New Laney Cub Super12 Combo Review

New Laney Cub Super12 Combo Review

So after several years Laney Amplification has released a new version of the Cub 12R all tube amp called the Cub Super12. They’ve made a few changes which I will cover here.

First a disclaimer: This is a review of the changes in the new model as compared to the previous version. I have not had a “hands on” with the new. I do, however, own the previous version which is a great sounding amp. It goes from a bluesy grind to high gain with ease. I love this amp. It had the same 12″ “HH” Speaker as the new version but I never cared for. I tried different Celestions and Eminence units but the one that really did it was a Jensen MOD 12-35. It was a perfect match for this amp.

Generally the amp makers don’t use the best tubes in production models and that is true for Laney (at least in the amp I own). After trying many different tubes I found what sounds best to my ears. ElectroHarmonix 12AX7-HG preamp tubes and Mullard EL84 power tubes. But tube tone is subjective. So what sounds like a Harley Shovelhead going flat out on an open road to me may be fingernails on a blackboard to you so trial and error is the way to settle this one.

I have two previous articles on my amp that address two issues, the first being the material used for the cab (read here) with my solution found here and the second being the inherent hot transformer problem which is covered in 2 articles (read #1 here and #2 here). As to whether or not Laney corrected them in the new design I can only speculate but I would hope they did.

They changed the reverb circuit to one using the spring reverb algorithm from the Black Country Custom SECRETPATH pedal which is an incredible sounding pedal. The reverb in mine sounds pretty good but this new circuit must be great. They also added a “Boost” circuit which is a welcome feature.

The tube layout appears unchanged: 3 – 12AX7 preamp and 2 – EL84 power tubes in Class A/B configuration and it retains the dual wattage feature via 2 inputs: 15 watt and 1 watt. Many amps now feature switchable output power and Laney is no different. I can tell you from experience that there is virtually no difference in the tone between 1w and 15w but the volume is greatly reduced in 1w. By the way the 15w is HELLA LOUD so the 1w is great to have. I live in a duplex so I rarely even use the 15w, unless I’m certain my neighbors ain’t home.

As for the cab material, I have no idea. I can’t find any information on that anywhere but I will say this: my amps original cab was made of a material that looked liked pressed cardboard or possibly a material similar to Masonite house siding and it had no sharp edges. They were all contoured. But the new one looks like the sides MIGHT be plywood. Although all the other edges are contoured but that in itself doesn’t indicate what type of material was used.

The boost is footswitchable and there is also an FX loop.

All in all it looks like a quality amp. And as long as they didn’t mess with the overall tone of the amp it’s going to sound great.

So if you’re looking for an all tube combo you owe it to yourself to at least test drive one of these beauties. I think you’ll be impressed.

These are also available in a 10 watt all tube class A with foot switchable boost and an FX loop. the Cub Super10

The Super12 can also be had in a Head Only version called Cub Supertop.

visit Laney Amplification for more info