Laney CUB-10 User Manual

Dear Player,

Thank you very much for purchasing your new Laney product and becoming part of the worldwide Laney family. Each and every Laney unit is designed and built with the utmost attention to care and detail, so I trust yours will give you many years of enjoyment.

Laney products have a heritage which stretches back to 1967 when I first began building valve amplifiers in my parent's garage.

Since then we have moved on from strength to strength developing an extensive range of guitar, bass, public address and keyboard amplification products along with a list of Laney endorsees that includes some of the world's most famous and respected musicians.

At the same time we believe we have not lost sight of the reason Laney was founded in the first place - a dedication to building great sounding amplification for working musicians.

Warm Regards,
Lyndon Laney
Chairman and Founder.

About the Cub-10

The Cub-10 is a straightforward, easy-to-use tube combo amplifier, featuring 2 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes and 2 x 6V6GT output tubes. Its 10W Class A/B Push/Pull circuitry pumps out classic tube tones through a Custom 10" speaker.

The Chocolate Brown front panel features vintage style and simplicity. After flicking ON the chrome toggle switch, set the tone and volume controls, wind up the gain, and you are ready to Rock.

The cabinet is finished in black leather grain vinyl and features built-in mains lead storage on the rear grille and a comfortable soft grip handle for easy transportation.

Moving round to the rear panel, there is a 8-16 Ohm extension cabinet socket, to which any of the cabinets in the Laney range can be connected. Let your Cub get its claws out with one of the Laney GS412 range and really entertain the neighbours!

We hope you get a kick out of using your Cub-10; we certainly did designing and making it.

Best wishes from all at Laney

The block diagram illustrates the signal path of the amplifier. Inputs are labeled HI INPUT and LO INPUT. A PAD switch is present before the first gain stage (V1a). The signal then passes through Gain controls (V1a, V1b), Volume control (VOLUME), and Tone controls (V2a, V2b). The signal is then amplified by the power tubes (V3, V4) and sent to the INTERNAL LOUDSPEAKER and an EXTERNAL LOUDSPEAKER (8-16 OHMS).

Controls for GAIN, VOLUME, and TONE are shown with associated adjustment knobs.

The front panel features the following controls and inputs, numbered for reference:

• 1. POWER SWITCH: The main power switch for the unit. Tube amplifiers take between 30 seconds and 2 minutes to warm up and be ready to play after switching on; this is normal.
• 2. POWER INDICATOR: This lamp will be lit when the amplifier is switched on.
• 3. TONE: The tone control works at the end of the amplification chain. It controls the overall top-end response and can reduce upper-end harmonics on the output stage and preamplifier overdrive sounds, providing bright cutting sounds at high settings and smooth rounded sounds at lower settings. A midway setting (5) is a good starting point.
• 4. VOLUME: Sets the amplifier's loudness. Increasing the volume can drive the power tubes harder for a retro sound and feel. The guitar's volume control can then be used to manage distortion levels.
• 5. GAIN: Controls the amount of gain applied to the preamplifier. High settings provide preamplifier distortion, while low settings yield a clean sound. Use in conjunction with the Volume control to balance preamplifier and power stage distortion.
• 6. LO INPUT: Stands for 'low gain'. This input is attenuated by approximately 50% from the Hi input and is designed for full-range clean sounds.
• 7. HI INPUT: Stands for 'high gain'. This input is designed to saturate the amplifier more easily and has a restricted low-frequency range to avoid a "mushy" sound from high output guitars. Experiment with both inputs to find your best sound. Use only good quality guitar cables.

(Refer to the front panel image for visual placement of these controls)

The rear panel features the following components:

• 8. MAINS LEAD: The mains lead is permanently attached. Stow it in the provided straps when not in use to avoid damage. Always switch off and disconnect the power cord when not in use.
• 9. SERIAL NO: Displays the model details and serial number of the unit.
• 10. HANDLE: A Laney soft grip handle for comfortable transportation.
• 11. EXTENSION CABINET: Use to connect an 8-16 ohm extension cabinet. Mismatched impedance can reduce amplifier performance and, in some cases, may cause damage. Try connecting your Cub-10 to a Laney extension cabinet.

The rear panel also displays regulatory information including CE marking and supply voltage details.

(Refer to the rear panel image for visual placement of these features)

• Tube amplifiers generally sound warmer than solid-state amplifiers but require more care due to fragile glass tubes. The Cub-10 uses top-quality tubes for reliable service.
• Tubes are fragile glass components and can be easily damaged if handled roughly.
• Ensure your cabinet's impedance matches the amplifier's setting. Improper matching can lead to reduced power output, compromised sound, or amplifier/tube failure.
• Allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before switching it on to avoid thermal shock to the tubes.
• Allow the amplifier to cool down after playing before moving it. Hot tubes are more susceptible to damage. Use good quality loudspeaker leads.
• Tube amplifiers should not run into an open circuit. Tube life expectancy depends on factors like operating temperature, usage, and vibration. Change tubes if performance changes.
• Typical preamp tube problems include crackly noise, hiss, hum, and microphony. Preamp tubes can often be replaced by the user.
• Typical output tube problems include lack of punch, missing highs/lows, or low-level hum. Exact replacements are available from Laney dealers.
• To change a tube: switch off the unit, unplug from the mains, and wait for tubes to cool down. Lay the amplifier on its front, remove the grille (held by four screws), and access the tubes.
• When installing new tubes, ensure pins are aligned correctly and the rib on the 6V6GT tube base is seated properly in the valve base.
• Servicing: Users should not attempt to service these products. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

The amplifier can be used in two primary configurations:

• Solo Play: Connect your guitar directly to the CUB-10 amplifier for practice or small performances. (Depicted as "Rock alone...")
• With External Cabinet: Connect the CUB-10 to an external speaker cabinet (e.g., Laney GS4121A) via the extension speaker socket for increased volume and sound projection, suitable for larger venues or to "entertain the neighbours!!".

When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed. Please read and keep these instructions safe.

General Precautions:

• Heed 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 in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources (radiators, stoves, etc.).
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Use only manufacturer-provided attachments/accessories.
• Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer. Use caution when moving combinations to avoid tip-over.
• The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. Allow easy access to these.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus is damaged, exposed to liquid/objects, rain/moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Never break off the ground pin. Connect only to the specified power supply type.
• If mounting in an equipment rack, provide rear support.
• (UK Only) Ensure correct wiring of the mains lead (Green/Yellow to Earth, Blue to Neutral, Brown to Live).
• Do not expose to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects containing liquids on the apparatus.

Electrical Shock and Fire Hazards:

⚠️ Dangerous Voltage: Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 'Dangerous Voltage' within the product's enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electrical shock.

ℹ️ Important Instructions: Intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (Servicing) instructions in the accompanying literature.

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.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Before using this appliance, please read the operating instructions.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection:

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Susceptibility varies, but prolonged exposure to intense noise can damage hearing for most individuals.

The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified permissible noise level exposures. Exceeding these limits can result in hearing loss. It is recommended that hearing protectors (earplugs or earmuffs) be worn when operating this amplification system to prevent permanent hearing loss, especially when exposed to high sound pressure levels.

A table detailing recommended exposure durations and corresponding sound levels (dBA) is provided in the original manual.

Appliance Operation:

If your appliance features a tilt-back cabinet design, use this feature with caution. Always operate the amplifier on a level, stable surface. Do not operate on desks, tables, shelves, or other unstable platforms.

Regulatory Compliance:

• FCC COMPLIANCY STATEMENT: 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 can void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device.
• CE Mark: This product conforms to the requirements of European Regulations, Directives & Rules including CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU).
• WEEE Directive: To reduce environmental damage, 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. (♻️ symbol)