Laney DIGBETH Series 500 W Bass amplifier head
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- SKU
- DB500H
. Description
Laney DB500H 500W Tube/FET Hybrid Bass Head
The DB500H delivers serious power in a compact, lightweight chassis that keeps setup quick and transport effortless for session work. This 500W hybrid amp combines dual FET and tube-emulated preamp sections with a punchy Class D power amp, giving you the flexibility to dial in everything from clean, articulate tones to gritty, overdriven textures without actual tube maintenance. At just 7.1kg, it's built for recording engineers and producers who demand professional-grade tone and control without the weight penalty.
Tone & Recording Performance
The dual FET and tube-emulation preamp lets you blend clean FET clarity with warm, driven tube character—switch between them or layer both for complex harmonic depth that translates beautifully to the mix. The 3-band EQ plus 4-position Mid Pre-shape with adjustable Mid Preshape Level and Tilt control gives you surgical precision over your tone, allowing you to shape the midrange aggressively or smooth it out depending on your bass, cabinet, and session requirements.
Studio Connectivity & Signal Flow
Multiple I/O options keep your signal path flexible for direct recording or blended capture: 1/4" and 3.5mm stereo aux inputs, XLR balanced DI output with pre/post selection, dedicated tuner output, and a full FX loop with level control and bypass. The Speakon/1/4" combo speaker output works with standard bass cabinets for isolation booth setups, while the passive cooling system means silent, fan-free operation in any tracking environment.
Key Features
- 500W RMS output power @ 4 ohms minimum impedance
- Hybrid FET/Tube Emulation preamp (dual channels, no actual tubes)
- Class D power amp for efficiency and lightweight design
- 3-Band EQ with Bass, Mid, and Treble controls
- 4-Position Mid Pre-shape with Mid Preshape Level control
- Tilt control for advanced EQ shaping
- 1/4" input, 3.5mm stereo aux input with level control
- Speakon/1/4" combo speaker output socket
- XLR balanced DI output with pre/post selection
- FX Send/Return loop with level control and bypass
- Dedicated 1/4" tuner output
- Compact dimensions (205 x 420 x 220mm) and lightweight (7.1kg)
The DB500H combines portable power, hybrid tone shaping, and studio-grade connectivity in a single, session-ready package.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Laney DB500H is a 500W hybrid preamp and power amp that lets you layer FET clarity with warm tube-emulated character, providing sculptable tone for everything from punchy, articulate recordings to driven, complex textures. Its 3-band EQ plus 4-position Mid Pre-shape with adjustable Tilt control gives you precise midrange placement in a mix, while the XLR balanced DI with pre/post selection and full FX loop with level control make it a versatile anchor for bass tracking and processing. Ideal for home and professional studio work where you need flexible hybrid tone without the upkeep of real tubes or the bulk of traditional tube heads.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Bass Gigging
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Practice
- – Home Recording on a budget
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this head have real tubes, or is it all solid-state?
The DB500H uses a hybrid design with dual FET and tube-emulated preamp sections paired with a Class D power amp. There are no actual tubes in the preamp or power amp, so you get warm, driven character and tone flexibility without tube maintenance, biasing, or replacement costs.
How much does it weigh, and is it tour-friendly?
At just 7.1kg (approximately 15.7 lbs), the DB500H is designed specifically for gigging and touring musicians who want serious 500W power without the weight penalty of traditional tube or larger hybrid heads. Its compact footprint (205 x 420 x 220mm) makes it easy to transport and fit into tight spaces.
What connectivity options does it have for live and studio use?
The head includes 1/4" and 3.5mm stereo aux inputs, Speakon/1/4" combo speaker output, XLR balanced DI output with pre/post selection, a full FX loop with level control and bypass, and a dedicated tuner output. This comprehensive I/O set supports both stage rigs and studio recording workflows.
Can I blend the FET and tube-emulated channels together, or do I have to choose one?
You can switch between the FET and tube-emulated preamp sections or layer both together for complex harmonic depth. The dual channels give you flexibility to dial in clean, articulate tones alone or combine them for richer, more textured character.
What is the 4-position Mid Pre-shape control, and how does it help with tone shaping?
The Mid Pre-shape offers four preset midrange contours with adjustable Mid Preshape Level and Tilt control, letting you shape the midrange aggressively or smooth it out depending on your bass, cabinet, and playing style. This surgical control keeps your tone focused and defined in any mix or venue.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $68 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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