Laney LA-STUDIO User Manual
Brand: BLACK COUNTRY CUSTOMS
Introduction
1969 marked the birth of Heavy Metal, with the Laney Supergroup amp being integral to its power and attitude, famously used by Tony Iommi. Building on the legacy of the LA100BL Supergroup from 1967, Laney introduces the LA-STUDIO in 2022. This 3W all-tube guitar amplifier head is based on the legendary LA30BL, featuring 3x ECC83 preamp tubes and a 12BH7 power tube. It includes a built-in reactive load box for silent operation and integrates Two Notes Torpedo technology for cabinet emulation, making it suitable for studios, home use, and live stages. The LA-STUDIO combines vintage aesthetics, tone, and feel with modern technology, offering real tubes, tone, feel, and dynamics.
The LA-STUDIO is a low-wattage, great-sounding tube amp designed with a focus on tone, faithfully recreating the characteristics of vintage amps. It features a single channel, no reverb, and no FX loop, designed to be driven to the edge of breakup and into glorious tube distortion. The absence of an FX loop is intentional to preserve the interaction between the preamp and power amp, crucial for vintage tone. It is primarily designed for recording studios and home setups, where effects are typically added within a DAW.
The LA-STUDIO is presented as "THE REAL PLUGIN."
Controls
Front Panel
- POWER SWITCH: Connect the amplifier to a load before turning it on. The LA-STUDIO has an internal reactive load, allowing operation without a connected speaker.
- BRAKE SWITCH: Reduces the output from 3W RMS to 0.1W RMS, ideal for driving the amp hard at lower volumes.
- POWER INDICATOR: Illuminates when the amplifier is powered on.
- PRESENCE: Boosts upper mids and highs. A good starting point is '5'.
- BASS: Adjusts low-end response. Clockwise increases bottom-end. Setting to '5' is a common starting point.
- MIDDLE: Adjusts mid-frequency response. Clockwise increases mids; anti-clockwise reduces mids for a scooped sound. Setting to '5' is a common starting point.
- TREBLE: Adjusts high-frequency content. Clockwise increases top-end for clarity; anti-clockwise provides a warmer sound. Setting to '5' is a common starting point.
- GAIN: Adjusts the level of gain/distortion and contributes to the overall listening level.
Input Jacks:
- BASS INPUT HI: Offers a neutral frequency response, suitable for pedals and boards.
- BASS INPUT LO: Shares tonal characteristics with Bass Input 1 but with a lower gain setting.
- TREBLE INPUT HI: Features an accentuated high-end response.
- TREBLE INPUT LO: Shares tonal characteristics with Treble Input 1 but with a lower gain setting.
Channel Jumping: This technique allows mixing tonal and gain characteristics from different inputs. For example, connect your guitar to Bass Input 1, then use a patch cable to connect Bass Input 2 to a Treble channel input. This can add treble without losing bass response.
Rear Panel Controls
- GROUND LINK: A switch to isolate the ground, helping to eliminate ground noise or loops from connected equipment via the XLR out.
- XLR BALANCED OUTPUT: A direct output from the Two Notes Torpedo Embedded module. Connect to front of house or an audio interface for capturing tone without a cabinet or microphone. Use the LEVEL control to adjust the output.
- HEADPHONE SOCKET: Provides output directly from the Two Notes module, allowing headphone use with virtual cabinet settings for quiet playing and silent recording.
- VIRTUAL CABINET SELECTOR: A 6-position switch to select one of the first 6 Two Notes presets active on the XLR out.
- LEVEL: Sets the signal level sent to the XLR balanced output and headphone output.
- PEAK INDICATOR: Shows when the output from the Two Notes Torpedo Embedded is clipping. Reduce the LEVEL control if the PEAK indicator lights up.
- USB CONNECTOR: Connects to a computer for accessing the Two Notes Torpedo Embedded software, allowing editing of presets, creation of new ones, and loading of third-party Impulse Responses.
- MIDI IN: Connects to a MIDI-equipped device for cabinet pre-set switching via MIDI Program Changes (MIDI PC) and parameter control via MIDI Control Changes (MIDI CC).
- Midi OUT/THRU: Used to connect additional MIDI-equipped devices downstream of the LA-STUDIO.
- SPEAKER SOCKETS (16 Ohm & 8 Ohm): Two 1/4" mono jack sockets for connecting 8 or 16 Ohm cabinets. A reactive load attenuator allows silent operation without a speaker cabinet when using the DI out or headphones.
WARNING: Mismatching speaker impedance can reduce performance and potentially damage the unit. Use only one impedance selection at a time and never below the rated minimum load.
Connections
The LA-STUDIO can be connected in various ways:
Figure 1 Description: Illustrates the LA-STUDIO guitar head connected to a speaker cabinet, and the head's DI output connected to an external mixer, DAW, or IEM setup.
Figure 2 Description: Shows the LA-STUDIO guitar head connected to pedals, with the guitar and pedals connected to the head's inputs.
Figure 3 Description: Depicts the LA-STUDIO guitar head connected via USB to a laptop running a DAW, with the DI output routed to a USB audio interface.
Figure 4 Description: Shows the LA-STUDIO guitar head connected to a MIDI pedalboard via a USB-MIDI interface, with the DI output going to a FOH or DAW.
Two Notes Torpedo Integration
Laney has partnered with Two Notes to integrate a Torpedo module, capturing the LA-STUDIO's tone with dynamic response without needing a physical cabinet. The LA-Studio comes with 6 curated presets using Laney DynIR cabinets, accessible via the XLR out. The DynIR technology and Torpedo Remote software allow full control over cabinet type, environment, and microphone characteristics for ultimate output control.
To get the most from the Torpedo module, download and install the latest TORPEDO REMOTE software from: https://www.two-notes.com/en/downloads/
For questions regarding Torpedo Remote software, visit: https://support.two-notes.com/
Presets
The LA-Studio comes with 6 curated pre-loaded cabinets:
- Preset 1 - STUDIO A: The LA412 in a dry and intimate studio environment.
- Preset 2 - STUDIO A: The LA212 in a dry and intimate studio environment.
- Preset 3 - HALL A: The LA412 in a bright medium sized venue.
- Preset 4 - HALL B: The LA212 in a classic concert hall, with warm reverb.
- Preset 5 - PLATE: The LA412 with a large plate reverb, vintage, and huge sounding.
- Preset 6 - CATHEDRAL: The LA212 in a tiled cathedral, ethereal and angelic ambience.
The cabinets included with the LA-Studio are:
- Laney LA412: An authentic replica of the original 1969 cabinet, an oversized 4x12" cabinet loaded with four Celestion G12H 75Hz.
- Laney LA212: The classic 2x12" offset cabinet of the early 2000's, featuring a pair of matched Celestion G12M-25 Greenbacks for vintage and modern tones.
In addition to the 6 pre-loaded presets, the LA-STUDIO includes an extensive library of additional Two notes virtual cabinet Dyn IRs, accessible via the USB app. To access these, download and install the latest TORPEDO REMOTE software.
Your LA-STUDIO comes with 8 additional high-quality DynIRs:
- Brit 65C (Marshall 4x12)
- GreenArtO (Marshall 4x12)
- Free Rock (VHT 4x12)
- Eggbeater (Egnater 2x12)
- Radcat 25W (Badcat 4x12)
- Voice Modrn (Vox AC30)
- Watt FanO (Hiwatt 2x12)
- Tanger 30C (Orange 2x12)
As a reward for creating a Two notes account and registering your LA-STUDIO, you also receive 2 BONUS Dyn IR's:
- SilverJen (Fender Twin with Jensen Speakers)
- Calif StdC (Mesa 4x12 recto)
You can change virtual cabinets and save them to your Two notes account. The 6 pre-load slots on the LA-STUDIO can be updated by moving your chosen cabinet into the relevant slot.
NOTE: Using MIDI allows access to up to 128 cabinets presets live.
MIDI
Each preset on the LA-STUDIO has a single program number. Preset 001 is recalled with MIDI PC 1, and you can recall up to 128 virtual cab presets with MIDI PC 1 through MIDI PC 128. This allows real-time switching of presets, for example, switching from a clean tone to a lead tone and changing from a 2x12 cabinet to a 4x12 cabinet simultaneously.
MIDI CC (Control Change) signals can be used for more advanced applications, offering direct control over listed parameters. Consult the table below for Control Change (CC) numbers, their range, and behavior.
TABLE OF MIDI CC NUMBERS
| Param | CC | Range | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Amp On/Off | 0 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On |
| Model | 1 | 0-7 | 0 = Model #0; 1 = Model #1... |
| Volume | 2 | 0-30 | 0 = 0dB; 30 = 30dB |
| Presence | 3 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Depth | 4 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Character | 5 | 0-1 | 0 = Triode; 1 = Pentode |
| Cab/Mic On/Off | 6 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On |
| Unused | 7 | N.A. | N.A. |
| Cab | 8 | 0-num files | 0 = Cab #0; 1 = Cab #1... |
| File A | 9 | 0-num files | 0 = File #0; 1 = File #1... |
| File B | 10 | 0-num files | 0 = File #0; 1 = File #1... |
| Folder A | 11 | 0-3 | 0= User 0; 1= User1; 2 = User 2; 3 = User 3 |
| Folder B | 12 | 0-3 | 0= User 0; 1= User1; 2 = User 2; 3 = User 3 |
| Mic A | 13 | 0-7 | 0 = Mic #0; 1 = Mic #1... |
| Distance A | 14 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Center A | 15 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Position A | 16 | 0-1 | 0 = Back; 1 = Front |
| Level A | 35 | 0-107 | 0 = -95dB; 95 = 0dB; 107 = 12dB |
| Phase A | 36 | 0-1 | 0 = Normal; 1 = Invert |
| Mute A | 37 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On (Mute) |
| Mic B | 38 | 0-7 | 0 = Mic #0; 1 = Mic #1... |
| Distance B | 39 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Center B | 40 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Position B | 41 | 0-1 | 0 = Back; 1 = Front |
| Level B | 42 | 0-107 | 0 = -95dB; 95 = 0dB; 107 = 12dB |
| Phase B | 43 | 0-1 | 0 = Normal; 1 = Invert |
| Mute B | 44 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On (Mute) |
| Bypass A | 51 | 0-1 | 0 = Off (Mic ON); 1 = On (Mic Bypass) |
| Bypass B | 52 | 0-1 | 0 = Off (Mic ON); 1 = On (Mic Bypass) |
| EQ On/Off | 17 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On |
| Mode | 18 | 0-2 | 0 = Guitar; 1 = Bass; 2 = Custom |
| Gain: Low | 19 | 0-40 | 0 = -20dB; 20 = 0dB; 40 = 20dB |
| Gain: Low Mid | 20 | 0-40 | 0 = -20dB; 20 = 0dB; 40 = 20dB |
| Gain: Mid | 21 | 0-40 | 0 = -20dB; 20 = 0dB; 40 = 20dB |
| Gain: High Mid | 22 | 0-40 | 0 = -20dB; 20 = 0dB; 40 = 20dB |
| Gain : High | 23 | 0-40 | 0 = -20dB; 20 = 0dB; 40 = 20dB |
| Freq: Low Cut | 45 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Freq: Low | 46 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Freq: Low Mid | 47 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Freq: Mid | 48 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Freq: High Mid | 49 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Freq: High | 50 | 0-127 | Specific mapping to Hz |
| Preset Level | 24 | 0-95 | 0 = -95dB; 95 = 0dB |
| Reverb On/Off | 25 | 0-1 | 0:Off 1:On |
| Preset | 26 | 0-7 | 0 = Room #0; 1 = Room #1... |
| Dry Wet | 27 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Size | 53 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Echo | 54 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Color | 55 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Type | 56 | 0-1 | 0:Room 1:Ambience |
| Noise Gate On/Off | 57 | 0-1 | 0:Off 1:On |
| Mode | 58 | 0-1 | 0:Soft 1:Hard |
| Threshold | 59 | 0-80 | 0 = -80dB; 80 = 0dB |
| Enhancer On/Off | 60 | 0-1 | 0:Off 1:On |
| Instrument | 61 | 0-2 | 0 = Guitar; 1 = Bass |
| Body | 62 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Thickness | 63 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Brilliance | 64 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| Dry Wet | 65 | 0-127 | 0 = 0%; 63 = 50%; 127 = 100% |
| General - Preset Mode | 34 | 0-2 | 0 = Simulation; 1 = Arcade; 2 = IR Loader |
| General Out Level | 66 | 0-107 | 0 = -95dB; 95 = 0dB; 107 = 12dB |
| Mute | 67 | 0-1 | 0 = Off; 1 = On (Mute) |
| Bypass | 68 | 0-1 | 0 = Bypass; 1 = On |
| Preset | 69 | 0-127 | 0 = Preset #1; 1 = Preset #2... |
Specifications
| Model | LA-STUDIO |
| Nominal Supply Voltage | 100V~, 120V~, 220-240V~ Factory set |
| Mains Fuse | 100-120V~ = T500mA L 250V, 220-240V~ = T250mA L 250V |
| Output Power | 3W / 0.1W in Brake Mode |
| Power Consumption | 40W |
| Preamp Tubes | 3x ECC83 Large Plate Preamp Tubes |
| Output Tube | 1x 12BH7 Power Tube |
| Inputs | CH1, Bass & Treble Input Sockets (Input Impedance 1Mohm, Sensitivity 15mV) CH2, Bass & Treble Input Sockets (Input Impedance 140Kohm, Sensitivity 30mV) Midi In 5 pin DIN USB Type A, to control Two Notes |
| Outputs | 1x8 & 1x16 ohm speaker outputs Midi Out/Thru 5 pin DIN Phones Out Stereo 3.5mm Balanced DI Out, Male XLR (With Two Notes emulation) and Ground Lift switch |
| Controls | Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Gain, Power Switch, Brake Switch Virtual cabinet 6W selector switch |
| Other | Peak led, for Two Notes |
| Unit dimensions (HWD) | 229 x 520 x 200 mm (9" x 20.5" x 7.9") |
| Net Weight | 7.8Kg, 17.2 lbs |
| Carton dimensions (HWD) | 325 x 685 x 290 mm (12.8" x 27" x 11.4") |
| Gross Weight | 9.8Kg, 21.6 lbs |
| EAN | 5060109457704 |
Dimensions
Top View: Width: 520 mm (20.5 inches), Depth: 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Front View: Height: 229 mm (9 inches), Width: 520 mm (20.5 inches)
Side View: Height: 229 mm (9 inches), Depth: 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Safety and Warnings
Please read this owner's manual carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference to ensure full advantage of your new product and enjoy long, trouble-free performance.
[Warning Symbol] CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
[Warning Symbol] ATTENTION: Risques de choc electrique - NE PAS OUVRIR. Confier l'entretien a un personnel qualifie.
[Warning Symbol] PRECAUCION: Riesgo de corrientazo - no abra. Deje todo mantenimiento a los tecnicos calificados.
[Warning Symbol] VORSICHT: Risiko - Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht offen! Reparaturen nur von qualifiziertem Fachpersonal durchfuhren lassen.
[Warning Symbol] WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Read operating instructions for further warnings.
[Warning Symbol] ADVERTISSEMENT: Afin de prevenir les risques de decharge electrique ou de feu, n'exposez pas cet appareil a la pluie ou a l'humidite.
[Warning Symbol] ADVERTENCIA: Para evitar corrientazos o peligro de incendio, no deja expuesto a la lluvia o humedad este aparato.
[Warning Symbol] ACHTUNG: Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden, sollte dieses Gerat nicht dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden.
FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference. 2) This device must accept any interference received, that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by Laney can void the user's authority to use the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device...
CE Declaration of Conformity: This product conforms to the requirements of relevant European Regulations, Directives & Rules: CE Mark, Low Voltage, EMC, RoHS, ErP. A simplified EU declaration of conformity is available at http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals.
WEEE Directive: To reduce environmental damage, at the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with normal household waste. It must be taken to an approved recycling centre according to the WEEE directive.
Approvals
Laney Amplification - Since 1967
Laney Amplification - Since 1967
support.two-notes.com/
