The Engl Savage MKII is the second interation of a classic amp that the company originally released in 1993, and this new version retains the same basic layout as its famous ancestor. The two main channels (Clean and Crunch II) both feature the same three-band EQ as the original head, and Engl has now added tone-shaping circuits to both for enhanced control over the frequency response. Two additional gain voicings (Crunch II and Lead) effectively put four channels at the player's disposal. The inner workings of the Engl Savage MKII have also remained close to the original, with six ECC83 preamp tubes and two 6550 power amp tubes delivering a sound that remains difficult to rival even among the professional ranks. Despite keeping these essential features the same, however, Engl has also given the Savage a facelift that makes it a state-of-the-art companion for every conceivable musical situation.
Another new feature that this MKII version of the Engl Savage brings with it is that it is fully MIDI-programmable, meaning that in addition to channel switching, all of the amp's other switching functions can also be performed via MIDI, including the advanced sound-shaping options (Lo/Hi-Input, Preshape, Contour, Rough/Smooth, etc.), the noise gate, and the two switchable effects loops. And no, that isn't a misprint: There are two of them, which means that effects can be integrated into the signal path in any combination imaginable. Particularly worthy of mention is that the two loops also have dedicated dry/wet controls, allowing the clean signal to be blended in as desired. This combination of features is virtually unique to the Engl Savage MKII, making it a truly professional-grade amp.
Engl amplifiers are synonymous with an unapologetically full-on tube sound and "made in Germany" build quality, and the Savage 120 MKII is no exception. The 120W power output generated by its combination of ECC83 and 6550 tubes together with the amp's switchable noise gate (a must-have when using high-gain amps) makes it clear that this head is squarely aimed at Rock and Metal guitarists. What is more, its combination of puristic all-tube circuitry (not a semiconductor in sight) and cutting-edge digital control makes the Engl Savage MKII an ideal choice for professional players who want complete reliability and versatility from their amp without making any compromises in terms of sound.
The German manufacturer Engl stands for not only quality and tradition, but above all for innovation. Founded in 1983 in Tittmoningen, Bavaria, by Edmund Engl, the company's initial project was a digitally controlled all-tube amp - a worldwide first. In 1985, the legendary Engl Straight was launched, establishing Engl as a specialist in hard rock and metal sounds. When Engl conceived the first Savage-120 in 1993, the scene was abuzz with interest. In collaboration with Ritchie Blackmore, Engl designed a signature version of the Savage, of which Steve Morse was also a proponent. Other Engl endorsers include Paul Stanley (Kiss), Judas Priest, Victor Smolski and Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions).
The Engl Savage 120 MKII's impressive feature set is complemented by a range of connectivity options that make it ready for any situation in which it might be deployed, including 1x4 ohm, 2x8 ohm, 2x16 ohm, and 1x16 ohm outputs as well as a line-out socket, so the amp can be connected to any of the common speaker configurations or even an external power amplifier. This outstanding flexibility means that the Savage MKII is ideally suited to the stage and studio alike, so discerning professionals are sure to find this amp ideal for whatever their purpose might be.