Laney TI100 Tony Iommi Signature Guitar Amplifier Head

Introduction

This is a limited edition reissue of the TI100 from Black Country Customs. It commemorates the legendary collaboration between Laney and Tony Iommi, marking the final Black Sabbath tour with a faithful, hand-signed, numbered reissue of his iconic 1969 Laney LA100BL amplifier. Each head is hand-built in the UK, personally signed by Tony Iommi, and includes a custom cover. The TI100 features 100 watts RMS, 8 x ECC83 pre-amp valves, and a 4x6L6 output section. It offers two footswitchable channels, footswitchable PRE-BOOST on each channel, 3-band EQ, volume, enhance, and presence controls, all housed in a distinctive cross-painted casing that glows red.

Front Panel Controls

The TI100 features two pre-amplifier channels, LEAD and RHYTHM, which can have different settings and be switched via the channel selector (8) or the footswitch. While the controls are similar for each channel, the resulting sounds can differ significantly.

1. INPUT: 1/4" mono jack socket for connecting your guitar. Use a good quality instrument cable.
2. PRE-BOOST: Controls the level of boost applied to the guitar signal with independent switches per channel. The Pre-Boost circuit boosts the input signal to the pre-amp valves, similar to using a boost pedal in the signal path. This drives the pre-amp valves harder, resulting in more distortion. An LED indicates when the Pre-Boost controls are active.
3. DRIVE: Controls the pre-amp distortion level for the channel. Turning this control clockwise adds more distortion to your guitar signal, ranging from a mild overdrive to heavy metal. Use in conjunction with the VOLUME control (5) to achieve the desired volume and distortion levels.
4. EQUALIZATION CONTROLS: A set of passive tone controls offering a musical sound at any setting due to their interactive nature. These provide a natural way to shape your ideal sound. A good starting point is to set them to the middle position (5).
5. VOLUME: Controls the volume for each channel. Experiment with different combinations of Drive and Volume for distinct sounds. Reducing Drive and increasing Volume results in a warm, open, and overdriven sound by driving the power amplifier harder. Reducing Volume and increasing Drive results in a tighter, more modern sound with more distortion. Use your guitar's volume controls to interactively adjust the tone and distortion levels.
6. ENHANCE: Controls the amplifier's response at lower frequencies. Turning clockwise results in looser bass, while lower settings provide a tighter response. The ideal setting depends on the speaker cabinet used.
7. PRESENCE: A tone control in the output stage that adjusts the upper mid-range frequency for a brighter sound.
8. CHANNEL SWITCH: Switches between Lead and Rhythm channels. The LED illuminates for the active channel.
9. STANDBY SWITCH: Disconnects the main high-frequency voltage from the valves, but keeps them warm and ready for instant playing. Use for short breaks. Position 1 (up) is for playing mode; position 0 (down) allows the amplifier to warm up. The lamp illuminates when the amplifier is in playing mode.
10. POWER SWITCH: The main power switch for the unit. Valve amplifiers take 30 seconds to 2 minutes to warm up after being switched on. Use in conjunction with the Standby switch to prolong valve life. Position 1 (up) turns the unit on. The lamp illuminates when the switch is activated, indicating power is present.

Rear Panel Features

1. MAINS INPUT SOCKET: Ensure the voltage indicated on the rear panel is correct for your country. The voltage is factory preset. The fuse drawer contains the main safety fuse. The fuse protects the amplifier from damage by disconnecting it from the mains in case of failure. A spare fuse is included.
2. HT FUSE: This fuse disconnects the high voltage DC supply to the valves in case of valve failure. Fuse Replacement: Use only the correct size and rating specified on the panel. Using a fuse with too high a rating can cause serious, irreparable damage to the amplifier and presents a serious fire risk. Fuse ratings are detailed in the 'Specifications' section and printed on the rear panel. Fuses are designed to protect; do not take risks.
3. BIAS SWITCH: Allows the use of either 6L6 or EL34 output valves. Ensure the switch is set to the correct position for your output valves, otherwise, you risk damaging the amplifier. The TI100 is factory-equipped with 4 x 6L6 matched valves. Matched output valve sets are recommended for optimal performance.
4. POWER AMP IN / PRE-AMP OUT: The Pre-Amp Out provides a line-level signal immediately before the power amplifier. This can be used to feed other amplifiers, mixing desks, etc., and is useful in multi-amplifier setups. The line output is a line-level (unbalanced) output. The Power Amp input provides an input to the power amplifier stage. When a jack plug is connected to the line input socket, the pre-amp signal is ignored.
5. FX LOOP: For external effects units. The 1/4" FX SEND jack should be connected to the input of an external effects unit. It can also be used as a line out for connecting to another power amp's secondary input or for recording. FX RETURN connects to the output of your external effects. It is switchable between INSERT, SIDE CHAIN, and BYPASS modes.
   • SIDE CHAIN: The return signal is mixed with the dry send signal; the FX Return level is controlled by the FX Return level control. This allows you to set the correct mix between the dry and effected signal. Use Side Chain mode for effects units like delays, flangers, etc., where a direct signal path is maintained internally to avoid dynamic loss through the external effects processor. When using this mode, the external effects processor must be switched to 'effect only' mode. The FX loop gain will act as a mix control. Setting it to minimum will result in no output from the amplifier. A good normal level for this control is '5', which is approximately unity gain.
   • INSERT: The return signal is buffered and sent directly to the output valves, without mixing with the dry signal. The wet/dry mix is adjusted on the external effects processor. The FX return level control acts as an overall level control, allowing compensation for any insertion loss that may occur in the effects processor. Use this mode when the entire amplifier signal needs to be routed through external processors, such as graphic equalizers, etc. The FX loop gain will act as an overall level control.
   • BYPASS: The global effects circuit is completely disabled.
6. PEDAL: The TI100 is equipped with a 5-pin DIN socket for connection to the supplied FS4-TI footswitch, allowing remote operation of Channel, Lead Boost, and Rhythm Boost functions.
7. SYM LINK: Linking connectors are used to connect two or more amplifiers to a single master amplifier. The link ensures that slave amplifiers change channel synchronously with the master amplifier. This allows the Presence and Enhance controls of the slave amplifiers to be synchronized with the master amplifier. The SYM LINK OUT should be connected to the SYM LINK IN of the next amplifier.
8. SPEAKER CONNECTIONS: Five 1/4" mono jack connectors are provided for connecting a variety of speaker cabinets. Speaker impedance mismatch will reduce amplifier performance and, in extreme cases, may damage the unit. Connectors are provided for 1x4 Ohm, 1x8 Ohm, 2x8 Ohm, 1x16 Ohm, and 2x16 Ohm. Warning: Never operate a valve amplifier without a load connected, as serious and irreparable damage may occur.

Connections Diagram

A diagram illustrates the connections between the guitar, the TI100 amplifier, an FX unit, and the FS4-TI footswitch.

Quick Start Settings

Provides typical settings for Clean, Crunch, and Lead tones.

• Clean: Settings shown for a clean tone.
• Crunch: Settings shown for a crunchy tone.
• Lead: Settings shown for a lead tone, with volume adjusted as desired.

Block Diagram

A block diagram illustrates the internal signal path of the TI100 amplifier, showing the pre-amp stages, EQ, effects loop, power amp, and speaker outputs.

Specifications

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

Safety and Warnings

General Precautions:

• Read this manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
• Unpack carefully and check for any signs of transit damage. If damaged, repack in the original carton and consult your dealer. Keep the original shipping carton for potential returns.
• Establish a pattern for switching your system on and off. Turn on source equipment, mixers, and effects processors BEFORE turning on the amplifier. Turn on the amplifier LAST, with the level control at minimum. When switching off, turn down the amplifier's level controls first, then switch it off before switching off other equipment.
• Never use speaker cables for speaker connections; use appropriate speaker cables. Use screened cables for all other connections.
• Do not attempt to service the product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Pay attention to all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat distributors, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Class I construction must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earth connection. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Use only attachments/accessories supplied by the manufacturer.
• Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. Disconnect this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Never break off the grounding pin. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
• If this product is rack mounted, rear support must be provided.
• UK Wiring Instructions: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead do not correspond with the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: Green and yellow wire to the terminal marked 'E', earth symbol, green or green and yellow. Blue wire to the terminal marked 'N' or black. Brown wire to the terminal marked 'L' or red.
• This electrical appliance should not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and care should be taken not to place objects containing liquids, such as vases, on the appliance.
• Hearing Protection: Exposure to extremely high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but almost everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time. OSHA has specified permissible noise exposure levels.
• Tip-Over Hazard: If your appliance has a tilt-back mechanism or kick-back cabinet, use this design feature with care. Due to the ease with which the amplifier can be moved between the upright and tilted-back positions, use the amplifier only on a level and stable surface. DO NOT operate the amplifier on a desk, table, shelf, or other unstable and unsuitable platform.
• Symbols: Warnings and notices are indicated by the following symbols:

CAUTION: Indicates the presence of 'Dangerous Voltage' within the product's enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock.

WARNING: Alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Read operating instructions for further warnings.

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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by Laney may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

CE Compliance: This product complies with European regulations, directives, and rules including CE Mark, Low Voltage, EMC, RoHS, and ErP.

UK Compliance: Complies with relevant UK legal requirements including the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012, and Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2012.

WEEE Directive: To reduce environmental damage, this product should not be disposed of with normal household waste at the end of its life. It should be taken to an approved recycling centre.

Manufacturer Information

Laney, Steelpark Road, Coombswood Business Park West, Halesowen, B62 8HD, UK. For the latest information, visit www.laney.co.uk.