11 EPB II Hi-Lead
Headrush Amplifiers

11 EPB II Hi-Lead

Inspired by 2011 ENGL Powerball II

The model 11 EPB II Hi-Lead it is designed to deliver powerful distortion, defined and full of sustain, ideal for:

  • Hard rock, metal and modern leads
  • Solos with great presence
  • Heavy and articulated rhythms

It is the most powerful channel of the EPB II series: more gain, more compression and more impact than Clean and Crunch.

BluesRockHard RockHeavy MetalMetalJazzFunkPopBass

Controls

Bottom

Activates the emphasis on low frequencies:

  • Y → more depth and power
  • N → tighter and more controlled lows
  • Useful for heavy riffs and palm mutes
Mid Boost

Increases the mid frequencies:

  • Y → more present and "in your face" sound
  • N → more hollowed out (modern metal) Fundamental for emerging in solos
Treble

Control the high frequencies:

  • Low → softer sound
  • High → bright and cutting
Middle

Control the mid frequencies:

  • Low → scooped sound
  • High → more body and presence
Bass

Control the low frequencies:

  • Low → tight and defined
  • High → full and powerful
Presence

Controls the final brilliance:

  • Low → softer sound
  • High → more aggressive and open Adds attack and definition
Deep Punch

Controls the bass response of the power amp:

  • Low → more controlled lows
  • High → more thump and impact Crucial for heavy rhythms
Gain

Controls saturation:

  • Low → crunch
  • Middle → full distortion
  • High → compressed high gain
  • Responsible for sustain and compression
Gate

Control the noise gate:

  • Low → more natural but noisy
  • High → cleaner but less sustain
  • Necessary with high gain
Master

Controls the final volume of the amplifier:

  • Low → less pressure
  • High → more push and body
Output Level

Controls the overall final volume:

  • Negative → attenuation 0 d
  • B → neutral
  • Positive → boost

Pro Tips

BEHAVIOR OF THE AMPLIFIER

  • Powerful and defined high gain sound
  • High sustain for leads and shred
  • Controlled bass with Bottom and Deep Punch
  • Excellent definition even with high gain

Advice:

  • Mid Boost ON → more present leads
  • Bottom + Deep Punch → big and powerful sound
  • Gate → essential with high gain
  • Presence + Treble → definition and attack

Final advice:

  • Mid Boost ON → perfect leads
  • Bottom OFF → tighter rhythms
  • High Gain + Gate → clean high gain
  • Perfect for metal, hard rock and modern shred

Setup Examples

Heavy rhythm / modern metal

BottomN
Mid BoostNo
Treble60%
Middle45%
Bass55%
Presence65%
Deep Punch60%
Gain75%
Gate30%
Masters70%
Output Level+1 dB

Powerful lead/solo

BottomY
Mid BoostY
Treble65%
Middle60%
Bass50%
Presence65%
Deep Punch55%
Gain80%
Gate25%
Masters70%
Output Level+2 dB

Shred / high gain compressed

BottomN
Mid BoostY
Treble70%
Middle55%
Bass50%
Presence70%
Deep Punch60%
Gain90%
Gate35%
Masters70%
Output Level+2–3 dB