Supro Airwave vs Laney Lionheart L5T-112
Quick Verdict
The Supro Airwave is the better pick for guitarists who need a 25 watt tube combo with modern direct recording tools like stereo XLR outputs and USB-C. It suits pedal users and home studio players who can add their own reverb and delay. The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 is the better pick for players who want a low wattage all tube amp with built in studio quality reverb and a switchable FX loop. Its 5 watt Class A design and 12 inch Celestion speaker make it ideal for home practice, recording, and low volume jams where the amp itself is the core tone. Choose the Supro if direct output and higher wattage matter most. Choose the Laney if onboard reverb and a footswitchable FX loop are more important.
| Spec | Supro Airwave | Laney Lionheart L5T-112 |
|---|---|---|
| Power output | 25 watts | 5 watts Class A all tube |
| Speaker | 1 x 12-inch | 12 inch Celestion |
| Amp models or channels | 1-channel | Not published in listing |
| Effects | Two Notes DynIR cab and mic simulations; no traditional modulation, delay, or reverb effects listed | Onboard studio quality reverb |
| Inputs and outputs | USB-C, stereo XLR outputs; instrument input implied by 1-channel tube combo but not detailed | Switchable FX loop, footswitch input (FS2-MINI supplied) |
| Headphone and line out | Stereo XLR outputs serve as line out; dedicated headphone output not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Bluetooth and app | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | FS2-MINI footswitch, Lionheart embroidered slip cover |
Amp Models and Tone
The Supro Airwave has one channel and 25 watts of tube power. The listing describes a simple single channel analog layout with no channel switching or built in overdrive modes. Its main tone related feature beyond the tube circuit is the integrated Two Notes DynIR cabinet and mic simulation. The tone and amp models score from the listing is 26 out of 30.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 has a 5 watt Class A all tube design. The listing includes a bright switch for tone shaping. It does not publish amp models or channels in the spec list, but one listed con describes it as a single channel amp. The Laney tone and amp models score is 28 out of 30, higher than the Supro. That higher score suggests the Laney's core tube voice is rated slightly stronger, even though it has far less power.
Effects and Features
The Supro Airwave does not include traditional modulation, delay, or reverb effects according to the listing. Its only effect like feature is the integrated Two Notes DynIR cabinet and mic simulation, which is aimed at direct recording rather than in room ambience. That makes the Supro a dry amp platform for players who use external pedals or software. The effects and features score is 15 out of 20.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 includes onboard studio quality reverb. The listing does not state whether this reverb is spring or digital. It also has a switchable FX loop for placing time based and modulation pedals after the preamp. The amp comes with an FS2-MINI footswitch for controlling the reverb and FX loop. Its effects and features score is also 15 out of 20. The Laney offers more everyday effects convenience, while the Supro counters with recording focused cabinet simulation.
Power, Speaker and Volume
The Supro Airwave uses a 25 watt tube power section and a 1 x 12 inch speaker. The listing does not state the speaker brand or model. The 25 watt rating should provide more clean headroom than a 5 watt amp at similar settings. The power and speaker score is 12 out of 15.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 is a 5 watt Class A all tube amp with a 12 inch Celestion speaker, and the Celestion brand is published. The 5 watt rating is low, and one listed con notes that it may not be enough for live stage use without a microphone. The power and speaker score is also 12 out of 15. The Supro has five times the power rating, so it should stay cleaner longer and produce more volume with the same speaker size.
Build and Portability
The Supro Airwave has a classic black Tolex covering and a cream hemp grille cloth, according to its pros. The listing does not state the cabinet material, weight, or dimensions. The build and portability score is 8 out of 10. Without weight and dimensions, you cannot assess how easy it is to carry.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 also does not publish weight or dimensions. It includes a Lionheart embroidered slip cover, which helps protect the amp during storage or transport. The Laney build and portability score is also 8 out of 10. The 5 watt Class A amp may have a smaller transformer than the Supro, but this is not stated in the listing. Both amps are 1 x 12 combos, so neither is a compact practice amp.
Connectivity and Apps
The Supro Airwave has USB-C connectivity for digital audio and stereo XLR outputs for direct recording and live use. The instrument input is implied by the one channel tube combo but not detailed in the listing. There is no dedicated headphone output listed, and no Bluetooth or app control. The stereo XLR outputs can serve as a line out. The connectivity score is 13 out of 15.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 has a switchable FX loop and a footswitch input. The listing supplies an FS2-MINI footswitch for controlling the reverb and FX loop. It does not list a headphone output, line output, USB, Bluetooth, or app control. The connectivity score is 7 out of 15, notably lower than the Supro. The Supro is the clear choice for direct recording to a computer or mixer, while the Laney relies on a microphone for any external connection.
Setup and Daily Use
The Supro Airwave has a simple single channel analog layout, which should make daily use straightforward. The listing does not describe any deep menus or presets. The lack of a dedicated headphone output means silent practice would require an external audio interface or other monitoring solution. The USB-C and XLR outputs make it easy to integrate with a home recording setup on a daily basis.
The Laney Lionheart L5T-112 is also a simple amp with an all tube design and onboard reverb. The included FS2-MINI footswitch lets you turn the reverb and FX loop on and off without bending over. There is no headphone output listed, so silent practice is not possible directly from the amp. The 5 watt output is practical for daily home use because it reaches usable tones at lower volume. The Laney's lower wattage is friendlier for bedroom playing, and its footswitch adds convenience for FX loop and reverb control.
Home Practice Versus Stage
For home practice, the Laney Lionheart L5T-112 has advantages in its 5 watt Class A design and onboard reverb. The low wattage lets the tubes be pushed at moderate volumes, which suits apartment and bedroom playing. The Supro Airwave has 25 watts, which may be too loud for some home settings when pushed into overdrive. However, the Supro's USB-C and XLR outputs make it very easy to record at home without a microphone.
For stage use, the Supro Airwave's 25 watt output and stereo XLR outputs give it a clear edge. The XLR outputs can go directly to a front of house mixer. The Laney L5T-112 has only 5 watts and no line output listed, so it would likely need a microphone in front of the speaker for any live setting. The listing itself notes that 5 watts may not be enough for live stage use without a microphone. Players who split time between home recording and small stage gigs should lean toward the Supro.
The Deciding Question
The main difference between these two amps comes down to connectivity and power versus onboard tone shaping and low wattage simplicity. The Supro gives you 25 watts, USB-C, and stereo XLR outputs. The Laney gives you 5 watts of Class A tube tone, studio quality reverb, and a switchable FX loop. The overall scores are close: Supro 81 and Laney 79.
The Supro prioritizes modern direct recording and higher headroom. It assumes you will add reverb and delay with pedals or software. The Laney prioritizes a self contained tube amp experience with built in reverb and an effects loop, but it lacks line outputs and modern digital connectivity. Ask yourself whether you need direct outputs and more wattage, or onboard reverb and a footswitchable FX loop. That answer is the deciding factor.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Supro Airwave if you are a home studio guitarist who wants a 25 watt tube combo with direct USB-C and XLR recording. It is also a good match for pedalboard users who already own reverb and delay and want a clean, single channel tube platform. Small stage players who need to send a direct signal to the PA will appreciate the stereo XLR outputs.
Buy the Laney Lionheart L5T-112 if you want a low wattage all tube amp with built in studio quality reverb and an FX loop for home practice and recording. It fits players who prefer the sound of a 5 watt Class A amp pushed into natural breakup at reasonable volumes. The included FS2-MINI footswitch and slip cover add practical value for a home player. Avoid the Supro if you need built in reverb or delay, and avoid the Laney if you need silent headphone practice or stage volume without a microphone.
Supro Airwave
Pros
- 25-watt tube power with a 1x12 speaker
- Integrated Two Notes DynIR cabinet and mic simulation
- Stereo XLR outputs for direct recording and live use
- USB-C connectivity for digital audio
- Classic black Tolex and cream hemp grille look
- Simple single-channel analog layout
Cons
- No traditional onboard effects such as reverb or delay
- No Bluetooth or app control listed
- Only one channel
- Weight and dimensions not published
- No dedicated headphone output listed
Laney Lionheart L5T-112
Pros
- All tube 5 watt Class A design
- 12 inch Celestion speaker
- Onboard studio quality reverb
- Switchable FX loop
- Includes FS2-MINI footswitch and slip cover
- Bright switch for tone shaping
Cons
- No headphone or line output listed
- No Bluetooth or app connectivity mentioned
- Dimensions and weight not published
- 5 watts may not be enough for live stage use without a microphone
- Upper mid-range price for a single channel amp
Who Should Buy Each
Supro Airwave
- Home and studio players wanting tube feel at manageable volume
- Guitarists who use outboard pedals for drive and time-based effects
- Recording musicians who want stereo XLR and USB-C out
- Traditional Supro fans looking for a simple, portable 1x12 combo
Laney Lionheart L5T-112
- Home and studio guitarists who want real tube tone
- Players who use pedalboards and need an FX loop
- Those who value a full size 12 inch speaker over compact practice speakers
- Buyers who appreciate included accessories like a footswitch and slip cover
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need direct recording via USB-C and stereo XLR outputs | Choose Supro Airwave |
| If you want onboard studio quality reverb and a footswitchable FX loop | Choose Laney Lionheart L5T-112 |
| If you need enough wattage for small stage use without a microphone | Choose Supro Airwave |
| If you want a low watt Class A tube amp for home practice | Choose Laney Lionheart L5T-112 |
| If you prefer a 12 inch Celestion speaker and a bright switch | Choose Laney Lionheart L5T-112 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.