Blackstar amplifiers represent a significant advancement in guitar and bass amplification technology, combining innovative features with exceptional sound quality. Our roundup explores the key models in their lineup, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and performance capabilities to help musicians choose the right amp for their needs.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you
Reviews
Combining vintage ECC83 and ECC82 valves with a 1x8" speaker, the Blackstar HT-1RH MkII delivers impressive tone in a compact package. The footswitchable clean and overdrive voices, along with the studio-quality reverb and USB audio output, make this a versatile addition to any setup. The push-pull power amp design ensures rich, full-bodied sound at any volume level.
This powerful bass head delivers legendary Blackstar tone in an amazingly portable package. With 700 watts of pristine power, the Unity Elite head handles everything from soaring cleans to screaming distortion while maintaining incredible clarity and dynamics. The responsive voicing system pairs gorgeous valve modeling with premium effects, controlled by a convenient footswitch. The included gig bag keeps your investment pristine while traveling between gigs.
This limited-edition Blackstar combo amplifier blends classic black and blue aesthetics with premium tube tone, featuring handcrafted 6L6 Blackplate valves and a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker for rich, articulate sound. The dual-channel design offers versatile tone shaping with an innovative Infinite Shape feature, while the premium build quality and boutique-inspired styling elevate it beyond a mere piece of gear.
At just 3 watts, this tiny amp packs surprisingly big tone into its 3-inch speaker, thanks to Blackstar's innovative ISF circuit that lets you shape your sound from pristine clean to distorted rock. The built-in effects, including a cool tape delay, transform this pocket-sized amp into a powerhouse practice tool that rivals much bigger boxes. Connect your phone or tablet directly through the MP3 input to jam along with your favorite tracks, while the battery-powered design lets you rock on without cables.
When you need the versatility of digital modeling with the warmth of tube amplification, look no further than the Blackstar ID: 60H. This 60-watt head packs an incredible 36 different tonal combinations into a surprisingly lightweight package, thanks to its clever TVP technology that emulates everything from EL84 power tubes to KT88 classics. Whether you're crafting pristine cleans or crushing distorted leads, this amp delivers the responsiveness and character of a much pricier tube rig, all while staying surprisingly quiet for practice sessions. The built-in recording function alone makes it a must-try for any serious player exploring modern amp technology.
The Blackstar HT Venue MK III 2x12 cabinet delivers impressive versatility with its ability to handle both 4 and 16 mono or stereo channels. Its open-back design keeps weight down while maintaining excellent tone projection. At the heart of the cabinet are two 12" Celestion Seventy Eighty speakers, providing the rich, organic tone that's become synonymous with Blackstar's HT Venue series. The cabinet's rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular gigging while maintaining pristine sound quality.
If you're seeking powerful tone without the bulk of a full cabinet, the Blackstar jjn series delivers - this particular unit cranks out 20 watts in a convenient 1x12" combo format. The amp's simple setup makes it perfect for live performances, while the included footswitch and certificate add that extra touch of professional-grade equipment. With less than 20 hours of playtime and pristine condition, this is a fantastic value in Blackstar's popular signature series.
Combining 20 watts of EL84 power with a versatile two-channel design featuring dual voices and effects loop, this signature amplifier delivers big tones in a lightweight, portable package. The Celestion speaker produces rich, detailed sound that cuts through any mix, while ISF tone shaping and power reduction controls let you dial in every nuance. Whether you're practicing quietly or rocking out with the full band, this versatile combo delivers signature Blackstar performance with studio-quality USB recording capabilities.
This dependable combo amplifier delivers classic British tone in a practical package, with its 10W tube design offering plenty of warmth and crunch for both practice and performance. The included footswitch adds a convenient touch for controlling the Boost channel, while the multiple outputs and effects loop give serious players plenty of flexibility for their setup. The result is a versatile amplifier that brings out the best in electric guitars, whether you're recording in a studio or playing small gigs.
Combining American and British valve tones through two footswitchable Clean Voices, the Blackstar JJN-20RH MkII delivers Jared James Nichols' signature BLUESPOWER tone in a 20W tube package that switches down to just 2W for authentic valve breakup. The racing green enclosure and tilt-back design complement its versatile 2-channel setup, featuring a wide range of tones from pristine cleans to rich overdriven sounds. The addition of USB output and pro XLR DI further enhances its usability for both recording and live performances.
The Blackstar HT Venue MKIII 1x12 cabinet delivers powerful, clear sound in a practical package that's perfect for both gigging and studio use. Its open-back design keeps things cool during intense performances, while the 80-watt Celestion speaker delivers rich, vibrant tones that match the amp's legendary class-leading clean and overdrive capabilities.
The Blackstar ID: Core V3 10 packs impressive tone-shaping capabilities into a compact 2x3" cabinet, with its re-voiced effects adding depth to every note. The 4-channel USB interface makes it a breeze to record or stream your playing, while the built-in Cab Rig Lite simulation gives you studio-quality flexibility right on stage. Its retro sugar skull design matches its killer sound, making this one of the most practical amps you'll ever own.
The Blackstar Artist 15 isn't your typical practice amp - its BritishClass A-inspired tone will make you forget you're playing at home. A specially-crafted power amp gives you the rich, detailed sound of a vintage 6L6 valve amp, with enough volume to fill a small room. Whether you're nailing clean jazz chords or cutting through a mix with overdrive, this amp delivers massive tone without the complicated controls found on more expensive models. The isf control lets you shape those tones in just the right way, while the built-in effects loop keeps your pedalboard sounding pristine.
The Blackstar St James combines incredible tone with revolutionary features like built-in reactive load for DI recording and ultra-light Celestion Zephyr speakers. This 50-watt combo delivers vintage valve amp character through its intuitive two-channel design and SAG feature, while its USB and XLR outputs let you capture studio-quality tones without a cabinet. At just 23 pounds, it's the lightest 50-watt valve amp on the market, making it perfect for serious guitarists who need exceptional sound everywhere they go.
This is a fantastic valve amplifier that packs 40 watts of powerful tone into a compact combo format. With its exceptional build quality and responsive tone controls, it excels at delivering both pristine cleans and aggressive overdrive. The included foot switch adds convenient channel switching, while the single master volume control keeps your stage sound under precise control.
The Blackstar HT Club 50 delivers impressive tone versatility through its dual ECC83 and EL34 valve configuration. Its sophisticated tonal shaping features let you switch between American and British sounds with remarkable precision, thanks to the Infinite Shape Feature control. The amp's compact design pairs perfectly with the included 2-way footcontroller, giving you hassle-free access to all its powerful features on stage.
The Blackstar Amplug2 FLY delivers studio-quality tone through its powerful battery-powered amplifier, featuring three versatile channels and nine effects for crafting your perfect sound. The fully-analog circuit has been refined for exceptional clarity, while the compact design featuring a rotating input plug makes it incredibly practical for any guitar. Whether you're a beginner warming up or an experienced player developing new ideas, this portable amp provides incredible value with its remarkable sound quality and convenience.
At just 12.8 kg, this full tube guitar amp head makes portability a non-issue while delivering the goods with two versatile channels and studio-quality effects. The included USB output with advanced DSP cabinet simulation turns it into a dream setup for both practice and recording. Whether you're nailing crisp cleans or crushing distortion, the attention to detail in every aspect of this amp makes it a no-brainer for players who want top-tier sound without the traditional tube amp hassle.
Buyer's Guide
Blackstar amplifiers combine high-quality sound with modern features, making them popular choices for guitar players. Understanding the key aspects of their design and functionality helps in selecting the right amp for your needs.
Power and Preamp Section
Blackstar amps offer flexible power configurations, typically ranging from 10 to 120 watts, with options for both tube and solid-state preamps. The power section determines the amp's volume and headroom, while the preamp shapes the tone with various gain settings.
Cab Simulators and Digital Features
Most Blackstar amps include advanced modeling technology that emulates classic and modern guitar cabinets. This feature allows you to switch between different speaker tones without external cabinets, making practice and recording more convenient.
Connection and Connectivity Options
The connection section should match your needs, with options for instrument inputs, effects loops, and MIDI control. Consider whether you need additional outputs for practice rooms or studios, and note the types of cables that come included.
Build Quality and Warranty
Blackstar amps are known for their durable construction, with robust cabinets and well-engineered circuits. Check the warranty coverage, as comprehensive protection usually indicates confidence in the product's quality.
FAQ
What are Blackstar Amps?
Blackstar Amps are high-quality guitar and bass amplifiers engineered for professional musicians and audio enthusiasts. Their amplifiers combine innovative technology with premium craftsmanship to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability.
Blackstar offers a comprehensive range of amplifiers, from compact practice models to powerful studio-grade setups, all designed to meet the demands of modern music production and performance.
What makes Blackstar Amps unique?
These amplifiers stand out through their proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, which allows for extensive tone shaping and effects manipulation. The amp modeling system delivers authentic emulations of classic tube and solid-state amplifiers.
Blackstar's amps also feature advanced features like built-in effects processors, USB connectivity for direct recording, and silent practice modes, making them highly versatile for both recording and live settings.
Are Blackstar Amps portable?
Blackstar offers several models suitable for on-the-go musicians, including the HT Series for desktop use and the T Series for expanded practice and performance capabilities. These portable amps maintain full feature sets while reducing size and weight.
The company's latest developments have led to increasingly lightweight and compact options without sacrificing the powerful tone that Blackstar is known for.
How do the built-in effects work?
Blackstar's in-built effects processors provide a complete toolkit of professional effects, including distortion, delay, reverb, and more. Users can chain effects in various order configurations to create complex sounds directly from the amp.
The effects section is highly customizable, with controls for each parameter allowing precise tone shaping. Some models even offer modulation effects like chorusing and phased delays.
What's the difference between tube and solid-state modeling?
Tube modeling captures the harmonic distortion and warmth of traditional tube amplifiers through digital simulation, while solid-state modeling emulates the clean, responsive character of modern transistor-based amps. Both approaches offer distinct tonal palette options.
Players often choose modeling amps because they can switch between these styles instantly, achieving the desired sound without physical amp changes. The digital models also provide consistent tone across different speakers and venues.
How do I choose the right Blackstar Amp?
The choice depends on your specific needs: practice amps are best for small spaces, combo amps offer portability with built-in speakers, and head models give you maximum flexibility for cabinets. Consider also whether you need built-in effects, USB recording capabilities, or specific wattage requirements.
Read reviews, check compatibility with your existing equipment, and test the sound if possible. Blackstar's website offers detailed specifications and demos that can help match your playing style to the perfect model.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you