Powerball is an amp (head size) delivering an effective power of 100 W. It has 4 channels, grouped into two main channels;

I offer the channel 2 channels: Clean (clean sound) and Crunch (slight overdrive)
The channel also offers two channels II: High Lead (overdrive well advanced) and Low Lead (overdrive reduced compared to High Lead).

The settings are very comprehensive and can get all kinds of sounds. We can decide not to look too, or conversely to go far and get a specific sound. In any case, the use is very easy.

The channel I have the following settings:

- Gain (gain distinction made, makes it possible to set the overdrive channel crunch)
- Bright (switch to take out the high frequencies, to provide a more clear)
- Bottom (switch to take out the low frequencies, to provide a more round)
- Bass
- Middle
- Clean Treble (treble adjusts the clean channel)
- Treble Crunch (set the treble crunch channel)
- Clean volume (sets the output volume of the clean channel)
- Crunch volume (sets the output volume of the crunch channel)

Channel II has the following settings:

- Gain (gain distinction made, makes it possible to set the overdrive channel Lo and Hi Lead)
- Low Lead Bottom (this button will bring out the low frequency channel low - sounds more heavy)
- High Lead Bottom (same as Low Lead Bottom, but the channel High Lead)
- Bass
- Mid-open (to adjust the equalizer for the midrange open type - see below)
- Mid-Focused (equalizer adjusts the midrange for its type-Focused see below)
- Low Lead Volume (adjusts the channel volume low lead)
- HighLead Volume (adjust the volume of the channel highlead)

In addition, there are other settings that relate to all channels:

- Presence: Increases the high frequencies in the second amplifier stage (power)
- Depth Punch: Strengthens the lower frequencies in the second amplifier stage (power)
- Master A and B are used to adjust the volume output A and B. These two volumes, a switchable from a pedal, can Utilia two different volumes. Very useful for solos or parts softer type music "acoustic"

In terms of connectivity:

On the front, only one entry: the guitar.

On the back we have:

- The outputs for connecting a cabinet (4 ohms parallel, parallel 8 ohm or 16 ohm)
- The send and return for the effects loop (in addition, a knob adjusts the level of its assignment by the effects of the loop. Used to get a more or less "wet")
- An entry-format D-sub, 9 pins, that connects the pedals ENGL Z-5, especially designed for the amp
- A noise gate can adjust the volume of triggering the amp on the lead channel (to avoid having too much background noise dfe)
- 2 input stereo jacks (balanced) to control the amp:

Entry Master Style lets you choose the volume A / B and the style of his Open / Focused (see sounds) while the input Channel Gain to choose the channel (I / II) and type of gain (clean / crunch or lead low / high lead, depands channel selected)

UTILIZATION

The use of the amp is very simple. You plug your guitar, it switches on (wait approx. 20 seconds as the amp heats), and the powerball is ready to spit sauce. Within minutes, you get the sound you want, without taking too much head. Of course, you can spend happy hours between the different channels and set the sound. It would be a pity not to do it, so the sound is good. Where it becomes a bit more complicated, re-ice it at the gain / volume and master volume, so as not to have a clear sound not loud enough or lead sound too hard. But that does not depend on the amp, tjr is the same. We must spend some time on it, but when one pays a beast like the Powerball, it seems normal.

To change channels and sounds, there are three;

Using the pedal ENGL Z-5:

It allows you to select the channel, volume and open his or Focused. Very practical, but hardly worth living or if want to also order a mutli-purpose: having two pedal turns us into octopus.

1 or 2 pedals ENGL Z-4:

The Z-4 ​​is very simple: two buttons. It allows to choose, not example, channel and gain. To exploit the powerball, it will take 2 z-4. The first will select the channel I / II and the type of gain (clean / crunch or low / high lead). The second will choose the open / Focused (again, see work SoNotas) and volume A / B. Of course, we can dispense with the second if necessary. This solution is the best market.

Z-11 Midi Interface and MIDI board:

The Z-11 MIDI interface allows you to select what are the functions of the amp (channel select, type of gain, and its volume) via a MIDI board. It enters the z-11 with MIDI cable connected to a bracket and you come out with 2 stereo jacks on the receiver branches (footswitch). The interface has buttons that determines the state of the record for the afternoon of pedals. This is the most flexible because it can control other MIDI devices with the same pedal.

Moreover, the use of powerball is still very simple. The manual is comprehensive and gives some advice to the manufacturer when using certain functions. Of course in English.

SOUNDS

I use the Poweball ENGL cabinet with 4X12 "Celestion V60 equipped membranes. I play a ESP LTD F-200 (semi active EMG pickups). I play mainly heavy metal and the powerball really suits me. But it has a range of sounds of the richest of all: you can go from a clear crystal has a very distorted sound to death, ideal for all types of metal. But we can also find her with a slight overdrive, perfect for a blues or a quiet rock. The use of the Open / Focused provides a more or less accurate. This setting affects the midrange to bring precision to the sound. The depth punch and presence allows to define a clear and shiny or rather a powerful and heavy.

So the Poweball does not reserve to a single category of players, but suitable for any style of music. I tried the Dual Rectifier in parallel with the Poweramp, I jumped at the chance. For a price not much more, the sound is just as good and the range of settings seems much larger and easier to use.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp for 2 weeks and he fucks the ass every time I play with. It's really more me the most, compared to other Marshall and Mesa Boogie. The price / quality ratio is excellent, I would hesitate not a moment to plunge for purchase. If you have a chance to try one, do yourself a favor. And if you want an ultra versatile amplifier and excellent bill, the Powerball is correct.