All user reviews for the Laboga Caiman AD5300

see other good advice for char I'm too lazy!

I note just rglages minimalist, post-lonestar special I cherch of cachs knobs ... but not so much the better! to quibble missing rverbe and another master ... good point however for 2 winnings on the OD channel, it's been almost a 3 channel!

noting the (small) price, I put 9, the all-tube like that for as little expensive ...

USE

Very simple config is the basic ... no manual as useless unless you have 2 years: p we get easily a good sound, I just noted the bright switch that I do not like the masses, it is getting faster nasal has marshall ...

8, it's simple and effective

SONORITS

then I say bravo!

I sold my mesa pasque not versatile enough (not enough even with the gain bb preamp). I was looking for an amp can do everything (cover band requires). I go into a store a little at random and ask c'que Can I have change in the lonestar, and the guy offered me the caiman ... I had vaguely heard of the brand but never tried: / well I have not t the Polish!

clean channel: with my strat deluxe us is clean, nothing to say it's not the lonestar but it's very good, warm and clear! with bb preamp I have rediscovered my blues playing ... with a skyscraper in double coils (my musicman petrucci or other see profile) it is less clean, ca trend quickly cruncher, and with the Pramp it's really great enjoyable: p So to have a real clear sound takes no high that sends, but overall it's good and ca fulfilled its role!

the satu ben channel I love! with little gain crunch has ca wish (AC acdc slap well even without the legendary sound) and pushing more we have a good distortion goes everywhere! with musicman I pass everything without problems, the LDT for drops nikel (nickelback, godsmack, muse ...) even if the strat is a street: / I just have liked a bit more gain, is sometimes limited but hey I'm a little too demanding, I like having the only feature for the lead! otherwise the sound is warm, a little beat up and compress well in severe (with baffle caiman) ca really does!

I do not like the bright switch, magnet distos amricaines crmeuses and compresses this button marshall remember the sound that I wanted to give up ... others will like!
9, it is not perfect but for the price of it is incredible to have AC, and two it sounds REALLY good

NOTICE GLOBAL

therefore used for two months in group and solo, and the results are more than positive!

I tried a lot of amps (orange, mesa, marshall, diezel, 5150, Leaney, fender ...) and I admit that this one seduced me with its character and its price

most:
- The clean cruncher who can, and who bears great effects
- 2 gain levels
- Warm distortion, compresses and frankly endearing
- Mini weight, finished galre!
- The ridiculous price
- The simple but effective design
- Good finish (handmade)

less:
- Switches brights
- Levels of clean volumes / satu hard enough argler (SECOND missing master)
- No rverbe: p

the qualitprix is ​​unbeatable, I return tjs not ... I had a Marshall JVM 410H of which cost twice as much and that sounded less ... like what the "little" bit of brands are distributed excellent job!

rant for notice pourav that post before t ... test 30 mins, skyscrapers pourav and tester ... pourav on this site there are people who are there to boast their gear on their pasque is better than everyone, or people who lay opinions without really getting to the bottom of things nor with srieux arrter ... you have to post to raise his counter, it starts to binge for people intressent that it's hard to see REAL review I am very well able to criticize when it's bad, you can vrifier, but I do not like gratuitous and unfounded criticism.

short, good amp, good cleans even if not exceptional, warm and friendly crunch, distortion rather pleasant modern, and 1400 euros ... pity that this bomb is not more known, it would hurt a lot of brands! I hate to test the alligator and Mr Hector!

9, I am very satisfied and this price what ...

The amp has an ordinary design (the grill cloth on the front panel is identical to blackheart amps). While not beautiful, it seems pretty solid.

I changed the knobs, they weren't readable enough, in general (specially in the twilight onstage), so I replaced the chrome caps with good old black and white ones (the design is even more basic).

Power: 50 watts, the right amount to take the best out of the tubes (...as much as a super lead or a 5150 with the master set to 0.50 or 1).

USE

Very easy to use.

The amp features two channels, lead and clean. The second OD offers at least a "third" channel (only switchable with the footswitch).

Each channel features a bright switch (but unfortunately it can be engaged with the footswitch).

The master and 3-band EQ (as attenuators) are common to both channels.

The Caiman is very easy, you can master it in no time.

SOUND

The Caiman is versatile, it excels at nothing but is great for anything!

It works perfectly with pedals (especially distortion ones) and it's a real plus. We have a champ here, no more struggling with bee swarms or electric blades.

The character of the clean channel is rather exquisite, without overdoing it, with a good headroom, very rock, '70s hard rock. I prefer to add to it a shredmaster or EQ it with a Boss HM 2 to get a dirtier and coarser sound.

The clean sound is clean, a bit dull. With Bright engaged, it's a treat, with single-coils and a reverb (what it lacks most, in my opinion), you are taken back t the '60s surfer scene.

The EQ is effective, the Caiman goes low deep. However, it cuts easily through the mix, the mids are present and it's a big advantage.

Your playing and the guitar's character are respected, the Caiman lets it all through. This amp gives me a sense of "constancy," it's the kind of gear that allows me to make the best of my playing, I'm not frustrated by a clichéd or borrowed sound (in the sens of "No matter what I do, I sound like...") Without having a particularly subtle playing, I immediately appropriated this amp.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for almost a year.

I've had several amps and have tried quite a few, but it's the first time that I'm satisfied with the "factory" version (without tinkering with it). In any case, it's an awesome deal due to its versatility, power, ease-of-use, and price.

• 50W output power
• Tubes: 4 x EL84, 2 x 12AX7
• 2 channels: Clean and Overdrive (switchable)
• Clean channel with separate gain control
• Overdrive channel with separate volume control and 2 footswitch-controllable gain controls
• 1 master volume control
• Independent bright switch for each channel
• Controls: bass, mids, treble
• Footswitch included to change channels, as well as between Gain 1 and 2
• Insert: FX-loop
• Speaker output: 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm, 16 Ohm


USE

Very easy to dial in.
You get quickly what you want.
I needed 1 hour (or roughly 5 beers).

SOUND

It suits me perfectly.
To play hard rock clean guitar.
With an ESP eclipse II...what can I say,

I'd rather just listen.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for one year.
With the 212 cab.
• Speaker: 1 x 12" Celestion Vintage 30 & 1x12" Celestion G12T-75
I love the possibilities it offers. All in all, it's an excellent value for money.
I have tried out several tube combos before: ENGL, LANEY.
I finally found what I needed!

Very good finish. It's made of (solid) plastic, the controls are pleasant to the touch and don't feel cheap.
The common EQ for both channels is a compromise, given the price, but it forces you to make compromises.
Technically speaking, half of the V1 tube is dedicated to the clean channel, while the remaining half plus a half of the V2 tube are consecrated to the lead channel. The last half works as a rectifier. Two transistors (I'll come back to this later) are found after the effects loop to split the signal and send it to a negative feedback circuit and then to the power amp.

USE

It's comfortable to use, given its simplicity: You make a compromise with the EQ and play, and then you make a big smile because it sounds great.
The manual informs you of several precautions to consider with tube amps (impedance, pre-heating of the tubes), and it even indicates the position of the preamp tubes.
In terms of the controls available, the EQ frequencies don't suit me too well: The lows act too low, the mids are centered around the low mids (I would've preferred them a bit higher, but I must admit that it provides a good foundation), highs are not bad, and the bright controls are really effective (too much on the clean channel). As a consequence, I insert an external EQ to be truly satisfied and leave the one on the amp almost flat (with slight retouches to adapt it to the different speakers used).

It's hard to find a balance between channels at first, since it varies depending on the master volume (the negative feedback affects only the clean channel), and you'll necessarily have a level difference on the two "semi" distorted channels.

SOUND

The target market is made up of rockers in every form, the gain headroom available is pretty large.
The clean channel can crunch, it's very sensitive to playing nuances and respects well the guitar's character.
The lead channel is pretty raw, with lots of mids and full across the entire frequency spectrum, which gives it a huge presence and cuts easily through the mix.
On the other hand, it's hard to use it at low volumes, because the transistors I wrote about before distort pretty easily and the sound becomes then less flattering. At higher volumes, the sound becomes nice again, thanks to the negative feedback, according to my favorite guitar tech.
The balance between channels changes: The more you increase the volume, the more the relative volume of the lead channel increases in relation to the clean. Consequently, I had the amp modified so that the negative feedback affects both channels all the time: That way the balance is constant regardless of the master setting and I even won some thickness on the lead channel.
I tested the output of the preamp (the send of the effects loop) with an external power amp and the sound is simply huge.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it with a 2x12 home-made cab equipped with V30s. I also plugged it into a G12H30 and the unavoidable Marshall 1960, I prefer it with the V30s.

Little noise, fat sound, lightweight and compact, original. To me, the 50W of the tubes are the usable upper limit. Half would've been largely enough.
It's not my first amp and I have tried a lot of them, but it's the first one that gives me as much satisfaction. Just like peerk, I don't have the need to go looking any further. It's a very seducing amp (especially due to its lead channel).
Excellent value for money, given the sound and build quality.

I approve of it.

50W all-tube amp (two 12ax7 and four el84)
2 channels: 1 clean/crunch (with volume control)
1 overdrive /overdrive + (with volume control)
1 common master volume
1 common 3-band eq
1 bright control per channel

Connections: Effects loop plus speaker outputs and footswitch

In short, simple and useful.

I play in a band with drums, bass and guitar: I set the volume of the amp to 12:00 and it rocks everybody off their feet.
It lacks a reverb but I use the effects loop with a neunaber west reverb (I used before my pandora PX5D, but it "dirtied up" the sound).



USE

I was looking for something simple and I found it. You only need to dial in the 3 volume controls (master and 2 channels) to work your sound.
However, despite the ease of use, the amp has a lot of potential and it demands some time to get the right settings.

SOUND

It's great.
I play it with the dedicated cab, you need to learn to manage the volume when toggling between clean/distorted sounds. Each pot has a direct impact on the sound so the EQ on my amp is set to 12:00 (neutral position).
The sound is dynamic, percussive, without being cold. The distorted sound is compressed and well-balanced. Clean sounds are well-balanced, while the crunch easily follows the guitar volume, so you need to take your time to master this parameter.



OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for two years: I had a peavey classic 30 and have also played a marshall jvm 410c, the sound is incomparable, but it's been two years since I don't have to break my head in search of my sound.
I would buy it again without hesitation. Thank you Adam Laboga!

2 12AX7 tubes, 4 EL84. 50w.
2 channels, shared eq, a bright switch per channel, one volume per channel. Two gain settings and a volume of drive, and finally a master volume. Perhaps lacking a little reverb ...
I tried the head and combo, and the Alligator.

UTILIZATION

The Cayman is a "light" version (less features) of the alligator from the same brand.
The sound is easily adjustable, although much depends on the interaction volume / master volume. To keep the channel clean "clean", keep a reasonable volume and push the master. The bright switch does go on very easily crunch.

It happens, however, to balance the sounds very easily, even with the EQ community. I love the idea of ​​having two different drive rates. This is the same drive, with the same capabilities and sounds. At equal settings, you will not hear the difference. A second volume control would have probably been appreciated by some, I confess that I do not care a bit.
With the drive thoroughly, you can get a clear sound almost righteous with the guitar volume knob. It sounds silly but it's a test I do on each amp, to check the quality of grain, a sign of clear notes in large drive.

SOUNDS

The clean channel can go from pretty neutral, highly effective with a large OD input (I tested it with a Vox Duel Overdrive input, resulting nickel!), Pure. It can grow, especially with the bright switch, get a light enough crunch blues.

The drive channel. This gives a nice overdrive, very rock. If you are looking for the type or Mr Hector Mesa, although you need to buy these models here, not his record. The caiman is made for what will the blues (although the alligator is best for this style), the big rock show in his very large hard / heavy (eg type Zakk Wylde). The eq is very effective. If you board the head and 2x12 (1 + 1 G12T75 V30), you'll have plenty of bass. Too much for my taste, but what flirting with some great sounds to modern music.
I chose the combo, rendering more balanced, without necessarily falling into the vintage.

Harmonics come easily. The caiman is less versatile than the alligator, but I found it very effective and relevant in rock music. No distortion, but a really big overdrive. If your guitar does not have a good output level, he may need a little boost for the solo.


OVERALL OPINION

I play for 17 years. I saw also spent a lot of amps, which Brunetti, Rivera, Engl, Peavey, Fender, Marshall, Blackstar ...

In the case of the alligator, I conducted several tests, so in total, more than an hour of play I wanted a quality combo for small club (rock blues band with 2 guitars), and I am very difficult, because my sound is based on a single amp played for 10 years, a Marshall JCM 800. Basically, I came to try the new Blackstar HT coming. On paper, critters tempting, but I was once again quite disappointed (I'll make a notice explaining why). I would not have had the sense to try a Laboga, whose name I associate with the metal, mainly because of Mr Hector.

I hesitated a lot between the Caiman and the Alligator. Not the same budget, but it did not come (for once) into account. So I tested everything in all directions (to connect the alligator in the HP of the Cayman, and vice versa!). The alligator has prevailed for more comprehensive (over potential setting) and a grain more suitable for my needs, namely, to blues-rock. However, I had a real shot in the heart for the caiman, which is really what I want from an amp for rock. I could not buy both, but this is only a postponement, the Cayman will be my next purchase.

If I have any advice, it is mainly to try it with your guitar. I tested it with my Musicman main, which is set for an output level of tough, able to turn my JCM 800. Second thing: HP vary during your test, because, like the alligator, they are strongly influenced sound. Plugged into a celestion 75, the alligator was like an awful lot Caiman (Caiman "like this, lol). And that goes for the Cayman, which has nothing to do between g12t75 combo and head over his cabinet (very "bassy") in g12t75 + vintage 30. The choice of bowls and cabinet will be crucial. If you already have the speaker supposed to host, do not hesitate to bring it to the test, because the matching seems more important to treat with all the critters that I owned and tested.

Voila. Do not wait for a metal amp, but a rock amp. Maybe not the best of all time, but very good in the sense that it is for you to make sound. This is not the case with other amps I've had, or that I quoted, and not retained or purchased for that reason. If you expect an ultra-typed, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for an amp with an overdrive most "agreed", expressive and flexible, so it might please you.

good to see other reviews for the character I'm too lazy!

I just note the settings minimalist, post-lonestar special I looked for hidden knobs but no ... and so much more! to quibble missing reverb and another master ... good point, however, gains for the 2 channel OD, it's been almost a 3-channel!

noting the (small) price, I put 9 of any lamp like this for as cheap ...

UTILIZATION

Config ultra simple, it's basic ... no manual was useless because unless you have 2 years: p we get easily a good sound, I just note the bright switch I do not like the masses, it becomes quickly marshall has the nasal ...

8, it's simple and effective

SOUNDS

then, I say bravo!

I sold my mesa easter not versatile enough (not enough gain even with the bb preamp). I was looking for an amp can do everything (cover band obliges). I go to a store a few at random and ask what I can have in exchange for the lonestar, and the guy offered me the caiman ... I had vaguely heard of the brand but never tried: / bin I have not been disappointed with the Polish!

Clean channel: Start U.S. with my deluxe it's clean, nothing to say but it's not the lonestar is fine, warm and crystal clear! with the bb preamp I rediscovered my game blues ... with a guitar in humbucker (my musicman petrucci or others see profile) is less clean, AC cruncher trend quickly, and with the preamp it's really super enjoyable: p So for a real clean sound is not scraper that sends, but overall it's good and it fulfilled its role!

channel saturation bin I love! with little gain AC crunch has desire (one claps acdc well even without the sound mythical) and pushing it over a good distortion going on everywhere! I spend with musicman without any problems, the LDT for drops is nikel (Nickelback, Godsmack, Muse ...) even if the stratum is at the street / I would have just liked a little more gain is sometimes limit but hey I'm a little too demanding, I like to have the reserve for the lead! otherwise the sound is warm, slightly compressed and good beats in the bass (with the baffle caiman), AC really does!

I do not like the bright switch, loving distos U.S. creamy and compressed this button reminds me of the sound I wanted to abandon marshall ... others love it!
9 is not perfect but for a price that is unbelievable to have AC, and two it sounds REALLY good

OVERALL OPINION

therefore used for two months in group and solo, and the picture is more than positive!

I tried a lot of amps (orange, mesa, marshall, Diezel, 5150, Leaney, Fender ...) and I admit that this one won me over by his character and price

Most:
- Which can clean the cruncher, and supports very well the effects
- 2 levels of gain
- The distal hot, compressed and downright endearing
- The minimum weight, finished the galley!
- The ridiculous price
- Design simple but effective
- Good finish (handmade)

Least:
- Switches the brights
- Clean volume levels / saturation has set hard enough (second master absent)
- No reverb: p

the price / quality ratio is unbeatable, I return it ... tjs I had a Marshall JVM 410H of that cost double and that sounded less ... as what "small" bit distributed brands do a great job!

rant for pourav notice that was posted before ... test of 30 minutes, scratching pourav and tester pourav ... this site there are people who are here to praise their stuff 'cause theirs is better than everyone, or people who lay opinion without really getting to the bottom of things or seriously ... we must stop to pick up his post count, it starts to fill up, for people who are interested it's hard to see the REAL review! I am very well able to criticize when it's bad, you can check, but I do not like free criticism and unfounded.

short, good amp, good cleans even if not exceptional, warm and nice crunch, modern distortion rather pleasant, and for 1400 euros ... pity that this bomb is not more known, it would hurt a lot of brands! I look forward to testing the alligator and Mr Hector!

9, I am very satisfied and what that price ... A really good amp