Are Tube Amps More Inspiring Than Digital Modelers?

In this video, I’m going to share my thoughts on a new amp that I've been using recently, which I think is perfect for gigs where I need a versatile setup, rather than using a digital modeler. Being transparent, Engl sent me this amp to try out, but I liked it so much that I wanted to make a video about it.

Before getting this amp, I was typically using one of two setups for my gigs. The first is a clean amp, like my Wampler Bravado, which is a blackface-style amp. I run that with a bunch of dirt pedals, plus the usual delay, reverb, and modulation effects, all going into a Two Notes Captor for cabinet simulation. The second setup is a Mesa-style amp, where I rely more on the amp’s built-in overdrive and use fewer pedals, but still use the Two Notes Captor for silent stage use.

Now, personally, I’ve always been a fan of tube amps—they just feel more real to me. Does the audience care? Probably not. But for me, it’s all about inspiration and enjoying the playing experience. For my needs, digital modeling devices are very handy, but personally I just don't get the warm and fuzzies like I do with tube amp, especially ones like this Engl which has many important features that most guitar players would need in one amp.

This new amp from Engl has really impressed me because it makes things easier and works great for the kind of music I play, which is mostly country, blues, and radiohead-esque—styles that require lighter dirt but also need the ability to get heavy when necessary, all while maintaining a great clean tone.

Some of the standout features of this amp include a built-in attenuator, which allows for silent stage use, onboard impulse responses with the ability to load your own IRs, and full MIDI control. It also has built-in reverb, delay, a noise gate, an attenuator, headphone jack, and more, making it a versatile piece of gear for both live and studio settings.

In the video, I’ll go over the amp’s features in detail, demonstrate its clean and dirty tones, and show how it integrates into my existing rig. I’ll also talk about why this amp might just replace my current setup for certain gigs, especially when I need something that’s grab-and-go without sacrificing sound quality. Let me know in the comments - which one do you prefer? Modelers or tube amps?

Links:
https://www.engl-amps.com/shop/heads/...

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:07 Disclaimer
04:04 Engl clean tone
04:14 Engl dirty clean tone
04:38 Controls on this amp
05:31 Dialing in tones with the knobs
06:46 The distortion channel
08:06 Delay effects
09:01 Reverb effects
09:31 Noise Gate
10:43 Attenuator, headphone jack, IR loader
11:11 Higher output humbuckers into this amp
11:38 Closing thoughts