Anyone have an Engl 530 preamp?

[abwalsh]

I'm really looking for something for direct in recording to my iMac that will get a decent tube tone, and I know, who isn't. Has anyone tried the 'compensated' direct out for recording or headphones, and if so, whats your take? I know some people swear by Engl, and I've tried a few heads and liked what I heard.

[reguv760]

Got one! I was using the front headphone out for a while when I didn't have a 4x12 nor a poweramp. It's not bad but you *really* need a good over-the-ear headphones or else all you're getting is distortion from the headphones! The volume for the 530's headphone/recording out is on the rear-side which is annoying... a headphone with a built-in volume control is a viable option.
Otherwise, the tone coming from it is decent but simulates the pre-amp's tone pretty well! i'll try to record some clean/heavy clips from the direct out when time permits

Reg

[abwalsh]

Thanks!