ENGL - EP635 Fireball IR Preamp

ENGL's EP635 Fireball IR is anything but a discreet pedal once you've switched it on. Behind its reduced size lies a 2-channel preamp capable of covering a wide range of registers: from muscular crunch to high-gain saturation with a sharp metal edge. Each channel has its own settings, which can be controlled by foot without any need for gymnastics thanks to the integrated footswitches. So you can go from a powerful riff to a biting solo without losing clarity or dynamics, even in a busy mix. It's an approach designed for fans of bold contrasts and precise control.

ENGL has incorporated an adjustable noise gate in the Fireball IR, designed to keep your riffs clean even when the gain is at a premium. The Midboost function thickens your signal so that your solos don't go unnoticed in a wall of sound. It's the kind of trick that makes the difference between 'heard' and 'noticed', especially when you're trying to get your head out of a dense mix. If you've had enough of turning down the midrange to flatter the front, this selective boost might just reconcile you with it.

The IR speaker simulation built into the EP635 Fireball IR lets you play without an amp, without compromising on quality. Thanks to the USB-C connection, you can load your own impulse responses and tailor your sound to your taste, whether you're rehearsing with headphones or recording live. Here, ENGL turns a pedal into a mini-rig ready for anything, from the hotel room to the home studio. And all without disturbing the neighbours or sacrificing your favourite grain.

The Fireball IR isn't just a clever preamp, it's also an ally in your comfort. The layout of the controls (volume, gain, full EQ, presence, noise gate) gives you quick access to subtle or radical adjustments. Compact yet robust, it can withstand transport and intensive use without complaining or shifting. The ∅6.35 mm jack input and output are well thought out, as is the ∅3.5 mm TRS mini-jack headphone output for late-night rehearsals. All that's left is a 9V DC power supply, and you're all set.