Laney Digbeth DB-PRE Bass Guitar Pre Amplifier Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE is a versatile bass guitar pre-amplifier pedal designed to provide comprehensive tone shaping and connectivity options for bass players. It features both FET (Field-Effect Transistor) and Tube signal paths, allowing for a wide range of tonal characteristics from clean and articulate to warm and driven. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your DB-PRE pedal to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Safety Information

• Always use the correct power supply (9V DC, 100mA, center negative) as specified for the unit. Incorrect power supplies can damage the pedal and void the warranty.
• Do not expose the unit to water, moisture, or excessive humidity.
• Avoid operating the unit in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Ensure all connections are secure before powering on the unit.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.

Product Overview and Features

The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE offers a robust set of features for bass players seeking flexible tone control and connectivity:

• 2 Channels: Independent FET and Tube channels for diverse tonal options.
• FET and Tube with Blend Switch: Allows blending of the two distinct preamp voicings.
• 3 Band EQ: Comprehensive tone shaping with dedicated Bass, Lo-Mid, Hi-Mid, and Treble controls.
• Low Mid with Switchable Frequencies: Provides precise control over the crucial low-mid range.
• DI Out with Pre/Post Source Select: Enables direct connection to mixing consoles or recording interfaces with flexible signal routing.
• FX Loop: For integrating external effects pedals.
• Active/Passive Inputs: Accommodates various bass guitar types.
• Aux In: For connecting external audio devices for practice.

Controls and Connections

Figure 1: Top Panel Controls of the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE

Top Panel Controls:

• 1. TILT: A unique EQ control that simultaneously boosts highs and cuts lows, or vice-versa, around a central frequency. Turning clockwise boosts highs and cuts lows, while counter-clockwise boosts lows and cuts highs.
• 2. VOLUME - TUBE: Controls the output volume of the Tube preamp channel.
• 3. DRIVE: Adjusts the amount of gain and overdrive applied to the Tube preamp channel. Higher settings result in more distortion.
• 4. FET VOLUME: Controls the output volume of the FET preamp channel.
• 5. BASS: Adjusts the low-frequency response of the signal.
• 6. LO-MID: Controls the lower midrange frequencies. This knob often has a push/pull function or a switch to select different center frequencies for precise shaping.
• 7. HI-MID: Controls the upper midrange frequencies.
• 8. TREBLE: Adjusts the high-frequency response of the signal.
• 9. MUTE Switch: Mutes the output signal.
• 10. BYPASS Switch: Engages or disengages the preamp effect, allowing the dry signal to pass through.
• 11. MIX Knob: Blends the signal from the FET and Tube channels. Fully counter-clockwise is 100% FET, fully clockwise is 100% Tube, and the center position is an equal blend.
• 12. TUBE/FET Switch: Selects between the Tube and FET preamp channels, or allows for blending when the MIX knob is used.
• 13. BYPASS/MUTE Footswitch: Toggles the pedal's bypass state or mutes the output, depending on the MUTE/BYPASS switch setting.
• 14. TUBE Footswitch: Engages or disengages the Tube preamp channel.

Figure 2: Input Side of the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE

Input Connections:

• 15. PASSIVE Input: 1/4" jack for connecting bass guitars with passive pickups.
• 16. ACTIVE Input: 1/4" jack for connecting bass guitars with active pickups. This input typically has a lower gain stage to accommodate the hotter signal from active basses.
• 17. LINK: 1/4" jack for linking to other compatible Laney devices or for specific routing scenarios.

Figure 3: Output and FX Loop Side of the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE

Output and FX Loop Connections:

• 18. FX SEND: 1/4" jack to send the signal to external effects pedals.
• 19. FX RETURN: 1/4" jack to receive the processed signal back from external effects pedals.
• 20. OUTPUT: 1/4" jack for connecting to a bass amplifier, power amplifier, or other audio equipment.

Figure 4: Rear Panel Connections of the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE

Rear Panel Connections:

• 21. 9V DC 100mA Power Input: Connect the specified 9V DC power adapter (center negative).
• 22. AUX IN: 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting external audio sources like MP3 players or smartphones for practice.
• 23. DI OUT: XLR output for direct connection to a mixing console, audio interface, or PA system.
• 24. SOURCE (PRE/POST) Switch: Selects whether the DI OUT signal is taken before (PRE) or after (POST) the pedal's EQ and effects section. PRE is useful for a clean, unaffected signal, while POST includes the pedal's tone shaping.
• 25. GROUND LINK (ON/OFF) Switch: Helps eliminate ground loop hum when connecting to other equipment. Set to ON if hum is present, otherwise leave OFF.

Setup

1. Power Connection: Connect a 9V DC, 100mA, center negative power adapter to the 9V DC input jack on the rear panel.
2. Instrument Connection: Connect your bass guitar to either the PASSIVE or ACTIVE input jack on the side of the pedal, depending on your bass's pickup type.
3. Output Connection: Connect the OUTPUT jack to your bass amplifier's input, a power amplifier, or an audio interface.
4. DI Connection (Optional): For direct connection to a mixing console or PA system, connect the DI OUT XLR jack. Use the SOURCE switch to select PRE (unaffected signal) or POST (signal with pedal's EQ/effects). Adjust the GROUND LINK switch if hum is present.
5. FX Loop Connection (Optional): If using external effects, connect the FX SEND to the input of your effects pedal and the output of your effects pedal to the FX RETURN.
6. Auxiliary Input (Optional): For practice with backing tracks, connect your audio device to the AUX IN jack.

Operating the DB-PRE

Channel Selection:

• Use the TUBE/FET switch to select between the two preamp channels.
• The MIX knob allows you to blend the two channels for unique tonal combinations.
• The TUBE footswitch engages or disengages the Tube channel, providing on-the-fly access to its distinct character.

Tone Shaping:

• Adjust the BASS, LO-MID, HI-MID, and TREBLE knobs to sculpt your desired bass tone. Experiment with the LO-MID switch (if applicable) to find the optimal frequency for your sound.
• The TILT control offers a quick way to adjust the overall brightness or warmth of your sound.

Volume and Drive:

• Use VOLUME - TUBE and FET VOLUME to balance the output levels of the respective channels.
• The DRIVE knob on the Tube channel allows you to add anything from subtle warmth to aggressive overdrive.

Bypass and Mute:

• The BYPASS/MUTE footswitch can be configured using the small MUTE and BYPASS switches on the top panel. This allows you to either bypass the pedal's effect or mute your signal entirely.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Connections: Periodically check all cables and connections for wear and tear. Replace damaged cables immediately.
• Power Supply: Always disconnect the power supply when the pedal is not in use for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Brand: Laney
• Model: DB-PRE
• Item Weight: 1.54 pounds (700 Grams)
• Product Dimensions: Approximately 791.34 x 751.97 x 366.14 inches (Note: These dimensions appear to be an error in the source data and are unusually large for a pedal. Please refer to the actual product or official manufacturer specifications for precise dimensions.)
• Power Source: Corded Electric (9V DC, 100mA, center negative)
• Color: Black
• Channels: FET and Tube (Blendable)
• EQ: 3-Band with switchable Lo-Mid frequency, plus TILT control.
• Inputs: Passive 1/4", Active 1/4", Aux In 3.5mm
• Outputs: 1/4" Output, XLR DI Out (Pre/Post selectable)
• Other Features: FX Send/Return, Ground Link switch, Bypass/Mute footswitch.

Warranty and Support

Laney products are designed and engineered to the highest standards. For specific warranty information and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Laney Amplification website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or service inquiries, please contact Laney customer support through their official channels.

Website: www.laney.co.uk