Blackstar adds HT-1 all-tube head, combos to guitar amp line
(Dave Molter | Posted 2011-01-15)
UK manufacturer Blackstar Amplification has rolled out the new HT-1 line of guitar amps and combos at Winter NAMM 2011.
Available in a 1 x 8” combo (either with or without stereo digital reverb), or head (with reverb) configuration, the 2-channel (Clean & OD) HT-1 is an ideal studio and practice amp. It packs all the tone and innovative features of the award-winning HT-5 tube amp into a 1-Watt format. The patent-applied-for ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) circuit offers infinite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control network, enabling players to design their own tone to fit “the sound in their head” — taking them from the U.S.A. to the U.K. and anywhere in between.
For home and studio use, this new amp delivers a full, toneful sound even at the lowest volume level, via Blackstar’s brand new tube power amplifier topology. The HT-1 power amplifier features 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 tube harmonics and compression. The HT-1 also has a state-of-the-art speaker emulated output for studio use, providing desirable tube tone straight to tape or disk, or through headphones.
Also featured is an MP3 / Line Input, along with an 8-Ohm speaker output, which allows the amp to be run into an external speaker cabinet, to provide a complete recording or practicing experience.
The HT-1 amps will be available in stores in March 2011, with U.S. MSRP’s as follows:
HT-1 Combo – $249.99
HT-1R Combo with Reverb – $299.99
HT-1RH Head with Reverb – $319.99
About Blackstar
Blackstar Amplification is based in Northampton, England. Our four founding directors are all musicians and we have over 50 years combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. As a team we are extremely passionate about guitar amplifier design and we are absolutely committed to providing you, the guitarist, with the best possible tools for self expression.
As a company we are strongly independent and this spirit is reflected in our design philosophy. Rather than restricting guitarists to the signature sounds of the established brands, Blackstar Amplification products will allow tonal flexibility far beyond that of existing equipment. Through unique and patented innovations you will, for the very first time, be able to discover the ‘sound in your head’. From a press release.
