Blackstar Artisan 100 - Amplifier Manual

Introduction

The Artisan 100 is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and Development by our world class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the development process is to provide guitarists with products which are the ultimate tools for self expression.
Realising the skills and expertise of over thirty years of valve guitar amplifier design experience, the Artisan 100 represents a new level in handwired design, tone and build quality.
All Blackstar products are subject to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE!
If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.

Features

The Artisan 100 is a truly unique and versatile amplifier. The classic EL34 / 100W design of this amplifier is deceptively simple in operation and yet highly flexible in functionality and tone.
The traditional control layout is hugely enhanced by the addition of the unique Voice control. By altering both preamplifier and power amplifier characteristics, the 4-position Voice control will take the player on a journey through the evolution of classic guitar amplifier tone, from the earliest American designs through to the British amplifier invasion of the late '60s.
The Artisan Series of handwired amplifiers represents the absolute highest standard of craftsmanship and boutique tone. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic purity, every feature has been refined to provide the artist with the widest range of reference vintage tones. This is achieved by the design of electronic circuits that work in harmony with the finest components and materials available.
The Artisan 100 is built to last a lifetime and effortlessly combines vintage style and rugged, road tested reliability. The point-to-point tag board construction, welded steel chassis and finger-jointed birch-ply cabinet are complemented by beautiful vintage red Tolex and etched aluminium front panel.

Technical Information

Power Amplifier
The Artisan 100 power amplifier uses four EL34 power pentode valves in Class AB bias. The EL34s used are graded in terms of quiescent operating point and transconductance giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.
The Voice control is unique in the way it alters the power amplifier damping and gain in conjunction with the preamplifier tone response, giving an unparalleled degree of flexibility.
In keeping with classic 100W designs the power supply rectification is based on silicon diodes, giving increased reliability at this higher power rating. This form of rectification yields a punchy and extremely dynamic response.
With an amplifier that is built to last, reliability of the electronics circuitry is essential and therefore all the other power amplifier components are also over-specified for the best possible reliability.

Preamplifier
Channel 1
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel reflects classic American 100W designs. A more subtle treble emphasis keeps the shimmering brightness without the crunchiness of Channel 2.

Channel 2
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel is based on a classic '60s British 100 Watt head. The preamplifier voicing has been carefully tuned to be bright, but not harsh. This is similar to amplifiers of this era with their Normal and Bright Channels blended.

Equalisation
The tone controls (Bass, Middle, Treble and Presence) are based on a classic American/British passive tone control network and are shared by both channels. The beauty of this type of network is its interactive operation which yields a very musical response.

Voice Control
The four way Voice control is unique in its operation. Rather than operating only as a preamplifier tone control shift, it also controls the power amplifier damping and gain. In this way it allows the amplifier to chart the evolution of 100W guitar amplifier design.
The Voice control greatly increases the overall flexibility of the amplifier. Each of the Voice positions reflects the sonic signature of a different classic 100W design. In this way the Artisan 100 could be considered to be four highly refined amplifiers in one box.

Transformers
All Artisan transformers are traditionally made from the highest grade materials to Blackstar's demanding sonic and reliability specifications.

Output Transformers
The design of the output transformers is critical to ensuring highly responsive feel and a full, natural frequency response.
All the Artisan output transformers are constructed using laminations made of the highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises core losses and ensures optimum fidelity and dynamics.

Mains Transformer
The Artisan mains transformers are also constructed using laminations made of the highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises stray magnetic fields which can be a source of unwanted noise and hum.

Channel Blending

The Artisan 100's topology allows the blending of the two channels. By paralleling the guitar connection to the inputs of Channel 1 and Channel 2 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 below) endless tonal variations can be explored.

Front Panel

Channel 1

1. Hi Input Channel I
   This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice as much) gain as the Lo Input. Use this input if you wish to achieve power amplifier break-up and overdrive. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
2. Lo Input Channel I
   This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as much) gain as the Hi Input. Use this input if you wish the power amplifier to remain clean (this is especially useful if the guitar used has high output pick-ups). Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
3. Hi Input Channel II
   This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice as much) gain as the Lo Input. Use this input if you wish to achieve power amplifier break-up and overdrive. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
4. Lo Input Channel II
   This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as much) gain as the Hi Input. Use this input if you wish the power amplifier to remain clean. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
5. Volume I
   This controls the volume of Channel 1, turning it clockwise increases the volume. Channel 1 is voiced to have a 'normal' response.
6. Volume II
   This controls the volume of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. Channel 2 is voiced to have a glassy 'bright' response.
7. Bass
   This control affects the low frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount of bass present and the sound will become warmer and full sounding. At higher volume settings it is sometimes beneficial to reduce the setting of the bass control to keep the power amplifier sounding tight when it starts to crunch.
8. Middle
   This control affects the mid-range frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount of mid present. If the middle control is at a low setting with the bass and treble controls set towards a maximum setting then the tone will be more scooped and modern.
9. Treble
   This control affects the high-end frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount of treble present. At low treble setting the tone will be warm and full sounding. As the treble is increased notes will become more defined and ring with a bell-like definition.
10. Voice
    The 4-position Voice control operates as a preamplifier tone control shift, while also controlling the power amplifier damping and gain. In this way it allows the amplifier to follow the evolution of 100W guitar amplifier design.
    The four modes are described in the table below.

    Mode	Tone Control Character	Power Amplifier Character	Description
    1	Early '50s American Amp	Hi Damping / Lo Gain	Bright and clean. The tone is like an early American amp
    2	Late '50s American Amp	Hi Damping / Lo Gain	Bright and clean. The tone is more full like a later American amp
    3	Early '60s British 100 Watt head	Medium Damping / Medium Gain	More power amp gain so the tone is more crunchy. The tone is like an early 100 Watt head
    4	Late '60s British 100 Watt head	Lo Damping / Higher Gain	Power amplifier gain is at a maximum so the amplifier is really crunchy. The tone is like a later 100 Watt head

11. Presence
    This control operates on the power amplifier and adds higher frequencies that enable the guitar to 'cut through' at higher volumes.

Master

12. Power Indicator Light
    The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
13. Standby
    This switch applies the H.T. (High Tension) voltage required to produce sound. Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (14) and off at least 30 seconds before the Power switch. During short breaks in playing use just this switch to turn 'off' and 'on' the amplifier's output.
14. Power
    This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off. You should always turn this switch on before turning on the Standby switch (13).

Rear Panel

1. 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.
2. 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.
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. Impedance Selector
   This control matches the amplifier's impedance to that of the connected speakers. Always ensure that the selected impedance matches that of the speaker cabinets connected. See table below.

   Cabinets Connected	Impedance Selected
   1 x 16 Ohm cabinet	16 Ohms
   2 x 16 Ohm cabinets	8 Ohms
   1 x 8 Ohm cabinet	8 Ohms
   2 x 8 Ohm cabinets	4 Ohms
   1 x 4 Ohm cabinet	4 Ohms

   A speaker cabinet of less than 4 Ohms, or 2 x 4 Ohm cabinets, should not be used together with this amplifier.
   
   The amplifier must always be completely powered down before adjusting the setting of the Impedance Selector. Failure to do this, or to correctly match the impedance of the amplifier and speakers, will damage the amplifier.
5. Speaker Outputs
   There are two parallel speaker outputs for connecting external speaker cabinet(s). When connecting speakers always ensure that the Impedance Selector (4) is set correctly.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 100 Watts
Valves: 4 x EL34, 3 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 23
Dimensions (mm): 741 x 300 x 227

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

"TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE".

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS".
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!

High internal operating voltages
Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
Unauthorised modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.
Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.
Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!
Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.
Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply in your area.
Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if damaged in any way.
Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.
Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.
If the product does not operate normally, when the operating instructions are followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.
The U.S. Government´s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.
Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

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