Laney DBF200H Digbeth Foundry Bass Amp Head User Manual
Introduction
The DIGBETH Foundry Series is built upon Laney's rich bass heritage, offering a range of bass combos designed for everyone from beginners to semi-professional musicians. These combos combine the vintage aesthetic inspired by the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s with ultra-modern features and British engineering. They redefine affordability without compromising on performance, setting a new standard for bass amps in their price range.
Laney values music and musicians. The Digbeth Foundry amps are designed by professionals, for musicians, and are built for performance. This series offers an unparalleled package blending tradition, innovation, and affordability. Whether you're just starting out on bass or seeking reliable live gear, these amps provide everything needed for musical success. The DBF200H bass head, in particular, merges ultra-modern features with a vintage-inspired design in a compact unit, making it an ideal choice for live musicians seeking a powerful, portable, and tone-rich head.
Key Features
- 200 Watts RMS Power Output: Provides ample power for rehearsals and mid-sized performances.
- Two Channels: FET and DRIVE channels, with a MIX option for blending both, offering clarity and rich drive tones.
- Preshap Switch: Cuts mids and boosts highs/lows for a "scooped" sound, with selectable mid voicings.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing only 5.8kg (13 lbs), it's durable and easy to transport.
- Flexible FX Loop: For integrating external effects.
- DI Output (Pre): For easy recording.
- Auxiliary Input and Headphone Output: A 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting external audio devices for practice, and a 3.5mm headphone output for quiet sessions.
These features make the DBF200H a versatile and user-friendly bass amp head, balancing power, portability, and tonal flexibility for bassists who want to use their preferred cabinets.
Controls
Front Panel
The front panel provides access to all essential controls for shaping your bass tone.
Front Panel Controls:
- 1. Input: 1MΩ input impedance, 6.35mm (1/4") jack socket for connecting active or passive bass guitars. Use a high-quality instrument cable for best performance.
- 2. FET Volume: Controls the level for the FET channel, which delivers a clean tone with a fast response, good low-end clarity, and punch.
- 3. Channel Select Switch: Switches between the FET channel, DRIVE channel, or a MIX of both. Can also be controlled remotely.
- 4. Drive: Sets the pre-gain level for the DRIVE channel. Lower settings provide subtle overdrive and warmth, while higher settings increase preamp output for more grit and distortion.
- 5. Channel Indicator LED: Located to the right of the DRIVE control, this LED indicates the active channel: Green for FET, Red for MIX and DRIVE.
- 6. Volume: Controls the overall output level. Works in conjunction with the DRIVE control to achieve the desired overdrive tone at the perfect volume.
- 7. Preshap: This switch engages a mid-scoop EQ curve, boosting upper and lower frequencies.
- 8. Bass: Adjusts the low frequencies. Boost to enhance sub-bass for larger cabinets or cut to reduce boominess and clean up the tone.
- 9. Mid Mode: A 4-position rotary switch offering different EQ voicings for the mid-range. The selected position works in conjunction with the MID LEVEL control.
- Position 1: A narrow mid-cut that helps bass clarity when playing with a drummer. Push forward for more presence, pull back for more space.
- Position 2: A wider mid-frequency control, ideal for adding growl to distorted tones or cutting mids for clarity.
- Position 3: A narrower mid-frequency setting, similar to Position 2 but more refined and less aggressive. Good for slap bass or cutting through a distorted guitar mix.
- Position 4: A mid-high frequency setting, ideal for emphasizing bass "pop" or reducing fret noise.
- 10. Level: This control works with the MID MODE. Boosting it increases the selected mid-band, while cutting it decreases it. Setting it to the center bypasses the MID control, regardless of the MID MODE setting.
- 11. Treble: Boosts high frequencies for increased clarity and definition. Cutting them provides a smoother, more mellow tone.
- 12. Tilt: Controls the overall tonal balance. Turning towards the treble symbol reduces bass and boosts treble; turning towards the bass symbol does the opposite. It's ideal for fine-tuning the tone for any situation.
- 13. Power Indicator: A red LED that illuminates when the amplifier is connected to mains power and the power switch is turned on.
- 14. Aux In: A 3.5mm jack for connecting external audio sources, useful for jam sessions.
- 15. Phones: A 3.5mm jack for monitoring or quiet practice.
- 16. Master Volume: Adjusts the overall output level while retaining the tone and character achieved with the input and EQ stages.
Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel houses the main connectivity options for speakers, external devices, and power.
Rear Panel Connectors:
- 1. Speaker Connector: SpeakON® compatible combo output capable of delivering 200W RMS at 4 Ohms. It accepts either a 1/4" jack or an NL2 connector; the NL2 is recommended for higher continuous output. Ensure the total impedance connected to the speaker output is 4 Ohms or higher. Connecting with less than 4 Ohms can damage the amplifier. The amplifier can operate without a speaker connected. Laney recommends the DBV212 or DBV410 cabinets for the DBF200H.
- 2. DI Out: Balanced XLR output for connecting to external equipment such as PA systems, recording consoles, or stage monitoring systems. The DI signal is a buffered version of the input signal, meaning it is PRE-VOLUME/DRIVE and EQ.
- 3. FX Loop - Send/Return: Used to connect external effects units to the amplifier. Connect the input of the external unit to the Send jack and the output of the external unit to the Return jack.
- 4. Remote: A 6.35mm jack socket that provides remote access to the channel switching function (3) on the front panel. The function depends on the position of the channel select switch. The Laney FS1-Mini footswitch (sold separately) is recommended.
- Top: Drive -> FET. Channel Indicator LED: Off.
- Middle: Mix -> Drive. Channel Indicator LED: Green.
- Down: FET -> Drive. Channel Indicator LED: Red.
- 5. Power Switch: The onboard switch disconnects the main power input. Turn off when not in use.
- 6. Power Inlet: Universal power input via an IEC C14 socket. It supports 100-240V AC power, so no voltage selection or adjustment is necessary. Use the supplied power cable.
- 7. Safety Information: Important information and the unit's serial number. Ensure ventilation openings are not obstructed.
Connections
The diagram illustrates various connection possibilities:
- Input: Connect your bass guitar to the 'Input' jack on the front panel.
- Mixing Console/PA: Connect the 'DI Out' (XLR) on the rear panel to a mixing console or PA system for live sound reinforcement or recording. This signal is pre-master volume and EQ.
- External FX: Use the 'FX Send' and 'FX Return' jacks on the rear panel to integrate effects pedals or processors into your signal chain.
- Audio Source: Connect an external audio source (e.g., MP3 player) to the 'Aux In' (3.5mm) on the front panel for practice or jamming along.
- Headphones: Connect headphones to the 'Phones' (3.5mm) jack on the front panel for silent practice.
- Speaker Cabinet: Connect the amplifier's 'Speaker Connector' (SpeakON or 1/4") to a compatible bass speaker cabinet (minimum 4 Ohm load). The diagram shows connections to Laney DBV212-4 and DBV410-4 cabinets.
- Remote Footswitch: Connect an optional footswitch (e.g., Laney FS1-Mini) to the 'Remote' jack for channel switching.
Block Diagram
The signal path begins at the Input, feeding into the channel selection circuitry. The FET channel and DRIVE channel have their respective volume controls. The Preshap and EQ sections (Bass, Mid Mode, Level, Treble, Tilt) shape the tone before it reaches the Master Volume. The FX Loop (Send/Return) allows for external effects integration. The DI Out provides a pre-master volume signal, while the Speaker Output delivers the final amplified signal. The Aux In and Phones outputs cater to practice scenarios.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | DBF200H |
| Name | Digbeth Foundry DBF200H |
| Type | Bass Amplifier Head |
| Frequency Response (-10dB) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Output Power | 400W RMS (200W into 8 Ohm, 400W into 4 Ohm) |
| Amp Type | Class D, with passive convection cooling for silent operation |
| Channels | 2 Channels: FET and DRIVE, with optional FS1-Mini footswitch for channel switching. |
| Input | 6.35mm (1/4") Jack socket for instrument input, 3.5mm Stereo Aux In, 6.35mm (1/4") Jack socket FX Return. |
| Input Impedance | 1M Ohm (Instrument), 10k Ohm (Aux In), 1M Ohm (FX Return) |
| EQ | Preshap, Bass (±12dB), Mid (±12dB) with 4 selectable voicings, Treble (±12dB), Tilt control. |
| Controls | FET Volume, Drive, Drive Volume, Bass, Mid Mode, Level, Treble, Tilt, Master Volume. |
| Cabinet | 15mm plywood construction for optimal strength, weight, and natural tonal resonance. |
| Handle | Top-mounted steel-reinforced strap handle for comfortable carrying. |
| Finish | Durable black vinyl with steel corners for enhanced protection. |
| Power | Universal 100-240V AC input via IEC C14 connector, switching mode power supply. |
| Power Consumption | 150W (Typical), 365W (Max) |
| Unit Dimensions (HWD) | 194mm x 397mm x 218mm (7.6" x 15.6" x 8.6") |
| Unit Weight | 5.8kg (12.8 lbs) |
| Carton Dimensions (HWD) | 250mm x 455mm x 275mm (9.8" x 17.9" x 10.8") |
| Packed Weight | 7.8kg (17.2 lbs) |
| EAN Code (Single) | 5060109459630 |
Laney reserves the right to modify product specifications without prior notice as part of its ongoing development.
Dimensions
The amplifier has the following approximate dimensions:
- Height: 194mm (7.6 inches)
- Width: 397mm (15.6 inches)
- Depth: 218mm (8.6 inches)
Refer to the diagrams for visual representation of the unit's physical size and layout.
Safety Warnings and Compliance
Important Safety Instructions
Please read this manual carefully to ensure safe and long-term use of the product. Keep it in a safe place for future reference.
- Unpacking: Check for any shipping damage. If damaged, repack and contact your retailer. Retain original packaging for potential returns or servicing.
- Connecting the Amplifier: Always connect all equipment before powering on. Power on source equipment, then the amplifier. Power off the amplifier first, then source equipment to avoid loud noises and potential speaker damage. Ensure level controls are at minimum before powering on/off.
- Cables: Do not use shielded or microphone cables for amplifier-to-speaker connections. Use high-quality shielded cables for other connections.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the product yourself. Refer all servicing to authorized dealers.
- Warnings: Pay attention to all warnings displayed on the unit and follow all instructions.
- Environment: Do not use near water. Keep dry. Ensure adequate ventilation and do not block vents. Keep away from heat sources like radiators or stoves.
- Power: Use only with a grounded AC outlet. Do not modify plugs. Protect the power cord from being pinched or trapped. Use only manufacturer-provided accessories.
- Stability: If using carts or stands, ensure stability to prevent injury. Ensure the unit is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Power Plug: Ensure the power plug is easily accessible. Unplug during thunderstorms or when unused for extended periods.
- Liquid/Object Ingress: Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not place objects containing liquids on the unit.
- Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to high sound levels can cause hearing loss. Use hearing protection if operating at high volumes.
- Cabinet Tilt: Use caution when tilting the amplifier, as it can easily tip over. Operate only on stable surfaces.
Compliance Information
This product complies with relevant regulations and directives.
- FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions that this device does not cause harmful interference.
- CE Marking: Complies with European directives for Low Voltage, EMC, and RoHS.
- UKCA Marking: Complies with UK regulations for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and restriction of hazardous substances.
For the full EU Declaration of Conformity, please visit: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals
Dispose of this product responsibly according to local regulations. Do not dispose of with household waste.
