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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Support

We’re sorry if you experience a problem with your Blackstar product. Our Customer Support team are here to help and will be happy to direct you to your local distributor or your nearest Blackstar authorised service centre. You can email our Customer Support team at enquiries@blackstaramps.com

You can also find details for your local distributor by clicking here

Please contact the authorised Blackstar dealer you purchased the product from to get your product serviced/repaired as soon as possible. You can read full details on the warranty process here.

In the UK our customer support line is open Mon-Fri between 8am-5pm. These times will vary if you are contacting us from outside the UK. Blackstar HQ: +44 (0)1604 817817

If you are a customer from outside of the UK, please contact your local distributor. A list of distributors can be found here.

In the UK there is a 1 year standard warranty on all Blackstar products. There is also an extended 3 year warranty available from the date of purchase. In order to activate your warranty, you shall need to register your product via our Online Portal. You can do this via the link below:

Click here to Register your product for Warranty 

Please be aware that the warranty on valves and fuses is 90 days from the date of purchase.

If you are a customer from outside the UK, then contact your local distributor for details of the warranty. A full list of Blackstar distributors can be found here.

For safety legislation reasons, we only provide schematics to authorised Blackstar Service Centres and technicians.

Our users safety is paramount to us and there are no user-serviceable parts within our products

If your product requires a repair or review from one of our authorised service centres, this can be arranged either via your local distributor (outside of the UK) or you can follow the link below to locate your nearest service centre (UK customers)

Service Centres

 

For safety and approvals reasons there are no user serviceable parts in Blackstar amplifiers and this also means we do not recommend any modifications to our products. Be aware that any modifications will void your warranty and servicing should only be carried out by a qualified Blackstar technician.

Preamp and power amp valves will degrade or fail over time. Although valves are tested to be as reliable as possible, unfortunately they can sometimes fail without warning, no matter what their age.

To minimise this we always recommend that you take care when moving or transporting your valve amplifier, and use your standby switch to allow the valves to reach their correct operating temperature and voltage before use. (Refer to your products handbook for more information).

Should there be a problem, there are various symptoms that both preamp and power amp valves can exhibit which will indicate they need replacing. The following is a general list of things to look out for, but is not exhaustive. If in doubt, always refer to a qualified technician.

Excessive noise or high pitched squealing. This might indicate that one or more of your preamp valves is damaged or has become microphonic and needs replacing.

Loss of gain in a high gain amp. This might indicate that one or more of your preamp valves is damaged or reaching the end of its life and will need replacing.

Loss of overall output volume on all channels. This is normally associated with the output valves and they may need replacing.*

The amp is blowing mains fuses. This can be the symptom of an output valve issue and may indicate that they need replacing.*

The amp is blowing HT fuses. This can be the symptom of an output valve issue and may indicate that they need replacing.*

*Please Note – All fixed bias amps will need biasing by a qualified technician when the output valves are changed.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: All work carried out on your Blackstar amplifier must be done by a qualified technician. There are no user serviceable parts in Blackstar amplifiers.

The Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) is a patented feature only available on Blackstar products.

The conventional three way guitar EQ network, or tone stack (a.k.a. Bass, Middle and Treble), is a key to the characteristic ‘voice’ of traditional guitar amplifiers. Classic amplifier designs have their own versions of this network which leads to their own tonal voicings.

The ISF control allows you to infinitely adjust the response of the tone control network between any of the traditional voicings in a way that has never before been possible. In this way you can design your own sound and truly find ‘the sound in your head’.

Benefits of the ISF control:

  1. ISF is a passive circuit giving a musical response that is not found in active parametric or ‘contour’ controls.
  2. The whole tone stack response (i.e. Bass, Middle and Treble) is moved.
  3. The tone controls remain fully interactive, just like in a regular tone stack.
  4. The ISF control is continuously variable between all the traditional responses allowing you to effectively design your own sound.
  5. ISF and ‘the sound in your head’ are only available on Blackstar products.

Watch video explaining ISF control

Learn more about ISF

Dynamic Power Reduction (DPR) is a patented feature only available on Blackstar products.

It is well known that valve amplifiers sound best when they are turned up loud. This is because at higher volume levels the output valves introduce musical distortion and compression which are a vital part of the valve amplifier experience.

Blackstar’s patented DPR feature controls the output power level by dynamically adjusting the output stage voltages, allowing power valve distortion and compression at any volume level.

 

Benefits of the DPR control:

  1. DPR allows continuously variable power reduction, down to 10%, so you can use your valve amp in any playing situation.
  2. DPR is a ‘dynamic’ circuit, delivering the exact compression (a.k.a. sag) of a small overdriven valve amp, at any volume level.
  3. Unlike power attenuators, DPR places nothing between the output of the amplifier and the loudspeaker and hence as the power is reduced the feel, tone and reliability of the amplifier is maintained.
  4. DPR’s dynamic power reduction is only available on Blackstar products.

Watch this video explaining DPR control

Learn more about DPR here

Presence and Resonance controls affect the bass and treble response of the power amplifier. They are “master controls” which means they affect all channels of the amplifier and can be used to globally tweak the overall tone of the amplifier and are especially useful for matching the overall tone of your amplifier to the room in which you are performing.
Resonance affects the lower frequency range, Presence the higher frequency range. These controls differ to the regular Bass and Treble controls which boost or cut frequencies, as they rely on phase cancellation and other electrical factors allowing the operator to voice the signal to a specific characteristic making the speaker sound tight or loose, warm or bright. Due to the way these controls work it is more noticeable at higher volume and is often perceived as having little effect at lower volume levels.

Architect Support

Currently our range of products which are compatible with Architect are:

St James 

AMPED

ID: CORE 

ID:CORE High Power

ID:TVP 

ID:BEAM

DEPT 10 – Dual Distortion/ Dual Drive

Silverline

Please note that if you a V1 or V2 of the ID:Core range, these models will also be compatible with Architect

Connecting your amp to ARCHITECT is an easy process, you will just need to insure that your system meets the requirements in order for ARCHITECT to run (please see the ARCHITECT main page for all details)

Please note that ARCHITECT is not currently compatible with Chrome Books, phones or tablets.

If you follow the link below, you can check out our visual guide on how to connect an ID:Core V3 to Architect. The same rules apply for all compatible models.

Before upgrading any amplifier we suggest you always back up your patches from your amplifier memory to your local ARCHITECT patch library, stored on your computer’s hard drive. This is achieved by connecting your amplifier to ARCHITECT via USB and right-clicking your amplifier patch within the ARCHITECT workspace and selecting ‘IMPORT PATCH TO LIBRARY’. You can back up all patches in one action by multi-selecting all patches: left-click the first patch, then hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard whilst left-clicking the last patch.

ARCHITECT is not an amplifier or ‘sound generator’ – it is a Graphical User Interface for the ID:Series / ID:Core range of amps. As such, whilst you don’t have to connect an amp to use ARCHITECT , you won’t be able to hear the tones you’ve created until you connect your ID:Series / ID:Core amp. You can however create and store patches, and sync them to your amp later to hear what they sound like.

You can install ARCHITECT on your new computer by downloading it from our website. If you want to store all your patches on the new computer, you’ll need to copy the files across manually – they won’t be stored with the new software. You’ll find your presets at:

– WINDOWS XP®: My Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches
– WINDOWS VISTA/7/8®: ‘Your Username’/Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches
– MAC OS X®: /Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches

Yes, you can install the Blackstar ARCHITECT software on more than one computer.

As technology evolves and our R&D continues, from time to time we’ll make changes and improvements to the functionality and tonal performance of the ID:Series. Installing these updates will make sure your amp is always performing at its best. They’re not compulsory – but we highly recommend you install each update as soon as it becomes available so you don’t get left behind!

If you experience any problems launching Blackstar ARCHITECT on your Windows-based computer, open ‘Programs and Features’ from the ‘Control Panel’ menu and ensure only one instance of Blackstar ARCHITECT is present. If more than one instance is shown, click to remove any versions of ‘Blackstar ARCHITECT Interface’. It is not necessary to re-install the ARCHITECT software after following these steps.

First, double-click to load the patch with its current name. Then click the ‘save’ icon – you can rename the patch and enter any other details you want.

You can edit the information for all patches directly in ARCHITECT . Patches can also be shared, uploaded and downloaded via the online community. The online community is accessed via the ‘community’ tab in the ARCHITECT software.

ARCHITECT needs to know where to ‘look’ for your downloaded patches. You should save the downloaded files using the save path shown below and they will then automatically appear in ARCHITECT.

WINDOWS XP®: My Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches
WINDOWS VISTA/7/8®: ‘Your Username’/Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches
MAC OS X®: /Documents/Blackstar/Saved Patches

To prevent accidental changes to your tones, you’ll need to remember to sync ARCHITECT to your amp to save your new patches. Just right-click on a patch within the library to bring up the sync option.

When your amp is connected to ARCHITECT , you can change the sound in real time both by adjusting your amp’s controls, or changing the settings in ARCHITECT . When you change your sound by adjusting the controls in ARCHITECT you’ll notice that the control is highlighted red. This is to remind you that the sound you’re hearing does not reflect the actual position of the controls on your amp.

The process to uninstall Blackstar ARCHITECT is different per operating system:

– WINDOWS XP®: CONTROL PANEL -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. Select ‘BLACKSTAR ARCHITECT ‘ and click ‘UNINSTALL’.
– WINDOWS VISTA/7/8®: CONTROL PANEL -> PROGRAMS AND FEATURES. Select ‘BLACKSTAR ARCHITECT’ and click ‘UNINSTALL’.
– MAC OS X®: trash the ‘BLACKSTAR ARCHITECT’ app from /APPLICATION.

ID:Core Support

We highly recommend that you check out our official “how to” guide in relation to connecting your ID:CORE to Architect. This visual guide will provide you with all the details you will need, however, if you require further support please contact our customer support team at enquiries@blackstaramps.com 

How to use the Architect software with ID:CORE V3 | Blackstar – YouTube

This applies to both the ID:CORE and ID:HIGH POWER ranges. Located on the top panel of the amp, you will find a USB connection which is designed for a USB Mini cable, with the capacity of data transfer, which shall allow you to connect your amp to your computer to either use alongside Architect or transform the amp into an audio interface, which is compatible with all DAW’s. You will just need to make sure you have set the ID:Core as your audio interface via the sound preferences (I/O settings) within your DAW, as you would with any other alternative interface.

Yes, the emulated output on an ID:Core amp also doubles as a headphone output

Change the sampling rate in your DAW from 44.1khz to 48 khz, this will resolve the issue.

Yes! Architect is compatible with the V1, V2 and V3 of the ID:Core!

The correct PSU for the ID:CORE 10/ 20 is the 10v PSU and for the ID:CORE 40 is the 16v PSU

For UK customers only, you can purchase replacement PSU’s via our official Shopify store. Please click the link below to find our more details:

Blackstar Shopify Store

You can also purchase replacement PSU’s via our Dealers – Please contact your local store or click here for more details

For international customers, your local distributor will be able to assist in guiding you to your nearest dealer who shall be able to confirm availability and assist further. Please click here for more details

St James Support

In order to engage the FX loop of the St James, there needs to be “load” present via the main input of the amp. We recommend using a shorting jack for this where possible, however a standard lead would suffice. The connection via the main input, will engage the FX loop and allow signal to pass through.

Once you’ve found the “sound in your head”, why not connect the St James to your computer and record directly into your DAW of choice? The St James is fitted with a USB B connection located on the rear of the amp (both head and combo) which when connected to a desktop or laptop, shall enable the St James to act as a direct audio interface, capturing the tone you have created.

Once connected, just simply set your sound preferences within your DAW so that the input device is set to the St James.

Yes, you can absolutely use the St James head without a cab connected, which is perfect for “silent practice” and recording. For use with headphones, the VOLUME control will be used for adjusting the output volume, as the MASTER only controls the speaker.

The Footswitch that comes included with the St James is either the FS-19 (EL34) or the FS-20 (6L6)

HT Range Support

In order to engage the FX loop of the HT Series, there needs to be “load” present via the main input of the amp. We recommend using a shorting jack for this where possible, however a standard lead would suffice. The connection via the main input, will engage the FX loop and allow signal to pass through.

Once you’ve found the “sound in your head”, why not connect your HT to your computer and record directly into your DAW of choice? The HT series are fitted with a USB B connection located on the rear of the amp (both head and combo) which when connected to a desktop or laptop, shall enable the HT to act as a direct audio interface, capturing the tone you have created.

Once connected, just simply set your sound preferences within your DAW so that the input device is set to the HT.

Yes, you can absolutely use the HT series without a cab connected, which is perfect for “silent practice” and recording.

FS-4 = HT 5R – MK1 / HT Metal / HT Studio 20 / HT Stage 60 & 100

FS-6 = HT Soloist 60

FS-7 = HT Stage 60 / HT Stage 100 / HT Metal 60 / HT Metal 100

FS-8 = HT Club 40 – MK 1 / HT Club 50 – MK 1

FS-14 = HT Club 40 – MK 2 / HT Club 50 – Mk 2 / HT Stage 60 112 MK 2 / HT Stage 60 212 MK 2 / HT Stage 100 MK 2

FS-15 = HT Club 40 – MK 2 / HT Club 50 – Mk 2 / HT Stage 60 112 MK 2 / HT Stage 60 212 MK 2 / HT Stage 100 MK 2

The FS-14 is a 5 was switch which is compatible with the HT Club 40 – MK 2, HT Club 50 – Mk 2, HT Stage 60 112 MK 2, HT Stage 60 212 MK 2 and HT Stage 100 MK 2. When the FS-14 is first connected to the amp (via the designated connection located on the rear) some time needs to be allowed in order for the FS-14 and HT to synchronise and perform the “handshake” will shall then allow the 2 products to work alongside each other. We advise not disconnecting the FS-14 during the synchronising period as this could cause potential damage to the FS-14 and you will need to perform the process again the next time in which you attempt to connect.

There are no drivers required for when connecting to your amp to your computer. Window users will benefit from having ASIO4ALL installed on there system in order to see assist with driver function.

Live Logic Support

Expression pedals with the TRS wiring layout/polarity should work with the Live Logic. Expression pedals that only use RTS or TS are not compatible. Here is a list of common expression pedals and their wiring layout/polarity:

Expression Pedals

When you have changed settings in the Live Logic, you need to commit these changes by clicking “Send Values”. To be sure that these settings have been saved to the Live Logic, confirm that after clicking “Send Values” there is a pop-up with a success message.

It is likely that the Live Logic is being set to Ableton mode. This is where the Ableton custom scripts overwrite the current mapping, to enable extra features within Ableton.

You can find out further details by referring to the user handbook, which you can find here

Yes, we always advise updating the Live Logic firmware to the latest available (available via the ALL-DOWNLOADS section of the portal) prior to attempting to use the Live Logic.

For a full breakdown on how to set The Live Logic to work alongside Ableton, please refer to our user handbook which can be viewed here

Artists

If you are seeking endorsement from Blackstar please fill out our online form and the information will be passed onto our Artist Liaison department for review. Our Artist Endorsement page can be found here.

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