Laney BCC DB-EAST-PRE

The new standard in portable bass amplification. The Laney DB-EAST-PRE is a compact preamp developed with Nathan East and handcrafted at the Black Country Customs workshop in Birmingham.

Nathan East has played on more hit records than any other bass player in history. Over more than 50 years, his tone has helped shape the sound of modern music. His credits include playing on “Get Lucky” with Daft Punk, touring with Eric Clapton, and recording with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elton John and thousands of other artists.

In 2023, Nathan found something special in Laney’s DB500H amplifier. As he used it for his solo shows and tours with Clapton, Laney listened closely to his experience. That collaboration became the DIGBETH-EAST bass head. The DB-EAST-PRE takes the same philosophy further: a signature preamp built for working musicians who refuse to compromise on tone.

Two inputs for different instruments

The DB-EAST-PRE features two inputs for flexible bass setups. You can switch between acoustic and electric bass in the same set, use a 4-string for some songs and a 5-string for others, or accommodate both active and passive instruments without having to readjust every control on stage.

Input 2 includes a trim pot for precise level matching between different types of bass. This allows seamless transitions and optimal sound quality regardless of which instrument you are playing.

Your own personal sound

The DB-EAST-PRE ships with Nathan’s preferred LA·IR cabinet impulse responses pre-loaded into the system. These are not generic approximations, but the actual IRs from rigs that have helped shape hit records.

When you switch inputs, the IRs automatically adapt to match your tone. The companion app lets you customise the DI output, apply independent parametric EQ and shape your sound in real time for different venues and recording situations.

Extensive control

The master volume gives you complete control over the preamp’s character while maintaining precise command of the overall level. The TUBE channel can be shaped with EQ adjustments for players who want to dial in a specific drive character. The RANGE control adds low end to the drive, while selectable mid pre-shapes let you sculpt the tonal character you are looking for.

Handcrafted and ready for transport

Every DB-EAST-PRE is handcrafted at the Black Country Customs workshop in Birmingham, with the same meticulous attention to detail as Nathan’s DB-EAST signature head. It is compact enough to fit on any pedalboard and professional enough for sessions and touring.