Overview:

The BLACKSTAR HT STUDIO 20 combo is the big brother of our critically acclaimed HT-5 and offers huge versatility for home, rehearsal or studio use. The carefully voiced preamp coupled with a cathode-biased EL34 power amp, provides the user with the ability to create wonderfully lush valve tones through the 12" Celestion speaker.


20 watt, 2xECC83, 2 x EL34 - HT-5's bigger brother

ISF Control - Everything from USA to UK

Two Footswitchable Channels - Clean to overdrive

Digital Reverb - Add in some reverb

Enhanced Tone Controls - Adjust the balance

12inch Celestion Speaker - Lush valve tones

 

Emulated Output - Adjust the balance

Effects Loop - Connect effects pedals

Features:

  • 20 Watt valve combo
  • 2xECC83, 2xEL34
  • Two footswitchable channels
  • 12" Celestion speaker
  • Enhanced tone controls
  • Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF)
  • Master volume
  • Digital reverb
  • Speaker emulated output
  • Effects loop
  • 1-way footswitch included
  • Cool vintage styling

Front Panel Features:


1. Input - Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.

2. Clean Volume - This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At higher settings the channel will start to overdrive, particularly with higher output pickups.

3. Clean Tone - The Tone control allows adjustment of the balance between treble and bass frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warmer and darker in character. As the Tone control is rotated clockwise the sound will become brighter.

4. Overdrive Indicator - When the red LED is on, the Overdrive Channel is selected. When the LED is off, the Clean Channel is in operation.

5. Overdrive Select - Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel.NOTE: This switch must be ‘in’ for the footswitch to work.

6. Overdrive Gain - The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion on the Overdrive Channel. Low settings (counter clockwise) will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted lead tone is arrived at.

7. Overdrive Volume - This control adjusts the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

8. Bass - The Bass control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp has an advanced tone shaping circuit which allows the tone to be varied from tight and cutting when counter clockwise, to warm and thumping when fully clockwise.

9. Middle - The Middle control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of ‘body’ your tone has. With the Middle control set to its minimum position (fully counter clockwise) the sound will be aggressive and scooped, a tone ideal for aggressive rhythm playing. As the Middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of ‘body’ is increased, which is more suitable for sustained lead guitar tones.

10. Treble - The Treble control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and darker in character. As the Treble control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter. At the maximum setting the sound will be aggressive and cutting.

11. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) - The patented ISF control works in conjunction with the Bass, Middle and Treble controls. It allows you to choose the exact tonal signature you prefer. Fully counter clockwise has a more American characteristic with a tight bottom-end and more aggressive middle, and fully clockwise has a British characteristic which is more ‘woody’ and less aggressive. Unlike conventional ‘contour’ controls and parametric equalisation systems, the Bass, Middle and Treble controls remain interactive with each other just like in a traditional guitar amplifier tone stack. This leads to a very familiar, musical response.

12. Master Volume - The Master Volume sets the overall volume of the Amp. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

13. Reverb - The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase the amount of reverb.

14. Power Indicator Light - The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.

15. Power - This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off.

Rear Panel Features:

1. Mains Fuse - The value of the Mains Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.

2. Mains Input - The supplied detachable mains lead is connected here. The lead should only be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, power and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. If in doubt get advice from a qualified technician.

3. H.T. Fuse - The value of the H.T. Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.

4. Speaker Outputs - The output marked ‘1x16 Ohm’ is for the connection of a single 16 Ohm extension speaker cabinet. (or the internal loudspeaker of the HT Studio 20 combo).

5. Speaker Emulated Output - This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural valve overdrive tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk. Always use a good quality screened lead.

6. Effects Loop Return - Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.

7. Effects Loop Send - Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.

8. Effects Loop Level - The Effects Loop Level switch sets the effects loop to either +4dBV/-10dBV, which enables you to use it with either professional equipment (+4dBV setting), or with guitar level effects such as effects pedals (-10dBV setting).

9. Footswitch - The supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch between the Clean Channel and the Overdrive Channel

Specification:

  • Power (RMS).....................20 Watts
  • Valves...............................2 x ECC83, 2 x EL34
  • Weight (kg).........................19.2
  • Dimensions (mm)................573 x 522 x 292
  • Footswitch......................... FS-4 supplied