Laney LF-SUPERTOP Guitar Amplifier Head
User Manual
Introduction
The LF-SUPERTOP is a 120-Watt, two-channel, all-analogue guitar amp head designed for both studio and live performance. It offers a powerful and distinctive presence, delivering clear and warm tones, along with hot lead tones. Developed by the Black Country Customs team in the UK, it aims to replicate the dynamic, touch-sensitive feel of a great valve amplifier, using discrete analogue components. It features integrated effects including Vintage Tremolo, Spiral Chorus and Modulation, and the Secret Path Spring Reverb. A footswitchable BOOST provides an additional tonal option, effectively creating a third channel. The amp also includes a 3-band passive tone stack, a global tone control, and a bright switch on the clean channel, with an additional 'Dark' option on Channel 2. A power soak feature allows for practice at less than 1W. It also boasts a high-quality effects loop and Laney's LA·IR (Laney Advance Impulse Response) technology for cabinet emulation via the XLR DI OUT.
Features
- Power Modes: 120W RMS or <1W low-power mode.
- Pre-Boost: Integrated and footswitchable with level control.
- Channels: Two independent channels (Clean and Lead) with footswitch control, designed to emulate the tone and feel of the Lionheart valve series.
- Clean Channel: Features a Bright Switch.
- Lead Channel: Offers gain, volume, and tone controls with switchable bright, natural, and dark voicing.
- Tone Controls: 3-band passive tone stack plus a global tone control.
- Reverb: Digital Secret Path spring reverb, footswitchable.
- Effects: Tremolo and Chorus with rate and depth controls, footswitchable. External effects loop.
- LA·IR Output: High-quality digital impulse response emulation via XLR DI OUT, with selectable 1x12 or 4x12 cabinet options and a ground lift switch.
- Connectivity: 6.3mm (1/4") instrument input, FX loop (send/return), 3.5mm aux input, 3.5mm stereo headphone output (with cabinet emulation).
Controls - Front Panel
- Input Jack: 6.3mm (1/4") jack for guitar signal input.
- Boost Control: Pre-channel boost with on/off switch. An LED indicates when Boost is active. Can be controlled remotely via footswitch.
- Channel 1 + 2 Controls:
- Clean Volume: Sets the overall level for Channel 1.
- Tone Switch (Channel 1): BRIGHT (up) – enhances high frequencies and slightly softens low frequencies. OFF (down) – no change.
- Channel Select: Switch to select between Channel 1 and Channel 2. Can also be controlled remotely.
- Lead Gain: Adjusts the preamp gain for Channel 2, adding distortion.
- Lead Volume: Sets the overall level for Channel 2.
- Tone Switch (Channel 2): BRIGHT (up) – enhances high frequencies and slightly softens low frequencies. OFF (center) – no change. DARK (down) – boosts low frequencies for warmth and reduces high frequencies.
- EQ Tone Stack: 3-band passive EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) for tone shaping, plus an additional Tone control for treble response.
- Reverb: Controls the intensity of the studio-quality digital spring reverb. Can be activated/deactivated via footswitch.
- Effects Controls: Controls for Rate and Depth for the selected effect (Tremolo or Chorus). An LED indicates when an effect is active. Remote control is available via footswitch.
Controls - Rear Panel
- Power Switch: Main power switch for the unit.
- Power Socket: Universal IEC C14 power input socket (100-240V~50/60Hz).
- Loudspeaker Outputs: Two 6.3mm (1/4") outputs for connecting to speaker cabinets. Supports cabinets with a minimum impedance of 4 Ohms.
- Power Mode Switch: Selects between full power (MAX) and low-power (<1W) for quiet practice.
- Remote Switch Jacks: Two 6.3mm (1/4") jacks for connecting footswitches to control reverb, effects, boost, and channel selection.
- FX Loop: 6.3mm (1/4") send and return jacks for connecting external effects pedals. The FX Send can also be used as a line-level output.
- Aux In + Headphones Out: 3.5mm aux input for connecting external audio sources. 3.5mm stereo headphone output for silent practice, which mutes the internal speaker when headphones are connected.
- DI Out: Balanced XLR DI output with LA·IR cabinet emulation. Features a ground lift switch.
Connections
Speaker Cabinet Connection: Connect your guitar to the input jack using a 6.3mm (1/4") cable. Connect the amplifier to a speaker cabinet using a speaker cable. Ensure the cabinet's impedance is 4 Ohms or higher.
Effects Loop Connection: Connect your effects pedals to the FX Send and FX Return jacks.
Aux In and Headphones Out: Connect an external audio device to the Aux In jack for backing tracks. Connect headphones to the Headphone Out jack for silent practice.
DI Out Connection: Connect the DI Out to a PA system, mixing desk, or audio interface for recording. The LA·IR technology provides cabinet emulation.
Remote Footswitch Connection: Connect Laney FS2-MINI footswitches (not included) to the Remote Switch Jacks for remote control of reverb, effects, boost, and channel selection.
Setting Up and Operation
Clean Tone Setup: Adjust the Clean Volume and use the Tone Stack controls (Bass, Middle, Treble, Tone) to achieve your desired clean tone. The Bright switch can be used for added clarity.
Lead Tone Setup: Engage Channel 2, adjust the Lead Gain for desired distortion, and set the Lead Volume. Use the Lead channel's Tone Switch (Bright, Off, Dark) for tonal shaping.
Effects Usage: Select and adjust the Rate and Depth controls for Tremolo and Chorus. Use the Reverb control to add ambience. Effects can be controlled remotely via footswitch.
BOOST: Engage the Boost for increased volume and sustain, ideal for solos. Control the boost level with the dedicated control.
Power Soak: Use the Power Mode switch to select between full power (120W) and low-power (<1W) for quiet practice.
Specifications
- Model No: LF-SUPERTOP
- Type: Guitar Amplifier Head
- Input Impedance: 1 MOhms
- Amplifier Power: 120W RMS or <1W low-power mode
- Channels: Clean and Lead (footswitchable)
- Equalisation: 3-band passive EQ, global tone control, bright switches
- Effects: Digital Springline Reverb, Tremolo, Chorus, Footswitchable
- Controls: Pre-Boost, Clean Volume, Bright Switch, Channel Select, Lead Gain, Lead Volume, Lead Tone Switch, Bass, Middle, Treble, Tone, Reverb, Tremolo/Chorus Switch, Rate, Depth
- Indicators: LEDs for Boost, Channel 1, Channel 2, and Modulation
- Inputs: 6.3mm (1/4") Instrument, 6.3mm FX Return, 3.5mm Aux In
- Outputs: 2x 6.3mm (1/4") Speaker Outputs, 6.3mm FX Send/Line Out, 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Out, Balanced XLR DI Out with LA·IR
- Power Supply: Internal SMPSU, 100-240V~ 50/60Hz Universal
- Power Consumption: 150W
- Construction: Composite wood construction (15mm MDF)
- Dimensions (HWD): 229 x 480 x 220 mm (9" x 18.9" x 8.7")
- Unit Weight: 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs)
- Packed Dimensions (HWD): 295 x 625 x 285 mm (11.6" x 24.6" x 11.2")
- Packed Weight: 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs)
- EAN Code: 5060109459128
Safety and Warnings
Please read this owner's manual carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Follow all safety instructions and heed all warnings.
- Unpacking: Check for any signs of damage during transit. If damaged, repack and consult your retailer.
- Amplifier Connection: Connect and switch on your system components in the correct order (source, mixers, effects, then amplifier). Switch off in reverse order, lowering amplifier volume first.
- Cables: Use appropriate speaker cables for speaker connections. Use shielded cables for other connections.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Install according to manufacturer instructions.
- Heat Sources: Do not install near heat sources like radiators or stoves.
- Power Cord: Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Liquids: Do not expose the appliance to rain or moisture. Do not place liquid-filled objects on the appliance.
- Grounding: Ensure the apparatus is properly earthed.
- Fuse Replacement: Replace fuses only with the same type and rating.
- Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Use hearing protection if operating at high volumes.
- Placement: Use on a stable, level surface. Do not operate on unstable platforms.
- Symbols: Pay attention to symbols indicating potential hazards.
Regulatory Information
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 marking indicates compliance with relevant European directives.
For the full EU Declaration of Conformity, visit: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals
Disposal: Do not dispose of this product with household waste. Take it to an approved recycling center according to WEEE directives.