Blackstar HT-5R MkII, HT-5RH MkII, HT-20R MkII, HT-20RH MkII - Guitar Combo Amplifier Manual

Introduction

Like all our products, this amp 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.
All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE.
This manual covers the following models;

• HT-5R MkII
• HT-5RH MkII
• HT-20R MkII
• HT-20RH MkII

The HT MkII's flexible two channel design features the unique patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control and although it has a comprehensive control set, it is still simple and intuitive to use. Please read through this handbook carefully to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your new Blackstar product.
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 HT-5R MkII and HT-20R MkII are highly versatile amplifiers suited to a wide range of playing styles and situations, by including the great tone and innovative features of the award-winning HT Venue MkII range.
The Clean Channel has two voices; one based on a classic American circuit and the other based on a classic British tone. The Voice switch reconfigures the preamp voicing, EQ and valve gain structure, as well as the power amplifier damping. This produces a clean, bright and tight but solid bass response for the American tone and a highly responsive 'chime' with looser bottom for the British tone that can be pushed into a midrange overdrive when driven hard. The Voice setting can also be selected via footswitch.
These amplifiers also have two voices on the Overdrive Channel, which share a common EQ section. These two voices provide a broad palette of overdriven tones. As with the Clean Channel, each of these voices can also be selected by footswitch.
The Overdrive voices are characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but avoids any of the detached top-end 'fizz' often found in other designs. This is a result of unique preamplifier and power amplifier shaping techniques, which also benefit the player in the way the overdrives clean up beautifully as the guitar volume is reduced. Even at the most extreme settings, the Overdrive voices remain natural sounding.
The patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control is unique to Blackstar Amplification and represents a major step forward in tone shaping flexibility. The ISF control shifts the response of the three control tone stack between, a US type response at one end, and at the other, a UK type response. Importantly, in between the two extremes lie an infinite number of alternative tone choices that would be otherwise unavailable.
The amplifier features naturally sounding digital reverb that can be adjusted via the Reverb control on the front panel.
A Power switch is provided on the front panel to switch the amplifier between full power and 10% power. This means that the full tonal depth of the power valve stage can be enjoyed at any volume, retaining the distinctive sound of power valves working hard.
A USB connector allows for sending a speaker emulated output into a computer for recording purposes.
Two further outputs on the rear, a stereo jack socket and balanced XLR, also allow the speaker emulated signal(s) to be connected to external devices for practicing, recording or live use.

Front Panel

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

Clean Channel

2. Clean Volume
   This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At extreme clockwise settings the preamplifer will start to overdrive, particularly in the 'British' mode.
3. Clean Voice Switch
   This switch selects between the two clean voices. With the switch out, the 'American' setting is very clean and bright but with a solid and tight low end. When this Voice is selected, the Voice LED is unlit. With the switch in, the 'British' setting has a looser bass response with warmer mid-range and is very sensitive to the output level of the guitar and the player's dynamics. When this Voice is selected, the green Voice LED is lit. The EQ voicing and valve gain structure is completely reconfigured between each voice.
4. Tone
   This is a dual control that effectively adjusts the treble and bass for the Clean Channel at the same time. Fully counter clockwise (CCW) will be darker and bassy in character. Rotating the control clockwise (CW) will progressively brighten the sound and thin the bass.

OD (Overdrive) Channel

5. OD Select Switch
   Press this switch to select the OD Channel. When the yellow LED is on, the OD Channel is selected. When the yellow LED is off, the Clean Channel is selected.
6. OD Gain
   The OD Gain control adjusts the amount of this Channel's overdrive or distortion. Low settings (anti-clockwise) will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted tone is reached.
7. OD Voice Switch
   This is a momentary switch that selects between the two voices of the OD Channel. When the small red LED is unlit, this channel has a 'classic' but 'hot-rodded' overdrive, with medium power amp damping. With the red LED lit the overdrive sound has a more 'modern' voicing that includes a strong mid-emphasised pre-overdrive boost, as well as a looser, more aggressive sound due to reduced power amp damping.

8. OD Volume
   This control adjusts the overall volume of the OD Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
9. 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.
10. 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 sound will be aggressive and scooped, a tone ideal for aggressive rhythm playing. As the Middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of 'body' is increased, which is more suitable for sustained lead guitar tones.
11. 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 settings the sound will be aggressive and cutting.
12. 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 more aggressive middle, and fully clockwise has a British characteristic which is more 'woody' and less aggressive. 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.
    

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. 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.

   	'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.

Technical Specification

HT-5R MkII
Power (RMS): 5 Watts
Valves: 1 x 12BH7, 1 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 12.4
Dimensions (mm): 441 x 410.5 x 249
Footswitch: FS-16 included
Speaker: Custom Designed 12"

HT-5RH MkII
Power (RMS): 5 Watts
Valves: 1 x 12BH7, 1 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 6.8
Dimensions (mm): 396 x 217.5 x 220
Footswitch: FS-16 included

HT-20R MkII
Power (RMS): 20 Watts
Valves: 2 x EL84, 2 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 15.9
Dimensions (mm): 513 x 487 x 270
Footswitch: FS-16 included
Speaker: Custom Designed 12"

HT-20RH MkII
Power (RMS): 20 Watts
Valves: 2 x EL84, 2 x ECC83
Weight (kg): 9.6
Dimensions (mm): 473 x 244 x 222
Footswitch: FS-16 included

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 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 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.
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.

www.blackstaramps.com