TUBE PREAMP 530

modern Rock

Operator´s Manual

Please, first read this manual carefully!

The 530 "modern Rock" an all-tube preamplifier delivers stunning
professional quality tube sounds in a modern, exceptionally compact 19"
rack-mountable package (1 rack space). The two main channels Clean and
Lead feature dedicated voicing sections, gain pots and volume controls for
precision sound shaping and fine-tuning. The Gain Lo/Hi switch converts
the Clean channel to a Crunch channel and, in the Lead channel, the
sound spectrum encompasses everything from Heavy Crunch to Ultra Gain.
With a 4-band voicing section featuring two midrange bandwidths and a
Contour switch that can be accessed via footswitch or the optional
MIDI Switcher Z-11, the Lead channel is amazingly versatile. Another
handy feature is the Defeat function, which bypasses the preamp and
routes the guitar signal directly to the output. This feature enables you to
connect two preamps in series and this option enlarges the tonal
spectrum. The variable Stereo Line Out and a frequency compensated Line
Out give you a wide range of application options, for instance you can
patch the preamp signal directly to a mixing console or recording device
and simultaneously drive an stereo power amp. For this purpose, the
all-tube stereo poweramp 840 or the ultra-modern 930/60 (120),
which is equipped with an impressive array of high-tech features that
deliver a wide range of devastating sounds, come highly recommended.
The integrated 2 x 1, 5 Watt stereo poweramp is suitable for three
different applications:
1, practicing with stereo headphones,
2. practising with hi-fi stereo speakers, and
3, practicing with a conventional guitar speaker cabinet.
This preamp is defined by the effort and materials that went into it:
intelligent design features, superior craftsmanship, impeccable finishing
and quality components. However keep in mind, that a few precautions
will radically extend tube life (see handling and care guidness).
The entire -Team would like to thank you for your faith in our
product; we hope you derive a great deal of joy and satisfaction from
your TUBE PREAMP 530.
PLEASE NOTE: Read the Operator's Manual carefully and thoroughly,
especially the Handling and Care section as well as the guidelines in
bold-face type. Avoid operating errors and potential damage to the
preamp by heeding the guidelines and cautionary remarks in this manual.
The footnotes also cover a few convenient pointers and interesting tips on
several functions. These are listed on side 3 of the manual.
 Gain settings depend on what type of pickups are installed in your guitar. The
1
T I P recommended setting for humbuckers or active pickups lies between the 10 and 1
o’clock positions and 12 to 3 o’clock for single coils for a pure clean response.

For a crisp glassy tone, set the Bright switch to the On position. This setting boosts
2
T I P the treble response of muddy pickups.
To get an idea of this preamp's capabilities in the Clean-Mode, we suggest you set the
3
T I P tone control pots Bass (5), Middle (6) and Treble (7) to the 12 o'clock position.
To get Crunch or heavy Rhythm sounds, set this control between the 10 and 1 o´clock´s
4
T I P position (depending on the type of pick-up) and leave the Gain Boost (15) pusbutton
in the Off-position.

To get an idea of this preamp's Lead sounds, we suggest you set the tone control pots
5
T I P Bass (9), Lo Mid (10), Hi Mid (11) and Treble (12) to the 12 o'clock position. The Treble
control is important when operating the preamp in combination with a poweramp that
does not feature a Presence control: Set the Treble pot between the 7 and 12 o´clocks
position it suppresses the gritty upper frequencies.

All functions that can be accessed via footswitch can also be switched via the ENGL MIDI
6
T I P Switcher Z- 11. Simply connect the two 1/4" stereo jacks (22) and (23) to the stereo inputs
of the Switcher via two cables equipped with 1/4" stereo plugs. You can control switching
functions via the buttons on the Switcher. The respective functions (e, g. Lead, Hi -Gain,
Contour active, Defeat off) are saved to the desired MIDI program locations. The ENGL
MIDI Footswitch Z-12 is ideal for activating MIDI programs. When used in conjunction
with the ENGL MIDI Switcher Z-11, this durable footswitch does not require a separate
AC power pack. The requisite power is routed via the MIDI cable.

The integrated miniature stereo poweramp delivers maximum output of 2 x 1. 5 Watts

7
T I P at 4 ohms. However, you can connect diverse systems with impedances of 4, 8 and
16 ohms as well as headphones with 200 ohms. To the achieve the desired audio result,
it is essential that the Selector switch (24) located on the rear panel is set to the proper
position. The volume level of the poweramp is determined by the volume level settings
for the two channels and the setting of the LINE LEVEL control (29). If the LINE LEVEL
pot is turned up fairly high, then the setting for the two volume controls (7) and (14)
must be reduced substantially so that the poweramp is not saturated!
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HEED THE FOLLOWING: If you are using the amp to drive just
one speaker cabinet, connect only one stereo channel via a 1/4" stereo plug. A mono
1/4" plug will short-circuit the poweramp's second channel. If you operate the amp
under these conditions at high volumes for a longer period of time, this may destroy
the amp or other components!

The LINE outputs (25) and (26) provide signals that emulate the response of a 412 guitar
8 cabinet, The signal level is nominally identical to the level at the LINE outputs (27) and (28).
TIP
However in practice, the level deviates slightly due to frequency compensation. When the
preamp is active, the output level of the LINE outputs depends on the following factors:
the input level (Gain), the Volume control settings for the respective channels, and in some
measure, the voicing section control settings. This is why we recommend that you dial in
the desired sound via the front panel control features, set a desired FX level (if you have
connected a processor) and then use the LINE LEVEL pot (29) to dial in a suitable level.
The following is another conceivable practical application: Patch the outputs (27) and (28)
to a stereo poweramp (e.g. ENGL 830/50) to drive two cabinets (e.g. ENGL 412G or S)
and the two frequency compensated LINE outputs to the PA mixing console. The emulated
412 signal can be used for the FOH sytem so you do not have to mic your guitar cabinets.
The filter stages, integrated LINE amp and the headphones amp can also be used for
external application, depending on how you route the signals. Use the two FX LOOP
RETURN jacks (30) and (31) as signal inputs. The preamp signal is interrupted when a
1/4" jack is inserted. (refer to the Signal Routing Plan).
 Front
TUBE PREAMP 530

INPUT CLEAN BRIGHT BASS MIDDLE TREBLE CLEAN LEAD BASS LO MID HI MID TREBLE CONTOUR
LEAD GAIN CLEAN PREAMP STEREO HEAD POWER
GAIN VOLUME GAIN VOLUME LO / HI LEAD DEFEAT PHONES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 151617 18 19

1 INPUT 14 LEAD VOLUME

Unbalanced 1/4" (main) input jack. Volume control for the Lead channel.
2 CLEAN GAIN 15 GAIN LO / HI
1 Input sensitivity control for the Clean channel This button increases the gain levels for both
TIP TIP
6
channels. When you activate it, the Clean
3 BRIGHT channel responds more like a Crunch channel,
Alters the EQ by boosting the upper treble and the Lead channel delivers a hi-gain lead
2
TIP range; (above 2 kHz). sound. You can also activate this function via
footswitch (Jack 22), the Gain Boost pushbutton
4 BASS is then no longer functional. The LED
Bottom end voicing control for the illuminates to indicate Hi-Gain mode is active.
3
TIP Clean Channel.
5 MIDDLE 16 CLEAN / LEAD
Channel selector pushbutton for Clean and
Mid-range voicing control for the 6
3 TIP Lead modes, red LED indicate Lead mode;
TIP Clean Channel. This function can also be activated via a
6 TREBLE footswitch connected to jack 22. Once a foot-
Upper range voicing control for the pedal is connected, the channel selector push-
3 button is deactivated.
TIP Clean Channel.
7 CLEAN VOLUME 17 PREAMP DEFEAT
Volume control for the Clean channel. 6
This feature bypasses the preamp when the
TIP button is depressed. In this case the guitar
8 LEAD GAIN signal is routed to the Instrument Output
Gain control for the Lead channel, controls the jack (32) .
4 You can also activate this function via
TIP amount of distortion in the Lead mode.
CAUTION: Extremely high gain and volume footswitch (at Jack 23), the Preamp Defeat
levels in the Lead mode can produce strong pushbutton is then no longer functional.
feedback. Avoid feedback squeals, they lead The LED above the button illuminates to
to hearing loss and damaged speakers! indicate the preamp is bypassed.

9 BASS 18 STEREO HEAD PHONES

Bottom end voicing control for the 1/4" stereo output designed for stereo
7
TIP
5
Lead Channel. TIP headphones. you can also connect
hi-fi speakers or guitar cabinets. When you
10 LO MID connect a conventional guitar cabinet set the
Lo Mid-range voicing control (at 500 Hz) selector switch (24) to ,,Routed to Guitar
5 Cabinet."
TIP for the Lead Channel.
CAUTION! Ensure You Heed The Following:
11 HI MID Always use a 1/4 stereo plug. If you use a
Hi Mid-range voicing control (above 1 kHz) mono plug, it may short-circuit and destroy
5
TIP for the Lead Channel. the poweramp!
12 TREBLE 19 POWER
Upper range voicing control for the AC power on/off.
5
TIP Lead Channel.
13 CONTOUR
Press this button to alter the mid-EQ. When the
6
TIP button is pressed, mids between 300 & 500 Hz
and mids between 1 & 2 kHz are boosted
slightly; the red LED indicates Contour active.
This function can also be activated via a
footswitch connected to jack (23). Once a
footpedal is connected, the channel selector
pushbutton is deactivated.
 Rear Planel
VOLTAGE FUSED REPLACE FUSE FOOTSWITCH HEADPHONES FREQ. COMP. INSTRUMENT AUXILIARY
100-120 V 630 MA
ONLY WITH SAME LINE OUTPUT LINE LEVEL FX LOOP RETURN
TYPE AND RATING !
CLEAN / LEAD PREAMP DEFEAT OUTPUT LINE OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT Tube Guitar Preamp
TYPE E530
220-240 V 315 MA TYPE E540
ROUTED TO Design by Horst Langer
HEADPHONES MADE IN GERMANY
OR HIFI CAB.
WIRED FOR: SERIAL NUMBER:
CAUTION ! !
DO NOT OPEN !
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK !
230 VOLT 097530 ROUTED TO DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE !
GAIN LO / HI CONTOUR GUITAR CAB. RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT 0 dB 15 dB RIGHT LEFT FX LOOP SEND

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

20 AC Socket 26 FREQUENCY COMPENSATED LINE

Connect AC cord here. OUTPUT: LEFT
8
CAUTION: Ensure you use an intact AC TIP Line Out for the preamp's left frequency
cord with an insulated plug only! Before compensated signal (1/4" unbalanced jack).
you power the amp up, ensure the voltage This signal can be patched directly to a
value printed beside the AC socket mixing console or a recording device.
corresponds to the available current.
27 LINE OUTPUT: RIGHT
21 AC Fuse Box 8
Line Out for the preamp's right channel
Contains mains fuse (rear chamber) and TIP (1/4" unbalanced jack).
spare fuse (front chamber). This signal can be routed to a poweramp
NOTE: Ensure replacement fuses bear or a FX device via a shielded cable.
identical ratings (refer to the table)!
28 LINE OUTPUT: LEFT
22 FOOTSWITCH: 8
Line Out for the preamp's left channel
CLEAN/LEAD; GAIN LO/HI TIP (1/4" unbalanced jack).
1/4" stereo jack for connecting a dual This signal can be routed to a poweramp
footswitch (e.g. ENGL Z-11) or a MIDI- or a FX device via a shielded cable.
switching system (e.g. ENGL Z-11).
The following functions can be executed: 29 LINE LEVEL
1.Channel switching Clean - Lead This control feature determines the level of
(mono terminal) the LINE outputs 25, 26, 27 and 28. The
2.Gain Lo - Hi (stereo terminal). instrument output (32) signal can also be
amplified to 15 dB if required.
23 FOOTSWITCH:
PREAMP DEFEAT; CONTOUR 30 FX LOOP RETURN: RIGHT
1/4" stereo jack for connecting a dual Signal input right stereo channel for the
footswitch (e.g. ENGL Z-11) or a MIDI- FX Loop. Connect this input to a signal
switching system (e.g. ENGL Z-11). processor’s right output/send jack via a
The following functions can be executed: shielded cable with 1/4" plugs.
1.Preamp Defeat / Bypass
(mono terminal). 31 FX LOOP RETURN: LEFT
Signal input left stereo channel for the
2.Contour switching (stereo terminal). FX Loop. Connect this input to a signal
24 HEADPHONES OUTPUT: processor’s left output/send jack via a
A) Routed To Headphones Or HiFi Cab. shielded cable with 1/4" plugs.
B) Routed To Guitar Cab. 32 INSTRUMENT OUTPUT
Rear panel selector switch for front panel FX LOOP SEND
headphones jack. Set the switch to the left 9
TIP Output for patching the preamp signal to a
position A) when you connect stereo poweramp input or the input of a another
headphones or hi-fi speakers and to the preamp or signal processor/FX device.
right position B) when you connect a Ensure you use a short shielded cable for
guitar cabinet to ensure proper frequency this signal circuit.
compensation for the respective systems.
25 FREQUENCY COMPENSATED LINE 33 AUXILIARY INPUT
Supplentary preamp input. This circuit is routed
8 OUTPUT: RIGHT in series with the input located on the front
TIP Line Out for the preamp's right frequency panel and is used for patching the setup to a
compensated signal (1/4" unbalanced jack). 19" rack. The front panel input has priority. In
This signal can be patched directly to a other words, when you insert a plug into the
mixing console or a recording device. front panel jack (1), the signal routed in via the
Aux. Input (33) is interrupted.
 The INSTRUMENT OUTPUT (32) delivers a signal similar to the one generated by a guitar's
9 pickups when the preamp is active (PREAMP DEFEAT switch Off), i.e. a high-ohm signal at about
TIP
the same level as a guitar signal. This feature is relevant when you want to establish the
same conditions via a bypass circuit (guitar signal to the INSTRUMENT OUTPUT) for further
signal processing, for instance by an FX device, another Preamp connected in series or a
poweramp.You can connect a signal processor between the INSTRUMENT OUTPUT (32) and
the FX LOOP RETURN jacks (30) and (31) or directly between the LINE OUTPUTS (27) and
(28) and a stereo poweramp's inputs. There is a substantial difference between these two
applications:
When you connect the Processor to the FX LOOP, the send signal is identical to the guitar
signal when the preamp is in defeat mode and the preamp signal when the defeat mode
is off. The send level only is influenced by the settings of the volume controls in this case.
The level of the master output signal routed to the LINE outputs can be increased via the
LINE LEVEL (29) pot.
However, when you connect the Processor between the LINE outputs and the poweramp,
the input (Send) signal to the FX device can be increased via the LINE LEVEL (29) pot and you
have two Send signals (left, right) available. This option is recommended for low impedance (0 dB)
FX devices that are not equipped with a variable input.

Technical Data
Input level INPUT: -20 dB max. -3 dB
(0 dB => 1Veff)
Output level INSTRUMENT: -10 dB max. 0 dB
(0 dB => 1Veff) LINE OUT: -10 dB max.15 dB
Headphones poweramp: 2 x 1,5 Watts at 4 Ohms

Tubes: V1 => ECC83/12AX7 FirstQuality

V2 => ECC83/12AX7 selected
Power Consumption: approx. 16 Watts max.

Fuses
AC Mains: 230 Volts 100 & 120 Volts

external: 200 mAM 400 mAM

changed!
internal: 250 mAT 500 mAT
M => medium, T => slow
Caution: Replace fuses only with others of the same rating!
Dimensions: 19", 1 rack spaces, depth: 260 mm

Weight: approx.4 kg
Internal Signal-path:
INSTRUMENT
INPUT (1) PREAMP PREAMP OUTPUT (32)
DEFEAT (17) DEFEAT (17)

CLEAN

CLEAN /
LEAD
AUXILLARY
INPUT (33) GAIN, EQ, VOLUME

LEAD
TUBE
PREAMPLIFIER

FX LOOP
RETURN LINE OUTPUT
RIGHT (30) RIGHT LINE RIGHT (27)
PREAMP &
BUFFER
LINE
LEVEL

FX LOOP
RETURN LINE OUTPUT
LEFT (31) LEFT LINE LEFT (28)
PREAMP &
BUFFER
LINE
LEVEL

FREQU. COMP.
ROUTED TO
HEADPHONES RIGHT LINE LINE OUTPUT
OR HIFI CABINET EQ. & BUFFER RIGHT (25)

ROUTED TO
GUITAR CABINET

HEADPHONES
OUTPUT
SIGNAL FREQU. COMP.
SELECTOR LINE OUTPUT
(24) LEFT LINE
EQ. & BUFFER LEFT (26)

STEREO
HEADPHONES
SOLID STATE (18)
POWER
AMPLIFIER
Handling and Care
Protect the preamp from mechanical knocks (tubes!).
Let the preamp cool down before you transport it (approx. 10 minutes).
Tubes need about 20 seconds to warm up after you switch the power on.
Avoid storing the preamp in damp or dusty rooms, they are hard on jacks,
switches and potentiometers.
Replace tubes with select replacement tubes (special selection
criteria) to avoid microfonic properties, undesireable noise and feedback.

Attention! Please read the following!

Leave tube replacement and repair service to qualified professional.
Be sure the unit is switched off and unpluged!
Caution! Tubes can get very hot and cause skin burns.
Always use high quality cables.
Never operate the amp through an ungrounded outlet!
Never bridge a defective fuse and be sure replacement fuses feature
identical ratings!
Never open the chassis or attempt repairs to your own. Consult
qualified service personnel!
Never expose the preamplifier to extreme humidity or dampness!
Please read the instructions carefully before operating the unit!
Only operate the preamplifier in a manner it is designed for and
therefore note this operational instructions!

ENGL Gerätebau GmbH, Germany;

Internet: http://www.engl-amps.com
Text, design, grafics and layout by Horst Langer

We reserve the right to make

unannounced technical upgrades!