Blackstar Studio 10 EL34 - Tube Combo 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.
Influenced by iconic British guitar amplifiers, this 10 Watt single-ended, Class A valve combo gives you all the tone and feel of a classic EL34-driven amplifier in a compact format, perfect for the home, studio or smaller live performances.
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

This Studio 10 EL34 is a low gain, classic crunch amplifier with an ECC83 valve in the preamp stage. A hot preamp Boost can be engaged – either via the front panel or the included footswitch – for authentic classic rock / indie rhythm playing and vocal leads.
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 Studio 10 amplifier features an EL34 power valve – influenced by classic British amplifiers – which produces a superlative, warm British crunch when pushed hard using the Master Volume. The 10 Watts of output power driving a Celestion speaker makes this Studio 10 EL34 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 EL34 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. Volume
   This controls the volume of the preamp. 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. Boost Select
   Press this switch to engage the hot preamp boost, inspired by our HT-Boost pedal. This built-in boost is perfect for authentic classic rock / indie rhythm playing and vocal inspired leads.
   NOTE: This switch must be pressed in order to use a compatible footswitch to engage the Boost.
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 Studio 10 EL34 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 Studio 10 EL34 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 accomodates 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 +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).
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 Boost.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 10 Watts
Valves: 1 x EL34, 1 X ECC83
Weight (kg): 14.9
Dimensions (mm): 473 x 421 x 251
Footswitch: FS-4S included, optional FS-8 for control of Boost 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.

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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