Laney Digbeth Preamp vs Nux MBP-5

[dave_bass5]

Has anyone managed to compare these two in a band settings? I know Andertons have a shoot out with both in it (and totally wrong info about the tube), but id like to hear from actual users if there are any. 

I just got the Nux and other than the software/connection side i think it’s really nice. Very usable tones. My worry is that the IR’s are making it sound great, but without that turned on it sounds just ok. I dont think id use the IR’s with a bass rig but will at home. The Digbeth seems to be more versatile, but larger and doesnt have the IR. I like the idea of the Tilt knob. 

 

Any thoughts? Not looking for recommendations for anything else, just wondering about how these two compare. 

Edited Sunday at 21:03 by dave_bass5

[Mcgiver69]

It all depends on what you will use it. I have the NUX and tried the Digbeth, both are great on their own. I believe The NUX is better for going straight to the house P.A. and the Laney excels as a preamp. If I'm you I would consider what is the situation I'll be using it and buy the one that will suit it.

 

I got the NUX and I only use it to go straight to the house P.A. and for that it is absolutely phenomenal.

[dave_bass5]

Thanks (and for your other reply). I now have both at home and feel the NUX is going to stay. I cant see me going direct to house at the moment, but i do use headphones all the time at home. The NUX just feels warmer and rounder, even without the IR on. It has a kick i couldn’t get from the Laney.

The Laney just seems a bit weak to me. The EQ is quite subtle. As you say, it’s probably a better front end for an amp.  

 

I also like the fact that the NUX is simple to use. Very much like my BDDI. The Laney is easy to use but i found i was messing about with the switched and Mid controls a bit too much. 

 

The NUX will stay. 

[Mcgiver69]

4 hours ago, dave_bass5 said:

Thanks (and for your other reply). I now have both at home and feel the NUX is going to stay. I cant see me going direct to house at the moment, but i do use headphones all the time at home. The NUX just feels warmer and rounder, even without the IR on. It has a kick i couldn’t get from the Laney.

The Laney just seems a bit weak to me. The EQ is quite subtle. As you say, it’s probably a better front end for an amp.  

 

I also like the fact that the NUX is simple to use. Very much like my BDDI. The Laney is easy to use but i found i was messing about with the switched and Mid controls a bit too much. 

 

The NUX will stay. 

I too kept the NUX, it is a great little amp and the IR's do really change the sound which makes it very versatile.

[Linus27]

I bought the Laney and I was massively disappointed in it and returned it. I also found the EQ to be very weak and subtle and if anything, it sounded very sterile and bland.

[dave_bass5]

2 hours ago, Linus27 said:

I bought the Laney and I was massively disappointed in it and returned it. I also found the EQ to be very weak and subtle and if anything, it sounded very sterile and bland.

Yeah, i did see your post, but i had to give it a try. I got some nice sounds out of it for my use, but compare to the NUX it sounded bland and flat.