Laney’s new Lionheart Foundry amp series aims to distill the majesty of tube amps into compact and lightweight 60-watt solid-state builds, and the firm believes they can go toe-to-toe with tube amps.
Contrary to Fender’s approach with its Tone Master series of amps, which swap out tubes in favor of DSP modeling, Laney has led with analog tech.
These components help match the dynamic, touch-sensitive response of tubes – a quirk that still holds much sway in an increasingly digital amp world.
Each unit in the three-strong combo amp series features dual clean and lead channels and 60/1W power switching.
They also offer a footswitchable boost circuit based on the company's Steelpark boost pedal, while its digital spring reverb is lifted from its Secret Path reverb pedal.
Moreover, instead of giving this new approach to amp-building a new visual style, there’s a charming sense of traditionalism, as the amps have kept Laney’s smart valve amp aesthetic.
Coming in at $429, the LF60-112 is the most affordable offering, delivering the basic core spec. The LFSUPER60-112 ($539) then adds tremolo and chorus effects with tweakable Rate and Depth controls.
The LFSUPER60-212 ($699) stands out by offering a rare vertical 2x12 combo beneath its grill as well as the mid-priced combo’s modulation effects – all three combos have the digital spring reverb.
Laney, which has been responsible for some truly iconic guitar tones from Black Sabbath to Dire Straits' Dire Straits' Money for Nothing since its founding in 1967, says it “recognizes that the weight and price tag of a tube amp isn’t right for every player.”
That posed a question that the Lionheart Foundry does its utmost to answer: Can an amp put the “tube tone and dynamism into affordable, portable analog designs packed with great tones and useful features?”
Laney says it’s been successful in taking “the power, and the response of our acclaimed tube amp ranges” and forging them into amps that are “high-quality, and a lot of fun.”
“We used several geeky methods to map the Lionheart's natural compression and harmonics and the feel of real tubes being overdriven,” adds design engineer James Morell.
“It’s not just about mimicking specific tones like some of the modeler amp products out there, but replicating the truly dynamic interactive feel and touch sensitivity that makes a great tube amp so expressive and addictive to play.”
The likes of the Orange Crush, Boss’ Katana amps, and Blackstar’s Debut series have all proven popular combo choices for gigging musicians in recent years. It will be interesting to see how Laney’s competitor performs in the metaphorical ring.
Head to Laney for more information on the Laney Lionheart Foundry series.
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