Laney DBF50 Digbeth Foundry Bass Combo Amplifier

Introduction

The Laney DIGBETH Foundry Series builds upon Laney's rich bass heritage, offering a range of bass combos designed for beginners and semi-professional musicians. These combos feature a retro aesthetic inspired by the classic tones of the 60s and 70s, combined with ultra-modern features and British engineering to redefine affordability without compromising on performance. The DIGBETH Foundry Series is set to become the new standard in affordable bass amplification. Laney cares about music and musicians. Digbeth Foundry cabinets are designed by experts, not committees. Our cabinets are built to perform.

Laney DIGBETH Foundry Series is a fusion of heritage, innovation, and affordability, creating an unparalleled product. Whether you are new to music or looking for reliable gigging equipment, these cabinets can meet all your needs and help you stand out in the music scene. Now, everyone can experience the new standard in bass amplification. The DIGBETH Foundry Series cabinets offer a variety of features to suit all playing styles, helping you achieve your unique tone. From clean tones to gritty overdrive, these cabinets provide the tools to shape your sound. Join the growing community of DIGBETH artists and set new musical standards together.

Each DIGBETH Foundry cabinet is equipped with custom-designed HH Audio Blue series drivers. These professional bass drivers are designed specifically for this series, delivering clear, modern, bright, and powerful bass. Unlike competitors who rely on off-the-shelf drivers, Laney has partnered with sister company HH Audio to ensure every note resonates with clarity and power.

The DBF50 is a powerful unit, featuring two footswitchable channels (FET and Tube-style) for ultimate tonal control. Whether you're playing live or recording in the studio, the DBF50 delivers a tone that blends modern feel with vintage character.

Features

• 50 Watts RMS output: Provides ample volume for practice, small gigs, or home recording.
• 10 inch HH designed professional speaker: Delivers clear, powerful bass.
• Dual Channels. FET and Drive, with a mix option for maximum tonal control, allowing for powerful drive while maintaining clarity.
• Pre-shape switch: Offers a mid-scoop for a 'cut-through' sound while boosting treble and bass.
• Compact and lightweight design: Weighing only 10.9 kg (24 lbs), with a ported cabinet with a removable grille for easy transportation, suitable for use in confined spaces.
• Top-mounted control panel: Features user-friendly control knobs for easy operation and adjustment.
• FX Loop for added flexibility.
• DI Output (Pre) for easy recording.
• Includes a 3.5mm Aux input for connecting external audio sources and a 3.5mm headphone output for silent practice.
• These features make the DBF50 a versatile and user-friendly amplifier for bassists of all levels.

Controls - Top Panel

The top panel features various controls for shaping your sound:

1. Input: A 6.35mm (1/4 inch) mono jack socket with an input impedance of 1MΩ, suitable for connecting active or passive basses. Use a high-quality instrument cable for best results.
2. FET Volume: Controls the level of the FET channel. This channel offers a clean, fast response with tight, punchy lows.
3. Channel Select Switch: Allows switching between the FET channel, the DRIVE channel, or a mix of both. This can also be remotely controlled.
4. Pre-Shape:
   • PRE-SHAPE Active: Engages the mid-scoop and boosts treble and bass frequencies.
   • PRE-SHAPE Disabled: The Pre-Shape function is not active.
5. Drive: Sets the pre-gain level for the DRIVE channel. At lower settings, the DRIVE channel provides slight overdrive for a unique warm tone. At higher settings, the DRIVE channel's preamp is pushed harder for a more aggressive growl and distortion.
6. Channel Indicators: LEDs to the right of the DRIVE control indicate the currently active channel. FET is green, MIX and DRIVE are red.
7. Volume (Drive Channel): Controls the post-gain level of the DRIVE channel. Used in conjunction with the DRIVE control, it provides the desired level of overdrive for the perfect tone.
8. Bass: Increasing this control boosts the low frequencies, ideal for enhancing bass response. Decreasing it reduces the lows, helping to control low-frequency feedback or clean up muddy tones.
9. Mid: Increasing this control boosts the mid-frequencies, helping the bass guitar cut through a busy mix. Decreasing it creates a more scooped or modern solo tone.
10. Treble: Boosts high frequencies for increased clarity and definition. Decreasing it reduces high frequencies for a softer, more mellow sound.
11. Tilt: Acts as an overall tonal balance control. Turning towards the treble side reduces bass and increases treble. Turning towards the bass side does the opposite. This control is ideal for fine-tuning your overall tone and ensuring your sound works in any context.
12. Power Indicator: A red LED illuminates when the amplifier is connected to the mains and the power switch is set to ON.
13. Auxiliary: A 3.5mm jack socket for connecting external audio sources, ideal for playing along with tracks.
14. Phones: A 3.5mm jack socket for headphone monitoring or silent practice.
15. Master Volume: Allows for quick adjustment of the overall output level while maintaining the tone and character set by the input and EQ stages.

Controls - Rear Panel

1. DI Out (Pre): Balanced XLR output feed, for connecting to external equipment such as PA systems, recording interfaces, or stage monitors. The DI signal is a buffered version of the instrument input, before the Pre-Volume/Drive and EQ stages.
2. FX Loop (Send/Return): These jacks allow you to connect external effects units to your amplifier. Use the Send jack to connect to the input of your external unit and the Return jack to connect the output of your external unit back to your amplifier.
3. Remote: A 6.35mm (1/4 inch) jack socket for remotely controlling the channel switching function (3) on the front panel. The function of the footswitch depends on the position of the channel select switch. The Laney FS1-mini footswitch (not included) is recommended.
   • Up: Drive channel -> FET indicator is Red.
   • Middle: Mix > Drive channel indicator is Red.
   • Down: FET channel -> Drive channel indicator is Green.
4. Safety Information: Important information and amplifier serial number. Ensure ventilation openings are not obstructed.
5. Power: IEC C14 universal power input socket. The AC mains voltage is 110V-240V, with no voltage selection or adjustment required. Use the supplied power cord.
6. Power Switch: The onboard switch provides isolation of the mains power to the input. Switch the DBF50 OFF when not in use.

Connections

Diagram illustrating various connection options:

• Instrument input to the amplifier.
• Connection to a mixing console.
• Connection to external effects (Outboard FX).
• Connection to headphones for monitoring.
• Connection to an audio source for practice.
• Connection to a PA system (To House PA).
• Connection to the Laney FS1-mini footswitch.

Block Diagram

A block diagram illustrating the signal path within the amplifier:

• Input signal flow through FET Channel, Drive Channel, EQ, Master Volume, Limiter, and to the Amp Mute, Phones, and Loudspeaker outputs.
• Auxiliary input connection.
• FX Send and Return connections.

Specifications

Laney reserves the right to modify product specifications without prior notice in the interest of continuous development.

Dimensions (mm)

Diagrams showing the physical dimensions of the amplifier.

Safety and Warnings

Please read this user manual carefully and keep it for future reference to get the most out of your new product and ensure long, trouble-free performance.

1. Unpacking: Upon unpacking, please inspect the product for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit from the Laney factory to your dealer. Should damage be apparent, repack the unit in its original carton and consult your dealer. We strongly recommend that you retain the original shipping carton, as in the event of your unit developing a fault, you will be able to pack it securely and return it to your dealer for repair.
2. Amplifier Connection: To avoid damage, it is generally recommended to establish and follow a pattern for switching your system on and off. After connecting all system components, turn on your source equipment, mixers, effects processors etc., before turning on your amplifier. Many products have a large transient surge when switched on and off, which can damage your speakers. By turning on your amplifier last and ensuring its level control is set to minimum, any transient from other equipment should not reach your speakers. Wait until all system components have settled down, usually a few seconds. Similarly, when powering down your system, always turn down the level control on your amplifier before switching off its power and then switching off your other equipment.
3. Cables: Never use screened or microphone cables for any loudspeaker connections as they are not adequate to handle the amplifier load and may damage your entire system. Use quality screened cables elsewhere.
4. Servicing: Users should not attempt to service these products. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
5. Note all warnings.
6. Follow all instructions.
7. Do not use this apparatus near water.
8. Clean only with a dry cloth.
9. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Apparatus with Class I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
12. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
13. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
14. Use only with the 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.
15. The mains plug or appliance coupler shall remain readily operable. The user should allow convenient access to any mains plug, mains coupler and mains switch, used with the apparatus, so that it may be readily disconnected from the supply. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
16. 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.
17. Do not break off the grounding pin. Connect only to a power source of the type marked near the power cord.
18. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
19. Important Note for UK Only: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead to this apparatus do not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: Green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E, by the earth symbol, green or green and yellow. Blue wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or black. Brown wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or red.
20. This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and care should be taken not to place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, upon the apparatus.
21. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary greatly in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but almost everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficient loudness for a sufficient duration. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures as follows: According to OSHA, any exposure over the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. When operating this amplification system, if exposure exceeds these limits, then earplugs or a sound barrier for the ear canal or ears must be worn to prevent permanent hearing loss. To ensure against the possibility of exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels, such as this amplification system, wear hearing protection while the unit is in operation.
22. If your unit features a tilt-back mechanism or a kick-back cabinet, use this design feature with caution. As the amplifier can be easily moved between an upright position and a tilted-back position, only use the amplifier on a level, stable surface. Do not operate the amplifier on a table, desk, shelf, or other unsuitable unstable platform.
23. The symbols and terms used in this product and manual are intended to alert the operator to areas where extra caution may be required, as follows:

CAUTION: Indicates a risk of electric shock due to the presence of uninsulated "hazardous voltage" within the product's enclosure.

WARNING: Indicates important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: Risk of electric shock - Do not open. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Read the operating instructions before using this equipment for further warnings.

FC: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 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.

CE: This product complies with the requirements of the following European directives, directives and regulations: CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU).

UKCA: This equipment complies with the relevant statutory requirements of The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Disposal: To minimise environmental damage, this product should not be disposed of with general household waste at the end of its life. It should be sent to an approved recycling centre in accordance with the recommendations of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive applicable in your country.