HIGHS bring alot of clarity to the overall sound, but you need to keep them under control or they can turn your tone into a squealing fuzzy mess. The Presence knob breathes life into the distortion and basically decides if your tone will cut through in a concert setting.
With the ToneZone in the Strat I can get just the right amount of distortion and clarity without going overkill. The reason this is helpful is because I can always switch over to clean tone and the b/t tonezone and blue velvet postiiton on the guitar and get the most gorgeous poppy cleans I have ever heard on such a "Metal" amp. Considering the fact that this amp ony has one EQ for both channels, you may not get the advantage of 2 beautiful tones (on the same EQ settings) if you use insanely high output pickup like EMG's that would sound fantastic for distrotion but would cause unpleasant breakup on the clean channel. This is just for convenience (I'm sure the high output pickup guys also have this amp figured out to a science and can make both channels sound amazing aswell)
Just like alot of the other reviewers, I have also played on 5150's, Rectifiers, Marshalls, and several other Hi-gain amps. They all have amazing tonal qualities but I think that for the price, the Fireball is the coolest sounding and the easiest to use. I'm very proud of my Boogie cab but I've also heard that Orange, Vader, and Marshall 1960A cabs sound amazing with this amp.

I would definitely take this amp to any show (why else would I have gotten it?:O???) I have had absolutley ZERO problems with this amp and it is very sturdy. I would use it at a gig without a backup (because i don't own one), but it is always good to have a backup people!!!

A store in Texas sent me the amp and it was missing the spare tubes that the company promised in the instruction manual. The store contacted Engl who quicly sent me a package with tubes, stickers, postcards, a carribeaner and other cool Engl stuff. I trust this companies service but hope that I don't need it for anything any time soon.

I've been playing for 8 years and have definitely heard and used my fair share of terrible amplifiers, pedals and guitars that could get nowhere near the sound I wanted. This amp is a dream-come-true and I would definitely go with Engl again if I lost it.

The ENGL Fireball is one of the best amps around for metal and death metal. The price is very fair considering the amps that sound this good are much more at retail price new. Why don't people go somewhere else to waste time writing bogus reviews, haters who don't have anything but jealousy and leave bogus names for their bogus review. I have been playing for over 20 years and have now, a Peavey 5150, 6505plus, 1986 Marshall JCM800 50watt and the Engl Fireball. I had a dual rectifier and sold it, my mistake. I don't rag on other brands of amps, the ones I can't afford or are jealous of. I would love to own a Bogner Ecstacy or Diezel but need to sell some of the amps I have and save some more money. The Engl Fireball regardless of prices, is the closest thing you will get to the sound of those botique HIGH GAIN amps. Plug in a hold on. Really. I have had the Engl for about 8 months. I don't use any of the other amps I own anymore and am probably going to sell the two peaveys to freinds that play in bands locally. Where I live there is a huge metal and hardcore scene and people here love to go see live bands. I can gig with the Fireball and cut through even in the worst club acoustics, (the club with metal walls and roof in a industrial building) as far as 60 watts, its just as loud as my JCM800 and its 50watts (and louder than the peaveys). Volume? No problem. You can find the truth in a review in a second when someone says you can find 'tons' of Fireballs on eBay. Oh really? not. Go look, that comment is for those who read on. And do...There are some REAL, really good reviews from REAL Fireball owners on this page, you just have to cut through the B.S. People who know what a Fireball is, or know enought to come here looking for a review know that they are not found in every music store in the city, in fact its often difficult to get them. Even though MF is now stocking them they probably are on backorder. If you want a killer amp for a great price that can rival any metal amp out there, get a ENGL Fireball. Its got hotter gain than the other Engls, if that is what you seek, you will find. This is a amp you won't be tired of in a month. Like I said, 20 years I have been buying equipment, I wont sell my Fireball any time soon. The other amps I own you CAN find on eBay all day long. Does that mean they suck, hell no. They rule, I am glad I have spent my hard earned money on good equipment instead of wasting it. Engl Fireballs hold value. If they were not great amps that are sought after they wouldn't sell for half price as used. And you can save money, you won't need any boost, overdrive or metal pedals in front of this amp, just your guitar, a cord and some talent to go with a party on attitude. Forget being a hater.

The best amp I own of 2 peavey heads, JCM800 and used to have a dual rectifier I owned for 9 years. Now I play guitar through my Fireball every day. The others sit and probably will be sold. Like another reviewer said, its like a dual rectifier but tighter, I find that very true. A good thing, not to knock dual rectifiers, I should have not sold mine, and will get another one. I want to get a new one so its taking time save that much change from the couch. It will be welcome, Fireballs and DRs sound very good together.

I gig local small clubs with it and don't take a backup amp. I do take backup tubes with me. The power in clubs fluctuates considerably and I never know when those tubes will get too much juice. The ENGL is german made, it has tough pots for the knobs and a grill front. The back is ENTIRELY closed up with a sheet metal plate. You won't accidently break tubes having stuff piled up in the back of the truck that carries everyones crap. The engl head is huge and tough enuf.

Warranty for the ENGL is great, but it doesn't really matter. I won't need to use it. The ENGL line of amps are NOT known as lemons or for being in and out of the shop like 2 major manuf amps that cost much much more. My main reason for parting with other brands of amps.

There are better reviews than this skip this and go down a few. Don't bother with haters. They won't own a Engl but its not because they don't want one.

I owned this in 2007 for two weeks. It was not versatile at all, as the gain at 2 was metal and from 2-10 was garbage. The clean is slightly better than plugging directly into a sound board. This amp had a midrange knob but lacked midrange. Also, it may be because it's 60 watts, but it has no punch. It sounds like a solid state amp, where the sound is all blaring noise, and no power.

I used this guitar with 6 and 7 string guitars with humbuckers. It is a good amp for a beginner playing noisy heavy metal. It is not a good amp for people who like good tone. I believe you could get this tone out of a distortion pedal - and that probably sounds better to some than a Triple Rectifier distortion without a boost.
The distortion is brutal like a 5150 but the 5150 sounds much better. These are in great supply used on ebay if you haven't noticed - that's because they are for beginners who get their first amp and then either quit playing or need an upgrade.
In my experience, any pedals (overdrive, wah, etc.) sounded horrible with this amp - like it was a distortion pedal or a solid state amp.

There is no roundness to the lead tone at all. It's razor sharp like an ice pick in your ear.

Worked fine.

No dealings with ENGL.

I've been playing for 18 years. I own lots of guitars and have owned many amps like Triple Rectifier, 5150, JCM 800, Soldano Avenger, VHT Pittbull, Rivera Knucklehead, DSL 2000.

I wanted to balance these reviews out because according to most of the reviewers this is the best amp ever. No chance. It's getting the same ratings as an Engl Invader which is far better to my ears. Check out the sound clips at rocksolidamps for more proof.

Be careful listening to the kids here who say it is the best amp, and has Fender cleans and all that crap. If you go from a processor and this is your first tube amp, then yes, it is great. Once you've been playing awhile and have played different amps this will not cut it. If you have $1200 for an Engl keep saving and get something better.

Some people get upset when you criticize an amp that they own. No offense. But the same thing happens and the GAS cycle continues: one day you'll play a gig where someone in another band has something like an overdriven Marshall, or a Soldano, and you will be ashamed of your fizzy digital sounding tone, and your Fireball will be history.

2007 ENGL Fireball 60watt Head.

Two channels, footswitchable, along with two master volumes also footswitchable.

The only feature I wish this had was a seperate EQ for the clean channel, however I am finding that I rarely use the clean channel anymore and am instead just rolling off the volume of my guitar.

I find the features it has to be more than enough to many useable sounds in the hard rock/heavy guitar realm.

Guitar: Les Paul w/ Seymour Duncan JB & Jazz

Music Style: Hard Rock

NOISE: Can get noisy if you EQ it terribly. The EQ settings are quite different from a marshall, more similar to Mesa. If you apply only small boosts and cuts you will achieve a great tone with minimal noise. That said a noise suppressor never hurts..

SOUNDS: Very unique sounding amp, great midrange which should not be scooped! An EQ pedal brings this amp alive, especially in a live situation. This amp was primarily made for the studio I think, as the bass frequencies are quite thick and detailed. This fact, however, can reduce the amp's ability to 'cut' in a band situation, as alot of power is dedicated to this area. Using an EQ pedal to cut some of the very low bass frequencies and perhaps slightly boosting the mid range solved this problem for me. Not much required, just a bit of careful EQing. Definately loud enough to bring home the bacon at any size gig.

CLEAN: Heaps of headroom, can pull of bluesy tones with an overdrive pedal, but not on its own. One of the better clean channels of the high0gain amps.

DISTORTION: Very unique, very raw, very awesome! This amp loves the studio, it is almost impossible to make it sound bad. Sound good live too, unlike many Mesas I have heard.. I run the gain at 2.5/10, with the master volume at around 8/10. Some of the best tones I have ever heard!

Amp has never broke down, but I feel it is not the most solid amp I have ever picked up.

Doesn't feel like it's going to break at any second, don't get me wrong, I'm probably just being paranoid cuz I would hate to drop it!

Would gig without a backup, has a system that isolates power amp tubes in case one blows up, never experienced this in practice though..

Never dealt with them.

I would highly recommend this amplifier for anyone seeking a unique sounding amp for hard rock or metal appliances.

The kind of music I play would be more likened to Tool, Stone Temple Pilots, kinda stuff. Easily pulls of these dark, bassy, crunchy tones with the right EQing.

Buy one and love it.

2008 ENGL E625 Fireball Guitar Amplifier purchased from
HOUSE OF ENGL a authorized ENGL DEALER in the USA,
Jeff Tasch is the President and owner, a great person to do business
with who went out of his way to assist me in my purchase.

Front Panel Knobs and Controls (dial knobs unless noted) :
Input for instrument (one socket,no low and high, Not a bad thing)
Gain
Bright switch (on/off)
Depth switch (on/off)
Bass
Middle Treble
Presence (for Paul Gilbert fans this is the 'presents' knob)
Ultra Gain switch (on/off)
Master A
Master B
Power Tube Monitor V1 (led on/off)
Power Tube Monitor V2 (led on/off)
Stand by switch
Power ON/OFF switch

This amplifier has a more than adequate design. I find that there are very few guitarists who have the need or can properly perform while using 28 knobs, switches and 4 channels. The amplifers built that way are overthought and it shows in thier output. My theory is to have the least amount of equipment betweeen my guitar and the speaker, to get my desired sound. Not the opposite. For the intermediate to pro metal player, this amp is supreme. It has the ability to give you the Pantera, Master of Puppets, Devil Driver, Lamb of God, EQ'd type sound or down and dirty midrange hardcore punk sound RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, no B.S. This amp does it and that is FACT. With a street price around 1400.00, if you can find one, buy it. If you get rushed and buy something common that costs more, its you that has to live with it. Make your decisions ones that count. Its a inexpensive amp, but 1400 is still a lot of money for most guitar players who are not making millions with a band we play in...yet.
Also when reading reviews...look...think. If the reviewer can't spell the type of pickups they have in thier guitar, and reference music styles that have nothing to do with your tastes, do not give their review any consideration. I grew up listening to hardcore punk in the late 80's and played in bands. In the 90's thru today, 2008, I am only involved and interested in death metal, speed metal, thrash and other hard, technical, tight, shred type of riffs and leads, songs and performances. If this is not your type of guitar sound(s), don't waste your time with this review. With that out of the way, Fireball sounds...

The ENGL Fireball has a very dynamic and tight crunch that is similar to mesa and other similar amplifiers but has much more clarity. Double picking at high gain, shredding, arpeggios, tapping, this amplifier will give you excellent sustain and DEEP THICK THICK HEAVY CRUNCH. Every time I turn this amp on I get a big rush and smile and am so happy I purchased it. As for amps, its the best amp I have ever bought in 17 years other than my ENGL Thunder (more portable, the Fireball is a BIG HEAD). Death Metal, Speed Metal, Tight Technical Guitar work at high gain, this is the amp. As far as the 60 watt rating, don't even pay attention to the specs, this amp is as loud or louder than a 100 watt JCM800 or Mesa Rectifier. No problems at all with sound level. The 50 watt Thunder has the same great level, just not the exact same crunch of the Fireball. The crunch of the fireball is what you hear on albums and have never heard a amp put out live, ever. Its the perfect metal amp.

This amp is in a BIG *** CABINET. Really, its a long head. No problems though. Like another reviewer said, it allows access to the tubes, and would allow access for a technician but you won't ever need it worked on, it won't crap out on you. German made, high quality control, I own 2 ENGL amplifers. The Fireball is made better than any amp under 4000.00 that I have used. And sounds better, that is the most important. But if your amp is in the shop all the time, you have no sound at all.

ENGL Customer Support. Two issues here, purchasing and customer support. I couldn't have had a better company/person to purchase from than Jeff Tasch at House of Engl amps in the USA. The amp was on my doorstep (in the morning) in TWO DAYS guys! Want it now? His prices are more than competitive and he is very pleasant and he was able to put up with me. That is enough of a reason to buy from him. Jeff is the President of the Company. IF you call the '10 thousand amp sales a week' dealer will you get to speak to and buy from the President? Call Jeff Tasch at House of Engl amps. Go*gle 'House of Engl' and you will get everything you need. He answers email the same day, he takes phone calls instead of blocking you with voice mail, and he is honest and fair. Also, I used Jeff Tasch's name and company name with HIS permission.
About customer support through ENGL official website...
I have read that ENGL didn't return emails. Sorry, I find this hard to beleive. ENGL not only responds, they respond quickly. My question was about the two foot pedals available for the amp. Note about those, one is 115.00 and plastic with only A/B switching. The other is metal and about 100 dollars more with lots of functions. Don't buy the plastic one. this amp will be around a LONG TIME. You need the pedal board with it. Save your pennies up and get one. OR quit smoking and buy one much faster, then you'll be around to play longer. If that is a good thing?!

Overall rating of this amplifier is 9.5 I don't have anything to deduct, I am just reserving the 10 for something that hasn't been made yet. Ten ratings are given out too much, too quickly and unfortunately you can't edit these reviews later when the 'new' wears off.

If you want to know about the features just go to :http://www.engl-amps.com/index2.html

I just want to say this about amplifiers. If you want your amp to have a million guitar sounds, how do you expect to find YOUR sound? I have found MY sound with this amp. I come from an era where guitar players could be instantly recognised by their guitar sound and that is what I wanted to achieve. So yes, this amp is a one trick poney but it is versatile enough that two guitar players using the same exact gear won't have the same tone dialed in.

Moving on, the clean is amazing. I am using a Les Paul Custom and a G&L ASAT special semi-hollow body and both sound great. The distortion chanel is killer. Don't expect to get a light crunch sound like you would get with an Orange amp though. With the distortion set to about 2 or 3 you can peal the paint off of any walls (which could be handy sometimes). The one thing that has impressed me the most is that if you dial in a sound with the volume set a 2 and you cranck up the volume, your sound does not change. Most amps begin changing your sound when you go past 12 o clock, but this amp remains true to the sound you dial in no matter what volume you punch in. This is the first time I experience this with ANY amplifier.

If you want to hear this amp in action go to:

http://www.engl-amps.com/index2.html

watch the powerball video ( the powerball and fireball have the same distortion sound)

or go to my myspace to hear my album and the guitar sound I have dialed in for the recording using a Fireball.

www.myspace.com/daedaleancomplex

I have had this amp for a few months now, but it does the job very well. We are having a gig this coming month and I will be using the Fireball with no backup.

I have not used it yet.

I have been playing for over 20 years now and I have used a ton of amps and effects in the past to try and dial in my sound. I have found my sound with this amp. It is very responsive and dynamic and responds well to player who down-tune their guitars to drop C (like me) or lower.

If anything happened to this amp I would sell my nuts to get another Fireball (nuts, balls..).

What I love the most about this amp is the tone. I get a weird frizzled sound when I do black metal type picking on the high strings and it is absolutely killer. The one thing I dislike about the amp is the noise. Pluging a noisegate or a Rocktron Hush in the effect loop pretty much kills noise and humm and bugs too.

I compared this amp to a 5150, a Bogner Uberschall, Mesa Triple rectum fire and a few more amps. This one in my opinion was by far the most supperior product. And the price was very competitive.

made in germany Engl Fireball Head, 65 watts, 2 channels, only 1 gainknob but i dont need more if u just want to play metal. it has an effectsloop and a footswitchjack.
its all tube and looks killer.

i'll give it a 7 because its "only" a metal amp, u cant play anything else with it.

i played it with an esp ltd mh-250 with SD invader pickups.
this amp has the most brutal distortion i've ever heard so far.
although engl amps have its own character. is doesn't sound sterile and cold like a mesaboogie.

the ultragainchannel cuts through very well. no problem during bandrehearsals, u always gonna hear this amp. the eq has a wide range of different sounds, u really dont need more knobs, if u just want to play metal. the engl fireball has a very fast and direct response. and u can hear every mistake when u play, this amp amplifies how u play ;)

the cleanchannel also sounds great, u can hear every single string.

every part seems to be high quality, so i guess its ok to gig with it without backup

very helpful, one tube was broken and engl replaced it very fast for free. i had 90 days warranty on the tubes and 3 years on the amp.

i play for 8 years, tried many amps. i wanted a brutal distortion amp for deathmetal with its own character and thats what the fireball delivers. if it were stolen i would buy it again or save money for the engl powerball. i just found my dreamamp.

It has what it needs. It's a killer head for hard rock/metal.

I have yet to find an amp that does all things for all people (and modeling amps are garbage...if, of course, you value your ears or the ears of anyone around you).

If you want a fast car, buy a fast car. If you want a luxury car, buy a luxury car. If you want to tow something, buy a truck. Any rational person understands that you can't buy a pick-up that rides like a Lincoln and drives like a Corvette.

The same applies to guitar amps. If you want to play Jazz, buy a Roland or a Twin. If you want to play classic rock, buy a Superlead or an AC-30. If you want to play hard rock, buy a JCM 800. If you want to play metal, buy a Mesa, Bogner, (enter any number of amps here, including this amp)....

Unbelievable, really. I bought a new Dual Rec about 3 months ago, and I love that head. But, I bought this head used about a week ago for half the price, and still can't believe the tone. Sounds very much like the Mesa, but "tighter" (for lack of a better word), and produces harmonics with ease (more so than the Mesa). Every note articulates clearer, and that's with heavy distortion.

If you're considering a Rectifier, you should try this head first. I have it connected to a Mesa cab with vintage 30's. I've tried it with number of guitars, but prefer (hands down) a telecaster with a Hotrail in the bridge (playing through just the neck pick-up (for solo's) is tone heaven too).

If you play hard rock/metal, you can't lose with this head. I also have a JCM 800 and a 5150. Each head has it's strength. But, the Engl is a must have in my opinion. Overall, it's just excellent.

Don't know. Just got it.

Don't know, just got it.

Excellent. A must have (I would say) if you play hard rock/metal.

Brand new Engl bought from rocksolidamps. Made in Germany, der land of incredible brutality.

Features are easy: Two channels and an effects loop. That's it and I'm happy with it. If a lack of "features" like effects or tons of channels (like the higher priced Engls) is unappealing, steer clear of this baby. It's got your basic EQ set up of course, shared between the two channels but separate volume knobs for each. There's a bright and depth switch as well. It's 60 watts, you probably won't need the volume past 5 for anything, really. And like others said, you DON'T have to crank it up to get a good tone, which is a plus! All tube (6L6).

The features are fine for my music, which employs tones ranging from clean to heavy distortion. Although this amp may seem the wrong choice for versatility, I use and eq and an overdrive to basically add extra channels. Call me crazy, but I like using pedals.

I give an 8 because it's not lacking anything I feel it essential, but reverb wouldn't hurt, and the footswitch is not included and is too expensive for 2 buttons.

I use guitars with SD and EMG pickups (prefer the SD). It shines with both. I really feel that Engls have a unique distortion sound, which I love. It's not Mesa, and it's not Marshall. Now, let me talk about how I use it and work with the flaws.

First, yes it is possible to get both a great clean and great distortion setting with the shared EQ. And it's a true clean, very beautiful. The distortion is of course well known to be as intense as you want it to be. My gain setting? Three! Yes, three. With no effects on, it is already a pretty heavy tone, unless you are one of the "gain=heaviness" crowd and wear corpse-paint. It sounds similar to Alice in Chains tone ala Man in the Box (in terms of the gain anyway). I like the gain low like this, it is already a HIGH GAIN amp and with less preamp distortion it is incredibly organic. Now, for the true metal territory, I employ a Maxon OD9 set to the classic "boost" EQ (volume:10 drive:0 tone:0-3). Boom, now I've got an extra channel that can destroy small villages. I can also roll down the guitar volume w/ the OD on for are more crunch sound or take the OD off for a cleaner tone.

My only real problem with the tone is the highs, which I've never been able to tame with the onboard EQ. They sound ok for rhythm, but on leads it's like a wailing she-demon shrieking in your ear, and not in a cool metal way, more like an Ann Coulter way. Enter the MXR 10-band EQ (I use the Kerry King version for the extra output). It is set VERY MODERATELY. The only thing that is changed are some bass frequencies (boosted for extra thunder) and, more importantly, the highest frequencies (cut for less Ann Coulter). Perfection! I can leave it off for during rhythms, but I usually leave the pedal on all the time because it is set so moderately it sounds great.

The clean channel stays clean at usable volumes, and there is very little noise (again, gain set on 3), but I do use an ISP Decimator (everyone should have one) to keep things clean since I have a few pedals and such. Especially my wah which adds a ton of noise.

And again, the tone is unique you just really have to hear it.

Haven't had any problems, but I don't gig very much. I would use a backup if I could afford it (who wouldn't?) but I can't so I don't.

Haven't dealt with them, just Derek B., who is the ****.

Been playing for about 8 years, this is the best amp I've owned so far. If it were stolen, after a long cry I would probably try other amps but most likely end up with the FB or another Engl. Their amps are unstoppable. I love the uniqueness of it, they are not too common in the States. Oh yeah, and the tone kicks ass! I wish it had a spring-loaded boxing glove that would launch at the nuts of any would be thief.

I give it a nine because nothing is perfect.

Effects loop, 2 channels with 1 shared EQ.

I wouldn't mind a seperate gain knob, and also some reverb on tap so I'll be giving it a 6 for features.

Using an RG1570 with Dimarzio Breeds.

This amp is chug heaven. Pinch harmonics come easily.

I do tighten it up with a TS9 though, as it gives the ultra gain channel a bit more bite. Leave the TS9 on and switch to the clean channel and you get a nice bluesy crunch.

Can be a bit noisy (even with guitar volume on 0), so I've also had to invest in an ISP Decimator.

I agree it can be a bit of a 1 trick pony, but that is why you buy this amp, for it's metal heavenliness. I'll probably get a Marshall DSL down the line for classic rock.

I haven't had a chance to crank this amp with a band, but I've cranked it on my own (well volume on 3!) and it nearly blew my face off. Very loud!

If you like metal just get this.

I bought it used and the other guy had it a year and it still sounds/works fine.

N/A

Been playing 5 years, and gone through a few amps to find the one.

Had a DSL401, an Orange Rocker 30 and a Laney LC30 then decided I'd go and get an amp that doesn't need to be boosted to Pluto and back to sound good and heavy.

If it got stolen I'd probably get it again, although I'd try out a DSL50 just to check that isn't the one!

2007 Model ENGL Fireball.

I use this amp entirely for one sound. That absolutely crushing, brutal metal sound that ENGL does so well. The amp has two channels that share gain and EQ settings, but even when it is set to a crushing metal sound on the Ultra Gain channel, it cleans up nicely on the clean channel.

I use it in combination with a Mesa Stiletto for all of my cleans and low gain sounds, and between them its an extremely versatile rig.

Some people might say this amp is a bit of a one trick pony, but it is one hell of a trick.

Using an Ernie Ball John Petrucci 7 String.
Suits metal perfectly :)
The amp is very quiet, even on extreme settings, can't hear the hiss over the sound of the fan in the stiletto.

Don't know yet, haven't had it long enough to judge, but it seems like its built well.

Never dealt with them.

If this was stolen or lost I would definately buy another. I compared this with just about every Mesa, Marshall, and other ENGL, and to my ears this sounded best. Would have liked to compare to a Diezel, but couldn't get one.

I payed 1500$ for my new ENGL Fireball.
Ordered from Germany.
It's a two channel amp with 3 eq knobs, depth and bright switches.
This amp has tro separate Master controls, but share one and same Gain knob for both channels.
Some people may think it's damn stupid. I think it too, but it's not a that huge problem. I can still get some clean tones after switching from Ultra Gain to Clean.
It has also a f.x-loop and 4 cabinet jacks.
But no headphone jack!
Cool design with shiny metal and red glow inside. Looks like the 6L6 tubes glow red neon, but it's not the tubes.
Looks really brutal.
I give it a rating 8 only because both channels share same Gain control.

The amp is a Metal beast! I ise it with my Epiphone Les Paul Custom.
It can deliver some really brutal Gain even at the gain settings at 12 o'Clock.
Some might say that the amp has too much gain at full settings - Even the most brutal metalists.
At the gain at 11 or 12 o'clock you can get some really heavy sound and also a clean tone when switching to chanel 1.
It deliver good lead tones with much sustains. Add some reverb or delay, and you have a good solo sound! btw, the amp deliver more modern metal sound. If you want a vintage sound, get another amp.
I play Metallica, Pantera, Children Of Bodom, Opeth ++ And the amp cover all my needs.

The amp has very good cleans, even thoght it's a Metal amp.
I use it with my 4x12 Hughes&Kettner cab with Celestion v30 speapes.
The amp likes v30 speakers! Really tight metal tone and warm clean tone.

People says the amp also like Celestion GT12-75 speakers if you want something cheaper. But I haven't tried them.
In my ears, the Fireball sounds really great.
It can deliver good sounds in bedroom levels and band practices.
Very spesial ENGL'sh sound. It has its own characters. And that is good.

I haven't had any problems with this amp. And I hope I won't.
I love this amp, and I think my next amp will be another ENGL. (Maybe)

No experience.

I've been playing for 5-6 years.
I play Metal and this amp delivers all the Metal sound I need.
I with the amp had separate EQ, or at least separate Gain controls for each channel. And maybe a reverb channel?

If it had two saperate Gain controls, i would give this amp rating 10 of 10.
But I can't. I'll give it a 9/10 because I love this amps sound! (and it's designs)

I bought it from a guy who ordered it from Germany.
Payed 8990NOK = 1650 bux.
Usually they cost 2000$ here.

This amp cover all my needs. It has a brutal distortion, and good cleans.
I miss two things with this amp:
- Separate Gain controller for each channel!
- Reverb!

I can add reverb with a pedal, no problem. But it would be cool with a little reverb controller in the amp. Many amps got it.
I only use the gain at 12 o'clock. SO I can get a good clean sounds and distortion without turning the Gain knob all the time.
But I would still prefer two separated Gain controllers.

(If you want this amp to be perfect, buy a ENGL Powerball. But the Fireball cover my needs. So I'm happy! And it's easier to use at 60w in a bedroom and you can still use it for gigs and bandpractice)
Good thing: It has two Master controls.
But this is the best Metal amp you can get for that price. I even think the price is low, considering the amp is that great.
All-tube 60 powerful watts!

For that I'm giving the rating:

The amp can deliver a pretty good clean sound - Even thought it's a metal amp!
But the amp is best at channel two. The Ultra Gain channel.
I play the Epiphone Les Paul Custom. I've tried the amp with LTD Deluxe, but the Epi sounds much better with this amp!
Is has more bass, sustain and warmth.

The Distortion sound is brutal! Even at 12 O'Clock. The amp has plenty of gain. If anyone says it has too little gain, you'll have to polish your ears. Or take a hearing test.

I play it with my Hughes&Kettner 4x12 Celestion v30 cab. And it deliver a very tight tone with the bridge pickup and lots of sustain with the neck pickup.
I have a Metal Zone, MT-2 Distortion pedal from Boss. I'vealways been satisfied with it. But now I don't need it anymore. The ENGL deliver all I need of gain.
I have the volum knob on 1/2 of 10.
This deliver a low volumes and the amp doesnt loose it's amazing sound!
But when you turn the knob at 1, it sounds too loud for my bedroom! And the amp likes the high volumes best.

At last: This amp can deliver all kind of distortion from Opeth, koRn, Metallica's Justice For All album, Black metal and death meatl sounds.
Not that good for oldschool rock. But if you drive it with higher volumes and low gain settings, I bet the amp will deliver a good classic rock tone too.
But Metal, is what this amp is best for.

ENGL + Hughes&Kettner 4x12 with Celestion v30
= TRUE_

This is the best Metal amp you can get for that price!
Tube sound is amazing. I've palyed many transistor amps. No of them can compare agains this amp!
'
You who haven't tried this amp, go and visit your local gitar store and try any Engl! You will love it.

I've only had the amp for 2 days.
So I hope I can depend on it.. I know I can depend on it.

Only had it 2 days.

Fantastic amp.

I use it ith my
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Hughes&Kettner amazing cab with 4x12 Celestion v30
No pedals. Even though I have distortion, overdrive, POD pedals.
I dont need them anymore! The amp deliver all the Gain I need.
It sounds like Metallica's And Justice For All sounds when you use much gain.

Try it!! And have fun ;p


Cheers, from ExcaliBur (Youtube search for Black Hole - ExcalibuR)
I'll upload some soundclips and video later!

2007 ENGL Fireball head, E625. 2 channel amp with footswitchable master volumes. Shared gain and EQ for two channels. Single global presence control, which is absolutely necessary to tame the harshness of the high gain sound. Adjustable effects series effects loop.
This amp is supposed to be boiled down, stripped of excess features. In this goal it seems most comparable to the VHT Deliverance heads. The Deliverances are cool amps as well, but they DO NOT HAVE AN EFFECTS LOOP. This makes them worthless in my opinion, and VHT makes some of the best effects loops in the biz! WTF Steve. Worthless.
ENGL Fireball is meant for players like me who hate fiddling with dials. I like to dial in one tone for high gain, one tone for clean, and work from there with the guitar.
Although having few features is in essence the main feature of this amp, independent EQ and gain are a must. The dual master volumes is great, because you can use them as two different channel volumes via the footswitch, or as a solo boost for your leads.
I think the VHT Deliverance would get a 3 for features, and the Fireball gets a 5. This isn't the amp's strong suit. If you want adjstability, get a Powerball. If you want versatility, look into the Blackmore.

I play almost every sort of guitar music conceivable. That being said, I'm not good at any of them, except for mild skill at rock/metal/shred. I bought this amp for death metal. For that I use my RG7 dropped to A, and my Jackson Rhoads which is in drop C, with EMG HZ H4 pickups. I also tried my JEM7VWH through it, with suprising results. More on that later.
This amp was made for super tight, responsive, defined attack. The transformers and power section were specifically designed for that. The response is incredible. If you play straight into the amp and don't like solid state distortion, you will love this amp. I hated my modded 5150 because it was not defined enough at all to play tight death metal. Flabby, muddy, woofy low end. That's why I don't like Mesa Boogie amps either. No definition. The ENGL Fireball is GREAT for metal rhythms. It leaves nothing to be desired as far as rhythm goes for me. With the gain at 12 o'clock, it sounds great. Tight attack, fat distortion, lots of low-end crunch. Palm mutes leap out. This amp SLICES through the mix. This is the most aggressive amp I have ever heard.
The lead tones are harsh. I roll back on the mids and presence to remove some bite from the sound. The higher you go on the fretboard, the sharper the sound gets. This amp wasn't made for lead, so if you are an exclusive lead player, I would try to find an amp that is less harsh. I understand, however, that this is a by-product of this amp's focus on fierce attack. That being said, rolling back on the mids and presence makes the sound softer. With ultra-defined metal amps, it's often hard to play lead because the sound is so dry. I hear the G-100-UL has this problem. The ENGL shreds like a bat out of hell. Alternate picking sounds great, as does sweep. You get a real deep pick sound, which adds a percussive element to shredding. Easy amp to play shred on!
The cleans were a total shock. Never had I expect cleans this glassy from a high gain amplifier. The cleans are pristine, do NOT break up at any volume, and offer great warmth and clarity. Fantastic for a 6L6 amp. I generally prefer the twang of an EL34 amp, but the cleans here were a total shock. 9.8/10 for the cleans simply because it's not perfect. Best cleans I've heard from a high-gain amp.
Trying my JEM with this amp yielded a strange surprise. On the lead channel with gain at 12 o'clock, rolling back on the volume almost entirely on the guitar and using the single coil and neck pickup together gave a SWEET twang sound. Totally unexpected! Sounds like Richie Kotzen's Cornford! Country heaven! Total SRV twang, responsive to pick dynamics. Strange to get this out of such a high gain amp! I will certainly use this sound live.
5150 had s****y cleans and was muddy throughout the lead channel, even with lots of modding. The ENGL is everything the 5150 should have been. I'm happy with this for my 6L6 metal amp.

I've been playing for 7 years, intensively. I play every genre of guitar, and own tons of guitars and equipment. This is the best death metal amp I've tried. You would really be hard pushed to find an amplifier more appropriate for tight death metal. This amp is simply made for that type of music. If you want an amp like this that could also do sweet rock sounds and other tones, you'd have to get one of those ultra-versatile boutique amps like the VHT Pittbull Ultralead, Mako Amplification Custom MAK4, something along those lines. I think a cheaper solution is to have multiple amps that are specialized. For death metal, this amp SLAYS. The sweet twang tones and glassy cleans are a huge bonus.
This amplifier is not for tweakers, who are often floored by versatility. It's my impression that those types (who I do not see eye-to-eye with at all) would be happier with the Blackmore, which has more channels and more sounds, but is less focused on the tightness and aggression.
Great amp for death metal. A rating of 8 is great. 5150 would be a 4. If this were ultra-versatile, I would give it a 9, and less harsh lead sounds would please me as well.

Well, as it is not modified, my Fireball has the same features as listed in theother reviews. Very basic, actually all you need. The rest comes from you and how you play.
But I wished it has some more, like a second gain knob, for the clean channel. The shared Eq is not a Problem for me, since it is the Distortion I bought this Amp for. But it would be good to have a gain control on the clean channel to get it totally clean even if you use higher gain settings on the distortion channel.
reverb would also be nice for clean settings and leads, but i don??t really miss it.

I play in a Death/Doom Metal Band and therfore need a brutal Distortion.
And the Fireball just delivers what i want, it simply destroys!
It is not as raw sounding as a 5150 and has more compression but i just love the growling midrange. This is actually one of the best features of the Amp, the Midrange. it is very thick and chunky. Since i can??t stand scooped tones it is really important to me. Palm Mutes seem to kick you out of your practice room, it has so much power. Although the Amp compresses quite a lot, it does not hide mistakes or sloppy playing, it is still very responsive and honest. Good playing will sound good, bad playing....guess what.
The Distortion is not always brutal, tweak the few knobs properly and you have a good hardrock sound. Good, not great, it is definately Metal what this Amp was built for.
Sonic Evaluation: Schecter C-1 Blackjack Baritone (B Standard)>>>Fireball>>>some old 4x12 cab with Celestions (soon to be replaced.
The other guitarist in my band plays a Crate Blue Voodoo which works great together. The Fireball delivers Punch and Depth while the Voodoo bites.
But be careful with the bass, the Fireball has a lot of it and high settings on the bass may lead to serious fights with your bass player.

The Clean Channel could be a bit brighter without havin to use the Bright Switch, which sounds to harsh when switching to the Distortion Channel. But i can split my Humbuckers to Single Coils, so it compensates this a bit.
Only 9 because nothing is perfect.

I don??t have it that long. Everything works fine so far and i don??t see any reason why this should change in the near future.

Never dealt with Engl. I only heard their Customer Support is bad. But i don??t care for such rumours since i like to base my opinion on own experience.

I have been playing for 6 years now but did not have had many Heads. I mostly played Racks and owned a lot of different Preamps. But since i don??t need that much flexibility, a puristic Amp is enough.

If you want to have a great Metal Distortion for a reasonably price, here it is. The sound can challenge much more expensive Amps.
I wouldn??t recommend this Amp for other musical styles than Metal since there are better Amps for it. But for Metal, be it Death, Black, Thrash,...the Fireball suits perfect.
I would definately buy one again if stolen, because other Amps i??d like to have are out of my price range (Rivera Knucklehead, Engl SE, Framus Cobra).

It's *******' amazing!!! I had 4 Peavey Triple XXX before (i was satisfied) but Fireball is juz an killer amp!! I play thrash/death metal. Distrotion is very clean and brutal. I love this kind of distro. Clean is also very nice. Not as nice as te Triple xxx has but is sweet :)

Polish distributor is a very cool guy. Few phones and Fireball has landed in my room. No complaining!!

To early for this.. :)

Good for everyone that look for a good amp to play metal. It's not univeral amp - one eq for 2 channels - pitty but I use clean only for tunning:P

I bought ENGL Fireball brand new in 2007, so it have leds insted of red coloured lights. It's 60W all tube amp.
This is mostly for clean or metal playing style, hard rock or easy crunch is hard to get. But for any tipe of metal (heavy to brutal death metal) this amp realy delivers.
It's two channel (clean/high gain) amp, with shared controls. You can switch channels by button of front side or by footswitch (not included).
In back there is effects loop.
No headphone jack.
I use this amp for home playing and recording. It is great from whisper volume to 75% volume.....it's always super tight and have great sound (which is not something that usual tube amp have----this was meant for whisper volumes).
Since it's 60W of pure tube power, it will be enough for any purpose.

I use it with 2*12 box with celestion vintage 30 speaker, guitar have EMG 85 in the bridge (yes 85, because guitar is made of alder and is super bright, so i needed something bassier to get fuller sound). Sound is great! Super tight and punchy. Cuts thru like a knif. Every one having problem cutting thru must have presence, mids and treble at 0 while other guitarist have 5150 with presence, mids and treble at max :)

Clean channel is very clean (no problem with shared knobs, since they work very well together), you can get a little worm sound or very punchy twang sound.

High gain channel is tight, punchy and cler....every note is heard....and every mistake too :) I play from heavy to thrash to black and death metal...this amp delivers all of that! And is not noisy as long as you don't do anything stupid! At whipser volume it still sound great, nice saturation and no hiss or anything.

ENGL's are known for being very reliable and lots of band's use them for tour (Dimmu Borgir, Blind guardian, zyklon, emperor, etc). But i don't tour so i don't know from first hand.

It's THE amp for me, because i play metal only! So i don't need very versatile amp. I would buy it again for sure!

2 Channel all tube guitar amp with a shared EQ and gain control. Bright switch, depth switch, two footswitchable master volumes, serial effects loop. I wish this amp had a second gain control as this would open up alot more tonal options but the one gain control does actually work on this amp if you use it properly.

This is a 60 watt amp, meaning it has slightly less headroom than a 100 watt amp but this does not mean it isn't loud enough like some fools may lead you to believe. Infact a 60 watt amp is virtually as loud as a 100 watt amp!

This amp has all the features I need in an amp right now and none that I wouldn't use, however If I had the choice I would have liked a gain control for each channel.

Like I said the Fireball can cover alot of ground, more than others may lead you to believe. It has one basic sound but is very adaptable to all sorts of modern metal and rock sounds. The EQ is very versatile and can be set to get nu metal sounds, modern rock, power metal etc . This amp isn't as aggressive sounding as my old 5150 II, but it definately has more character and is heavy enough for any extreme metal styles. Overall this is amp has a 'modern' character to the voicing, which is exactly what i've been looking for.

It's a high gain amp so it will be noisy, use a noise gate! It is actually noticeably quieter than my old 5150 II at the same volume though. I play metal of all kinds, but at the moment I am focusing on my black metal band and I don't have any problem getting suitable sounds from this amp.

I haven't toured with this yet so I can't comment on how reliable the head is. When I recieved it though the Z4 footswitch was faulty, so i'm now getting a replacement sent to me from the distributors. So i'm not that impressed at the moment! I'm giving this a 5 because of that.

Have tried contacting them by email in the past but they never replied. They may have changed now, but I doubt it. Hopefully I will just enjoy the product and not have to contact them.

I've been playing just over 3 years and own a modified gibson flying v, esp ltd baritone and a gibson les paul standard limited edition 2004. If my Fireball was lost or stolen I'm not sure if I would buy it again or not, I don't think it comes very close to the "sound heard in the head/holy grail of tone" but overall its well priced and a very decent piece of gear. Before I bought this I did alot of research into most high gain amps on the market and nearly went with a rivera k-tre, but i went with the fireball as it was cheaper and i dont feel the need to have an ultra expensive amp right now, in the future at some point i'd like to try a bogner uberschall and a dual rectifer, but i could have 2.5 fireballs for that price!

I bought this amp because of its lack of features. I just wanted an amp with more sound and less features. This is the one trick metal pony that I've been looking for. The layout is great if it's dark. Gain, bass, mid, treble, presence, master 1, master 2. I'm not scanning thru 25 knobs with a lighter to see what's up. There is no reverb unit clanging around when I move it. I'm using Boss FS5U's to control it instead of the expensive Engl footswitch. It looks killer too. Chrome face and logo, steel grill, and the power tubes are backlit with red LED's to simulate a Fireball I suppose.

This is the sickest distortion I've heard so far. Everything was set to 12 o'clock when it arrived and it sounded killer right off the bat. I use it with Marshall Lead 1960 cabs (Celestion G12-T75's) and it sounds great, even though the head is voiced for Vintage 30's. I also have a 4x10 cab with Celestion G10-L35's and it sounds enormously better than the G12-T75 cabs. Either way, I am in awe. It's pretty noisy when the gain is turned up so I got an ISP Decimator and that's the end of that. It's chunkier with Duncans, but smoother with EMG's.

I haven't owned it long enough to know if it's going to break down or not, but I'm definitely buying a 2nd Fireball as soon as my Marshall sells. At that price I can't afford not to buy a backup.

Talked to Jeff on the phone several times and he's always been cool.

I bought mine to replace my Marshall TSL100 and our other guitarist bought his to replace his Peavey JSX and XXX. We had our decision narrowed down to the Engl's or the Peavey 6505's. The Engl was more appealing for 2 reasons. 1-It's easier to push a 60 watt tube amp than a 120 watts. 2-Everybody's playing 6505's and we don't want to sound like everybody.

We live 2000 miles apart so we haven't heard both amps together yet, but I'm convinced that they will destroy. I love everything about it.