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Laney
R5 Richter Bass Amp Reviewer: Phil Para Distributor: Lamberti Bros |
This week a Laney R5 - Richter Bass Amp was delivered for me to review.
My first impression was that the amp looked like a foldback wedge with a control panel on the front. This is the first time I have seen an amp featuring a dual position kick back cabinet which essentially means that it can be tilted back: wedge style or placed in an upright position. On consideration there is a lot of merit in such a design and therefore the R5 will suit a broad range of bassists with different placement preferences.
Moving on from the unique design, the most surprising thing for me about the R5 was the compact nature of it as opposed to the thunderous sound and tonal qualities it produced.
I first plugged in my Bill Lawrence bass to give it a workout at home and without setting any controls beforehand I immediately played a few notes and Richter’s catchphrase "Play Bass, Move Mountains" became so much more than just an advertising slogan. This 300-watt monster literally shook the walls and windows. I was therefore very happy to give it a run at the next live gig.
The R5 is equipped with two 10" Custom- Voiced Celestion Drivers plus a switchable HF horn which is powered by a 300 watt amp. It also features a highly comprehensive equalization system with twin dual parametric bass, mids, treble and enhance controls. An extra feature that this amp allows is the ability to combine with an extension cabinet of your choice, either the R115 which is a dual front ported bass enclosure with 1 x 15" Custom -Voiced Celestion Driver or the R410 a triple rear ported cabinet with 4 x 10" Custom -Voiced Celestion Drivers plus switchable HF horn.
This amp gives a choice of two inputs, which allow for greater flexibility. High output basses, either active or passive can be played through the high socket or alternatively if you prefer the sound of the preamp overloading you can also plug into the normal socket. Low output basses should be connected to the normal socket.
A very responsive but controllable gain pot produces good distortion and I found that in conjunction with the volume control there was a nice broad range of signal effects.
The compressor can be engaged or disengaged; The two led, indicate when the compressor is on or when it is actually active throughout the most dynamic sections of play. I found the compression provided some really good punch in the right spots.
I particularly enjoyed the tones I was able to achieve with the enhance control. This control provides a really lustrous quality to the sound and boosts the low & high frequencies extremely well whilst not affecting the mids.
As you would hope in a bass amp the bass control does a good job with the low frequency response of the preamp.
Next we have low paramid and high paramid controls, both with a separate frequency and level control. Each control works very effectively. These are definitely switches that you will want to play around with quite a bit as you familiarise yourself with this amp as they allow access to quite a degree of difference in frequency command and need to be set in accordance with each other.
The treble doesn’t sacrifice any of the nice thick tones that this amp offers but rather overlays a subtle sparkle to the notes when applied at a higher level.
Then there is a limiter switch which when in the out position enables you to override the onboard limiter which would ordinarily trigger at high output levels to prevent poweramp distortion. However as helpful as that is for those of you who either trade off a heavy distortion sound or have found good uses for an occasional bout of grunge, Laney have also provided the option to have this switch set at the on position with a second led to let you know when the onboard limiter is actually engaged. The limiter detects and monitors the clipping and load levels and sets itself accordingly.
What can I say about the volume control? It works and ten seems to be more than enough.
The horn is subtle but noticeable and is something that you will appreciate more as you get used to playing through this amp.
The amp has an XLR D. I, sockets, Tuner out and FX Loop Jacks.
The amp is a good solid construction with quality hardware; this is a heavy amp with only one handle, which is centered at the top. I would prefer two roadcase style handles on the sides.
Another feature I would personally like to see is remote footswitch for the compressor, limiter and horn. I always think it is important to be able to switch these features in our out quickly and whilst you are actively playing.
I enjoyed this amp so much I played a huge variety of styles through it and was able to set the controls effectively in each instance.
Overall, this amp is deceptively small as I believe it could cut just about any sized venue even without the extension cabinets. If you are thinking about a new bass rig at all I strongly recommend that you get your Pastorius down to a Laney dealer and try one out for yourself. The R5 needs to be heard to be believed.
QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
BANG-F0R-YOUR-BUCK
OVERALL
