You can use power on the boost pedal. My thoughts is that maybe they designed it for pedalboards in mind. A whole high gain pedal in a box is hard to use with pedal stacking
Psyfonify that’s kinda defeats the purpose of a gain pedal in front of a clean. I wanna be able to just tap the pedal and then boom have a clean. Don’t wanna do the tip toe.
Hry, Ola. It would be really interesting to hear the difference between going straight into the power amp vs going into the clean channel first. Would love to see this in a video!
Matthias I admit I’m more a “gain from the amp” kind of player, but I’d prefer my distortion pedals not need to be goosed with an OD to sound good... 🤣
Yeah I have to agree. For whatever reason when amps I love make a pedal, I almost never like it. I didn’t like the Mesa Throttle box, the Marshall guvnor or the Friedman BE. Weird
The TS made it better; lopped off some flub. A really great “Will it chug” would be the old MI Audio Tube Zone. The chrome six knob version is the best sounding heavy pedal I ever owned. I think you’d like it.
Hey Ola! Got a story for you. I’m a 45 year old that used to thrive on the chug....My high school band (Satanic Foetus Eaters) chugged regularly. Well you know what happens, you get old, kids, job, wife etc etc and you forget how much you loved to chug. But I’ve literally become addicted to your videos. They’re informative, funny and basically awesome. Thanks to you my love of chugging has returned. I went to my garage and my 1989 BC Rich Warlock was in as many pieces as I remember it being in 1995 when I took it apart, hmm that won’t do. So I bought a Jim Root Telecaster and a Boss Katana ( upon watching your reviews ) and I am happy to report I’m chugging again! Thanks Ola! Greetings from Australia my man! 👍🏼
@@ricksanchezito8972 Ha! Good, man! I forgot I wrote that!! 😂 That was actually coming from a pretty low place at the time, we were all in lockdown and not knowing what the future held. So buying a guitar and relearning songs helped me out greatly! So I’m goin good man!! (I also may’ve bought more guitars too) 😂
These make my week so much better!!! Thank you Ola!!! I’m getting my first guitar soon, and can’t wait to get practicing so I can play epic metal riffs
Having to put a TS in front of that Fireball pedal is a deal breaker and like having to put Heinz on top of Hunts to get the real flavor you really wanted. Great honest and entertaining video Ola! 👍
Can’t thank you enough for your honesty, I think it sounded quite good with the TS but on its own that’s just not good enough compared to what’s out there
It has a super thick tone, almost like a fuzz pedal. If you replace the tube screamer with an EQ pedal, you might be able to get a more brutal sound from it.
Not to hurt Ola's feelings here and despite of what he's said; however this pedal is actually very close to the Powerball Mark I distortion tone, which is a bit lose in the lows and thus can fuzz quite well. I still like and use my old Powerball in some occasions, but it is not a modern metal-tone amp per se, and so isn't this pedal.
@@AnyDrug I kinda disagree, I have a Powerball 1 too and mine sounds super tight and trebly without any OD :/... and in fact, not muddy at all (like the pedal in the video in my opinion). I mean, I can not push the gain over 10 o'clock when I'm recording because the sound becomes too brutal to use with 2 guitar tracks, it gets... not defined? not because of mud, but because of... harshness? I don't know I'm not an english speaker sorry haha I haven't changed the tubes in years but... wouldn't that make the sound even less modern?
@@michaelrock I did not mention that I was refering to a Powerball/Mesa 4x12 . With an Engl 4x12 it can sound rather modern and probably with a Mesa 4x12 too, because you have the options to choose. Now what I mean by modern metal-tone-amp is an amp, that sounds almost instantly tight and "good" in distortion mode but you struggle to dial in other tones (fuzzy for example). The Powerball I is much more versatile. Of course it is difficult to translate all that into a pedal. Nonetheless the tone reminded me of a Powerball (dialed in accordingly) into a Mesa cab.
Actually this was almost a better review than some staged in-depth reviews. Shows how someone might have a similar experience going into a music shop and trying this pedal out for themselves. Honest and to the point, enjoyed it Ola!
The debate about clean channel input / power amp input... It all depends on your amp. If you know you've got a transparant clean that doesn't alter the sound much - or in a way you like, you can plug any drive pedal in it. And hey, you can always try out what sounds better to you.
Bonus point for your karma OLA! with each additional string you chugg! With that being said: Next gear for Will it chugg: Ibanez M8M Fortin Evil Pumpkin HD Precision Drive
Best reviews on the interwebs! And, maybe, the best metal guitars - I'm going to find out. I'm watching the UPS tracking number on my Solar making the journey to my home in Seattle USA, currently showing in Koeln Germany. Safe travels to my new axe.
I’m so confused. You ran a metal zone through the loop and got an amazing sound. Why not run this pedal through the loop as well? Despite what ENGL may have advised I have never heard a preamp pedal sound good on a clean channel.
With the level of disappointment I was almost sure you were gonna plug it into the fx return! Still sounded pretty good. I mean,it wasn't horrible I suppose..
I feel like these kind of pedals sound almost the same no matter what guitar you connect it to... If you own a Mesa Boogie amp it is most likely you'll never ever need or want to use any of those pedals.
Thank you for this episode, just saved me some $$$! Having two Powerball's, I know the tight-crushing sound they can produce and have been thinking about getting this pedal. Mainly, as a backup for amp failure. BUT, this pedal doesn't even come close to the sound of the actual Powerball and I, am very saddened.
In regards to having coffee on top of the amp: Last year my partner but her glass on top of my amp. I had very specifically said that she had to be REALLY careful doing that. She knocked it over. No drink allowed anywhere near my amp anymore. Don't worry amp is okay, managed to wipe it all up before it got anywhere sensitive.
A pedal you should definitely try : Klirrton Grindstein ! It would be absolutely awesome for you to make a Will It Chug with that thing. It has to be one of the best pedal i ever heard.
Bought this pedal around the time this review came out. It need helps to get a get there, and doesn't really go to the extreme. But i've been able to get some pretty sweet sounds out of it still.
There is one Boss high gain pedal that you haven't chuged, it's the Boss Mega Distortion MD-2 ! It would be nice. Thank you for these videos... "Mega Distortion"... The name is already chuging ♫♪♫.
You should try out the new Origin Effects Revival Drive Hot Rod. Very few demos out there and fewer where people are chugging, but it seems great. Love to see some proper Ola Chugs through it!
This pedal reminds me of a Randall head and cab dialed in for a beefy rhythm. And that's not a bad thing at allllll. Just like our Lord said on his first impression "Its kinda punchy and loose" That's how I like it.
Versus Music man I’ve yet to dial my Randall in for leads for the most. But it sounds even better overdriven. Like almost DOWN Nola era it’s sweet. It’s an rg100
Was waiting for this pedal to be on the show. After owning a Revv g3 & kraken preamp pedal I am after a pedal from engl..... bloody love engl. Shame the pedal doesn’t live up to the real thing.
I think this pedal sounded amazing! Ola, can you get your hands on a Engl Fireball 100 and play around with it? I have my heart set on getting that amp and I'd love to see you do a play through with one like you do.
Still the best RUclipsr (next to me and my RUclips channel) ;) that I still watch! Funny and gifted AF! A Pepers Dirty Tree would be needed with this ENGL.
Yeah I'm with u on this one. The powerball is a compressed heavy amp sometimes almost too dark to my tastes. This thing is really a mellow rock machine. Not bad but the name will get so many ppl pissed if they want to save some cash and have at least a remotely close sound to what the amp represents.
WILL IT CHUG? Engl Powerball Distortion pedal is put to the test!
EDIT: Engl reached out and confirmed... I SUCK :D
Will it chug mesa boogie dual rectifier next lmao
Yo, Ola.
Give us a studio tour update soon, eh? ;)
Great video, Bruh! \m/
Ola Englund I liked it.
Why not try using it like an overdrive to your distortion channel??
Could you do a will it chug in standard E tuning, they sound great in lower tuning, but I want to hear what it sounds like regular
Honestly my favourite tone yet. Can’t believe you don’t like it, totally getting this
That sound was actualy phenomenal. To me at least. I heard some Soundgarden in that tone, or garage/grunge music. I would love to have that pedal.
Engl: We didn’t use a battery for the environment
*requires a boost pedal using a battery to get a good sound*
rechargeable batteries is not invented yet
You can use power on the boost pedal. My thoughts is that maybe they designed it for pedalboards in mind. A whole high gain pedal in a box is hard to use with pedal stacking
vivaFidel they don’t work with pedals tho. Often they don’t put out the required amount of current like a standard dry battery would
Psyfonify that’s kinda defeats the purpose of a gain pedal in front of a clean. I wanna be able to just tap the pedal and then boom have a clean. Don’t wanna do the tip toe.
Hilarious!
Hry, Ola. It would be really interesting to hear the difference between going straight into the power amp vs going into the clean channel first. Would love to see this in a video!
vlean
@@ohdarling105 you can't get over of a simple mistake?
Chugs, but man that thing is muddy as hell at any setting.
He had the middle too low down...
Thought it sounded cool with the tube screamer.
Matthias
I admit I’m more a “gain from the amp” kind of player, but I’d prefer my distortion pedals not need to be goosed with an OD to sound good... 🤣
Yeah I have to agree. For whatever reason when amps I love make a pedal, I almost never like it. I didn’t like the Mesa Throttle box, the Marshall guvnor or the Friedman BE. Weird
so just like a real powerball
This thing sounds awesome, I got to 3:20 and thought damn this kicks ass, I like the warm old school natural sound. Then read everyone hated it 😂
"I mean the Germans they know what they're doing... at all times"
- Ola Englund 2020
Not always
@Anthony Farrish Are you talking about Honecker?
The TS made it better; lopped off some flub. A really great “Will it chug” would be the old MI Audio Tube Zone. The chrome six knob version is the best sounding heavy pedal I ever owned. I think you’d like it.
I actually think that this is the most warm and non-digitlal tone I ever hear on a distortion pedal
Me: bought Ditto looper
My wife: does it chug?
Looks like sunday FAQs made some impact ...
Cool wife 😁😁😁
Just got a NU’X Mighty Lite BT. It chugs straight out of the box. Impressive for a tiny battery powered amp.
Hey Ola! Got a story for you. I’m a 45 year old that used to thrive on the chug....My high school band (Satanic Foetus Eaters) chugged regularly. Well you know what happens, you get old, kids, job, wife etc etc and you forget how much you loved to chug. But I’ve literally become addicted to your videos. They’re informative, funny and basically awesome. Thanks to you my love of chugging has returned. I went to my garage and my 1989 BC Rich Warlock was in as many pieces as I remember it being in 1995 when I took it apart, hmm that won’t do. So I bought a Jim Root Telecaster and a Boss Katana ( upon watching your reviews ) and I am happy to report I’m chugging again! Thanks Ola! Greetings from Australia my man! 👍🏼
How is your chuggstravaganza going down there?
@@ricksanchezito8972 Ha! Good, man! I forgot I wrote that!! 😂
That was actually coming from a pretty low place at the time, we were all in lockdown and not knowing what the future held. So buying a guitar and relearning songs helped me out greatly!
So I’m goin good man!! (I also may’ve bought more guitars too) 😂
@@mattjns yeah guitar was a huge mental help during lock downs. I'm glad you're doing well and still playing
@@ricksanchezito8972 I appreciate that, man! It certainly does help. 👍🏼
Literally the best part of my week, thank you for uploading this series!
This has such a warm tone to it. But I Kinda like it. Must be Master Ola himself
It's a decent tone but you'd kinda expect a bit more from ENGL
On a scope it has the attack of a baby's bottom.
I can imagine this pedal would be amazing for Nu Metal 7 string music
Well that settles it...I'm getting the REVV G3 instead of the ENGL Powerball. Thanks Ola for showing me the difference.
That mot sounds powerful, but sounds pretty good for starters.
Should've plugged it into the fx loop. Probably wouldve sounded a lot tighter
This is soooo grunge I am loving this! More like vintage Orange than ENGL tbh
Krank Distortus Maximus, if ya can find one. In front of amp and then in loop please!!
How have you not done a video about the Klirrton Grindstein yet? Hearing a lot of good stuff about it and should be right up your alley.
Disappointing "Will it chug?" -> Will it shrug?
It SLUGS
These make my week so much better!!! Thank you Ola!!! I’m getting my first guitar soon, and can’t wait to get practicing so I can play epic metal riffs
Good ole tube screamer. Adds that oomph
They know what they're doing alright. Look at all those cool plastic pieces all over the engine and inside the engines of new bmws. Genius.
Having to put a TS in front of that Fireball pedal is a deal breaker and like having to put Heinz on top of Hunts to get the real flavor you really wanted. Great honest and entertaining video Ola! 👍
And that is why I love Ola
Can’t thank you enough for your honesty, I think it sounded quite good with the TS but on its own that’s just not good enough compared to what’s out there
I heard that machine head riff in there...davidian...good show bro, I'm glad I found you
It has a super thick tone, almost like a fuzz pedal. If you replace the tube screamer with an EQ pedal, you might be able to get a more brutal sound from it.
Not to hurt Ola's feelings here and despite of what he's said; however this pedal is actually very close to the Powerball Mark I distortion tone, which is a bit lose in the lows and thus can fuzz quite well. I still like and use my old Powerball in some occasions, but it is not a modern metal-tone amp per se, and so isn't this pedal.
@@AnyDrug I kinda disagree, I have a Powerball 1 too and mine sounds super tight and trebly without any OD :/... and in fact, not muddy at all (like the pedal in the video in my opinion). I mean, I can not push the gain over 10 o'clock when I'm recording because the sound becomes too brutal to use with 2 guitar tracks, it gets... not defined? not because of mud, but because of... harshness? I don't know I'm not an english speaker sorry haha
I haven't changed the tubes in years but... wouldn't that make the sound even less modern?
@@michaelrock
I did not mention that I was refering to a Powerball/Mesa 4x12 . With an Engl 4x12 it can sound rather modern and probably with a Mesa 4x12 too, because you have the options to choose. Now what I mean by modern metal-tone-amp is an amp, that sounds almost instantly tight and "good" in distortion mode but you struggle to dial in other tones (fuzzy for example). The Powerball I is much more versatile. Of course it is difficult to translate all that into a pedal. Nonetheless the tone reminded me of a Powerball (dialed in accordingly) into a Mesa cab.
Weird, I thought it sounded pretty awesome in the video myself. I wonder how much your recording chain and technique are helping.
I guess there is no accounting for taste, because I personally loved how it sounds. Not everything needs to sound the exact same ya know.
I think for a consumer, when you see powerball you’d probably expect it to be similar to the powerball. Just sayin
@J 7 yeah that's a fair point, I'm not familiar with Engl amps myself but I do see where you're coming from.
Love that Solar Guitar in the natural finish!!
I noticed you toured with your band with an ENGL setup Ola. You should do a video showing us why it was your preferred tour amp
Maybe it was designed to push the gain channel. It didn't sound bad though.
Good video & nice chops
Actually this was almost a better review than some staged in-depth reviews. Shows how someone might have a similar experience going into a music shop and trying this pedal out for themselves. Honest and to the point, enjoyed it Ola!
Roligaste på länge, Ola ! Slipper jag köpa en pedal.skönt, tack!
Mvh
Txs Ola just bought hotone djent pedal and the grass overdrive its sick thanks for having done a demo for it .
I've played a Powerball and it was quite a beast. I would have thought the pedal would be like wrapping yourself in a nice warm chug.
I put my coffe e cup on my amp this morning without even knowing it’s a pro move!
The debate about clean channel input / power amp input... It all depends on your amp. If you know you've got a transparant clean that doesn't alter the sound much - or in a way you like, you can plug any drive pedal in it. And hey, you can always try out what sounds better to you.
thanks for the honesty
I've been looking for pedal based distortion for a while. I learned important info from this demo. Kind of cemented a decision for a revv instead.
Basically, anything from ENGL can chug...
i think its because your running it into the mesa with all that flubby low end adding to it!
Bonus point for your karma OLA! with each additional string you chugg! With that being said: Next gear for Will it chugg:
Ibanez M8M
Fortin Evil Pumpkin
HD Precision Drive
Figured it out. This sounds exactly like Nile, no surprise since they use engl. listen to the intro of 4th arra of dagon and you will hear it
I needed some chugs today! thanks Ola!
Best reviews on the interwebs! And, maybe, the best metal guitars - I'm going to find out. I'm watching the UPS tracking number on my Solar making the journey to my home in Seattle USA, currently showing in Koeln Germany. Safe travels to my new axe.
I’m so confused. You ran a metal zone through the loop and got an amazing sound. Why not run this pedal through the loop as well? Despite what ENGL may have advised I have never heard a preamp pedal sound good on a clean channel.
Ola glad you did this 🤘 thanks
With the level of disappointment I was almost sure you were gonna plug it into the fx return! Still sounded pretty good. I mean,it wasn't horrible I suppose..
That is no Powerball. False marketing at its finest.
There is no Dana. Only Zuuul . Oh that's right you've only seen the bad Wiiggie version.
I feel like these kind of pedals sound almost the same no matter what guitar you connect it to... If you own a Mesa Boogie amp it is most likely you'll never ever need or want to use any of those pedals.
He didn’t use it probably. It’s not a preamp!
Just J I know - I love my Mark V
I’d reeeeeaalllly like to hear what some Mastodon riffs sound like through that rig 🤷🏻♂️
(Without the tube screamer)
Thank you for this episode, just saved me some $$$!
Having two Powerball's, I know the tight-crushing sound they can produce and have been thinking about getting this pedal.
Mainly, as a backup for amp failure. BUT, this pedal doesn't even come close to the sound of the actual Powerball and I, am very saddened.
In regards to having coffee on top of the amp:
Last year my partner but her glass on top of my amp. I had very specifically said that she had to be REALLY careful doing that. She knocked it over. No drink allowed anywhere near my amp anymore.
Don't worry amp is okay, managed to wipe it all up before it got anywhere sensitive.
A pedal you should definitely try : Klirrton Grindstein !
It would be absolutely awesome for you to make a Will It Chug with that thing. It has to be one of the best pedal i ever heard.
Bought this pedal around the time this review came out. It need helps to get a get there, and doesn't really go to the extreme. But i've been able to get some pretty sweet sounds out of it still.
The guitars "Solar" are so beautiful, waiting for this in the shops , i hope ...
Remember DOD distortion pedals? Try getting your hands on some of those. There were so many to choose from.
I dig these videos Oleg they rock🤘🏽
im on the dual rec today 2nd day destoyin some brutal shredd got great tone imm overdrivin the preamps
I like it! Love to hear some Bolt Thrower riffs through it! \m/
There is one Boss high gain pedal that you haven't chuged, it's the Boss Mega Distortion MD-2 ! It would be nice. Thank you for these videos... "Mega Distortion"... The name is already chuging ♫♪♫.
Be cool to see you check out the positive grid spark!!!
Ola, try out an Ampeg VH140C, please!
NOTE: those suckers need a mid boost in front, they're pretty Recto-ish.
What kind of boost you using?
Ampeg should do a limited edition rerelease of that amp... heck, I'd buy it in preamp or Class D form for something smaller.
5:00 Ibanez tube screamer saving the day as always
Ola you have that electric tinnitus again in your vid
it sounds really great!
Put it in the loop!
Sounds ok with the tube screamer
I’m not incredibly knowledgeable on Engle amps, but I liked the sound you were initially getting.
that seven string just menacingly lurking in the background
You should try out the new Origin Effects Revival Drive Hot Rod. Very few demos out there and fewer where people are chugging, but it seems great. Love to see some proper Ola Chugs through it!
Love the honesty
This pedal reminds me of a Randall head and cab dialed in for a beefy rhythm.
And that's not a bad thing at allllll.
Just like our Lord said on his first impression
"Its kinda punchy and loose"
That's how I like it.
Versus Music man I’ve yet to dial my Randall in for leads for the most. But it sounds even better overdriven. Like almost DOWN Nola era it’s sweet. It’s an rg100
I actually liked the tone.
To my ear, all they need to do is add a treble boost or a focus button before the clipping stages
Was waiting for this pedal to be on the show.
After owning a Revv g3 & kraken preamp pedal I am after a pedal from engl..... bloody love engl.
Shame the pedal doesn’t live up to the real thing.
And again, Empress Heavy for god sake OLAAAA! Come on man! :))))
I think this pedal sounded amazing! Ola, can you get your hands on a Engl Fireball 100 and play around with it? I have my heart set on getting that amp and I'd love to see you do a play through with one like you do.
I just binged this whole series hbu
Still the best RUclipsr (next to me and my RUclips channel) ;) that I still watch! Funny and gifted AF! A Pepers Dirty Tree would be needed with this ENGL.
really love ur vids, hope i could afford to buy one even just a basic distortion pedal ❤️
Ola Maybe Will it Chug with Boss Katana Mk II? Love your vids stay safe!
I think you should run it thru the effects loop instead, just saying.
\m/
All that does is eliminate the preamp so exactly what everyone else was complaining about
You should do Will It Chug with my favorite distortion of all time -- the mighty DOD Gunslinger.
The first couple of tones remind me of early BFMV tone from like the Poison era
I dub this the "Dead Heart in a Godless Endeavor" rig
Good ´ole & Trustworthy Green Pedal!
Great video again keep it up mate.
Next Line 6 M5 stompbox modeler please please
so, it chugs, how surprisingly
Please try out the Blackstar HT Metal pedal. The tube version of course not the black one.
Engl woww,, ola will make everything chug
Really cool video! Can you try the Blackstar LT Metal next?
Yeah I'm with u on this one. The powerball is a compressed heavy amp sometimes almost too dark to my tastes. This thing is really a mellow rock machine. Not bad but the name will get so many ppl pissed if they want to save some cash and have at least a remotely close sound to what the amp represents.
You need to test the Postive Grid Spark Amp---! Will it chug!???!!!
You've got the bass at 1-2 o'clock. Try turning it down to reduce the mud, and tighten up those lows.