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Laney Cub Super 12 Review: Vintage Tube Tone with Modern Versatility

Last updated:

October 2, 2024

Eric Gunawan is an audio engineer and home studio enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the industry.  His friendly, no-nonsense advice aims to make pro-level sound accessible to everyone, whether you’re streaming your first Twitch session or recording the next big hit from your bedroom.

The Laney Cub Super 12 is an affordable, all-tube combo amp that delivers vintage tones with modern features, making it perfect for guitarists seeking classic tube sound for home practice and small gigs. With its 15W power, 1W input for low-volume use, and built-in reverb, the Cub Super 12 offers flexibility for a variety of playing environments. But how does it hold up in terms of performance and reliability?

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Top features at a glance

Why it's great?

Vintage tube tone with modern features

Key Features

15W or 1W mode, spring reverb, foot-switchable boost, 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, FX loop

Price

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Who should get the Laney Cub Super 12?

This amp is perfect for guitarists looking for an affordable, versatile tube amp that delivers vintage tone. It’s particularly appealing for players who want a reliable practice amp that can also handle small gigs. The 1W input makes it great for home practice, while the 15W mode provides enough power for performances. If you love classic tube sound but want modern features like reverb and a footswitchable boost, the Cub Super 12 fits the bill.

What makes the Laney Cub Super 12 special?

1. All-Tube Power with Versatile Wattage

The 15W Class AB tube section offers rich, warm tone, while the 1W input allows you to push the amp’s tubes for a full sound at lower volumes. This makes it ideal for bedroom practice as well as gigging, with the option to drive the amp at higher gain without cranking the volume.

2. Footswitchable Boost and Studio-Quality Reverb

The footswitchable boost provides an easy way to add more gain for solos or heavier riffs, while the onboard spring reverb, based on the Black Country Custom SECRETPATH pedal, gives you studio-quality ambience.

3. FX Loop and External Speaker Options

The FX loop allows for adding time-based effects like delay and reverb after the preamp section, ensuring clean, professional sound. With the external speaker output, you can pair the amp with additional cabs for bigger gigs or recording sessions.

Pros

Versatile wattage: The ability to switch between 15W and 1W makes it perfect for both home practice and small gigs.

Vintage tone with modern features: Classic tube sound with modern conveniences like footswitchable boost and spring reverb.

Great pedal platform: Works well with pedals, especially through the FX loop for a variety of effects.

Affordable: Offers a boutique-style all-tube amp experience at a reasonable price.

Cons

Reliability issues: Some users reported problems with the amp dying after a few months or experiencing distortion after short periods of use.

Potential quality control concerns: A few reviewers mentioned needing refunds or repairs due to hardware failures.

Why you should trust this review?

As a seasoned guitarist and gear reviewer, I’ve worked with amps across all price ranges, from vintage tube models to modern hybrids. The Laney Cub Super 12 stands out for its combination of classic tone and modern functionality, but it’s important to consider the reports of potential reliability issues.

FAQ

Is the Laney Cub Super 12 loud enough for gigs?

Yes, the 15W mode delivers enough power for small to medium-sized gigs, while the 1W input is perfect for home practice without disturbing the neighbors.

Can the amp handle pedals well?

Absolutely. The FX loop allows for the addition of time-based effects after the preamp section, making it a great pedal platform.

How does it compare to alternatives like the Vox AC10 or Blackstar HT5?

While the Vox AC10 and Blackstar HT5 are great alternatives, the Laney Cub Super 12 stands out with its footswitchable boost, studio-quality reverb, and 1W input, offering more flexibility for practice and performance.

Final verdict: Should you buy the Laney Cub Super 12?

The Laney Cub Super 12 is an excellent choice for guitarists looking for a versatile tube amp that delivers vintage tones with modern features. Its 15W power and 1W input make it perfect for both practice and small gigs, while the footswitchable boost, spring reverb, and FX loop provide plenty of flexibility. However, it’s worth keeping in mind the reported reliability issues. Overall, it’s a great amp for the price if you’re seeking classic tube sound in a portable, affordable package.

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Laney Cub Super 12 Alternatives

Versatile, dynamic control for home practice and gigs
15W power, 1W option for low-volume practice, speaker-emulated output for recording

Laney Cub Super 12

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