Blackstar Silverline Standard / Special Manual

Features

Since our launch in 2007, Blackstar has led the way in the innovation of guitar amplification. The Silverline Series represents the culmination of more than eleven years' technical research and development. These amps have an intuitive control set like a traditional amp, but have the versatility of programmability and Pro Digital Technology. The unique controls allow you, the guitarist, to custom design your own sound, store it and then have the confidence that the amp will perform in a live environment.
The Response control utilises Blackstar's patented True Valve Power technology to offer six distinctly different power valve responses – EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88. It delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break up characteristics of a valve amp and uniquely delivers the same acoustic power output as an equivalent valve power amp. This means these amps deliver live without compromise.
Utilising a high-performance Analog Devices inc. SHARC (Super Harvard Architecture) floating point processor to perform all the numerical signal processing in each of the units, these amplifiers bring you the ultimate in tonal performance and flexibility.
The Voice control has six different settings – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2. When used together with Blackstar's patented ISF control you can get the exact tone you're thinking of.
The effects section delivers studio quality Super Wide Stereo modulation, delay and reverb effects simultaneously that you can store with your sound.
Deep editing and storing of patches is simple using the Blackstar INSIDER software. Patches can be shared, uploaded and downloaded via the online community. The USB connector also allows you to record from your amp directly to your computer.
An emulated output, MP3/line input and advanced footswitching complete the package.
By using the unique Voice control, the patented ISF and TVP technology selectable via the Response control, Silverline Series amplifiers deliver unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, enabling you to, in effect, design the sound in your head and deliver it live as LOUD as valve^TM.

Factory Reset

The default factory patches and settings can be restored to your amplifier at any time. Simply hold down the MOD, DLY and REV switches simultaneously, whilst switching on the amplifier. The bank LED will illuminate, and change from green, to orange, to red, to indicate that a factory reset is imminent. This process will take a total of two seconds. If any of the MOD, DLY and REV switches are released before the bank LED has cycled through all colours and switched off, then the operation is cancelled and the amplifier will remain unaffected.

This process will overwrite any user content

Front Panel

1. Input
   Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
2. Voice
   The Voice control changes the preamp voicing, ranging from ultra clean to extremely overdriven.
   • Clean Warm – Classic clean, dynamic
   • Clean Bright – 'Boutique', will break up when pushed hard
   • Crunch – Classic medium gain overdrive
   • Super Crunch – More gain and punch than Crunch
   • OD 1 – Hot-rodded Master Volume overdriven
   • OD 2 – Mid boosted overdrive

This setting is saved when you store a patch.

3. Gain
   The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is turned clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through beautiful crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted tone is achieved. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
4. Volume
   This controls the preamp volume. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. High levels of volume will introduce the effect of valve power amp distortion and compression, depending on the Response (9) setting you have selected. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
5. 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). This setting is saved when you store a patch.
6. 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 dark 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. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
7. ISF
   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. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
   
8. Response
   The Response control delivers Blackstar's patented True Valve Power technology, offering six distinctly different power valve responses – EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6 and KT88. Each setting delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break-up characteristics of the selected valve power amp. This means that these amps deliver live without compromise.
   Blackstar's TVP technology changes the characteristics of the sound from compressed and spongy to dynamic and tight.

   EL84	Bell-like full bodied Class A with lots of compression
   6V6	Crisp Class A with high compression and tight mids
   EL34	Classic British Class A/B crunch with full bodied soft break-up
   KT66	Rich and warm vintage British hot biased Class A/B
   6L6	Tight dynamic Class A/B with extended high and lows
   KT88	Tight, bold and dynamic Class A/B with strong low end

   As you move from EL84 to KT88 the amount of compression and overdrive available from each valve response is reduced. Additionally, when either of the two clean voices are selected, the output compression and overdrive are affected by the gain control.
   This setting is saved when you store a patch.
   Effects
   Up to three studio quality effects can be switched on at any time.
   All Silverline Series amplifiers feature Super Wide Stereo effects via the stereo Emulated Output and stereo USB audio output. This Blackstar enhanced stereo feature can be controlled via the free Blackstar INSIDER software.
   NOTE: Silverline Standard and Silverline Special amplifiers produce a mono live sound from their single loudspeaker.

9. MOD (Modulation)
   Press this switch to turn the modulation effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
10. DLY (Delay)
    Press this switch to turn the delay effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
11. REV (Reverb)
    Press this switch to turn the reverb effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This setting is saved when you store a patch.
    With all three of the effect switches the LED will show what state it is in:

    LED	Effect State	Description
    LED off	Effect off	Effect not active
    LED white	Effect on but not 'focused' for editing	Effect is active, but not affected by the front panel effect controls
    LED orange	Effect on and 'focused' for editing	Effect active and affected by the front panel effect controls

    Repeatedly pressing each effect switch on the front panel has the following effect:

    Effect off	Turns the effect on and 'focuses' the effect. Any previously focused effect reverts to an 'on' state
    Effect on but not 'focused'	Focuses the effect. Any previously focused effect reverts to an 'on' state
    Effect on and 'focused'	Turns the effect off. If any other effect(s) are on, the previously 'focused' effect resumes being 'focused'

    NOTE: Only one effect may be 'focused' at any time

12. Effect Type
    This changes the effect type and edits a parameter of the currently 'focused' effect (modulation, delay, or reverb).
    Each segment represents a different effect (four for each type of effect). An LED shows which effect type is currently active. The distance travelled through the 'segment' modifies an effect parameter. The Effects Table below shows the modifiable parameters:
    This setting is saved when you store a patch.
13. Effect Level
    This modifies an effect parameter, the Effects Table shows the modifiable parameters:
    This setting is saved when you store a patch.
14. Tap
    The Tap switch is used to set the rate/time of the current 'focused' effect. The time between each press of the tap switch defines the rate set.
    Once set, the Tap LED will flash in time with the set rate of the currently 'focused' effect.
    Tap 'Shift'
    The Tap switch can also act as a 'Shift' control, allowing access to a number of hidden controls from the amplifier front panel:
    • Holding the Tap switch and turning the Bass control will change the Resonance value.
      NOTE: this is a master control and is not stored in a patch.
    • Holding the tap switch and turning the Treble control will change the PRESENCE value.
    • For Modulation and delay effects, holding the Tap switch and turning the EffectsLevel control will change the rate/time of the effect
      Effects Table

      Effect	Segment Parameter	Level Parameter	Tap Parameter
      MODULATION
      Phaser	Mix	Depth	Speed
      Flanger	Feedback	Depth	Speed
      Chorus	Mix	Depth	Speed
      Tremolo	Frequency modulation depth	Amplitude modulation depth	Speed
      DELAY
      Linear	Feedback	Delay level	Time
      Analogue	Feedback	Delay level	Time
      Tape	Feedback	Delay level	Time
      Multi	Feedback	Delay level	Time
      REVERB
      Room	Size	Reverb level	-
      Hall	Size	Reverb level	-
      Spring	Size	Reverb level	-
      Plate	Size	Reverb level	-

      This setting is saved when you store a patch.
15. Master Volume
    This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. This is a global setting and not saved when storing a patch.
    If the master volume is at zero this allows for silent recording via the emulated output or USB. The emulated level is controlled via the preamp volume.
16. Power Switch
    This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off; the white dot means the amplifier is on.
17. USB
    Plug a USB cable in here to connect the amplifier to a Windows PC or Mac. Blackstar's INSIDER so a host of features and can be downloaded from: www.blackstarinsider.co.uk
    See the USB Audio section for more information.
    NOTE: The amplifier will appear on a personal computer as an audio capture device within recording software.
18. Manual
    Press this switch to toggle between Manual Mode and the current patch. When the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the sound will reflect the current physical position of the knobs. This is applicable to the Voice, Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, ISF and Response knobs. Any effects that are active when switching to Manual Mode will initially be turned off.
    Whilst in Manual Mode, any of the controls can still be modified by an external source (Blackstar INSIDER software, footcontroller), but this means that the sound will not represent the positions of the knobs on the front panel.
    Tuner Mode
    Holding the Manual switch (18) for three seconds will engage the tuner. The Recall Indicator LED (27) will flash continuously to indicate the amplifier is in Tuner Mode. The amplifier ouput will be muted whilst in Tuner Mode.
    The Manual, Bank and Channel LEDs will indicate the closest note to the note being played.

    Bank LED	E String (low/high)
    CH1 LED	A String
    CH2 LED	D String
    CH3 LED	G String
    CH4 LED	B String

    The MOD, DLY and REV LEDs act as indicators to show how close the played note is to the tuned note.

    MOD LED white	Note is sharp (above pitch)
    DLY LED orange	Note is in tune
    REV LED white	Note is flat (below pitch)

    All other LEDs on the front panel will be off in Tuner Mode.
    Pressing any switch will exit Tuner Mode.
19. Bank
    Press this switch to scroll through the first three banks of patches.
    Bank 1 >’ 2
    Bank 2 >’ 3
    Bank 3 ’> 1
    The green LED indicates Bank 1 is active, the orange LED indicates Bank 2, and the red LED indicates Bank 3 is active.
    NOTE: The first three banks can be selected from the front panel. When you activate Bank 4 and higher from an external controller (e.g. Blackstar INSIDER software, footcontroller), the Bank LED will be off but the channel LEDs will continue to show you the patch location.
    For example:
    Patch 11 – Bank LED red, Channel 3 LED on.
    Selecting Bank Up from an external controller will switch you to patch 15 – Bank LED off, Channel 3 LED on.
    When the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the Bank LED will be off.
    The channel will be remembered, therefore the corresponding patch within the current bank will be loaded when scrolling through the banks.

20 – 23. Channels 1-4
Channel 1 activates the first patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 2 activates the second patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 3 activates the third patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 4 activates the fourth patch within the currently active bank.

24. Footcontroller
    Connect one of the following supported footswitches here.
    1-Button Footswitch
    Use any latching footswitch (e.g. a Blackstar FS-4) to switch between Channels 1 and 2 of the currently selected Bank.
    Footcontroller latched OFF (e.g. LED extinguished on the FS-4) activates Channel 1 Footcontroller latched ON (e.g. LED illuminated on the FS-4) activates Channel 2
    Blackstar FS-10 Footcontroller
    This multi-function footcontroller allows you to access all patches, toggle effects, activate the tuner and program patches.
25. MP3/Line In
    Connect the output of your MP3 or audio playback device here. Adjust the player's volume to match that of your guitar to enable you to play along.
    NOTE: The connection is summed into mono.
26. Emulated Output/Headphone Out
    This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk.
    To make full use of the stereo effects, use a stereo jack to two mono jacks splitter cable to feed two channels of the recording device or mixer. The output will also function into a mono guitar-type lead. Always use a good quality screened cable.
    Turning the Volume knob (4) will control the Emulated Output level. The Master Volume only affects any connected speaker(s)/cabinet(s).
    NOTE: To 'silently' record, set the Master Volume to zero. You may also record from this output 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 will cause damage to the amplifier.
27. Recall
    Indicator The Recall Indicator shows if there is a mismatch between the current value of a parameter within the amplifier and the corresponding physical front panel control. For example, when you change to a different patch the controls on the front panel may not always reflect the setting you are hearing.
    To prevent unexpected level jumps in the control you are adjusting, the front panel knobs will have no effect on the sound until the knob reaches the current parameter value. Once reached, the Recall Indicator flashes twice and the knob 'takes control' of the value and can increase or decrease the value.
    The recall indicator will flash twice each time the physical knob 'passes through' the value stored in the current patch.
    Recall is only active for Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble and ISF.
    When the Tuner is active the Recall Indicator will flash continuously.

Rear Panel

28. 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, seek advice from a qualified technician.

Programmability

Storing Patches

To store the current sound as a patch:

1. Press and hold any of the four Channel switches for one second. All four Channel LEDs will begin to flash.
2. Press the Bank switch to toggle through the three banks (green, orange, red) to choose the store location.
3. Press any of the four Channel switches once to store the patch in the chosen location.

The LED corresponding to the chosen store location will illuminate and the new patch will be active.
Green bank = Patches 1-4
Orange bank = Patches 5-8
Red bank = Patches 9-12
The amplifier controls can be used to edit the patch at any stage of the store process.
Press the Manual switch at any stage to cancel the store process and return the amplifier to the last state.
Storing a patch will overwrite any previous patch in that location.
Patches can also be stored via Blackstar's INSIDER software or a connected Blackstar FS-10 footcontroller.

Recalling Patches

Press any Channel switch to load that patch.
Pressing the Bank switch will cycle through the three banks – green-orange-red. The Channel will be preserved, therefore the corresponding patch within the current Bank will be loaded when scrolling through the Banks.
Alternatively, patches can be recalled via Blackstar's INSIDER software or any connected footcontroller.

Factory Patches Table

USB Audio

Standard device drivers are used to connect the amplifier to a PC or Mac, therefore no additional device drivers are required. If your computer's audio latency is found to be too high a generic ASIO driver can be downloaded and associated with your amplifier, for example ASIO4ALL – www.asio4all.com. For a guide on low-latency USB recording visit: www.blackstaramps.com/usbrecording
NOTE: Always connect the amplifier via a main USB port, often found on the rear of the computer.
The output of the audio over USB can be changed via the Blackstar INSIDER software, and can be one of the following:

• Speaker emulated stereo effected audio channels
• 2 x mono audio channels
  • Left – effected amplifier signal
  • Right – unprocessed guitar signal
• Reamping Mode

Reamping

The amplifier can be switched into Reamping Mode via Blackstar INSIDER software. This is a non-storable setting and will be switched off either when the USB cable is removed, or when the amplifier power is switched off.
When activated, Reamping Mode allows the amplifier to accept a pre-recorded, dry guitar signal via USB and return a fully processed audio signal. This return signal can then be captured using recording software on the connected PC or Mac.

Firmware Update

Firmware updates are initiated via the Blackstar INSIDER software. A new version of the Blackstar INSIDER software will be released whenever an update is available. Each update will take approximately 60-120 seconds.
When the amplifier is connected (via USB) to a version of the Blackstar INSIDER software containing newer firmware, a message will be displayed, prompting you to install the latest files. Whilst updating, the amplifier controls will be unresponsive. The Tap LED will flash to indicate data activity during the update process.
The amplifier power should not be switched off during a firmware update. If the amplifier is switched off during an update, the controls will be unresponsive after the power is reapplied and the amplifier will produce no sound. The Tap LED will flash to indicate that the amplifier contains no valid firmware.
The amplifier must be connected to the Blackstar INSIDER software to reinstall valid firmware. The update process will start automatically if the Blackstar INSIDER software detects that the amplifier is in this state.

Technical Specification

Silverline Standard
Power: 20 Watts
Weight (kg): 11.0
Dimensions (mm): 450 (W) x 377 (H) x 238 (D)
Speaker: 1x10" Celestion VT-Junior, 4 Ohms
Footswitch (not supplied): FS-4 latching footswitch, FS-10 footcontroller

Silverline Special
Power: 50 Watts
Weight (kg): 13.9
Dimensions (mm): 505 (W) x 418 (H) x 248 (D)
Speaker: 1x12" Celestion V-Type, 4 Ohms
Footswitch (not supplied): FS-4 latching footswitch, FS-10 footcontroller

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. THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON 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 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 unit must only be used in a well ventilated area and never switched on when it is within a poorly ventilated space, such as a bookcase.
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.
An apparatus with Class I construction should be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
The mains plug of the power supply cord should remain readily accessible.
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.