BLACK STAR HT-5C User manual

Owner’s Manual
Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
Designed and Engineered by
Blackstar Amplification UK
HBK-1034 03/13
HT - 5C /HT - 5R
/HT-5210

Features
The HT-5 is the ultimate studio and practice amp, packing all the great tone and
innovative features of the award-winning HT valve pedals into a two channel,
footswitchable valve amp format. The patented ISF (Innite Shape Feature) circuit
gives you innite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control network
and takes you from the USA to the UK and anywhere in between. So now you can
effectively design your own tone and nally nd ‘the sound in your head’.
In making the HT-5 ideally suited to home and studio use, the aim was to develop
a valve amp which sounded full and toneful even at the lowest volume level. With
this in mind the Blackstar design team designed a brand new valve power amplier
topology. The HT-5 power amplier is a low powered push-pull design which
produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100W output
stage but at a much lower volume. This is achieved by the use of a 12BH7 dual
triode in push-pull conguration producing 5 Watts output, which is rich in valve
harmonics and compression.
The HT-5 also has a fully specied stereo speaker emulated output which further
enhances the studio credentials and allows any guitarist to get amazing valve
tone straight to tape or disk, or through headphones. It also features the unique
4x12/1x12 voicing switch allowing you to change the tonal characteristics of the
emulated signal between two emulated cabinet types.
The stereo speaker emulated output can be used at the same time as the internal
speaker/extension cab, providing headphone free monitoring or the choice to blend
a mic’d speaker and emulated signal together for unrivalled usability when recording
at home or in the studio. In addition the speaker output can be turned off for ‘silent’
practice or recording.
Add to this an effects loop with switchable level, 16Ω and 8Ω speaker outputs
which allow you to run the amp into an external speaker cabinet of your choice, a
stereo MP3/Line in allowing you to jam along to your favourite tracks and you have
everything you need for recording or practising.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar HT-5 amplier. 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.
If you like what you hear and want to nd out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team
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10. Treble (OD Channel)
The Treble control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the
sound. At low settings (CCW) the sound will be warm and darker in character. As the
Treble control is increased (CW) the sound will become brighter. At the maximum
settings the sound will be aggressive and cutting.
11. ISF (Innite 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 CCW has a more
American characteristic with a tight bottom end and more aggressive middle, and
fully CW has a British characteristic which is more ‘woody’ and less aggressive.
12. Reverb (HT-5R, HT-5RH and HT-5210 only)
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. The HT-5R, HT-5RH and HT-5210 feature digital reverb found
on the HT Venue Series and HT-1R, adding a rich depth to any playing style.
13. Power Indicator Light
The power indicator will light when the amplier is switched on.
14. Standby
This switch enables the operation of the power amp stage and speaker output.
Always turn this on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (15). For silent
recording or practise this switch should be put in the standby position. This will
disable the power stage, but the emulated output will continue to work.
15. Power
This switch is used to turn the amplier on and off. You should always turn this
switch on before turning on the Standby switch (14).
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
qualied technician.
2. Speaker Outputs
For the HT-5210 the output marked ‘1x16 Ohm’ is for the connection of a single 16
Ohm external speaker cabinet. The outputs marked ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’ are for
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Front Panel
1. Input
Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
2. Clean Volume
This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases
the volume.
3. Clean 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.
4. Overdrive Select
Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel.
5. Overdrive Indicator
When the red LED is on the Overdrive Channel is selected. When the LED is off the
Clean Channel is in operation.
6. Overdrive Gain
The Gain control adjusts the amount of the Overdrive Channel’s overdrive or
distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise (CCW), will deliver a clean sound on
the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is increased clockwise (CW) the sound
will become more overdriven moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum
position, a full distorted lead tone is arrived at.
7. Overdrive Volume
This controls the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise increases
the volume.
8. Bass (OD Channel)
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,
(CCW), to warm and thumping (CW).
9. Middle (OD Channel)
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 CCW) the sound
will be aggressive and scooped, a tone ideal for aggressive rhythm playing. As the
Middle control is increased (CW) the amount of ‘body’ is increased, which is more
suitable for sustained lead guitar tones.
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the connection of either a single 8 Ohm extension cabinet, the internal loudspeakers
of the HT-5210, or two 16 Ohm extension cabinets. The internal loudspeakers of
the HT-5210 should not be used together with an extension cabinet. See table
below.
HT-5210 Speaker Table ‘1x16 Ohm’ output ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’ outputs
Internal 8 Ohm speakers X X
Two 16 Ohm extension cabinets X  
One 16 Ohm extension cabinet X X
One 8 Ohm extension cabinet X X
For all other ampliers in the HT-5 range the output marked ‘1x16 Ohm’ is for
the connection of a single 16 Ohm extension cabinet or the internal loudspeaker
of an HT-5 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 HT-5 combo can be plugged in here if it is
used with a 16 Ohm extension cabinet. See table below.
HT-5 Range Speaker Table ‘1x16 Ohm’ output ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’ outputs
Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker X X
Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker X  
and one 16 Ohm extension cabinet
Two 16 Ohm extension cabinets X  
Single 8 Ohm extension cabinet X X
WARNING: The output marked ‘1x16 Ohm’ should never be used at the same time
as either of the outputs marked ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’.
3. Speaker Emulated Output & Headphones
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, and for use with headphones. To make full use of the stereo reverb, use a
stereo jack to two mono jacks splitter lead to feed two channels of the recording
device or mixer (see diagram below). The output will also function into a mono guitar
type lead. Always use a good quality screened lead.
4. Cabinet Switch
The switch enables you to select either a 4x12 closed back or a 1x12 open back
cabinet emulation for the Speaker Emulated Output.
5. Footswitch
The supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch
between the Clean and Overdrive channels. The Overdrive Select Switch (4) on the
amplier must be depressed to allow the footswitch to work.
6. Effects Loop Send
Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
7. Effects Loop Return
Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.
8. Effects Loop Level
The Effect 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).
9. MP3/Line Input
Connect the output of your MP3 or CD player here. Adjust the player’s volume to
match that of your guitar to enable you to play along.
Note: The connection is stereo.
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Ring
Screen
Tip
Left channel
to mixer
Right channel
to mixer

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Technical Specication
HT-5C/HT-5R Combo
Power (RMS):
5 Watts
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
Weight (kg): 12.3
Dimensions (mm): 444 x 237 x 400
Footswitch: FS-4 supplied
HT-5RH Head
Power (RMS):
5 Watts
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
Weight (kg): 7.5
Dimensions (mm): 443 x 229 x 228
Footswitch: FS-4 supplied
HT-112 Extension Cabinet
Power Rating (RMS):
50 Watts
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Speaker: 1 x 12˝ Blackbird 50 custom designed by Blackstar Amplication
Weight (kg): 10.7
Dimensions (mm): 443 x 249 x 444
HT-5210 Combo
Power (RMS):
5 Watts
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
Weight (kg): 17
Dimensions (mm): 577 x 237 x 470
Footswitch: FS-9 supplied

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54
Français DeutschJapanese Español
HT-5R Combo Front Panel
HT-5R Combo Rear Panel
POWERSTANDBY
ONON
INPUT
10 1000
TONE
VOLUME
CLEAN
100
LEVEL
REVERB
ISF
BASS MIDDLE TREBLE
100100100100100100
VOLUME
GAIN
OVERDRIVE
OVERDRIVE
SELECT
EQUALISATION
FOOT
SWITCH
MAINS INPUT
RETURNSEND +4dBV
-10dBV
EFFECTS LOOP
LEVEL
1x12
4x12
WARNING!: DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION GRILLES
ATTENTION!: NE PAS OBSTRUER LES GRILLES DE VENTILATION
N2930
100V 50/60Hz
40 WATTS
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
MODEL: HT-5R
CONNECT
SPEAKERS
BEFORE USE
OUTPUT:
5 WATTS RMS
1 x 16 OHM1x 8 OHM OR 2 x 16 OHM
MP3 / LINE
INPUT
EMULATED OUTPUT
& HEADPHONES
CABINET
POWERSTANDBY
ONON
INPUT
10 1000
TONE
VOLUME
CLEAN
ISF
BASS MIDDLE TREBLE
100100100100100100
VOLUME
GAIN
OVERDRIVE
OVERDRIVE
SELECT
EQUALISATION
5
HT
HT-5C Combo Front Panel

5756
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EnglishFrançais DeutschJapanese Español
HT-5RH Head Front Panel
HT-5RH Head Rear Panel
FOOT
SWITCH
MAINS INPUT
RETURN SEND
+4dBV
-10dBV
EFFECTS LOOP
LEVEL
1x12
4x12
N2930
100V 50/60Hz
40 WATTS
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
MODEL: HT-5RH
CONNECT
SPEAKERS
BEFORE USE
OUTPUT:
5 WATTS RMS
1 x 16 OHM1 x 8 OHM OR 2 x 16 OHM
MP3 / LINE
INPUT
EMULATED OUTPUT
& HEADPHONES
CABINET
WARNING!: DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILAT ION GRILLES
ATTENTION!: NE PAS OBSTRUER LES GRILLES DE VENTILAT ION
POWER STANDBY
ON ON
INPUT
101000
TONE VOLUME
CLEAN
100
LEVEL
REVERB
ISF BASSMIDDLETREBLE
100100100100100100
VOLUME GAIN
OVERDRIVE
OVERDRIVE
SELECT
EQUALISATION
5
HT

5958
English Deutsch Français Español Japanese
EnglishFrançais DeutschJapanese Español
HT-5210 Front Panel
HT-5210 Rear Panel
FOOT
SWITCH
MAINS INPUT
RETURNSEND +4dBV
-10dBV
EFFECTS LOOP
LEVEL
1x12
4x12
WARNING!: DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION GRILLES
ATTENTION!: NE PAS OBSTRUER LES GRILLES DE VENTILATION
N2930
100V 50/60Hz
40 WATTS
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
MODEL: HT-5210
CONNECT
SPEAKERS
BEFORE USE
OUTPUT:
5 WATTS RMS
1 x 16 OHM1x 8 OHM OR 2 x 16 OHM
MP3 / LINE
INPUT
EMULATED OUTPUT
& HEADPHONES
CABINET
10 1000 100100100100100100100