Laney DBF50 Digbeth Foundry Bass Amplifier User Manual

Introduction

The DIGBETH Foundry series builds on Laney's rich bass heritage, offering a range of bass combos designed for beginners and semi-professionals alike. With a vintage aesthetic inspired by the classic tones of the 60s and 70s, paired with ultra-modern functionality and British engineering, these combos redefine affordability without compromising on performance. The DIGBETH Foundry series is designed to become the new standard in affordable bass amps. Laney cares about music and musicians, and the Digbeth Foundry amps are designed by experts. The Laney DIGBETH Foundry series combines heritage, innovation, and affordability into one unbeatable package, offering everything needed to make a mark in music. The DIGBETH Foundry series amplifies creativity with features catering to all playing styles, from clean tones to gritty overdrive. Each combo is equipped with custom-designed HH Audio Blue Series drivers, engineered to deliver clean, modern bass tones that are bright and punchy. The DBF50 offers enhanced versatility with two footswitchable channels (FET and Tube-style) for ultimate tonal control, delivering modern performance with vintage charm.

Features

• 50 Watts RMS Power Output: Sufficient volume for practice, small performances, or home recording.
• 10" HH Designed Professional Loudspeaker: Provides clear and punchy bass tones.
• Two Channels: FET and Drive, with mix options for gritty drive while maintaining clarity.
• Preshape Switch: Provides a mid-frequency cut for a scooped sound, pushing the tops and lows.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighs 10.9Kg (24lbs), features a ported enclosure with a removable grille, making it easy to transport and suitable for limited spaces.
• Top-Mount Control Panel: Equipped with user-friendly control knobs for easy access and adjustments.
• FX Loop: For added flexibility.
• D.I Output (Pre): For easy recording.
• Auxiliary Input: 3.5mm input for connecting external audio devices.
• Headphone Output: 3.5mm output for silent practice sessions.

These features make the DBF50 a versatile and user-friendly amplifier for bassists at all levels.

Controls

Top Panel

1. INPUT: Mono 6.35mm jack socket with a 1MΩ input impedance for connecting an active or passive bass guitar. Use a good quality instrument cable for best performance.

2. FET VOLUME: Controls the level of the FET Channel, offering a clean, fast response that is articulate and punchy in the low end.

3. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH: Changes the selected channel between FET, DRIVE, or a MIX of FET and DRIVE channels. This can also be switched remotely.

4. PRESHAPE: When active, this switch scoops the mids and pushes the top and bottom frequency content. When disabled, it returns to a standard EQ response.

5. DRIVE: Sets the amount of pre-gain for the DRIVE channel. At low settings, it provides a subtle overdrive with a characteristic warm sound. At higher settings, the preamp is pushed harder, providing more growl and distortion.

6. CHANNEL INDICATOR: An LED to the right of the DRIVE control indicates the current active channel. It is green for FET and RED for MIX and DRIVE.

7. VOLUME: Controls the post-gain level of the DRIVE channel. Use in conjunction with the DRIVE control for the perfect overdrive tone at the desired volume.

8. BASS: Adds more low frequencies to the sound, great for increasing the sub. Decreasing cuts back low frequencies, useful for reigning in low-end feedback or cleaning up a muddy sound.

9. MID: Boosts the MID band, helping the bass guitar cut through a busy mix. Decreasing creates a scoop and a modern tone.

10. TREBLE: Boosts higher frequencies for more top-end clarity. Decreasing removes higher frequencies for a subby, mellow sound.

11. TILT: Acts as an overall balance control for the tone. Turning towards the treble clef decreases lower frequencies and boosts higher frequencies. Turning towards the bass clef does the opposite. This control is perfect for fine-tuning your overall tone.

12. POWER INDICATOR: A red LED that illuminates when the amplifier is connected to mains power and the POWER switch is set to ON.

13. AUX: A 3.5mm jack for connecting an external sound source, useful for jamming along with audio tracks.

14. PHONES: A 3.5mm jack for monitoring or silent practice.

15. MASTER VOLUME: Allows for quick adjustment of the overall output level while maintaining the tone and colouration achieved in the input and EQ stage.

Rear Panel

1. DI OUT (PRE): A balanced XLR output feed for connecting to an external device, such as a house PA, a recording setup, or a stage monitor system. The DI signal is a buffered version of the guitar input signal and is PRE-VOLUME/DRIVE and EQ.

2. FX LOOP - SEND/RETURN: These sockets are used for connecting an external effects device. Use the SEND jack to connect to the input of your external device and the RETURN jack to connect the output of the external device back to your amplifier.

3. REMOTE: A 6.35mm jack socket provides remote access to the CHANNEL SWITCH function. A LANEY FS1-mini footswitch remote is recommended (not included). The footswitch function depends on the channel selection switch position:

• UP (Footswitch): DRIVE > FET. CHANNEL indicator LED: RED.
• MIDDLE (Footswitch): MIX > DRIVE. CHANNEL indicator LED: RED.
• DOWN (Footswitch): FET > DRIVE. CHANNEL indicator LED: GREEN.

4. SAFETY INFORMATION: Important information and the amplifier serial number. Ensure ventilation slots are not covered.

5. POWER: A universal power input via an IEC C14 socket. An AC supply from 110V-240V is acceptable; voltage selection or adjustment is not required. Use the mains cable provided.

6. POWER SWITCH: The onboard switch provides power isolation to the incoming mains power. Set the switch to OFF when the DBF50 is not in use.

Connections

This section describes how to connect various devices to the Laney DBF50 amplifier:

• Instrument Input: Connect your bass guitar to the 6.35mm (1/4") JACK SOCKET INSTRUMENT INPUT on the front panel.
• External Audio Source: Connect an external audio device (e.g., MP3 player) to the 3.5mm AUX IN jack on the front panel for jamming along with audio tracks.
• Headphones: Connect headphones to the 3.5mm PHONES jack on the front panel for monitoring or silent practice.
• External Effects: Connect an external effects processor to the FX LOOP SEND and RETURN jacks on the rear panel. Connect the SEND jack to the input of your effects unit and the RETURN jack from the output of your effects unit.
• DI Output: Connect the balanced XLR DI OUT (PRE) on the rear panel to a mixing console, PA system, or recording interface. This output provides a buffered signal that is pre-volume, pre-drive, and pre-EQ.
• Remote Footswitch: Connect an optional Laney FS1-mini footswitch to the REMOTE jack on the rear panel to remotely switch between channels (FET, DRIVE, MIX).

Block Diagram

The signal path for the Laney DBF50 begins with the INPUT, which feeds into a CHANNEL SELECT switch. This switch routes the signal to either the FET CHANNEL (controlled by FET VOLUME and PRESHAPE) or the DRIVE CHANNEL (controlled by DRIVE, DRIVE VOLUME, and EQ controls: BASS, MID, TREBLE, TILT). A MIX option combines both channels. The signal then passes through the MASTER VOLUME and a LIMITER before reaching the AMP section, which drives the LOUDSPEAKER. An AUX input allows for external audio sources, and a PHONES output is available for silent practice. The FX LOOP (SEND/RETURN) allows for integration of external effects units.

Specifications

In the interest of continued development, Laney reserves the right to amend product specification without prior notification.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Laney DBF50 are:

• Height (H): 435mm (17.1 inches)
• Width (W): 401mm (15.8 inches)
• Depth (D): 301mm (11.9 inches)

The unit weight is 10.9Kg (24 lbs).

Safety and Warnings

To ensure safe and trouble-free operation of your Laney DBF50, please read the following important information:

• Unpacking: Check for transit damage and keep original packaging for potential returns.
• Amplifier Connection: Always turn on source equipment, mixers, and effects processors BEFORE turning on your amplifier. Turn off your amplifier LAST, with the level control at minimum. When turning off, turn down amplifier level controls first, then turn off its power before other equipment.
• Cables: Never use shielded or microphone cable for speaker connections. Use good quality shielded cables for all other connections.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service the product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• General Safety: Heed all warnings and follow all instructions. Do not use near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block ventilation openings. Do not install near heat sources.
• Power Connection: Ensure the apparatus is connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earth connection. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug. Protect the power cord from damage. Use only manufacturer-provided attachments/accessories.
• Operation: Use only with a suitable cart, stand, or table. Use caution when moving equipment on carts to avoid tip-overs. Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• UK Mains Wiring: Specific instructions are provided for connecting the mains lead wires (green/yellow to Earth, blue to Neutral, brown to Live).
• Liquids: Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects containing liquids on it.
• Hearing Protection: Exposure to extremely high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Wear hearing protection (earplugs or ear defenders) when operating the amplifier at high sound pressure levels, especially if exposure exceeds recommended limits (e.g., prolonged exposure above 85 dB(A) can cause hearing damage).
• Tilting Mechanism: If using the tilting feature, ensure the amplifier is on a level, stable surface to prevent tip-overs.
• Symbols: Pay attention to symbols on the product and in the manual that indicate areas requiring extra caution.

Compliance and Disposal:

• This device complies with FCC Part 15 rules and relevant European Regulations (CE Mark, Low Voltage, EMC, RoHS, ErP).
• A simplified EU Declaration of Conformity is available at: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals
• Dispose of the product responsibly at the end of its life according to WEEE directive recommendations.

Important Safety Symbols and Explanations:

[Caution Symbol] CAUTION: Indicates the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock.

[Warning Symbol] WARNING: Indicates the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

[Shock Hazard Symbol] CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

[Rain/Moisture 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.