ENGL Ritchie Blackmore Signature Instruction Manual
- June 17, 2024
- ENGL
Table of Contents
ENGL Ritchie Blackmore Signature
Important Information
Ritchie Blackmore Signature – an
all-tube guitar amp head featuring the sound and the look that fascinates a
guitar legend such as Ritchie Blackmore.
The Ritchie Blackmore Signature amp is based on a classic, proven design, but
is also equipped with a number of innovative features. For instance, you can
vary the amount crunch for the two channels Clean and Lead via the Gain-Boost
switch.
Also, each of the two Gain stages (Lo and Hi) is equipped with a dedicated
Master
Volume control or you can activate Master A and Master B via footswitch.
With its high-quality components and superior finishing, this amp is built to
last. You will find guidelines on care and maintenance of tube amps on the
last page of the manual. Please read and heed these before operating your amp.
The team is absolutely convinced you
will be just as fascinated by this amp as Ritchie Blackmore is.
Front Panel
-
Input
Unbalanced 1/4″ input jack. -
Clean
Input sensitivity control for the Clean channel, adjust the volume by means of this control and the Lo Gain Master (13); in the Hi Gain mode use the Hi Gain Master (14) for adjusting the volume. -
Bright
Alters the EQ by boosting the upper treble range; effectiveness decreases at higher Clean Gain (2) settings. -
Lead
Gain control for the Lead channel, controls the amount of distortion in the Lead mode.
TIP: To get Crunch or heavy Rhythm sounds, set this control between the 9 and 12 o’clock position (depending on the type of pick-up) and leave the Gain Boost pushbuttons in the Off-position.
CAUTION: Extremely high gain and volume levels in the Lead mode can produce strong feedback. Avoid feedback squeals, they lead to hearing loss and damaged speakers! -
Bass
Bottom end voicing control.
TIP: To get an idea of this amp’s capabilities, we suggest you set all control pots to the 12 o’clock position. -
Middle
Mid-range voicing control. -
Treble
Upper range voicing control -
Contour
Press this button to alter the mid-EQ. When the button is pressed, the low mids (300-500 Kz) are boosted slightly. You can also activate this function via footswitch (Jack 19). -
Lead Presence
This control defines the Treble response in the power amp stage for the Lead channel. -
Lead Volume
Volume control for the Lead channel (in front of the FX loop, affects the SEND level). -
Gain Lo – Hi
This button increases the gain levels for both channels. When you activate it, the Clean channel responds more like a Crunch channel, and the Lead channel delivers a hi-gain lead sound. You can also activate this function via footswitch (Jack 20), the Gain Boost pushbutton is then no longer functional.
The yellow LED illuminates to indicate Hi-Gain mode is active. -
Clean – Lead
Channel selector pushbutton for Clean and Lead modes, red LED indicate Lead mode;
This function can also be activated via a footswitch connected to jack 20. Once a footedly is connected, the channel selector pushbutton is deactivated. -
Master A – Lo Gain
Use this control (post FX Loop) to set the power amp’s master volume when the preamp is in Lo-Gain mode. Connect a footswitch to Jack 19 if you want to convert this control for use as Master A. You can then use the footswitch to activate two different master volumes (Master A and Master B). -
Master B – Hi Gain
Use this control (post FX Loop) to set the power amp’s master volume when the preamp is in Hi-Gain mode.
Connect a footswitch to Jack 19 if you want to convert this control for use as Master B.
You can then use the footswitch to activate two different master volumes (Master A and Master B). -
Stand By
Power amp standby switch. -
Power
AC power on/off.
Rear Panel
-
AC SOCKET
Connect AC cord here
ATTENTION: Ensure you use an intact AC cord with an insulated plug only! Before you power the amp up, ensure the voltage value printed beside the AC socket corresponds to the available current. -
AC FUSE BOX
Contains mains fuse (rear chamber) and spare fuse (front chamber).
NOTE: Ensure replacement fuses bear identical ratings (refer to the table)! -
Footswitch: Master A – B; Contour
1/4″ stereo jack for double footswitches, executes the following functions: -
Switching between the two Master volume controls A and B (mono terminal)
-
Contour switching (stereo terminal).
Please note: If a foot pedal is connected to this jack, the Lo Master – Hi Master function automatically converts to the Master A – B feature. In this case it can only be accessed via the footswitch. 20 Footswitch: Clean – Lead; Gain Lo – Hi 1/4″ stereo jack for double footswitches, executes the following functions: -
Channel switching Clean – Lead (mono terminal)
-
Gain Lo – Hi (stereo terminal).
-
F.X. Loop: Send
Signal output for the Effects loop. Connect this output to a signal processor’s input/return jack via a shielded cable with 1/4″ plugs. -
F.X. Loop: Return
Signal input for the Effects loop. Connect this input to a signal processor’s output/send jack via a shielded cable with 1/4″ plugs. -
Balance
FX mix control for the Effects loop: Rotate the knob to the DRY position for the pure amp signal, i.e. no effect on the signal. Turn clockwise to blend in an effect connected to the loop to the dry signal (parallel/passive). At the Effect position, only the wet signal, i.e. the signal sent from the FX device is fed to the power amp (serial/passive).
NOTE: If no effects processor is connected to this loop, leave this control in position DRY! -
Power amp Output: 4 Ohms parallel 4 ohms speaker output jacks, internal parallel signal path for the connection of one 4 ohms cabinet or two 8 ohms speaker cabinets.
-
Power amp Output: 8 Ohms parallel
8 ohms speaker output jacks, internal parallel signal path for the connection of one 8 ohms cabinet or two 16 ohms speaker cabinets. -
Power amp Output: 16 Ohms
16 ohms speaker output jack, for the connection of one 16 ohms speaker cabinet.
NOTE: Never operate the amplifier without a sufficient load, otherwise you may damage or destroy the power amp! Ensure your cabinet’s specifications match the respective output’s specs.
Possible speaker cabinet options: 1 x 4z or 2 x 8z or 1 x 8z or 2 x 16z or 1 x 16z.
Technical Data
Technical Data, Type 650 (“Signature 100”):
Rated power: approx. 100 watts at 4, 8 or 16 ohms; Type 650.
Tubes: V1(Input -Tube): ECC 83 / 12AX7, FQ selected;
V2: ECC 83 / 12AX7 selected;
V3, V4: ECC 83 / 12AX7, standard;
V7 – V10: 5881 (6L6GC) matched sets.
Fuses: external: 2,5 AM (medium) for the 230 Volt model; 5 AM (medium) in
the 100 and 120 Volt models.
internal: 3,15 AT (slow) for the 230 Volt model; 6,3 AT (slow) in the 100
and 120 Volt models.
Important: Replace fuses only against same type and rating!
Dimensions: approx. 71 x 27 x 27 cm (l x h x d)
Weight: approx. 20 kg
Tube array:
Technical Data, Type 655 (“Signature 150”):
Rated power: approx. 150 watts at 4, 8 or 16 ohms.
Tubes: V1(Input -Tube): ECC 83 / 12AX7, FQ selected;
V2: ECC 83 / 12AX7 selected;
V3, V4: ECC 83 / 12AX7, standard;
V7 – V10: 6550 (KT88) matched sets.
Fuses: external: 3,15 AM (medium) for the 230 Volt; 6,3 AM (medium) in
the 100 and 120 Volt models.
internal: 4 AT (slow) at 230 Volt. 8 AT (slow) in the 100 and 120 Volt
models.
Important: Replace fuses only against same type and rating!
Lighting: 15 Watts/230 V in the 230 Volt model. 15 Watts/110 V in the 100
and 120 Volt model.
Attention: Ensure you never use a bulb rated higher than 15 watts!
Dimensions: approx. 71 x 27 x 27 cm (l x h x d)
Weight: approx. 22 kg
Tube array:
Engl Amps are the best amps I´ve ever used – not only are they powerful, but
they have texture and character too.”
Handling and Care
- Protect the amp from mechanical knocks (tubes!).
- Let the amp cool down before you transport it (approx. 10 minutes).
- Tubes need about 20 seconds to warm up after you switch the power on, and further on a few minutes before they reach their full power capability.
- Avoid storing the amp in damp or dusty rooms, they are hard on jacks, switches and potentiometers.
- Make sure air can circulate at the front and top of the amp to allow for adequate cooling (increases component life).
- Never operate the amp without an adequate load.
- Replace tubes with select replacement tubes (special selection criteria) to avoid microphonic properties, undesirable noise and unbalanced performance.
Attention! Please read the following!
-
This guitar amplifier can produce high volume levels.
Exposure to high volume levels may cause hearing damage! -
Leave tube replacement and power amp biasing to qualified professional.
-
Be sure the unit is switched off and unplugged!
-
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!
-
Pull the AC mains plug before replacing fuses!
-
Never open the chassis or attempt repairs to your own. Consult qualified service personnel!
-
Never expose the amplifier to extreme humidity or dampness!
-
Please read the instructions carefully before operating the unit!
-
Only operate the amplifier in a manner it is designed for and therefore note this operational instructions!
Customers Support
ENGL Gerätebau GmbH, Germany;
Internet: www.engl-amps.com
Text, design, grafics and layout by Horst Langer
Photo – Ritchie Blackmore: Antonio Scettri
We reserve the right to make
unannounced technical upgrades!
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>