Blackstar Artist 15 - Amplifier Manual

Introduction

Like all our products, the Artist 15 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.
Drawing on decades of valve amplifier design experience, the R&D team has focussed all its skills on delivering the ultimate clean and classic overdrive tones – aiming for simplicity and purity coupled with a high degree of flexibility. As with all Blackstar products, innovation is key and the Artist 15 features countless unique Blackstar technical innovations to deliver unparalleled sonic performance.
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 Artist 15 sets a new standard in classic tone, simplicity and flexibility.
At the heart of the Artist 15 lies a unique power amplifier design that harnesses the tonal qualities of the revered 6L6 valve. By carefully optimising the key power amplifier parameters of the Artist 15, the Blackstar design team has created an amplifier which has the outstanding dynamics normally associated with a USA 6L6 design, whilst adding the chime and shimmer of a classic British Class A amplifier.
The Artist 15's two channels offer the widest possible palette of classic tones and each channel can be set as either a clean channel or a classic overdrive channel. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic purity, every feature has been refined to allow a musician total freedom in shaping their own sound.
Pro features such as footswitching, reverb, master volume and effects loop augment the sonic experience, making the product completely equipped for today's exacting performance requirements.
As with all Blackstar products reliability is paramount and the Artist 15 has been subject to countless hours of endurance testing, both in the laboratory and in live performance meaning you can rely on the Artist 15 night after night in the most demanding gig environments.
This flexibility, tone and quality is delivered with a visual elegance worthy of the world's greatest stages and performers. From the metallic thread in the classic paper fret to the embossed Blackstar detail on the luxury leather carrying strap, nothing has been left to chance in delivering the Artist 15 – The New Classic.

Channel 1
Channel 1's stripped down channel design is simplicity itself. The Volume and Tone controls offer just the right amount of adjustment on drive level and treble frequencies to drive the power amplifier to the optimum level, depending on your style and sound preference. Here the emphasis is on signal integrity and hence the nuances of your guitar, pedal and playing style will cut through with brilliant clarity.

Channel 2
Channel 2 offers a new level of clean and crunch flexibility. Featuring Blackstar's patented ISF control, the widest possible variation in tone is available. Set counterclockwise the ISF configures the tone stack to a US response, tightening the low mids and emphasising the treble and presence frequencies. Moving the control clockwise, continuously varies the tone towards a more British response, where the low mids are emphasised for a warm, 'woody' clean or crunch reminiscent of classic British amplifiers from years gone by. Most importantly, ISF allows you to pinpoint your exact personal tonal preference allowing you to find the sound in your head.

Front Panel

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

Channel 1

2. Volume
   This controls the volume of Channel 1. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At low channel volume the amplifier will be completely clean. Increasing the amount of volume will see the amplifier start to break up into a natural mild overdrive response.
3. 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. Channel Indicator
   When the RED LED is on Channel 2 is selected. When the LED is off Channel 1 is in operation.
5. Channel Select
   Press this switch to select Channel 2.
   NOTE: this switch must be 'in' for the footswitch to work.

Channel 2

6. Gain
   Channel 2 can be adjusted between a clean and medium overdrive response by adjusting the Gain control. Low settings (counter clockwise) will deliver a clean sound. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will be more harmonically rich until a classic overdrive response is achieved.
7. Volume
   This controls the volume of Channel 2. 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 highs and lows will be accentuated, and the tone will sound more 'scooped'. As the Middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of 'body' is increased, which will lead to a fatter more vocal mid-range sound.
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 glassy and very dynamic sounding.
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 accentuated presence and treble. Fully clockwise has a British characteristic adding more low-mid body and has a softer more 'woody' sound.
    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. 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.
13. Master Volume
    This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
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

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 Artist 15 combo).
   The outputs marked '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' are for the connection of either a single 8 Ohm extension cabinet or two 16 Ohm cabinets. Also, the internal loudspeaker of the Artist 15 combo can be plugged in here if it is used with a 16 Ohm extension cabinet. See table below.

The output marked '1x16 Ohm' should never be used at the same time as any of the outputs marked '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm'. Failure to correctly match the impedance of the amplifier and speakers will damage the amplifier.

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.
   NOTE: To 'silently' record, set the Master Volume to zero.
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 Channel 1 and the Channel 2.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 15 Watts
Valves: 2 x 6L6, 2 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 18
Dimensions (mm): 612 x 486 x 258
Footswitch: FS-4 supplied

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 a 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 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.
Avoid placing vessels filled with liquid on top of the amplifier.
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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