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Laney
TFX3H Head Reviewer: Phil Para Distributor: Lamberti Bros |
This edition I’m looking at the Laney TFX3H. It is a powerful and easy to operate, solid-state amplifier head, with 3 channels, digital sound processing and tube fusion.
The Laney TFX3H features: - 120 watts RMS, ECC83 drive channel, three channels, independent 3 band EQ on Drive and Clean channels, Scoop, Vibe and Bright switches. X-factor DSP - 16 custom programs plus level and parameter controls for both Clean and Drive channels, FX loop, extension cabinet socket and stereo footswitch socket. TFX footswitch included.
The TFX3 Head is fitted with Dual X-Factor DSP packages, one dedicated to the Clean channel and another dedicated to the Drive channels.
This head is designed to be used in conjunction with the TF range of 4 x 12 cabinets but can be used with any Laney 4 x 12" cabinet. For this roadtest I used a Laney Hardcore Max Quadbox, which was loaded with Chinese manufactured Celestions speakers. It is worth mentioning this because I quite enjoyed the tones I was able to achieve.
Playing through the clean channel produced some powerful tones and the range of effects were versatile and more than substantial. I expect that most players wouldn’t find the opportunity to utilise each effect, however the broad range supplied, means that guitarists of most musical genre are catered for.
Clean Channel effects are:
• 250mS Single Shot, 400mS Delay with Repeat, 500mS Delay with Repeat,
• 600mS Delay with Repeat. Flange, Flange + 400mS Delay (with Repeat)
• Rotary Slow, Rotary Fast, Octave Down, Chorus Moderate, Chorus Deep, Hall Reverb, Room Reverb, Plate Reverb, Chorus + Reverb, 400mS Delay (With Repeat) + Chorus Deep
Drive channels effects replace the Plate reverb algorithm with a Multi Tap delay patch. The delay increments, although fairly standard, enhance the versatility of this head as they are accurately employed in conjunction with the effects level control. Something for everyone in other words, a good choice of 4 different mS delay settings that provide a broad scope.Generally speaking all effects are pleasing. The reverbs caught my attention as they are subtle enough and replicate a good spring reverb. I was also well pleased with the analogue quality of most effects in all channels. They worked efficiently and sounded very natural with smooth transitions between dry and wet due to the effects level control. Switching between channels is also notably smooth because Laney have thoughtfully added separately allocated effects controls for each channel. External effects can also be hooked up via the effects loop.
The remote footswitch device that is supplied with the TFX3H allows for switching between channels and also switches the onboard DSP effects unit on or off. It is unfortunate that the price range prohibits the manufacturer from being able to supply complete remote footswitch controls for the effects: I could not personally use the TFX3H in a live application because of this factor, simply put the impracticality and limitation of having no control over your effects whilst you are actually playing does, I feel, minimalise the potential market. However there are obviously still many applications for this type of unit and the stacked effects alleviate some of this dilemma.
Back to the footswitch, it does have a feature of its own that I think is extremely useful: the channel status is stored each time a channel change is instigated. This means that as you switch between channels you automatically revert to the last stored effects settings for that channel. It also backs up those settings in the event of a power failure or when you simply turn the amp off, thereby restoring the status of the amp immediately prior to power down. The footswitch cannot be inadvertently unplugged either as it screws down into an immovable position.
Another feature on the TFX3H is the vibe switch which is designated to generate a radical EQ cut and boost. I didn’t find it particularly effective at all and certainly not radical as described in the manual!
The clean channel features independent three band eq with the addition of a bright switch which adds a noticeable sparkle to the top end when engaged.
The drive channels share a 3 band eq and have separate volume, gain and scoop controls. The scoop controls cut the level of midrange thereby leaving a more forceful lead tone.
The clarity and tonal qualities of the graphics are well defined and pleasant in each instance.
In keeping with Laney’s usual high standards the TFX3H seems to have more features and a finer tonal quality than I would normally expect for $999. As I mentioned there are a couple of features that didn’t completely satisfy me but I couldn’t reasonably expect anything more in this pricerange. This is a bonus packed unit that carries all the high quality hallmarks of Laney amplification.