Laney DBF50 Digbeth Foundry Bass Amplifier

Introduction

The DIGBETH Foundry Series offers a range of bass combos designed for beginners and semi-professionals alike, built upon a rich bass heritage. This series combines vintage aesthetics inspired by the classic tones of the 60s and 70s with cutting-edge functionality and British engineering, redefining value while maintaining performance. The DIGBETH Foundry Series aims to be the new standard for affordable bass amplification. Laney values music and musicians, with Digbeth Foundry amps designed by professionals, for professionals. The Laney DIGBETH Foundry Series provides a perfect package of tradition, innovation, and affordability. Whether you're just starting your musical journey or seeking reliable gigging equipment, this amp offers everything needed to establish your presence in the music scene. Experience a new benchmark in bass amplification.

The DIGBETH Foundry Series features cater to all playing styles, amplifying creativity. From clean tones to gritty overdrive, these amps provide the tools to craft your unique sound. Join the growing community of DIGBETH artists setting new standards in the music industry.

Each DIGBETH Foundry combo is equipped with custom-designed HH Audio Blue Series drivers. These professional-grade woofers are specifically engineered for this range, delivering bright, punchy, and modern low-end. Unlike competitors relying on generic drivers, Laney collaborates with its sister brand, HH Audio, to ensure every note rings out clearly and powerfully.

The DBF50 offers ultimate tonal flexibility with its footswitchable dual channels (FET and Tube style). It provides versatile sounds for any situation, from live performances to studio recordings, delivering vintage character alongside modern playability.

Features

• 50 Watts RMS Output: Provides ample volume for practice sessions, small gigs, or home recording.
• 10-inch HH Design Professional Loudspeaker: Delivers clear, punchy low-end tones.
• Dual Channels: Features FET and Drive channels, with a mix option for clarity and gritty drive.
• Pre-shape Switch: Boosts highs and lows while cutting mid-frequencies for a scooped sound.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighs 10.9kg (24lbs) and features a ported cabinet with a detachable grille for easy transport and suitability for tight spaces.
• Top-Mounted Control Panel: Features user-friendly control knobs for easy access and adjustment.
• FX Loop: For greater flexibility with external effects units.
• DI Output (Pre): For convenient recording.
• Auxiliary Input (3.5mm): For connecting external audio devices.
• Headphone Output (3.5mm): For quiet practice sessions.

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

Controls - Top Panel

The top panel features controls for shaping your sound:

1. Input: 1MΩ input impedance, 6.35mm mono jack socket. Use a high-quality instrument cable for best performance.
2. FET Volume: Controls the level of the FET channel. This channel offers a clean, fast response with clear, punchy lows.
3. Channel Select Switch: Changes the selected channel to FET, DRIVE, or a blend of FET and DRIVE channels. Can also be switched remotely.
4. Pre-shape:
   • PRESHAPE Active: Lifts the mid-range and pushes the upper and lower frequency content.
   • PRESHAPE Inactive: Pre-shape is not engaged.
5. Drive: Sets the pre-gain amount for the DRIVE channel. Lower settings provide subtle overdrive for a warm tone, while higher settings engage the preamp more aggressively for greater growl and distortion.
6. Channel Indicator LED: Located to the right of the DRIVE control, this LED indicates the currently active channel. FET is green, MIX and DRIVE are red.
7. Drive Volume: Adjusts the post-gain level of the DRIVE channel. Used in conjunction with the DRIVE control, it helps achieve the desired volume for perfect overdrive tones.
8. Bass: Increasing this control provides a fuller low-end, effective for driving subwoofers. Decreasing it reduces the low-end, useful for controlling low-end feedback or cleaning up a muddy tone.
9. Mid: Increasing this control enhances the MID band, helping the bass guitar cut through a busy mix. Decreasing it creates a scooped, modern tone.
10. Treble: Boosting the treble frequencies makes the high-end more articulate. Lowering it reduces the treble for a smoother, more mellow sound.
11. Tilt: Adjusts the overall tonal balance. Turning towards the treble end reduces the bass and increases the treble. Turning towards the bass end does the opposite. This control is useful for fine-tuning the overall tone and ensuring it sits well in any mix.
12. Power Indicator LED: A red LED illuminates when the amp is connected to the mains and the POWER switch is set to ON.
13. Auxiliary Input: 3.5mm jack for connecting external audio sources, useful for playing along with backing tracks.
14. Phones: 3.5mm jack for monitoring or quiet practice.
15. Master Volume: Allows quick adjustment of the overall output level while retaining the tone and EQ achieved at the input and EQ stages.

Controls - Rear Panel

The rear panel provides connections for external devices and power:

1. DI Out: Balanced XLR output feed for connecting to external devices such as PA systems, recording interfaces, or stage monitors. The DI signal is essentially a buffered version of the instrument input signal, unaffected by PRE-VOLUME/DRIVE and EQ settings.
2. FX Loop (Send/Return): Used to connect external effects units. The SEND jack connects to the input of the external unit, and the RETURN jack connects to the output of the external unit.
3. Remote: A 6.35mm jack socket provides remote access to the channel select function (3) on the front panel. Footswitch functionality depends on the position of the channel select switch. A Laney FS1-Mini footswitch is recommended (sold separately).
   • Remote Switch Positions:
   • Top: Drive -> FET (Channel Indicator LED: Red)
   • Middle: Mix > Drive (Channel Indicator LED: Red)
   • Bottom: FET > Drive (Channel Indicator LED: Green)
4. Safety Information: Important product and serial number information. Ensure ventilation openings are not obstructed.
5. Power: Universal power input socket via IEC C14. Accepts 110V-240V AC without voltage selection or adjustment. Use the provided power cable.
6. Power Switch: The on-board switch provides mains power isolation. Turn the DBF50 OFF when not in use.

Connections and Usage

Block Diagram

Specifications

Laney reserves the right to modify product specifications without prior notice as part of its policy of continuous development.

Dimensions (mm)

Safety and Warnings

To get the most from your new product and ensure it performs reliably for years to come, please read this user manual carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

1. Unpacking: When unpacking your product, please check carefully for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit from the Laney factory to your dealer. If any damage is apparent, repack the unit in its original carton and return it to your dealer. It is recommended that you retain the original shipping carton in case of a fault developing with the unit, which may require it to be returned to your dealer for service.
2. Connecting the Amplifier: It is generally recommended to establish a pattern for switching your system on and off and to follow it. Turn on your source equipment, mixer, effects processors, etc., with all system components connected before turning on the amplifier. Many products have a large transient surge when switched on and off, which can damage speakers. Turning the amplifier on last and ensuring the level controls are set to minimum should ensure that any transient signal from other equipment does not reach the loudspeakers. Wait for all system components to stabilize (usually a few seconds). Similarly, when switching the system off, always turn the amplifier's level controls down and switch it off before switching off other equipment.
3. Cables: Do not use screened cables or microphone cables for speaker connections. These are not sufficient to handle the amplifier's load and can cause damage to the entire system. Use good quality screened cables for all other applications.
4. Service: Users should not attempt to service these products. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
5. Heed 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 that has a protective earth 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 wider blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician to replace your 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, shall remain readily operable. Users should be able to easily access all mains plugs, mains couplers and mains switches to disconnect the apparatus. 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 a power supply of the type indicated by the marking adjacent to the power supply cord.
18. If this apparatus is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support brackets must be provided.
19. Note to UK users: In the event that the colours of the wires in the mains lead to this apparatus do not correspond with the markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
    • Wire coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E, or by the earth symbol, or coloured green or green and yellow.
    • Wire coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or coloured black.
    • Wire coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or coloured red.
20. This electrical apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
21. Exposure to extremely high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Sensitivity to noise-induced hearing loss varies greatly from person to person, but almost everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense sound 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, the exposure above the aforementioned limits may result in some hearing loss. To prevent permanent hearing loss when operating this amplification system, it is essential that you use hearing protection when exposure is to levels exceeding the limits set forth above. It is recommended that all persons exposed to high sound pressure levels be protected by hearing protection such as this amplification system while the equipment is in use, to prevent the possibility of permanent hearing damage.
22. If your unit is equipped with a tilt mechanism or a rebate style cabinet, use this design feature with care. The amplifier can be easily moved between its upright and tilted-back positions, so always use the amplifier on a flat, stable surface. Do not operate the amplifier on a desk, table, shelf, or other unsuitable unstable platform.

Product and Manual Symbols

The symbols and nomenclature used in the product and its accompanying manual are intended to alert the operator to areas where additional caution may be required:

• CAUTION: This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 'dangerous voltage' within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
• WARNING: This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and servicing (if applicable) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
• CAUTION: Risk of electric shock - Do not open. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
• WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. Read operating instructions before use for additional warnings.
• FC (Federal Communications Commission): 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.
• FCC Warning: Any changes or modifications to Laney's equipment not expressly approved by Laney may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
• FCC 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 (Conformité Européenne): This product complies with the requirements of the European Directives, Guidelines and Regulations: CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65)/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU). The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following internet address: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals. The purpose of the declaration described above complies with the relevant legal requirements Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012, Eco-design for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2012.
• WEEE Disposal: To reduce environmental impact, this product should not be disposed of in landfill with general household waste at the end of its working life. It should be taken to an approved recycling centre in accordance with the recommendations of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive applicable in your country.