Blackstar One 100 Series - Combo Guitar Amp 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.
The S1-100's highly flexible two channel, 4 mode design features the unique Patented DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) and Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) controls 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 S1-100 sees the distillation of decades of guitar amplifier design experience into the ultimate 100W valve head. Every control has been honed for maximum sonic benefit through hundreds of hours of listening.
The S1-100 Clean Channel sets the precedent for no-compromise design, by featuring Bright and Warm modes. Each mode actually reconfigures the preamplifier voicing and power amplifier damping to reproduce either ringing Class A performance in the Bright mode, or crunchy Class AB tones in the Warm setting.
Careful attention was paid to the levels of overdrive available when designing the S1-100. Crunch mode covers the widest range of crunch gain levels possible from just on the edge clean break-up, to crushing modern rhythm tones. Super Crunch mode alters both gain levels and tonal shaping for maximum crunch flexibility.
The overdrive modes are characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but lacks any of the detached top-end often found in many similar 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 channels remain natural sounding.
The Patented ISF 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 at one end a US response and at the other, a UK response. Importantly, an infinite number of alternative tone choices lie in between that would be otherwise unavailable.
Completing the tonal feature set is another unique Patented Blackstar innovation – the DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) system. DPR reduces the power of the output stage from full power (100W) down to 10% (10W) and any power output in between. This means that the full tonal depth of the EL34 power amplifier can be enjoyed at any volume, making the S1-100 ideal for recording, smaller gigs and even home practice use. Working in conjunction with the power amplifier voltages, this method of power reduction suffers none of the loss in tone of other power reduction systems.
The tonal flexibility of the S1-100 is augmented by full MIDI implementation of the main channel and mode switching functions. Used in conjunction with outboard gear such as multi-effects units, MIDI allows a whole new level of creative performance to be explored.

Front Panel

1. Input
   Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead. Clean Channel
2. Bright Clean Mode
   Indicator When the green LED is on Bright Clean Mode is selected.
3. Bright Clean Mode
   Select Press this switch to select the Bright Clean Mode.
4. Warm Clean Mode
   Indicator When the yellow LED is on Warm Clean Mode is selected.
5. Warm Clean Mode
   Select Press this switch to select the Warm Clean Mode.
6. Clean Gain
   The Clean Gain control adjusts the amount of the Clean Channel's overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound. As the Clean Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will begin to break-up, delivering a subtle overdrive.
7. Clean Volume
   This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. The Bright and Warm modes reconfigure both preamplifier and power amplifier circuits to deliver Class A or Class AB style tones. The table below describes the operation of the two modes:

   Mode	Preamp Character	Power Amp Damping	Use For
   Bright Clean	Tighter bass, chiming mids and highs	Low (greater emphasis on lows and highs)	Ringing clean and jangly rhythm
   Warm Clean	Looser bass, glassy highs	Medium (tighter bottom-end for crunch)	Warm cleans and crunchy rhythms

Overdrive Channel

8. Crunch Mode Indicator
   When the orange LED is on Crunch Mode is selected.
9. Crunch Mode Select
   Press this switch to select Crunch Mode.
10. Super Crunch Mode
    Indicator When the red LED is on Super Crunch Mode is selected.
11. Super Crunch Mode
    Select Press this switch to select Super Crunch Mode.
12. Overdrive Gain
    The Overdrive Gain control adjusts the amount of the Overdrive Channel's overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Overdrive Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through beautiful crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted tone is arrived at.
13. Overdrive Volume
    This controls the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. Equalisation
14. 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 tight and cutting, counter clockwise, to warm and thumping, clockwise.
15. 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.

16. 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.
17. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
    The 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

18. Resonance
    The Resonance control sets the overall bass response of the S1-100. 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 be become full and warm, whilst the crunch and overdrive tones will be more bass heavy and resonant.
19. Presence
    The Presence control sets the overall treble response of the S1-100. Percussive high-end can be accentuated on clean sounds and the amount of aggressive treble controlled with crunch and overdrive settings.
20. Volume
    This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
21. DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction)
    The DPR control allows the output power of the S1-100 to be reduced anywhere from 100W (100%) down to 10W (10%) of the rated power. DPR works by controlling the power supply voltages to the EL34 output valves and also the level of drive signal into the power amplifier stage. Importantly, there are no components placed in between the output valves, the output transformer and the loudspeaker – a relationship which is essential in the delivery of valve tone.
    

In addition to reducing the output power of the S1-100, the DPR system actually controls the amount of power amplifier compression too. Power amplifier compression is a key ingredient in the characteristics of low powered valve amplifier tone and gives a very playable 'feel' to the S1-100 at reduced power settings. We would recommend experimenting with the channel Gain and Volume, Master Volume and DPR Control to achieve various combinations of preamplifier and power amplifier distortion / compression.
Note: Generally speaking the more DPR is applied (i.e. power is reduced) the more dynamic compression and power amp clipping will be experienced at any given volume.

Clean DPR Operation
The DPR control is extremely powerful in fine-tuning the exact dynamic compression characteristics of the power amplifier.

Overdrive DPR Operation
The DPR control allows you to pin-point exactly how much valve overdrive you want to come from the preamplifier section and how much is coming from the EL34s in the power amplifier section.

MIDI Channel Switching
The Series One offers the ability to control channel selection via MIDI Program Change messages and interfacing with most MIDI controllers is a straight forward process. The Series One can be placed in a MIDI chain allowing you to simultaneously select a channel on the amplifier and change the patch on a MIDI effects processor connected to the effects loop. There are 128 available Program Changes, giving you the possibility to access a vast number of tonal combinations.
To set-up MIDI channel switching, simply connect the MIDI controller's MIDI Out socket to the MIDI In socket on the rear of the amplifier. The controller should be set to transmit Program Change messages (this is usually the case). From new, a Series One amplifier is set to OMNI mode and responds to Program Change messages on all MIDI channels. Changing 'patches' on the controller will change the selected channel on the amp. The default settings for each Program Change number are shown in the table below:
Program Channel
Change

1. BRIGHT CLEAN
2. WARM CLEAN
3. CRUNCH
4. SUPER CRUNCH
5. BRIGHT CLEAN
6. WARM CLEAN
7. CRUNCH
8. SUPER CRUNCH
9. BRIGHT CLEAN
10. WARM CLEAN
11. CRUNCH
12. SUPER CRUNCH
13. BRIGHT CLEAN
14. WARM CLEAN
15. CRUNCH
16. SUPER CRUNCH
17. BRIGHT CLEAN
18. WARM CLEAN
19. CRUNCH
20. SUPER CRUNCH
21. BRIGHT CLEAN
22. WARM CLEAN
23. CRUNCH
24. SUPER CRUNCH
25. BRIGHT CLEAN
26. WARM CLEAN
27. CRUNCH
28. SUPER CRUNCH
29. BRIGHT CLEAN
30. WARM CLEAN
31. CRUNCH
32. SUPER CRUNCH

33. BRIGHT CLEAN
34. WARM CLEAN
35. CRUNCH
36. SUPER CRUNCH
37. BRIGHT CLEAN
38. WARM CLEAN
39. CRUNCH
40. SUPER CRUNCH
41. BRIGHT CLEAN
42. WARM CLEAN
43. CRUNCH
44. SUPER CRUNCH
45. BRIGHT CLEAN
46. WARM CLEAN
47. CRUNCH
48. SUPER CRUNCH
49. BRIGHT CLEAN
50. WARM CLEAN
51. CRUNCH
52. SUPER CRUNCH
53. BRIGHT CLEAN
54. WARM CLEAN
55. CRUNCH
56. SUPER CRUNCH
57. BRIGHT CLEAN
58. WARM CLEAN
59. CRUNCH
60. SUPER CRUNCH
61. BRIGHT CLEAN
62. WARM CLEAN
63. CRUNCH
64. SUPER CRUNCH

65. BRIGHT CLEAN
66. WARM CLEAN
67. CRUNCH
68. SUPER CRUNCH
69. BRIGHT CLEAN
70. WARM CLEAN
71. CRUNCH
72. SUPER CRUNCH
73. BRIGHT CLEAN
74. WARM CLEAN
75. CRUNCH
76. SUPER CRUNCH
77. BRIGHT CLEAN
78. WARM CLEAN
79. CRUNCH
80. SUPER CRUNCH
81. BRIGHT CLEAN
82. WARM CLEAN
83. CRUNCH
84. SUPER CRUNCH
85. BRIGHT CLEAN
86. WARM CLEAN
87. CRUNCH
88. SUPER CRUNCH
89. BRIGHT CLEAN
90. WARM CLEAN
91. CRUNCH
92. SUPER CRUNCH
93. BRIGHT CLEAN
94. WARM CLEAN
95. CRUNCH
96. SUPER CRUNCH

97. BRIGHT CLEAN
98. WARM CLEAN
99. CRUNCH
100. SUPER CRUNCH
101. BRIGHT CLEAN
102. WARM CLEAN
103. CRUNCH
104. SUPER CRUNCH
105. BRIGHT CLEAN
106. WARM CLEAN
107. CRUNCH
108. SUPER CRUNCH
109. BRIGHT CLEAN
110. WARM CLEAN
111. CRUNCH
112. SUPER CRUNCH
113. BRIGHT CLEAN
114. WARM CLEAN
115. CRUNCH
116. SUPER CRUNCH
117. BRIGHT CLEAN
118. WARM CLEAN
119. CRUNCH
120. SUPER CRUNCH
121. BRIGHT CLEAN
122. WARM CLEAN
123. CRUNCH
124. SUPER CRUNCH
125. BRIGHT CLEAN
126. WARM CLEAN
127. CRUNCH
128. SUPER CRUNCH

Program Change Assignment
To change the default assignments and set the amp up to respond to a different set of Program Changes:

1. The amp must be powered on with either the Standby switch set to on, a jack in the Input socket, or both.
2. Send the appropriate Program Change message to the amp.
3. Press and hold in the appropriate front panel Channel Select switch for 2 seconds.

The corresponding channel will be selected and its LED will flash three times in quick succession to indicate it has been assigned to the last received Program Change. The amplifier will now remember the selection. Repeat the operation until all your Program Changes have the desired amp channel assigned to them.

MIDI Receive Channel Selection

As mentioned previously, the default mode is set to OMNI and will respond to MIDI Program Changes on all MIDI channels. You may wish to set the amp to respond to Program Changes on just a single MIDI channel. The Series One can be set to respond in this way for any of the first seven MIDI channels as follows:

1. The unit must be in standby (Power (24) on and Standby (23) off), and no lead connected to the Input jack.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the Bright Clean (3) and Crunch (9) Select switches.
3. After 2 seconds the LED for Super Crunch (10) will begin to flash continuously (2 flashes per second) to indicate that the unit is in MIDI Receive Channel Program Mode.
4. Release the Bright Clean (3) and Crunch (9) Select switches and select the required MIDI channel by using the Channel Select switches as shown in the table below:

The corresponding Channel Select LEDs will illuminate to show the selection and each press of the Channel Select switches will toggle the state of its associated LED.

5. To store the desired selection press the Super Crunch (11) Select switch. The Super Crunch Select LED (10) will flash quickly four times when the operation is complete. The unit will then revert to normal operation, and will respond only to Program Changes on the newly selected MIDI Channel.

MIDI Dump Out
You may wish to back up the MIDI channel select settings so you can transfer them to another amplifier, for example. To do this you will need a MIDI Sysex librarian, which is usually a piece of software running on a PC or MAC with a suitable MIDI interface.

1. The unit must be in standby (Power (24) on and Standby (23) off), with no lead connected to the Input jack and the MIDI Thru on the rear of the amplifier connected to the MIDI In of the MIDI interface.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the Warm Clean (5) and Super Crunch (11) Select switches. After 2 seconds the LED for Crunch (8) will flash continuously to indicate that the unit is in MIDI Dump Mode.
3. Prepare the receiving equipment for the transfer. For example, if using a MIDI Sysex librarian this must be put into file receive mode.
4. Start the file transfer by pressing and quickly releasing the Crunch (9) Select switch. During the file transfer the Crunch Select LED (8) will flash quickly. When the flashing stops the transfer operation is complete and the amplifier will revert to normal operation. The file should be saved as a MIDI System Exclusive file.

MIDI Dump In
To load in previously saved Program Change assignments:

1. Connect the MIDI Out of the MIDI recording device to the MIDI In on the rear of the amplifier and use the MIDI Sysex librarian to send the previously stored MIDI System Exclusive file.

The amplifier overwrites the current Program Change assignments with the new ones. If the operation completes successfully all four channel LEDs flash quickly four times. If the dump is unsuccessful or incomplete the four LEDs will flash slowly in an alternating pattern and then the unit will revert to normal operation.
Note: During reception of the System Exclusive file the amplifier will temporarily cease to pass data to the MIDI Thru socket.

Restoring Factory Settings
To return the amplifier to its factory default state:

1. With the amplifier Power off, press and hold in the Warm Clean (5) and Super Crunch (11) Select switches.
2. While holding in the switches turn on the amplifier. After 2 seconds all channel select LEDs flash once to confirm the factory defaults have been restored.

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. Footswitch
   The supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch between the Bright Clean, Warm Clean, Crunch and Super Crunch modes.
5. MIDI Thru
   Any MIDI data received at the MIDI In socket is passed out of the MIDI Thru socket so that other MIDI devices can be placed in a chain. The MIDI Thru socket also serves as a way of dumping Channel Select/Program Change data to a suitable MIDI storage device. Refer to the MIDI Channel Switching section for more details. Always use a good quality MIDI lead.
6. MIDI In
   If channel switching using MIDI is required, connect the MIDI device here. Refer to the MIDI Channel Switching section for more details. Always use a good quality MIDI lead.

7. 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.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 100 Watts
Valves: 4 x EL34, 3 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82
Weight (kg): 23.2
Dimensions (mm): 705 x 285 x 278.5
Footswitch: FS-2 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 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.
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 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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