Blackstar CV10 - Carmen Vandenberg Signature Guitar Amp Manual

Introduction

I would like to share my most sincere appreciation as well as excitement, for each of you, for adding the Blackstar CV10 to your sonic sphere. I first met the Blackstar team in 2016 and I immediately dove in and have been using their amplifiers ever since. From recording sessions with my band BONES UK to developing my own project, to working with Jeff Beck, and basically every tour or recording session I have been on in the last four years, Blackstar has become home to me.
I have used the Studio 10 6L6 to play some small live shows, and used the combo to write and record in the studio. I was blown away when the Blackstar team told me they wanted to develop my own CV10 based on the Studio 10 6L6. The CV10 is influenced by historic American amplifiers, this 10 Watt single-ended, Class A valve combo gives me all the tone and feel of a classic 6L6-driven amplifier in a compact format.
I of course wanted the cosmetics of this amp to look great and echo the aesthetic of my live CV30 combo! The style we honed in on is inspired by classic art deco theatres (and, it is my favourite colour). The finished amp is beautiful, compact and sounds amazing!
I really hope playing through this amp inspires you to create amazing music and most of all, allows you to explore and have fun.

Features

This CV10 is a dynamic amplifier with extended highs and lows, which uses an ECC83 valve in the preamp stage. A harmonically rich overdrive can be engaged – either via the front panel or the included footswitch – which can take you from a dynamic crunch to singing, smooth legato.
Much of the distinctive character of a single-ended valve amp comes from the way its power stage clips, bringing out the nuances of the chosen power amp valve. This CV10 amplifier features a 6L6 power valve – influenced by classic American amplifiers – which produces a characteristically bright clean sound and a hot lead tone with natural compression when pushed hard using the Master Volume. The 10 Watts of output power driving a Celestion speaker makes this CV10 the perfect amp for practicing and recording at home or in the studio, and for smaller live performances.
Professional features such as a specially-voiced reverb, footswitching and an effects loop augment the sonic experience, making this amplifier fully equipped for today's exacting performance requirements.
Completing the versatile feature set, a cabinet emulated line output is included for silent practice, recording or for supporting your live sound into a PA. The signal for the emulated output is taken directly after the power amp to ensure that you can capture and record the tonal characteristics of the Class A configured 6L6 power valve and output transformer being pushed into saturation.

Front Panel

1. Input
   Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
2. Gain
   The amplifier 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.
3. Drive Select
   Press this switch to engage the built-in drive circuit, inspired by our HT-DRIVE pedal, taking you from a dynamic crunch to singing, smooth legato.
   NOTE: This switch must be pressed to allow the use of a compatible footswitch to engage the Drive.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Master Volume
   This controls the output volume of the amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume, pushing the Class A power stage into saturation.
7. Power Indicator Light
   The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
8. Standby
   This switch enables the operation of the speaker output. For silent recording or practice this switch should be put in the standby position. This will disable the speaker output, but the emulated output will continue to work.
9. 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 (8).

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 CV10 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 CV10 combo can be plugged in here if it is used with a 16 Ohm extension cabinet. See table below.

   	'1x16 Ohm' output	' 1x8 Ohm or	2x16 Ohm' outputs
   Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker		X	X
   Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker plus one 16 Ohm extension cab	X
   One 16 Ohm extension cabinet		X	X
   Two 16 Ohm extension cabinets	X
   Single 8 Ohm extension cabinet	X		X

   
   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.
   
   Always use a stereo jack lead when using this output, as this will not function with a mono jack lead.
   The stereo jack socket also accommodates connection of headphones to this output, allowing you to practice silently.
   NOTE: For silent practice or recording switch the amp into Standby (8) mode to silence the internal speaker.
6. Effects Loop Level
   The Effects Loop Level switch sets the effects loop to either +4dBu/-10dBV, which enables you to use it with either professional equipment (+4dBu setting), or with guitar level effects such as effects pedals (-10dBV setting).
7. Effects Loop Return
   Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.
8. Effects Loop Send
   Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
9. Footswitch
   The supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to engage the Drive.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 10 Watts
Valves: 1 x 6L6, 1 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 14.7
Dimensions (mm): 473 x 421 x 251
Footswitch: FS-4S included, optional FS-8 for control of Drive and Reverb.

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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