Blackstar HT-1R MkII 1W Tube Combo with Reverb

Coming hot on the heels of three 10-Watt combos, Blackstar has just announced another two new amp models, the HT-1R and HT-5R MkII heads/combos. Blackstar is pitching these as 'the perfect studio and practice amps'. Blackstar HT-1R and HT-5R MkII ampsBoth are available as either heads or combos. Each features a push-pull power amp section designed to sound full at lower volume. Hence the suitability for studio and practise situations.The new MkII versions for 2019 come with a "studio-quality" reverb and a useful USB output with speaker emulation. Again, that could make these useful for recording jobs, especially if you work on your recordings at home. Both models are powered by an ECC83 preamp valve and 12BH7 power amp tube in the output section.ISFYou can access both clean and overdrive tones via a footswitch. Blackstar's ISF control is used to tweak their tonal characters. This allows you to go from a more 'British' tone to a more 'American' voicing.The HT-5R has separate gain and volume controls for each of its channels and a three-band overdrive EQ section. The simulated cab out can mimic either a 4 x12 or 1 x12 guitar cab. The amps also have a 4-16-Ohm speaker output for when you need to use a real cab.With an onboard power reduction options, you can switch the wattage down from 5W to 0.5W. That's ideal for home use, where you want the tone, but without the associated volume. There are also two matching extension cabs available in both 1 x12 and 2 x12 formats, loaded with Celestion Seventy 80s.RRP• Heads HT-1R MkII - GBP 279, HT-1RH MkII - GBP 259• Combos HT-5R MkII - GBP 489, HT-5RH MkII - GBP 449• Extension Cabs HT-112OC MkII - GBP 219 and the HT-212VOC MkII - GBP 349 ----------------- The HT-1R is the perfect amp, packing all the great tone and innovative features of the award-winning HT-5 valve amp into a 1 Watt format. The patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) circuit gives you infinite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control network and takes you from the USA to the UK and anywhere in between. Add a fully specified speaker emulated output, MP3/ Line Input, plus an 4-16Ohms speaker output and you have everything you need for recording or practicing. 1W, Push-Pull design The HT-1 power amplifier is a low powered push-pull design which produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100W output stage but at a much lower volume. This is achieved by the use of an ECC82 dual triode in push-pull configuration producing 1 Watt output, which is rich in valve harmonics and compression, sounding full and toneful even at the lowest volume level. Two channels The HT-1 has two channels available for selection, a Clean channel and an Overdrive channel. Using the Gain control while on the Clean channel you are able to deliver everything from a clean sound through to a crunch tone. Alternatively you can select the Overdrive channel and again using the Gain control, change from a clean sound on the edge of breakup right through to a distorted lead tone. 8" Speaker Featuring an 8" speaker, the HT-1 really is a perfect combo amp for home or studio use. The aim was to create an amp which sounded full and toneful even at the lowest volume level. ISF Control The ISF control works in conjunction with the Tone control. It allows you to choose the exact tone signature you prefer. Fully CCW is a more American characteristic with a tight bottom end and more aggressive middle and fully CW is a British characteristic which is more 'woody' and less aggressive. Speaker Emulated Output The Blackstar emulated output design is a new benchmark for pro direct recording. This no-compromise design makes it easy to get your tone to disk and tape. You can also use it to run a line out to a PA. Digital 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.