Laney IRT60H Ironheart

Having played professionally for many years using Fender, Orange, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Brunetti and also having recently tested a Friedman Runt, I finally decided to try this Laney IRT 60H in the search for the right live sound that would prove suitable for all styles. The first time I have ever tried a Laney amp!

So many players using this model would surely signify that there must be something special about it and guess what? Special is probably the best description I can possibly give.

The sheer tonal possibilities are off the scale with the added push/pull options, in my case unnecessary but probably very helpful depending on the type of pickups used.
The Clean Channel is superb and the reverb really helps to round it off.
The Lead Channel having two setting options, is truly amazing.
Sound like Santana or Metallica? No problem!
It has, to my ears, a similar power and push as the Boogie Mark V, with a bit more hair perhaps!
And believe it or not, I am also sometimes reminded of a Rectifier then look up and see the LANEY logo!!
This is a seriously great sounding amp.

However, with single coil pickups, when the Lead Channel is used with all the power it has, there is the usual very noticeable hum in-between notes/chords played.
To be honest, this happens in every case with single coils when distortion is added, especially on Strats and in my case, in two out of the five positions it would need to be gated in a live scenario.

The solution? Either a Noisegate, Noiseless Pickups or away with the single coils altogether and use Humbuckers.
The outcome is being able to blast out as loud or distorted as you like with no hum whatsoever! Luxury!

There is unfortunately no protective cover with the amp and Laney do not even make one of their own. The only possibility of protecting the amp then, is with the perfectly fitting and top quality Thon Case which will of course add more weight and require strong arm tactics when transporting!
As an alternative to this, a Marshall cover C94 (available from Thomann) will fit perfectly apart from the height which will need to be cut to size. No problem!
Then perhaps just put a load of Laney Stickers on it! (Loads of stickers come with the amp!)
This I can live with and transport up and down stairs far easier than the extra 9 odd kilos the flight case will add to the weight.

Conclusion

For an amplifier of this quality with three channels, the totally important addition of a master volume and all kinds of tonal enhancements, the price is ridiculously low!
It feels absolutely solidly made and is so easy to carry with the superb end handles.
As for looks... how about this amazing glowing red interior!

Lyndon Laney is an absolute genius for producing an amplifier as special and amazing as this Ironheart 60.
I am truly impressed!

Many Thanks to Musikhaus Thomann for their superb and professional service