Blackstar Adds Reverb Models to Popular Ht-5 Series

Blackstar Amplification (Halle 4.0, Stand C40) is extending their popular HT-5 line of all-tube amplifiers to include three new models equipped with a stereo digital reverb. Additional enhancements have also been made.

The new, innovative HT-5R combo and HT-5RH head offer real tube sound in a compact format. While the preamp uses a traditional 12AX7 tube, the power section uses the dual-triode 12BH7 tube wired in a push-pull circuit. This configuration produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100 Watt amp, delivering a sound rich in tube harmonics and compression even at the lowest volume levels.

The HT-5R and HT-5RH are both two-channel amplifiers (Clean and Overdrive) that come complete with a channel-switching footswitch. In these new Reverb models, an additional Tone control has been added to the Clean Channel. As with many other Blackstar models, the unique Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) works with the three-band EQ to provide new tone-shaping control, able to create both U.K. and USA flavors of sound quickly.

The emulated speaker line output recreates the sonic character of either a 1x12" or a 4x12" speaker cabinet, providing a convenient way to record or to connect to a larger sound system. Unlike other models, using the emulated line output will not cancel the internal or external speaker sound. This allows the HT-5R series to serve as a great monitor source. This same output can be used with headphones for private practice. The Series Effects Loop is equipped with a level switch to match the signal of nearly any external effect processor. A line input is included, allowing the player to jam along with a CD, MP3, etc.

The HT-5RH Head amplifiers are compatible with Blackstar’s HT-112 extension cabinet. Each cabinet holds a single 12" custom-designed Blackbird 50 speaker. This same speaker is used in the self-contained HT-5R Combo. The HT-5RS Mini Stack is also available, which includes the HT-5R Head and two HT-112 Cabinets.

MODEL                                                                                  U.S. MSRP                Availability

HT-5R                        Five Watt, all-tube combo amp                  $569.99                      Summer 2011

HT-5RH         Five Watt, all-tube head                              $479.99                      Summer 2011

HT-112           Single 12” Blackbird 50 Cabinet               $299.99                      Summer 2011

HT-5RS          Mini Stack with HT5RH + (2) HT-112s     $849.99                      Summer 2011