Question about the Engl E530.

[PhrygianMetal]

Hey guys. So I've been thinking about buying an Engl E530 and I took a look at the manual last night. Apparently the headphone/speaker output needs a stereo cable, what can I use to plug it into my guitar cab? As far as I know, there aren't stereo speaker cables. I've looked online and can't find any.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

No comment on the point of it.

I know they make TRS cables but I have no idea what the gauge of the wire is. It's only a 1.5 watt amp but I'd probably make my own if I were to even bother running it direct out to a cabinet.

At any rate, ENGL seems to be saying to wire a TRS plug if using only one channel (a mono cabinet). So the R (ring) of the TRS plug is left unconnected. The operative word in the manual appears to be "plug" ... Stereo "plug" not stereo cable.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

No comment on the point of it.

Look for 1/4" TRS speaker cables. I know they make TRS cables but I have no idea what the gauge of the wire is. It's only a 1.5 watt amp but I'd probably make my own if I were to even bother running it direct out to a cabinet.

Okay, thank you for the help. I have actually seen TRS cables but I can't find any information on whether you can use them on an amp and speaker cab.

*EDIT* I've just seen another post on this forum by a guy asking the same thing, apparently TRS cables are okay with the Engl E530 and a speaker cab.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

Okay, thank you for the help. I have actually seen TRS cables but I can't find any information on whether you can use them on an amp and speaker cab.

*EDIT* I've just seen another post on this forum by a guy asking the same thing, apparently TRS cables are okay with the Engl E530 and a speaker cab.

It's only 1.5 watts so gauge of the wire probably isn't much of an issue. But, I probably wouldn't want to use a shielded cable. I'd buy (or build) a regular amp to cab SPEAKER cable and swap the TS plug on one end with a TRS plug (and wire sleeve and tip ... leave the ring disconnected ). The concern seems to be shorting the preamp jack by using a TS (mono) plug in the TRS ("stereo") jack. And then make sure the TRS plug end plugs into the preamp.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

It's only 1.5 watts so gauge of the wire probably isn't much of an issue. But, I probably wouldn't want to use a shielded cable. I'd buy (or build) a regular amp to cab SPEAKER cable and swap the TS plug on one end with a TRS plug (and wire sleeve and tip ... leave the ring disconnected ). The concern seems to be shorting the preamp jack by using a TS (mono) plug in the TRS ("stereo") jack. And then make sure the TRS plug end plugs into the preamp.

I could probably just get a stereo jack to dual mono jack actually, would that work? If so, do you think I'd need to plug both mono jacks into a cab? I've got a 2X12 that has a stereo switch at the back so it wouldn't be a problem, unless I wanted to get an ISO cab for recording, I guess.

 

[2ndhandband]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

The E530 is a preamp... you DON'T plug it into your speaker cab. You need a separate power amp. You can find used tube power amps for good prices. I have an old Peavey Classic Series 60/60 that I absolutely love.

The E530 sound great, BTW. Recommended.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

The E530 is a preamp... you DON'T plug it into your speaker cab. You need a separate power amp. You can find used tube power amps for good prices. I have an old Peavey Classic Series 60/60 that I absolutely love.

The E530 sound great, BTW. Recommended.

It has a built in power amp. It also has a switch on the back for the headphone out to have compensated EQ for a guitar cab. I know that standard Preamps need a power amp and I do plan on getting an E840/50, but it'll be WAY after I get the preamp before I can afford it. Thanks for letting me know how it sounds. I actually use a Mercuriall U530 on my computer for recording and I've heard that it does sound pretty similar and I happen to love the tones coming from that plugin, which is why I want the real thing.

 

[2ndhandband]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

It has a built in power amp. It also has a switch on the back for the headphone out to have compensated EQ for a guitar cab. I know that standard Preamps need a power amp and I do plan on getting an E840/50, but it'll be WAY after I get the preamp before I can afford it. Thanks for letting me know how it sounds. I actually use a Mercuriall U530 on my computer for recording and I've heard that it does sound pretty similar and I happen to love the tones coming from that plugin, which is why I want the real thing.

I wouldn't use it that way... underpowering is one of the best ways I know to blow things up. Do you have a head or something with an FX loop? You can run from the preamp out to the FX return on the head/combo/whatever.

As for the power... the E530 is well priced for what it is, and the used ones are often bargains. I think the Engl power is insanely overpriced. THere's a lot of stuff out there that sounds just as good for a lot less $$$.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

I could probably just get a stereo jack to dual mono jack actually, would that work? If so, do you think I'd need to plug both mono jacks into a cab? I've got a 2X12 that has a stereo switch at the back so it wouldn't be a problem, unless I wanted to get an ISO cab for recording, I guess.

The issue (or my issue anyway) is using a line level or instrument level cable instead of a speaker cable. The TRS cables appear to be signal level cables, not speaker cables. Again, since it's only 1.5 watts, the wire gauge of a signal cable isn't likely to be a problem, and it would "work" just as using a guitar cable from amp to cabinet "works" (up to a point). It's just not the right cable. That said, if you are determined to use a signal level cable and talking about something like this, it should work with your "stereo" cabinet. https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YPP-136...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000068O5D

 

[2ndhandband]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

The issue (or my issue anyway) is using a line level or instrument level cable instead of a speaker cable. The TRS cables appear to be signal level cables, not speaker cables. Again, since it's only 1.5 watts, the wire gauge of a signal cable isn't likely to be a problem, and it would "work" just as using a guitar cable from amp to cabinet "works" (up to a point). It's just not the right cable. That said, if you are determined to use a signal level cable and talking about something like this, it should work with your "stereo" cabinet. https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YPP-136...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000068O5D

Again, I can't urge against this strongly enough. The equipment just isn't intended to be used this way, and I can't imagine what you have lying around that can safely be driven by 1.5 watts. The E530 is a great product at a great price, but I'd just run it into a set of powered computer speakers or something before I tried what's being suggested here... and honestly it would probably sound better to use the irig or some other cheapy digital solution. You don't need to spring for an overpriced Engl power amp... old Peaveys like I use sound fantastic and can be had used for just a few bills.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

Again, I can't urge against this strongly enough. The equipment just isn't intended to be used this way, and I can't imagine what you have lying around that can safely be driven by 1.5 watts. The E530 is a great product at a great price, but I'd just run it into a set of powered computer speakers or something before I tried what's being suggested here... and honestly it would probably sound better to use the irig or some other cheapy digital solution. You don't need to spring for an overpriced Engl power amp... old Peaveys like I use sound fantastic and can be had used for just a few bills.

Yeah, I think I'll just look for a used Peavey power amp. Engl power amps are the least pricey ones compared to Mesa and Marshall's power amp line. Plus the matching pre/power amp setup sounded great to me. Thank you both for your help. I will say; my 2X12 is actually being used with my 1 watt Randall head so the 1.5 watts wouldn't be that much of an issue. Though as I've said, I'll just get a used power amp and avoid this whole problem completely.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

Again, I can't urge against this strongly enough. The equipment just isn't intended to be used this way, and I can't imagine what you have lying around that can safely be driven by 1.5 watts. The E530 is a great product at a great price, but I'd just run it into a set of powered computer speakers or something before I tried what's being suggested here... and honestly it would probably sound better to use the irig or some other cheapy digital solution. You don't need to spring for an overpriced Engl power amp... old Peaveys like I use sound fantastic and can be had used for just a few bills.

I've already questioned the point of doing so in my first post. And, I'm not suggesting it's use in this manner. It's Engl whom states it as a useable feature in their very own manual. I'm simply trying to help the OP with the appropriate cable to allow it to be used in the manner which Engl states it can be used.

 

[2ndhandband]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

Yeah, I think I'll just look for a used Peavey power amp. Engl power amps are the least pricey ones compared to Mesa and Marshall's power amp line. Plus the matching pre/power amp setup sounded great to me. Thank you both for your help. I will say; my 2X12 is actually being used with my 1 watt Randall head so the 1.5 watts wouldn't be that much of an issue. Though as I've said, I'll just get a used power amp and avoid this whole problem completely.

You might also look into Carvin... they have a tubed power amp that sounds excellent, isn't terribly expensive new, and can be had for real bargains used.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

You might also look into Carvin... they have a tubed power amp that sounds excellent, isn't terribly expensive new, and can be had for real bargains used.

Okay, thanks.

 

[2ndhandband]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

You'll love that pre. I have a friend with a studio that I sometimes record at and he keeps one around... It's our go-to unit for getting modern metal tones. And there's a recto stack in there...

 

[allstarrme]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

I like the old tube works power amps, but the rocktron and carvin power amps look quite nice, and are available on the cheap, even the tube versions are a good deal.

Maybe a powered pa speaker would be a good stopgap, they are stupid cheap.

 

[PhrygianMetal]

Re: Question about the Engl E530.

You'll love that pre. I have a friend with a studio that I sometimes record at and he keeps one around... It's our go-to unit for getting modern metal tones. And there's a recto stack in there...

I'm sure I will. I've looked at pretty much every demo there is on Youtube of it and I've not heard a sound I didn't like. I also use the Mercuriall U530 plugin, which is my main reason for wanting the E530 because the plugin sounds great. And if that sounds good, the real thing has to sound at least that good.