Laney TI100 Tony Iommi Signature Amplifier - User Manual

Introduction

The Laney TI100 is a limited edition reissue of Tony Iommi's signature amplifier, celebrating his iconic sound and his long-standing relationship with Laney. This amplifier is hand-built in the UK, signed by Tony Iommi, and comes with a custom cover. It features 100 watts RMS, an ECC83 pre-amplifier section, and a 6L6 power amplifier section. It offers two footswitchable channels, pre-boost, a 3-band EQ, Enhance, Presence, and a distinctive red cross grille.

Front Panel Controls

The TI100 features two pre-amplifier channels: LEAD and RHYTHM. Controls for each channel include:

• 1. INPUT: Connect your guitar here using a quality instrument cable.
• 2. PRE-BOOST: Controls the boost level applied to the guitar signal, increasing pre-amp valve gain for more distortion. An LED indicates when pre-boost is active.
• 3. DRIVE: Controls the pre-amplifier distortion level, ranging from light overdrive to heavy distortion.
• 4. EQUALIZATION CONTROLS: Passive tone controls (Bass, Middle, Treble) that interact to provide a musical sound. A good starting point is to set them to the midpoint (5).
• 5. VOLUME: Controls the volume for each channel. Experiment with Drive and Volume combinations for different tones.
• 6. ENHANCE: Controls the amplifier's response to lower frequencies, providing smoother bass with higher settings and a tighter response with lower settings.
• 7. PRESENCE: An output stage tone control that adjusts high frequencies for a vibrant sound.
• 8. CHANNEL SWITCH: Switches between Lead and Rhythm channels. An LED indicates the active channel.
• 9. STANDBY SWITCH: Disconnects the high voltage to the valves but keeps them warm for instant playability. Use for short breaks. The LED illuminates when the amplifier is in playback mode.
• 10. POWER SWITCH: The main power switch for the unit. Valve amplifiers take time to warm up. Use in conjunction with the Standby switch to prolong valve life. The LED illuminates when the amplifier is connected to the mains.

Rear Panel Features and Connections

The rear panel provides access to various connections and controls:

• 1. MAINS INPUT SOCKET: Ensure the voltage indicated on the rear panel is correct for your country. The unit is factory pre-set. This houses the main safety fuse. A spare fuse is included.
• 2. HT FUSE: This fuse disconnects the high voltage DC supply to the valves in case of a valve failure. IMPORTANT: Use only the correct size and rating specified on the panel.
• 3. BIAS SWITCH: Allows the use of either 6L6 or EL34 output valves. Ensure the switch is set correctly for the installed valves to avoid damage. The TI100 is supplied with four matched 6L6 valves. Matched sets are recommended for optimal performance.
• 4. POWER AMP IN / PREAMP OUT: The Preamp Out provides a line-level signal before the power amplifier, useful for controlling other amplifiers or mixers. The Power Amp In provides an input to the amplification stage, bypassing the preamp section.
• 5. FX LOOP: Connect external effects units here. The FX SEND jack connects to the input of an external effects unit, and the FX RETURN jack connects to the output. Supports Insert, Side Chain, and Bypass modes.
• 6. FOOTSWITCH SWITCH: A 5-pin DIN connector for the supplied FS4-TI footswitch, allowing remote control of Channel, Lead Boost, and Rhythm Boost functions.
• 7. SYM LINK: Used for connecting multiple amplifiers master/slave. Ensures slave amplifiers switch channels in sync with the master.
• 8. SPEAKER CONNECTIONS: Five 1/4" jack connectors for connecting speakers. Ensure correct impedance to avoid damaging the amplifier. Connectors are provided for 1x4 Ohm, 1x8 Ohm, 2x8 Ohm, 1x16 Ohm, and 2x16 Ohm configurations. WARNING: Never operate a valve amplifier without a connected load.

Connections Diagram

A diagram illustrates the typical signal path and connections for the amplifier, including guitar input, FX unit, and footswitch.

Quick Start Configurations

The manual provides suggested settings for different tones:

• TONY'S TYPICAL SETTINGS: General settings for versatile use.
• CLEAN: Settings for a clean tone.
• CRUNCH: Settings for a crunchy overdrive tone.
• LEAD: Settings for a high-gain lead tone.

Adjust volume as desired for each configuration.

Block Diagram

A block diagram visually represents the internal signal flow and components of the TI100 amplifier.

Specifications

Laney reserves the right to modify product specifications without prior notice for continuous development.

Safety and Warnings

Please read the following safety precautions carefully:

• Unpacking: Check for any signs of damage during transit. Keep original packaging for potential returns.
• Amplifier Connection: Power on source equipment, mixers, and effects processors before powering on the amplifier. Turn off the amplifier last. When powering down, turn down the amplifier's level controls first, then power off the amplifier before other equipment.
• Cables: Use appropriate speaker cables for speaker connections. Use good quality shielded cables for other connections.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service the product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• General Precautions: Do not use near water, clean with a dry cloth, do not block ventilation openings, avoid heat sources, ensure proper grounding, protect the power cord, use only manufacturer-approved accessories, use with a stable cart if applicable, ensure easy access to the power switch, unplug during thunderstorms or long periods of non-use.
• Servicing Requirements: Service is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power cord or plug damage, liquid spillage, object ingress, exposure to rain or moisture, abnormal operation, or dropping.
• Grounding: Never break the ground pin. Connect only to a power source of the type marked on the unit.
• Rack Mounting: A rear support should be provided if mounting in a rack.
• UK Power Cord: Follow specific wiring instructions if the cable colors do not match the plug terminals.
• Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Use hearing protection if exposure exceeds permissible limits.
• Reclining Cabinet: Use caution with reclining cabinets; operate only on a level, stable surface.
• Symbols: Pay attention to symbols and nomenclature indicating areas requiring additional caution.
• Electrical Safety: Symbols indicate hazardous voltage, important operating instructions, and warnings against opening the unit.
• FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
• CE Marking: The product complies with relevant European directives and standards.
• WEEE Directive: Dispose of this product responsibly at the end of its life.