Blackstar HT METAL 100, HT METAL 60 - Guitar Amplifier Manual

Features

The HT METAL valve amplifier equips you with everything you need to deliver a huge range of tones, from crystalline cleans to bone crushing, ultra high gain filth.

The Clean Channel has two modes - 'boutique' and 'modern' - and its own Bass and Treble tone controls, providing the widest possible range of clean tones. The Voice switch reconfigures both the preamplifier voicing and gain structure, and also the power amplifier damping to reproduce either ringing Class A performance in the 'boutique' mode, or very clean and tight Class AB tones in the 'modern' setting.

The HT METAL has two overdrive/distortion channels which share a common EQ section providing a broad palette of overdriven metal tones.

The overdrive channels are characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but lacks any of the detached top-end 'fizz' often found in similar designs. This is a result of unique preamplifier and power amplifier shaping techniques. Even at the most extreme settings, the overdrive channels 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 taking you from classic British heavy metal to modern US scooped high gain. Importantly, in between the two extremes lie an infinite number of alternative tone choices.

The amplifier also features a completely natural sounding digital reverb, which is outstandingly musical on both clean and crunch tones and raises the benchmark for guitar amplifier specific reverb design. A Dark/Light switch allows the overall reverb characteristics to be modified to suit different tastes.

Front Panel

Clean Channel

1. Input
   Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
2. Clean Indicator
   When the green LED is on, the Clean Channel is selected.
3. Clean Select
   Press this switch to select the Clean Channel.
4. Clean Volume
   This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At extreme clockwise settings the preamplifier will start to overdrive, particularly in the 'boutique' mode.
5. Voice
   In the out position the Clean Channel has a 'boutique' voicing, more focussed to middle and top end, with the power amplifier damping configured like many traditional Class A type amplifiers. This mode can produce pleasing levels of crunchy overdrive at higher settings of the Clean Volume control. With the switch in the in position the Clean Channel has a more 'modern' voicing, with a greater bass response and tighter sound from increased Class AB style power amplifier damping. The gain structure is also altered to keep the sound clean at higher settings of the Clean Volume control.
6. Bass
   The Bass control adjusts the amount of bass frequencies in your tone. Fully counter clockwise the sound will be tighter in character. Rotating the control clockwise will progressively increase the bass response of the channel.
7. Treble
   The Treble control allows 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 rotated clockwise the sound will become brighter.

Overdrive 1 Channel

8. Overdrive 1 Indicator
   When the orange LED is on the Overdrive 1 Channel is selected.
9. Overdrive 1 Select
   Press this switch to select the Overdrive 1 Channel.
10. Overdrive 1 Gain
    The Overdrive 1 Gain control adjusts the amount of the Overdrive 1 Channel's overdrive or distortion. Low settings (counter 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 arrived at.
11. Overdrive 1 Volume
    This control adjusts the overall volume of the Overdrive 1 Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

Overdrive 2 Channel

12. Overdrive 2 Indicator
    When the red LED is on Overdrive 2 is selected.
13. Overdrive 2 Select
    Press this switch to select the Overdrive 2 Channel.
14. Overdrive 2 Gain
    The Overdrive 2 Gain control adjusts the amount of the Overdrive 2 Channel's overdrive or distortion. Low settings (counter 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, there is a full distorted lead tone.
15. Overdrive 2 Volume
    This controls the overall volume of the Overdrive 2 Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

Overdrive 1 and Overdrive 2 EQ

16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
    

Master

20. 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.
21. Resonance
    The Resonance control sets the overall bass response of the amplifier. At lower settings the cleans will be tight and funky and overdrives will be focussed in their bass response. At increased settings the clean sounds will become full and warm, whilst the crunch and overdrive tones will be more bass heavy and resonant.
22. Presence
    The Presence control sets the overall treble response of the amplifier. Percussive high-end can be accentuated on clean sounds and the amount of aggressive treble controlled with crunch and overdrive settings.
23. Volume
    This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
24. Power Indicator Light
    The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
25. Standby
    This switch enables the output stage. Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (26). During short breaks in playing use just this switch to turn 'off' and 'on' the amplifier's output.
26. 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 (25).

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. 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.
   The outputs marked '1x4 Ohm or 2x8 Ohm' are for the connection of either a single 4 Ohm extension cabinet or two 8 Ohm cabinets. Also, the internal loudspeaker of the HT METAL 60 can be plugged in here if it is used with an 8 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' or '1x4 Ohm or 2x8 Ohm' outputs. The outputs marked '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' or '1x4 Ohm or 2x8 Ohm' outputs should never be used at the same time. 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, turn the amp to standby mode. You may also record from this output while in standby mode without a loudspeaker connected, but ensure that no loudspeaker leads are connected to any of the loudspeaker output jack sockets of the amplifier, as this will defeat the load protection circuit and cause damage to the amplifier.
6. Cabinet Switch
   The switch enables you to select either a 4x12 closed back or a 1x12 open back cabinet emulation for the Speaker Emulated Output.
7. Reverb Dark/Light
   In the out position the digital reverb is voiced to have a warm dark quality. When the Light position is selected the reverb has a brighter quality with more zing on the reverb tail.
8. Effects Loop Return
   Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.
9. Effects Loop Send
   Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
10. 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).
11. Boost Footswitch
    This amplifier features a footswitchable specially voiced volume boost which affects all 3 channels. An optional 1-way latching footswitch (Blackstar FS-4 recommended) may be connected here to activate this function.
12. Footswitch
    The supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch between Clean, Overdrive 1 and Overdrive 2, and Reverb on/off.

Technical Specification

HT METAL 60
Power (RMS): 60 Watts
Valves: 2 x 6L6, 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82
Weight (kg): 32.8kg
Dimensions (mm): 710 x 585 x 280
Footswitch: FS-7 (supplied)

HT METAL 100
Power (RMS): 100 Watts
Valves: 4 x 6L6, 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82
Weight (kg): 21.9kg
Dimensions (mm): 650 x 320 x 265
Footswitch: FS-7 (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 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.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

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.

Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Home Page Blackstar Amplification

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