Laney DBF30 Digbeth Foundry Bass Amplifier User Manual

Introduction

The DIGBETH Foundry Series offers a range of bass combo amplifiers designed for beginners and semi-professional musicians, built upon Laney's rich bass heritage. These combos blend vintage aesthetics inspired by the classic tones of the 60s and 70s with ultra-modern features and British engineering, redefining affordability without compromising performance. The Laney DIGBETH Foundry Series is set to become the new standard in affordable bass amplification. Laney cares about music and musicians, with these amps designed by experts, not committees, built for performance. The Laney DIGBETH Foundry Series embodies heritage, innovation, and affordability, delivering unparalleled value. Whether you're new to bass or seeking a reliable gigging tool, these combos meet all your needs, helping you make your mark in the world of bass. Now everyone can experience the new standard in bass amplification. The DIGBETH Foundry Series combos feature a range of features to suit all playing styles, enabling you to unleash your creativity. From clean tones to gritty overdrive, these combos provide the tools to shape your unique sound. Join the growing community of DIGBETH artists in setting new musical standards. Each DIGBETH Foundry Series combo 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. The DBF30 is ideal for beginners or players seeking a portable practice amp without compromising on tone.

Features

• 30 Watts RMS: Provides ample volume for practice sessions and small gigs.
• 8" HH Designed Custom Driver: Delivers clear, powerful bass tones.
• TILT EQ: Allows players to dial in their tone with a versatile EQ section.
• PRE-SHAPE Switch: Offers a mid-cut for a scooped sound, while boosting treble and bass.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 8.3kg (18.3 lbs) with a ported cabinet and removable grille, it's easy to transport and suitable for use in confined spaces.
• Top Mounted Control Panel: Features user-friendly control knobs for easy operation and adjustment.
• Auxiliary Input: Includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting external audio devices and a 3.5mm headphone output for silent practice.
• These features make the DBF30 a versatile and user-friendly amplifier for bassists of all levels.

Controls - Top Panel

The top panel provides access to all essential controls:

1. INPUT: A 1MΩ instrument input for connecting active or passive basses. Use a quality instrument cable for best results.
2. VOLUME: Controls the overall volume of the signal path, providing a clean, fast response with tight low-end.
3. DRIVE: Applies a fixed amount of drive to the signal path. Enabling DRIVE adds a touch of overdrive for a warm tone. When DRIVE is disabled, the tone is clean.
4. PRE-SHAPE: This switch engages a mid-scoop, boosting treble and bass frequencies for a classic tone.
5. BASS: Adjusts the low frequencies. Increasing this control adds more low-end, while decreasing it helps control low-end feedback or cleans up a muddy sound.
6. MID: Adjusts the mid-range frequencies. Increasing this control helps the bass guitar cut through a busy mix, while decreasing it creates a more scooped or modern tone.
7. TREBLE: Adjusts the high frequencies. Increasing this control adds clarity to the upper-mid and high-end frequencies, while decreasing it provides a softer, more subdued tone.
8. TILT: Acts as a master tone balance control. Turning towards the treble side reduces the bass and increases the treble, and vice-versa. This control is useful for fine-tuning your overall tone.
9. POWER INDICATOR: A red LED that illuminates when the amplifier is connected to the mains and the power switch is set to ON.
10. AUX IN: A 3.5mm jack for connecting an external audio source, ideal for playing along with tracks.
11. PHONES: A jack for headphone monitoring or silent practice.

Rear Panel

The rear panel contains the power connection and switch:

1. Safety Information: Important information and the amplifier's serial number. Ensure ventilation slots are not obstructed.
2. Power Socket: Features a universal IEC C14 socket for power input, accepting 110V-240V AC without voltage selection or adjustment.
3. Power Switch: An onboard switch that provides power isolation to the mains input. Turn the switch to OFF when the DBF30 is not in use.

Connections

Diagram illustrating connections for headphones and an audio source.

Block Diagram

A block diagram illustrating the signal flow within the amplifier, from input to the loudspeaker and headphone outputs.

Specifications

For continuous development, Laney reserves the right to change product specifications without prior notice.

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 enjoy long, trouble-free performance.

1. Unpacking: Upon unpacking, please carefully inspect the product for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit from the Laney factory to the dealer. If damage has occurred, 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 the unit to your dealer for repair should a fault occur.
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., and then turn on your amplifier. Many products have large transient surges when switched on and off, which can damage your speakers. By switching on your amplifier last and ensuring that its level control is set to minimum, any transient from other equipment should not reach your speakers. Wait for all system components to stabilize, which is normally a few seconds. Similarly, when switching off your system, always turn down the level control on your amplifier and then switch off its power before switching off the 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 could 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. 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 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 is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. Users should allow convenient access to any mains plug, mains coupler and mains switch associated with this unit, 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. Only connect to power of the type marked next to the power cord.
18. If this unit is to be installed in a equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
19. Important Note for UK Only: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the markings on the terminals of your plug, proceed as follows: Green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter E, 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, on the apparatus.
21. Exposure to extremely high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss varies greatly, but almost everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficient noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set 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 ear plugs or a protector for the ear canal or the ear should be worn to prevent permanent hearing loss. To ensure against potentially hazardous 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 its upright position and the rear-facing tilted position, only use the amplifier on a level, stable surface. Do not operate the amplifier on a table, shelf, or other unsuitable unstable platform.
23. Symbols and terms used in this product and product manual are intended to alert the operator to areas that may require additional caution, as indicated below:

CAUTION: Indicates the presence of voltages within the product enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

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

Note: 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 hazard, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Read operating instructions before using this equipment for further warnings.

FCC Compliance: 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.

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

Simplified EU Declaration of Conformity: Full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals

UKCA Marking: 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 2012, Energy Eco-design – 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. It should be returned to an approved recycling centre in accordance with the recommendations of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive applicable in your country.