CUB-SUPER12 vs DB500H — Compare
Laney Cub Super12 Boutique all-tube combo amp with reverb, 1 x 12" vs Laney DIGBETH Series 500 W Bass amplifier head
The Laney Cub Super12 is a 15-watt guitar combo amp built for blues and rock with genuine tube tone and natural reverb, while the Laney DIGBETH 500 is a bass head delivering 500 watts of hybrid FET/tube-emulated power for touring and studio work. They serve completely different instruments and applications—choose the Cub for guitar-driven styles, the DIGBETH for professional bass rigs.
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Laney Cub Super12 Boutique all-tube combo amp with reverb, 1 x 12"
Laney DIGBETH Series 500 W Bass amplifier head
Specs side by side
| Laney Cub Super12 Boutique all-tube combo amp with reverb, 1 x 12" | Laney DIGBETH Series 500 W Bass amplifier head | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | $969.99 |
| Brand | Laney | Laney |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Laney Cub Super12 Boutique all-tube combo amp with reverb, 1 x 12"
- ✓ Genuine all-tube amplification with EL84 output tubes for authentic tone
- ✓ Operates at sub-1 watt for tube saturation at bedroom volumes
- ✓ Lightweight combo design perfect for gigging without hauling separate head and cab
- ✓ Spring reverb algorithm built in, footswitchable on the fly
Why choose Laney DIGBETH Series 500 W Bass amplifier head
- ✓ 500W power output handles large venues and touring without external amps
- ✓ Hybrid FET and tube-emulation preamp requires no tube maintenance
- ✓ Surgical midrange control with 4-position Mid Pre-shape and Tilt adjustment
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight at 7.1kg; only 7 pounds for a professional bass head
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either amp for both guitar and bass?
No. The Cub Super12 is designed exclusively for guitar with a single 12-inch speaker voiced for guitar midrange. The DIGBETH 500 is a bass-specific head with a Speakon/1/4 combo output for bass cabinets and bass-optimized preamp circuitry. Using the wrong instrument will result in poor tone and potential damage.
Which amp is better for small venues?
For guitar gigging, the Cub Super12 at 15 watts is ideal for small clubs and studios, and its footswitchable controls work well from the instrument cable. For bass small venues, the DIGBETH 500 is overkill; you'd want a lower-wattage bass head, though its lightweight design makes transport easy if needed.
How do reverb and effects differ between these?
The Cub Super12 includes a built-in spring reverb with footswitch control and an insert-style FX loop for external effects. The DIGBETH 500 has a full FX loop with level control and bypass but no built-in reverb—you'd add reverb via the FX loop if desired.
Which requires more maintenance?
The Cub Super12 uses actual 12AX7 and EL84 tubes that may need eventual replacement. The DIGBETH 500 uses tube-emulation circuitry and Class D power amp with no tubes, requiring virtually no ongoing tube maintenance.