Blackstar Amplification HT-5 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Designed and Engineered by
Blackstar Amplification UK
HT-5
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Technical Specification
HT-5 Combo
Power (RMS): 5 Watts
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
Weight (kg): 11.5
Dimensions (mm): 442 x 430 x 235
Footswitch: FS-1 supplied
HT-5H Head
Power (RMS): 5 Watts
Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
Weight (kg): 7.6
Dimensions (mm): 442 x 223 x 226
Footswitch: FS-1 supplied
HT-110 Extension Cabinet
Power Rating (RMS): 40 Watts
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Speaker: 1 x 10˝ Celestion
Weight (kg): 10.6
Dimensions (mm): 442 x 442 x 247
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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
qualified technician.
2. 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 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.
‘1x16 Ohm’ output ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’ outputs
Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker XX
One 16 Ohm extension cabinet XX
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. Footswitch
ThThe supplied footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to switch
between the Clean and Overdrive channels.
4. Effect Loop Send
Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
5. Effect Loop Return
Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.
6. Effect 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).
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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.
11. Headphones & 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, and for use with headphones. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
12. 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.
13. Power Indicator Light
The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
14. Standby
This switch applies the H.T. (High Tension) voltage required to produce sound.
Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (15). During
short breaks in playing use just this switch to turn ‘off’ and ‘on’ the amplifier’s output.
15. 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 (14).
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Front Panel
1. Input
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. Overdrive Select
Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel.
4. Overdrive Indicator
When the RED LED is on the Overdrive Channel is selected. When the LED is off the
Clean Channel is in operation.
5. Overdrive Gain
The Gain control adjusts the amount of the Overdrive Channel’s overdrive or
distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, 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.
6. Overdrive Volume
This controls the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise increases
the volume.
7. 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 (CCW), to warm and thumping (CW).
8. Middle
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.
9. Treble
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.
10. ISF (Infinite 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
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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 patent-applied-for ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
circuit gives you infinite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control
network and takes you from the USA to the UK and any where in between. So now
you can effectively design your own tone and finally find ‘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 amplifier
topology. The HT-5 power amplifier 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 configuration producing 5 watts output, which is rich in valve harmonics
and compression.
The HT-5 also has a fully specified 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.
Add to this an effects loop with switchable level, along with 16Ωand 8Ωspeaker
outputs which allow you to run the amp into an external speaker cabinet of your
choice, and you have everything you need for recording or practising.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar HT-5 amplifier. 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 find out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team
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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:
Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ or less 115
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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All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately
from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or the local authorities.
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Warning!
Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
Danger! 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 that the unit me 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.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
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 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.
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.
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USA / Canada
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.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. 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.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
13. 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”.
“WARNING: 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
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
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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.
HBK-1013 07/08
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