Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $288
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Laney Digbeth DB-PRE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the full potential of your bass sound with the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE, a versatile pre-amp designed for discerning musicians who crave ultimate control. Featuring both FET and Tube signal paths, this pedal allows you to blend crisp solid-state clarity with the warm, vintage tone of tube emulation. Whether you're in a studio or on stage, the DB-PRE offers extensive connectivity options, including an XLR DI output for seamless integration into any setup.
The innovative Tilt "see-saw" EQ control provides intuitive tone shaping, allowing you to boost treble or bass while simultaneously rolling off the opposing frequency. This unique feature ensures your sound cuts through the mix with precision. The 4-band EQ further enhances your ability to tailor your tone, with dedicated controls for Bass, Lo-mid, Hi-mid, and Treble frequencies.
With the push of a button, you can switch between the sharp, clean tonality of FET mode and the rich, dimensional sound of tube emulation. The Tube Drive control adds analog saturation for that old-school grit, perfect for those moments when you want to push your sound to its limits. The pedal's silent operation switching system ensures that you can change settings without any annoying pops or clicks.
Key Features:
- Dual FET and Tube signal paths for versatile tone shaping
- Blendable channels for custom sound crafting
- Innovative Tilt "see-saw" EQ for balanced frequency control
- Comprehensive 4-band EQ with selectable curve responses
- XLR DI output for clean tracking and gigging
- FX loop for integrating with time-based effects
- Headphone output and auxiliary input for direct monitoring
- Silent operation switching system for seamless adjustments
Product specs
| Type | Preamp |
| Form Factor | Pedal |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| EQ | 4-band EQ, Tilt Control, Mid Switch |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (Active, Passive), 1 x 1/4" (FX Return), 1 x 1/4" (Aux in) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (Output, Link Out), 1 x 1/4" (FX Send), 1 x XLR (DI out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones) |
| Bypass Switching | Bypass/Mute Switch |
| Power Source | 9V DC (100mA) power supply (sold separately) |
| Height | 2.24" |
| Width | 5.7" |
| Depth | 4.8" |
| Weight | 1.65 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of EQ controls does the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE offer?
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The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE features a 4-band EQ with a Tilt Control and a Mid Switch, allowing for precise tonal shaping to suit various playing styles and genres.
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Can the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE be used with both active and passive basses?
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Yes, the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE has two separate 1/4" inputs for active and passive basses, ensuring optimal performance regardless of your bass's electronics.
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Does the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE include a DI output for direct connection to a mixer?
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Yes, the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE includes an XLR DI output, making it easy to connect directly to a mixer or audio interface for live performances or recording.
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Is the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE suitable for silent practice?
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Yes, the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE has a 1/4" headphone output, which allows for silent practice without disturbing others.
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What power supply does the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE require?
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The Laney Digbeth DB-PRE requires a 9V DC power supply with at least 100mA, which is sold separately.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
The Ultimate Portable Bass Rig? - NEW Laney Digbeth DB-PRE Bass Preamp Pedal!
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a versatile range of sounds with FET and Tube channels
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Built-in DI and inputs for both passive and active basses
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Enhances tone significantly on various amps, praised by sound engineers
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Allows passive basses to function like active ones
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Easy to achieve a great tone with a wide EQ sweep
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Clean and quiet FET preamp eliminates unwanted hum
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Single knob for quick bass or treble adjustments
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Creates a distinctive 'growl' for bass sound
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Seamlessly integrates into complex setups with multiple effects
CONS
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None
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Laney Digbeth DB-PRE.
Features and functionality
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The Tube channel offers a slight compression and dirt when pushed, with a potent tilt EQ where a little adjustment goes a long way.
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Users appreciate the FX loop for using modulation effects, with a specific setup involving compression, an octaver, and a Russian Big Muff.
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Owners appreciate the independent volume controls for clean and dirt channels, offering more flexibility than typical blend controls found in many bass pedals.
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The DI XLR output only transmits the EQ stack, not the tube drive; the Pre/Post switch might not include saturation when set to 'Post'.
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Circuit diagrams indicate that selecting 'Post EQ' will also incorporate the effects loop into the DI output, but not the tube saturation.
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User experience
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Some owners wish the Tube channel's footswitch functioned in reverse in Mix mode, keeping the Tube always on and switching the Fet channel.
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It’s noted that the treble adjustment might have little impact on tone, with some owners questioning if this is a defect or design choice.
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Users report that the Digbeth preamp sounds great both clean and with a bit of drive, making it a versatile tool for various tonal needs.
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Comparisons
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The Digbeth is deemed more affordable and feature-rich compared to brands like Darkglass, Mesa, GK, Aguilar, and Ampeg, offering more for less.
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The Digbeth DB-PRE is compared favorably to the Tech 21 VT Bass, with some users preferring it as their DI method due to its versatility and sound quality.
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Use cases and applications
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The Digbeth functions well as a headphone amp and excels in sound quality, providing a stereo-like feel through the headphones out.
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Serves as a great alternative for those who enjoyed the Digbeth 500w head but are looking for a pedal format instead of a full amp setup.
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Users aiming for recording purposes may find the lack of tube drive in the DI XLR output limiting, directing them to use alternative outputs.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
During the interview at the NAMM event, hosted by Cosmo Music and featured on their YouTube channel, it was confirmed that James LoMenzo utilizes the Laney Digbeth DB-PRE as his live preamp setup. This information was presented in a segment covering the Laney Digbeth Bass Amplifiers and Black Country Customs Pedals, underscoring LoMenzo's choice in gear for his performances.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Laney Digbeth DB-PRE, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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