Laney L5-STUDIO User Manual

L5-Studio

Welcome

Dear Player,

Thank you very much for purchasing your new Laney product and becoming part of the worldwide Laney
family. Each and every Laney unit is designed and built with the utmost attention to care and detail, so I
trust yours will give you many years of enjoyment.

Laney products have a heritage which stretches back to 1967 when I first began building valve amplifiers in
my parents’ garage.

Since then we have moved on from strength to strength developing an extensive range of guitar, bass,
public address, multi instrument and keyboard amplification products along with a list of Laney endorsees
that includes some of the world’s most famous and respected musicians.

At the same time we believe we have not lost sight of the reason Laney was founded in the first place - a
dedication to building great sounding amplification for working musicians.

Warm Regards,

Lyndon Laney Chairman & Founder

2

Introduction

The L5-Studio’s 5W Class A Single Ended output stage oozes classic, warm tube tones. The harder you drive it, the better it
sounds. Plus with enough gain for contemporary tones, it also has a mean, spiteful side to it as well – making it ideal for any style of
playing. Perfect for studio and practice use (using the 5W or 0.5W output), but equally at home on stage plugged into a Laney
LT112, LT212 or L412 cabinet. The sound will blow you away. Utilising the T-USB technology first released in the IRT-Studio, the L5­Studio lets you combine the worlds of VALVE tone and digital flexibility in a way not previously available to players who were
looking for vintage aesthetics, great valve tone all combined with modern features.

Every Lionheart product is extensively play
tested by experienced guitarists before being
shipped to our customers. Only when the
unit is finished to our complete satisfaction is
it assigned its own unique build number
which is then hand stamped onto the rear
mounted plaque.

Your L5-Studio should give you years of
trouble-free amplification, however please
take time to read this manual and familiarise
yourself with the controls as it will allow you
to get the best from your amplifier. We hope
you enjoy using your L5-Studio as much as
we enjoyed designing and making it.

Best wishes from all at Laney.

3

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions safe.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. An apparatus with Class I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective 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 third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with a 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.

13. The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. The user should allow easy access to any mains
plug, mains coupler and mains switch used in conjunction with this unit thus making it readily operable. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when 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.

15. Never break off the ground pin. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.

16. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.

17. Note for UK only: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the terminals in your plug‚ proceed as follows:
a) The wire that is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E‚ the earth symbol‚ coloured green or
coloured green and yellow.
b) The wire that is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N or the colour black.
c) The wire that is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L or the colour red.

18.This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and care should be taken not to place objects
containing liquids, such as vases, upon the apparatus.

19. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in

susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a
sufficient time.
The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level
exposures: According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Earplugs or
protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent
hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. 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
amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

4

Intended to alert the user to the presence of high ‘Dangerous Voltage’ within the products enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electrical
shock to persons.

Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (Servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION:

WARNING:

If your appliance features a tilting mechanism or a kickback
style cabinet, please use this design feature with caution.
Due to the ease with which the amplifier can be moved
between straight and tilted back positions, only use the
amplifier on a level, stable surface. DO NOT operate the
amplifier on a desk, table, shelf or otherwise unsuitable
nonstable platform.

After unpacking your amplifier check that it is
factory fitted with a three pin ‘grounded’ (or
earthed) plug. Before plugging into the power
supply ensure you are connecting to a grounded
earth outlet.

Risk of electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel.

To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Before using this appliance please read the operating instructions.

If you should wish to change the factory fitted
plug yourself, ensure that the wiring convention
applicable to the country where the amplifier is
to be used is strictly conformed to. As an
example in the United Kingdom the cable
colour code for connections are as follows.

NOTE

This manual has been written for easy access of information. The front and rear
panels are graphically illustrated, with each control and feature numbered. For a
description of the function of each control feature, simply check the number with
the explanations adjacent to each panel.
Your Laney amplifier has undergone a thorough two stage, pre-delivery inspection,
involving actual play testing.
When you first receive your Laney amplifier, follow these simple procedures:
(i) Ensure that the amplifier is the correct voltage for the country it is to be used
in.
(ii) Connect your equipment with a high quality shielded cable. You have probably
spent considerable money on your amplifier and equipment - don’t use poor
quality cable, it won’t do your gear justice.
Please retain your original carton and packaging so in the unlikely event that some
time in the future your amplifier should require servicing you will be able to return
it to your dealer securely packed.

Care of your Laney amplifier will prolong it’s life.....and yours!

5

Front Panel Controls

INPUT

LO

HI

4

3

2

1

0

CLEAN

VOLUME

5

6

7

8

9

10

BRIGHT

2

3

1

5

4

0

DRIVE

6

7

8

9

10

3

2

1

0

DRIVE

VOLUME

6

7

8

9

10

5

4

5

4

6

3

2

1

0

10

BASS

5

4

6

3

7

2

8

1

9

0

10

5

4

6

3

7

2

8

1

9

7

9

0

10

MIDDLE TREBLE REVERB

5

4

6

3

2

8

1

0

10

5

4

6

3

7

2

8

1

9

7

8

RUN

9

0

10

TONE

14

HI INPUT: ‘HI’ stands for high gain. This input is designed for the connection of low output guitars making it well suited for
single coiled or low gain humbucker type pickups. The use of high gain pickups in this input may drive the preamp too hard
causing a "mushy" sound. Only use good quality guitar cable.

LO INPUT: ‘LO’ stands for low gain, (approximately 50% attenuated when compared to the Hi input) and is designed for high
output guitars. Ideal in obtaining an output that is "tight" not "mushy" from high gain humbucker type pickups. Also use this input
for the cleanest full range sound with extended low end response. Only use good quality guitar cable.

CLEAN VOLUME: Sets how loud the clean channel is. Try cranking it up a little to drive the power tubes harder for that
real retro sound and feel that only a quality tube amplifier can deliver. Also experiment with the level/overdrive interaction by
using your guitar volume control.

BRIGHT: Adds brightness and life to the treble frequencies of your guitar when using the clean channel. Adds edge and
picking emphasis when using the drive channel. The switch has more effect at low Clean Volume/Drive control settings. Use in
conjunction with the Treble and Tone controls for optimum performance. Switch up to enable.

BRIGHT LED: This led will illuminate when the Bright switch is activated.

DRIVE: Sets the level of tube pre-amp drive or how dirty your sound is. This control should be used in conjunction with the

Drive Volume (7). Setting a low Drive and a high volume will give a clean pre-amp sound with tube output stage overdrive.

6