UK ampmaker Laney has lifted the lid on two brand new guitar amps for its Ironheart Foundary range: the DualTop and LeadTop.
The new heads are based on the tech behind the firm's recent Ironheart Foundry LoudPedal.
The 60-watt pedal amp debuted earlier this year and offered the meaty, high gain heroics of the firm’s legendary Ironheart range in a portable, yet potent format. It proved an instant hit.
Now Laney has wrestled that punchy package into two new 60-watt heads.
IRF DualTop
First up, the DualTop is a two-channel solid-state amp, with a three-band EQ, built-in reverb and independent volume and gain controls for each channel.
As with its pedal-based predecessor, you’ll notice the same distinctive red boost knob, which controls the level of the switchable pre-boost.
The DualTop also has a few more tonal tricks up its sleeve, thanks to the addition of a mini toggle-switch on each channel.
Over on Channel 1 this allows you to select between three clipping modes, offering a choice of ASYM, Clean and SYM.
ASYM mode opens things up for those moments when you want to let it rip on throaty riffs, while flicking it over to SYM mode will set you up for lead work, offering more sustain and a smoother symmetrical clipping sound.
Channel 2’s toggle-switch, meanwhile, enables the quick selection of one of three EQ profiles, including Bright, Dark and Flat options (depending on whether you want to emphasise the highs, lows or leave it to the three-band tone stack, respectively).
Around the back of the amp, you’ll find the same carefully considered I/O that made the initial Ironheart Foundry pedal an instant hit.
The XLR DI out enables you to connect directly to a passive cab – making it a perfect grab and go live solution – and comes with a ground lift and built-in IR 2x12 and 4x12 cab simulation. Handily, the IR can also be switched off, should you want to run them from another source, or use it to record direct.
Then there’s a transformer isolated effects loop and a host of useful practise features, including a cabinet emulated headphone out, an aux-in for backing tracks and high/low power mode – enabling you to play at under 1-watt without altering your volume or tone settings.
IRF LeadTop
The second offering from the brand comes in the form of the single-channel LeadTop.
This takes the lead channel of the DualTop and packs it into a no-nonsense (and still 60-watt) head that should prove equally at home roaring through a cab onstage, or sat quietly on your desktop with your headphones plugged in.
You’ll get the same sound and control of the DualTop’s Lead channel – including the three position EQ voicing switch, a separate three-band EQ tone stack, plus volume, gain and boost dials – but in an even smaller footprint.
On the back panel you get an aux-in, cabinet emulated headphone output and transformer isolated effects loop. In a smart space-saving move, the effects loop also doubles-up as a line-out, for recording or connecting to a PA.
Once again, that power switch will also enable 1-watt practice playing, without compromising your overall tone.
Finally, we’re pleased to report that Laney has done the mini-head thing properly and announced a matching cab option to accompany each head, in the form of the GS-212FE and GS112FE.
From bedroom practise, to gigging and recording – or simply as a grab-and-go rehearsal option that won’t break your back – the Ironheart Foundry heads are small amps, but they offer big possibilities for a whole host of applications,
For more information, head to Laney.
