Laney Digbeth Foundry DBF100 & DBF200 Bass Amplifier User Manual

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, redefining affordability without compromising performance. The Digbeth Foundry series is set to become the new standard for affordable bass amplification. Laney cares about music and musicians, with these cabinets designed by experts, for players. The Laney Digbeth Foundry series combines heritage, innovation, and affordability to create an unparalleled product. Whether you're new to bass or seeking reliable gigging gear, these combos meet all your needs, helping you stand out in the music world. Experience the new standard in bass amplification. The Digbeth Foundry series combos offer a variety of features to suit all playing styles, empowering you to achieve your unique tone. From clean tones to gritty overdrive, these amps provide the tools to shape your sound. Join the growing Laney Digbeth artist community and set new musical standards.

Each Digbeth Foundry combo is equipped with custom-designed HH Audio Blue series drivers. These professional-grade bass drivers are exclusive to the series, delivering clear, modern, punchy, and powerful bass. Unlike competitors who rely on generic drivers, Laney collaborates with sister company HH Audio to ensure every note resonates with clarity and power.

DBF100

For players seeking more power in a compact package, the DBF100 blends modern features with vintage aesthetics. The DBF100 is a powerful unit designed for professional demands.

DBF200

For players seeking ultimate bass power, the DBF200 offers unparalleled power and tone, meeting the demands of professional players. With its robust design and comprehensive features, the DBF200 is the ideal choice for players seeking power, portability, and exceptional tone.

Features

• The DBF100 delivers 100 watts RMS, and the DBF200 delivers 200 watts RMS, providing ample power for rehearsals and small to medium-sized gigs.
• Both models feature 12-inch (DBF100) and 15-inch (DBF200) HH designed professional drivers, delivering clear, powerful, and deep bass tones.
• Dual channels: FET and Drive, with a Mix option for blending, offering powerful drive while maintaining clarity.
• Pre-shape switch to cut mid-frequencies for a scooped sound, enhancing treble and bass. Switchable mid-voicing.
• Compact and lightweight design: The DBF100 weighs 13.2 kg (29 lbs), and the DBF200 weighs 16.6 kg (36 lbs). Both feature a kick-proof cabinet with a removable grille for easy transport, making them usable even in tight spaces, while maintaining durability.
• Top-mounted control panel with user-friendly 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 DBF100 and DBF200 versatile and user-friendly bass amplifiers, designed for bassists seeking a balance of power, portability, and tonal flexibility.

Controls (Top Panel)

The top panel features a comprehensive set of controls for shaping your tone.

1. INPUT: A 6.35mm (1/4") mono jack socket for connecting active or passive basses. For best results, use a quality instrument cable.
2. FET VOLUME: Controls the level of the FET channel. This channel offers a clean, fast response with tight, punchy low-end.
3. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH: Switches between the FET, DRIVE, or a blend of FET and DRIVE channels. Can also be remotely switched.
4. DRIVE: Sets the pre-gain level for the DRIVE channel. At low settings, the DRIVE channel offers slight overdrive for a unique warm tone. At high settings, the preamp is pushed harder for a more aggressive growl and distortion.
5. CHANNEL INDICATORS: LEDs to the right of the DRIVE control indicate the currently active channel. FET is Green, MIX and DRIVE are Red.

Controls (Continued)

6. DRIVE LEVEL: Controls the post-gain level for the DRIVE channel. Used in conjunction with the DRIVE control, it provides perfect overdrive tones at suitable volumes.
7. PRE-SHAPE:
   • PRE-SHAPE ON: Scoops the mid-frequencies and boosts treble and bass.
   • PRE-SHAPE OFF: Mid-frequencies are retained.
8. BASS: Increasing this control adds low-end to the sound, ideal for boosting bass response. Decreasing it reduces low-end, helping to control low-end feedback or clean up muddy tones.
9. MID MODE: A 4-way rotary switch that selects one of four preset EQ voicings. The selected voicing works in conjunction with the MID LEVEL control.
   • Position 1: Narrow mid-cut, suitable for playing with a drummer, providing clearer bass definition. Pull out for kick drum and snare drum space; push in to bring the bass forward of the drums.
   • Position 2: A wider mid-control is ideal for bringing out the growl of bass tones, useful for adding bite to distorted tones or cutting/boosting mid-frequency clarity.
   • Position 3: A narrow mid-setting, similar to Position 2 but more refined and less aggressive, suitable for cutting through bass in guitar-driven bands or enhancing clarity.
   • Position 4: Mid-high setting, ideal for dialing out bass 'boom' or reducing fret noise.
10. MID LEVEL: Works in conjunction with the MID MODE control. Increasing the control boosts the selected mid-frequency, while decreasing it reduces the selected mid-frequency. The centre position bypasses the mid control entirely.
11. TREBLE: Boosts high frequencies for increased clarity and presence. Reducing the control can tame high frequencies for a softer, more refined sound.

Controls (Continued)

12. TILT: Functions like a global EQ balance control. Turning towards the treble side reduces low-end and increases high-end. 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 situation.
13. POWER INDICATOR: A red LED that illuminates when the amplifier is connected to the mains and the power switch is set to ON.
14. AUX IN: A 3.5mm jack for connecting external audio sources. Ideal for playing along with tracks.
15. PHONES: A 3.5mm jack for monitoring or silent practice.
16. MASTER VOLUME: Allows for quick adjustment of the overall output level while maintaining the tone and character achieved at the input and EQ stages.

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides connectivity for external devices and power.

1. DI OUT (PRE): Balanced XLR output feed, for connecting to external devices such as home PA systems, recording consoles, or stage monitors. The DI signal is a buffered version of the instrument input signal, 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 device and the RETURN jack to connect the output of your external device back to the amplifier.
3. REMOTE: A 6.35mm (1/4") jack for remote channel switching control located on the front panel (3). The function of the footswitch depends on the position of the channel select switch. The Laney FS1 footswitch (not supplied) is recommended.
   • Up: Drive Channel
   • Middle: Mix Channel
   • Down: FET Channel

   Channel Indicator LEDs: The LEDs next to the MIX and DRIVE controls indicate the active channel. FET is Green, MIX and DRIVE are Red.

Rear Panel (Continued)

4. POWER INPUT: Universal power input via an IEC C14 socket. Accepts 110V-240V AC mains power, with no voltage selection or adjustment required. Use the supplied power cord.
5. POWER SWITCH: The onboard switch provides mains power isolation for the input. Switch the unit to OFF when the DBF100/DBF200 is not in use.

Connections

This diagram illustrates various connection options for the Laney Digbeth Foundry amplifiers.

Block Diagram

This block diagram illustrates the signal flow within the DBF100 / DBF200 amplifier.

Specifications

DBF100

DBF200

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

Dimensions

DBF100 Dimensions (mm)

DBF200 Dimensions (mm)

Safety and Warnings

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

1. Unpacking: Upon unpacking, please inspect the product carefully for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit from the Laney factory to the dealer. In the event of damage, repack the unit in its original carton and consult your dealer. We strongly recommend that you retain the original shipping carton, as you may need to return your unit for repair, and it must be safely packaged for transit.
2. Amplifier Connection: To avoid damage, it is generally recommended to establish and follow a pattern of switching your system on and off. After connecting all system components, turn on your source equipment, mixers, effects processors, etc., and then turn on your amplifier. Many products have large transient surges 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 transients from other equipment should not reach your speakers. Wait for all system components to stabilize, usually a few seconds. Similarly, when turning off your system, always turn down the level control on your amplifier and then turn off its power before switching off other equipment.
3. Cables: Never use shielded or microphone cables for any speaker connections, as they are not adequate to handle the amplifier load and may damage your entire system. Use quality shielded cables elsewhere.
4. Servicing: The user should not attempt to service this product. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
5. Observe 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 should be connected to a power outlet with a protective earth connection. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding pin. The wide blade or the third pin is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician to replace 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. Only use 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 is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. The user should allow convenient access to any mains plug, mains coupler, and mains switch used with this apparatus, so that it may be easily operated. 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. Never 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 rack mounted, rear support should be provided.
19. Important Notice for UK: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the 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, the earth symbol, the letter G, or the colour green. Blue wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or the colour black. Brown wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or the colour red.
20. This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and care should be taken not to place objects filled with liquid, such as vases, upon the apparatus.
21. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individual differences in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss vary greatly, but almost everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficient noise for a sufficient period of time. 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. If wearing this amplifier system, it is imperative that earplugs or other protective earpieces be worn to prevent permanent hearing loss if the exposure exceeds the above limits. To ensure against potentially dangerous 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 amplifier 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 care. As the amplifier can be easily moved between its upright and tilted-back positions, only operate the amplifier on a level, stable surface. Do not operate the amplifier on tables, shelves, or other unsuitable unstable platforms.
23. The symbols and terms used in this product and manual are intended to alert the operator to areas where extra care may be needed, as follows:

CAUTION: Indicates a hazard that could result in personal injury or damage to the product.

WARNING: Indicates a hazard that could result in serious personal injury or death.

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

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

Compliance Information

FCC Statement: 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. Warning: Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Class B Compliance: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CE Compliance: This product complies with the requirements of the following European Directives, Regulations, and Rules: CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU). A simplified EU Declaration of Conformity is available at: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals

UK Compliance: The object of the declaration described above is in conformity 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) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2012.

WEEE Directive: To minimize environmental impact, this product should not be disposed of with general household waste at the end of its life cycle. 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.