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Blackstar HT-1R MkII Combo
This is my first tube amp and I use it for bedroom practice.
The controls are quite simple, there are no traditional eq. knobs but only the ISF feature, however it is possible to get really nice tones at a reasonable volume. (it can actually get pretty loud considering its size, especially on the overdrive channel)
Compared to my previous modelling amp (Roland micro cube), the sound is much more natural, the characteristics of the guitar are more present and the feedback with volume knob, hardness of picking etc. is much better.
Overall it's great as a simple plug&play amp with a decent sound. It would have been perfect if it had the equalizer knobs and the fx loop just like its bigger brother HT5
The controls are quite simple, there are no traditional eq. knobs but only the ISF feature, however it is possible to get really nice tones at a reasonable volume. (it can actually get pretty loud considering its size, especially on the overdrive channel)
Compared to my previous modelling amp (Roland micro cube), the sound is much more natural, the characteristics of the guitar are more present and the feedback with volume knob, hardness of picking etc. is much better.
Overall it's great as a simple plug&play amp with a decent sound. It would have been perfect if it had the equalizer knobs and the fx loop just like its bigger brother HT5
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K
Perfect Amp if Volume or Space is an Issue
Perfect choice for apartment or small space setting where volume is an issue; an 8 inch speaker has no business sounding as good as this does on the low-end; Don't let the 1W put you off, this amp can really drive, so would be great as a practice amp too. The ISF control, Reverb and USB interface makes it a great all-round offer. I mostly play with headphones due to volume constraints and even then it sounds great.
If I had one criticism, it takes far too long for amp to kick-in once powered on, might be an issue with tubes or quality control, either way, it's somewhat of an annoyance and would rate it 4.5/5 if I could, but will give it the benefit of the doubt here.
Besides that, the amp is excellent in almost every category. A space-saver, with remarkably great tones at lower volumes and a beautiful second voicing on the clean channel that really goes well with single-coils.
At c. €300, tube amps have a reputation of being a bit dicey and some would not recommend a tube amp, but this is a great amp for those wanting quality tube tones at a lower price point.
If I had one criticism, it takes far too long for amp to kick-in once powered on, might be an issue with tubes or quality control, either way, it's somewhat of an annoyance and would rate it 4.5/5 if I could, but will give it the benefit of the doubt here.
Besides that, the amp is excellent in almost every category. A space-saver, with remarkably great tones at lower volumes and a beautiful second voicing on the clean channel that really goes well with single-coils.
At c. €300, tube amps have a reputation of being a bit dicey and some would not recommend a tube amp, but this is a great amp for those wanting quality tube tones at a lower price point.
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N
Value for money
For a practice amp it's pretty awesome. I can't turn it up past 2 really due to neighbours but stick a set of headphones in and you can crank it right up. Very basic features, it has the Blackstar ISF patent Control and a Reverb Control, 2 Overdrive and 2 clean settings. You can plug in a footpedal or headphones and I believe you can connect it to a large cab speaker also. I can't fault it well built, basic and simple.
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H
very good sounding small valve amp
8" speaker, but cleans are very good. Distorted sounds also but not when driven too far - the amp/speaker starts to sound too compressed/boxy. After all, it must be taken into concern the speake's size - it's only 8 inches.
Overall, the amp is excellent for bedroom practice.
Overall, the amp is excellent for bedroom practice.
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F
If you need a low-watt (semi) tube amp this is very good!
This is a very good amp! I use it with my pedalboard, also alone, also with my Make Noise Strega synth. It has a warm and fat sound. The only thing is the lack of EQ knobs. It would have been perfect if it had EQ knobs to tweak the sound a little bit further, specially if you're just using your guitar without any pedals.
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