ENGL Powerball: every version
Every version, how to tell them apart, how to date one, and what to check before you buy. 2 versions, 2002–present.
The Powerball is ENGL's four-channel, 100-watt 6L6 head. The original E645 of 2002 has four channels (Clean, Crunch, Lead 1, Lead 2) but only two gain controls; the Powerball II, introduced in 2010 as the E645/2, gives every channel its own gain and adds a mid boost and more footswitchable functions. Counting the gain knobs tells them apart.
The versions, in order
Powerball (E645) (2002–2010)
Mark I
Four channels with two shared gain controls, and four 6L6s for 100 watts.
How to spot one
- Model code E645.
- Four channels (Clean, Crunch, Lead 1, Lead 2), but one gain control is shared by Clean and Crunch and another by the two Lead channels.
- Four 6L6 output valves for 100 watts.
Specs
| Power tubes | 4 × 6L6 |
|---|---|
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Rated power | 100 W |
| Channels | 4 |
Powerball II (E645/2) (2010 on)
Mark II
Four independent gain controls, a switchable mid boost and footswitchable loop and noise gate.
What changed from the Powerball (E645)
- Every channel got its own gain control, a switchable mid boost was added, and the loop and noise gate became footswitchable.
- New transformers and an S.A.C. port for ENGL's MIDI switchers.
How to spot one
- Model code E645/2.
- Four gain controls, one per channel.
- A switchable mid boost; the effects loop and noise gate can be bypassed from a footswitch.
- An S.A.C. port for ENGL's MIDI switching systems.
- Still 100 watts from 6L6 output valves.
Specs
| Power tubes | 4 × 6L6 |
|---|---|
| Rated power | 100 W |
| Channels | 4 |
Powerball buying checklist
Date it
- E645 means the original Powerball (2002–2010); E645/2 means the Powerball II (2010 on).
- Two gain knobs for four channels means an original; four gain knobs means a Powerball II.
Check it’s original
- Check the model code on the rear panel against the number of gain controls on the front.
- Footswitches and MIDI controllers are often sold separately; confirm what comes with the amp.
What usually needs work
- Output valves are the main wear item; set the bias after replacing the 6L6s.
- Channel-switching faults usually trace to the footswitch, its cable or the switching relays.
Questions buyers ask
Is the original Powerball really four channels?
It has four channels, but Clean and Crunch share one gain control and the two Lead channels share another.
What did the Powerball II add?
Independent gain on every channel, a switchable mid boost, footswitchable loop and noise gate, and an S.A.C. port for MIDI switching.
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