Lab Series L5

I think someone will say that there's no need of this amp (like many amps they say) because "it was made based on another amp"
But I LOVE THIS AMP !
 
I have an L7 (4x10) in excellent condition. I believe it's the same
amp as the L5, just 4x10 instead of 2x12. I'll be happy to send it
to Fractal if they wish to model it. The schematic is also available.
;)

I have inquired about this in the past.
 
I also have schematics of the L5 original and the preamp.
 

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  • Lab_Series_L5_L7_L9_L11_board_layout.pdf
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My only experience with the Lab Series was fixing a broken one for a local small studio decades ago. Something about the power switch always broke if I recall. The thing that really impressed me about that amp was its internal compressor. I seem to recall the whole amp acted like a gigantic compressor. I wonder if it could be simulated with a the current selection of amps in the Fractal by putting a compressor at the output and using a side-chain taken from the input.
 
This could be the right one for Cliff:
https://reverb.com/item/51338835-b-...d-lab-series-l5-touring-amp-touring-road-case

See also the speakers BB used (two 12” Peavey Black Widow speakers model 1201) compared to the standard ones (CTS 12-4120 or Eminence square magnet "985 040696 001 67 8121" speaker)
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...-magnet-speaker-ir-from-lab-series-l5.198311/
and the JBL E120-8 that was used on his 1996 tour, see attachment.
Used mics can be seen here:
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/lab-series-l5.202082/post-2526682

Additionally a lot of information about L5 (preamp):
https://aionfx.com/project/l5-preamp/

Why do we need the L5: Just watch B.B.'s best rock concert 1994:
 

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Last edited:
Ty Tabor used it all over the early king's x records. I have 2 of them, and they don't sound or respond like anything i've played. Low input on channel 2 is magical, just sustains for days. I've asked for one in the axe since the ultra days, so i'm thinking it wont make it anytime soon.
 
Joe Bonamassa lists it as one of his 5 Most Underrated Amps:

Here's what he said the L5: "It’s simply a kick-ass, solid-state amp. I like the immediacy of the older solid-state amps—they’re so punchy. The new digital solid-state junk is another story, but the old stuff is killin’. B.B.’s tone is great with the Lab Series. It’s warm and creamy and much more consistent than a Twin."
 
dpeterson said:
Ty Tabor used it all over the early king's x records. I have 2 of them, and they don't sound or respond like anything i've played. Low input on channel 2 is magical, just sustains for days. I've asked for one in the axe since the ultra days, so i'm thinking it wont make it anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Although apparently the secret in that case was that his amp was "broken"... So even if we get the model, who knows if it will be able to get that tone? It would definitely be cool!
 
I had the privilege to see BB King live (and to get a guitar plectrum from him!) when he played locally to me back in the 90's with Peter Green as the support act. I can't play like him but I do love his tone and sound.

I think that he would sound like BB plugged into almost any amp. I love this video where I think he could be playing into a Fender amp? But he still sounds amazing. And Gary Moore is playing Peter Green's old guitar!

 
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