Issue 66 on sale now

Amps

Laney A1 Acoustic Amp










	I hope that it’s true that Laney are responding to market forces in producing what is essentially a solo performer’s amplifier, suitable for a singing guitarist or one-man band, allowing amplified performances anywhere where there is a 240-volt supply. It would be great to think that this is a growth area. The last amp I saw of this ilk was my 60s Watkins Joker, with three channels, tremolo, tape echo and telescopic microphone stand that is housed in the amp! It’s very similar to the A1, however, that was designed and built in the early 60s, is somewhat heavier and I suspect less reliable than the A1. Overview The A1 is a three channel amp offering two channels, the first dedicated for instrument with comprehensive equalisation and functionality. The second is an optional instrument or microphone channel with a simpler, more basic equalisation and functionality selection. Both of these channels are independently assignable to the internal digital FX unit. The third and final channel is a RCA/phono input that allows the plugging-in of an external CD player or similar line level device. The A1 also comes with a very thoughtful free DVD containing a full demonstration of the amp and its functions. I applaud Laney for this, as not everybody who buys an amplifier will read and fully understand a manual. This offers an audiovisual method of enlightening the customer to the delights of parametric equalisation, phase and notch filters and so on. At a glance it appears that Laney have thought of everything, but let’s take a closer look at what you get for £229.99. Functions And Specifications Measuring approximately 15” x 15”, the A1 is a 65-watt RMS amplifier that should provide enough clout and volume to annoy the neighbours, before your acoustic guitar goes into eternal feedback. The small and relatively lightweight cabinet is loaded with a Custom Celestion 10” speaker and high-frequency horn driver. The amp’s angled underside allows what is called kick-back monitoring. In layman’s terms, you can lean the amp back to allow the speaker to point towards your face, allowing more direct monitoring at a lower level. The cabinet is also a tuned reflex type and is dual ported. This means the cabinet has two holes at the rear that are optimised to enhance the low frequency response. Channel one has most of the functions any professional would expect or need, which include a ¼” jack input, with level adjustments made via the pad setting, and volume and master volume controls. Next to these is the enhance control, which is adjustable between 0 and 10, and is switchable on or off. Next, the enhance control boosts the high and low frequencies, a little like the loudness button on your hi-fi. Mid frequencies are adjustable via a sweep control with frequencies between 200Hz and 9Khz with cut and boost +5 or -5. For extra high-frequency control, there are treble and brilliance controls. The notch filter is there solely to tame any rogue frequencies that need to be tightly cut out of the equation, in order to avoid feedback. There is the addition of a compressor which functions simply by adjusting what Laney call ‘gain’. This control adjusts the compressor threshold and induces compression to the desired amount, ranging from 0 to 10. The two main channels also have master mute switches, but it’s a shame that these do not appear as footswitches on the rear panel, as turning around and fiddling with your amp in relative darkness is just not cool, or fun. Channel two is a much simpler affair with volume control, XLR microphone input, ¼” jack LoZ input, which is suitable for unbalanced microphone or instrument. The equalisation on this channel comprises simply of bass and treble with cut or boost, +5 or - 5. The CD input is simply controlled by the respective independent level control adjustable from 0 to 10, with no mute switch. Sound And Performance The first thing that struck me about the DVD demo was the sound of the guitar. It sounded nasty, plastic and typically transducer-like. I now know this was the guitar and pickup system used for the demo and not the amp. Shame, because the amp is pretty flat and fairly represents what sound is fed into it. Fortunately the vocal sound that is on the DVD sounded like a vocal, which is to the A1’s credit. Often the voice is a good reference to a natural sound, simply because we hear our voices every day and know how they sound naturally. When there is any tonal coloration to the voice, we normally notice it immediately. All the controls, with exception of the compressor and FX, do exactly what the manual says. The compressor is rather nasty and has the unfortunate habit of inducing distortion when used on higher settings. The FX device is primitive to say the least, but providing it is used with discretion, it provides a range of FX which are reasonably usable. I feel a simpler FX device with only compressor, reverb and chorus, albeit with more options, would have been much more useable. Again, it’s a shame that the FX device was not on a footswitch controller. Footswitches are very helpful for stage performers. On the rear panel Laney have introduced a FX send and return, thus allowing external FX to be added as and when you choose. Also a tuner and headphone output jack adds to functionality, but tuner out is not really needed as you can loop in and out of your instrument cable. The DI out is a useful addition to anybody wishing to record his or her performances, or who needs to further amplify their sound directly into a PA system. Conclusion Considering the amp comes in at under £300, it represents pretty good value. However, what I feel lets it down is the lack of footswitch controls for the FX and mute switches. Also the fixed settings on the digital FX – perhaps fewer FX types, but with more reverbs with varied settings, would have been more useable. The headphone out at the rear of the A1 is a friendly idea, allowing you to rehearse in relative silence. Generally the amp does what it should and sounds pretty good. The 65 watts deliver plenty of punch and volume and should be a welcome addition to any performer who needs a multi-channel amp for their performance, with options on two other inputs, with FX included.
	RATING
			Rated Out of 20
	Build Quality:
	The A1 appears to be tough enough to withstand the rigours of a life on the road and stage, without being too heavy to carry.		18

	Sound:
	Overall, a reasonable quality sound was achieved, however, the multi FX unit and editable functions were limited. The compressor I felt was somewhat redundant.		17

	Features:
	Over the amp demonstrated fairly comprehensive features, particularly with good equalisation and filtering options. I’m confident that having the options on three inputs is going to be a selling point.		19

	Value:
	Bearing in mind the retail price of this amp, I feel it offers very good value for money.		19

	Wow Factor:
	More like a ‘Hmmmmmm’ factor.		15

	TOTAL		88

	Specifications:
	Output	65 Watts RMS
	Speaker	10” Custom Celestion and HF unit
	Cabinet	Tuned reflex, dual ported, kickback style
	Channel 1	HiZ jack input with pad switch. EQ with swept mid plus compressor and mute switch
	Channel 2	Balanced XLR plus HiZ jack input, EQ plus mute switch
	Channel 3	Dual RCA for line level input
	Effects	DSP 16 effect program.
	Effects Loop	Yes
	DI Out	XLR
	CD/Line In	Yes
	Tuner Out	Channel 1 only
	Remote Effect	Yes
	Headphone Socket	Yes
	Warranty	Laney Limited Warranty