Blackstar HT CLUB 40 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

Designed and Engineered by

Blackstar Amplification UK

HT CLUB 40

3

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.

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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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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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.

Features

The HT Club 40 is a highly versatile amplifier suited to a wide range of playing styles
and situations.

The Clean Channel has two modes, ‘boutique’ and ‘modern’ and its own Tone
control provides a wide range of clean tones. The Voice switch reconfigures both the
preamplifier voicing and gain structure, and the power amplifier damping, to
reproduce either ringing Class A Performance in the ‘boutique’ mode, or very clean
and tight Class AB tones in the ‘modern’ setting.

The Overdrive Channel has its own EQ section and a Voice switch which allows the
character of the channel to be changed, providing a wide variety of overdriven tones.
The channel is characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but lacks any of the
detached top-end ‘fizz’ often found in similar designs. This is a result of unique
preamplifier and power amplifier shaping techniques, which also benefit the player
in the way the overdrive cleans up beautifully as the guitar volume is reduced. Even
at the most extreme settings, the overdrive channel remains natural sounding.

The Patent-Applied-For ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control is unique to Blackstar
Amplification and represents a major step forward in tone shaping flexibility. The ISF
control shifts the response of the three control tone stack between a US type
response at one end, and at the other a UK type response. Importantly, in between
the two extremes, lie an infinite number of alternative tone choices that would be
otherwise unavailable.

The HT Club 40 also features a completely natural sounding digital reverb, which is
outstandingly musical on both clean and crunch tones and raises the benchmark for
guitar amplifier specific reverb design. A Dark/Bright switch allows the overall reverb
characteristics to be modified to suit different tastes and playing styles.

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar HT Club 40 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.

The HT Club 40’s highly flexible two channel design features the unique ISF (Infinite
Shape Feature) control and although it has a comprehensive control set, it is still
simple and intuitive to use. Please read through this handbook carefully to ensure
you get the maximum benefit from your new Blackstar product.

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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10. 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 varied from tight
and cutting when counter clockwise, to warm and thumping when fully clockwise.

11. 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 counter clockwise) the
sound will be aggressive and scooped, a tone ideal for aggressive rhythm playing.
As the Middle control is increased (clockwise) the amount of ‘body’ is increased,
which is more suitable for sustained lead guitar tones.

12. 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 darker in character.
As the Treble control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter. At the
maximum setting the sound will be aggressive and cutting.

13. 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 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.

14. Reverb

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.

15. Master Volume

This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

16. Power Indicator Light

The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.

17. Standby

This switch enables the output stage. Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds
after the Power switch (18). During short breaks in playing use just this switch to
turn ‘off’ and ‘on’ the amplifier’s output.

18. 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 (17).

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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 Voice

In the out position the Clean Channel has a ‘boutique’ voicing, more focussed to
middle and top end, with the power amplifier damping configured like many
traditional Class A type amplifiers. This mode can produce pleasing levels of crunchy
overdrive at higher settings of the Clean Volume (2) control. With the switch in the in
position the Clean Channel has a more ‘modern’ voicing, with a greater bass
response and tighter sound from increased Class AB style power amplifier damping.
The gain structure is also altered to keep the sound clean at higher settings of the
Clean Volume (2) control.

4. 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.

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 Select

Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel.

NOTE: this switch must be ‘in’ for the footswitch to work.

7. Overdrive Gain

The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion on the Overdrive
Channel. Low settings (counter clockwise) will deliver a clean sound on the edge of
break-up. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more
overdriven, moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full
distorted tone is arrived at.

8. Overdrive Voice

With the Voice switch in the out position, the Overdrive Channel has a ‘classic’
overdrive voicing, tight and crunchy. When the switch is in, more mid-band gain is
applied to give the overdrive sound more ‘body’ and a smoother overdrive
characteristic, while power amp feedback is reduced to give a livelier, looser response.

9. Overdrive Volume

This control adjusts the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise
increases the volume.

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USA UK

6. Reverb Dark/Light

In the out position the digital reverb is voiced to have a warm dark quality. When the
Light position is selected the reverb has a brighter quality with more zing on the
reverb tail.

7. Effects Loop Return

Connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit here.

8. Effects Loop Send

Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.

9. Effects Loop Level

The Effects 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).

10. Footswitch

The supplied 2-way footswitch is connected here. The footswitch enables you to
switch between the Clean and Overdrive channels, and switch the Reverb on or off.

Technical Specification

Power (RMS): 40 Watts

Valves: 2 x ECC83, 2 x EL34

Weight (kg): 24.4

Dimensions (mm): 619 x 566 x 297

Footswitch: FS-5 supplied

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Rear Panel

1. Mains Fuse

The value of the Mains Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the
incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.

2. 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.

3. H.T. Fuse

The value of the H.T. Fuse is specified on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the
incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.

4. 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 Club 40 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 Club 40 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
Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker X 

plus one 16 ohm extension cab
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 any of the outputs marked ‘1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm’ or ‘1x4 Ohm or 2x8 Ohm’
outputs. Failure to correctly match the impedance of the amplifier and speakers, will
damage the amplifier.

5. 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. Always use a good quality screened lead.

NOTE: To ‘silently’ record, set the master volume to zero or turn the amp to standby
mode. You may also record from this output while in standby mode 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.

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Hohe Lautsprecherpegel können permanente Hörschäden verursachen. Sie sollten
daher die direkte Nähe zu Lautsprechern, die auf hohen Pegeln betrieben werden,
vermeiden. Tragen Sie einen Hörschutz, wenn Sie kontinuierlich hohen Pegeln
ausgesetzt sind.

Wenn das Produkt nicht normal funktioniert, während die Betriebsanleitung befolgt
wird, übergeben Sie das Produkt an einen qualifizierten Servicetechniker.

Die Verwaltung zur Gesundheit und Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz der US-Regierung
(OSHA) hat die folgenden zulässigen Lärmpegelbelastungen festgelegt:

Dauer pro Tag in Stunden Lärmpegel dBA, Langsame Reaktion
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ oder weniger 115

Laut der OSHA kann jede Belastung oberhalb der oben genannten zulässigen
Grenzwerte zu gewissen Hörverlusten führen.

Wenn dieses Verstärkersystem betrieben wird, müssen Ohrschützer im Ohrkanal
oder über den Ohren getragen werden, um permanenten Hörverlust zu vermeiden,
wenn die Belastung oberhalb der oben festgelegten Grenzwerte liegt. Um sich gegen
potenziell gefährliche Belastungen durch hohe Schalldruckpegel zu schützen, wird
empfohlen, dass alle Personen, die Geräten wie diesem Verstärkersystem ausgesetzt
sind, die in der Lage sind, hohe Schalldruckpegel zu entwickeln, während des
Betriebs dieses Geräts durch Ohrschützer geschützt werden.

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Deutsch

Wichtige Informationen zur Sicherheit!

LESEN SIE DIE FOLGENDEN INFORMATIONEN SORGFÄLTIG DURCH.
BEWAHREN SIE ALLE ANLEITUNGEN FÜR DIE ZUKÜNFTIGE
BEZUGNAHME AUF

Befolgen Sie alle auf dem Produkt ausgewiesenen Warnungen und
Anleitungen!

Gefahr! Hohe interne Betriebsspannungen

Öffnen Sie nicht das Gehäuse des Geräts. Es befinden sich keine vom Anwender zu
wartende Teile in diesem Gerät. Überlassen Sie alle Servicearbeiten qualifiziertem
Wartungspersonal.

Nur mit einem trockenen Lappen reinigen

Auf der Innenseite eines Verstärkers kann sich Kondensationsnässe bilden, wenn er
von einer kalten Umgebung an einen wärmeren Ort bewegt wird. Es wird empfohlen,
dass das Gerät vor dem Einschalten Zimmertemperatur erreicht.

Unerlaubte Änderungen an diesem Gerät sind ausdrücklich von Blackstar
Amplification Ltd verboten.

Stecken Sie niemals Objekte jeglicher Art in die Lüftungsschlitze des Gehäuses.

Setzen Sie dieses Gerät nicht Regen, Flüssigkeiten oder Feuchtigkeit jeglicher Art
aus.

Befolgen Sie alle auf dem Produkt ausgewiesenen Warnungen und Anleitungen!

Platzieren Sie dieses Produkt nicht auf einem instabilen Rollwagen, Ständer oder
Tisch. Das Produkt kann herunterfallen und dem Produkt oder Personen ernsthaften
Schaden zufügen!

Blockieren oder verdecken Sie nicht die Lüftungsschlitze oder -öffnungen.

Dieses Produkt sollte nicht in der Nähe einer Wärmequelle wie einem Ofen,
Heizkörper oder einem anderen Hitze entwickelnden Verstärker platziert werden.

Verwenden Sie nur das zum Lieferumfang gehörende Netzkabel, das mit der
Netzstromversorgung in Ihrer Region kompatibel ist.

Netzkabel müssen stets mit Vorsicht gehandhabt und ersetzt werden, wenn sie in
irgendeiner Weise beschädigt werden.

Brechen Sie niemals den Erdungsstift (Erde) am Netzkabel ab.

Das Netzkabel sollte aus der Steckdose gezogen werden, wenn das Gerät längere
Zeit nicht verwendet wird.

Bevor das Gerät eingeschaltet wird, muss der Lautsprecher entsprechend der
Beschreibung im Handbuch unter Verwendung des vom Hersteller empfohlenen
Kabels angeschlossen werden.

Ersetzen Sie beschädigte Sicherungen stets mit der korrekten Spannung und Art.

Trennen Sie niemals die schützende Netz/Erde-Verbindung.

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Deutsch

Alle Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte müssen getrennt vom Hausmüll über dafür
staatlich vorgesehenen Stelen entsorgt werden.

Merkmale

Der HT Club 40 ist ein extrem vielseitiger Verstärker, der sich für sehr unterschiedliche
Spieltechniken und -situationen empfiehlt.

Der Clean-Kanal bietet die beiden Modi ‚Boutique' und ‚Modern': Mit dem
zugehörigen Tone-Regler erzielen Sie eine hohe Bandbreite an Clean-Sounds. Der
Voice-Schalter ändert die Konfiguration des Vorverstärker-Voicings sowie das Gain­Verhalten und die Endstufen-Dämpfung, um wahlweise glockige Class-A-Sounds
im ‚Boutique'-Modus oder sehr cleane und knackige Class-AB-Sounds in der
Stellung ‚Modern' zu erzeugen.

Der Overdrive-Kanal bietet eine eigene EQ-Sektion und einen Voice-Schalter, mit
dem sich der Charakter des Kanals ändern lässt, um eine hohe Bandbreite an
übersteuerten Sounds zu erzielen. Der Kanal zeichnet sich durch einen Sound aus,
der ausreichend Gain-Reserven bietet, jedoch kein übertrieben „kratziges“ Top-End
liefert, wie man es von ähnlichen Schaltungen her kennt. Das ist das Ergebnis der
einzigartigen Shaping-Technologie in der Vor- und Endstufe: Dabei werden Sie als
Gitarrist sicher zu schätzen wissen, dass Sie allein mit Hilfe des Volume-Potis
zwischen Overdrive- und wunderschönen Clean-Sounds variieren können. Selbst
bei extremen Einstellungen klingt der Overdrive-Kanal immer natürlich und offen.

Die von Blackstar Amplification für ein Patent angemeldete ISF-Schaltung (Infinite
Shape Feature) ist einzigartig und stellt einen großen Fortschritt in Bezug auf eine
flexible Klangregelung dar. Der ISF-Regler erlaubt es, die Klangfarbe der
Klangregelung mit ihren drei Reglern zwischen einem US-typischen Charakter auf der
einen Seite und einem UK-typischen Charakter auf der anderen Seite zu variieren.
Natürlich liegen zwischen diesen beiden Charakteristika unendlich viele andere
Klangfärbungen, die bei anderen Verstärkern definitiv nicht zur Verfügung stehen.

Der HT Club 40 verfügt zudem über ein absolut natürlich klingendes Digital Reverb,
das bei cleanen und Crunch-Sounds absolut musikalisch klingt und die Messlatte für
Gitarrenverstärker-spezifische Reverbs deutlich nach oben setzt. Mit einem
Dark/Bright-Schalter lässt sich die Reverb-Charakteristik schnell an unterschiedliche
akustische Vorlieben und Spieltechniken anpassen.

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Einleitung

Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich für den Blackstar HT Club 40 Verstärker entschieden
haben. Dieser Amp ist wie alle unsere Verstärker das Ergebnis unzähliger Stunden
akribischer Arbeit durch unser erstklassiges Entwickler-Team. Blackstar hat seinen
Sitz in Northampton (UK) und setzt sich aus einem Team erfahrener Musiker
zusammen, die nur ein Ziel verfolgen: Gitarristen mit den Werkzeugen zu versorgen,
die ihnen dabei helfen, sich selbst zu verwirklichen.

Alle Blackstar-Produkte wurden sowohl in unseren Labors als auch im Live-Betrieb
auf Herz und Nieren getestet, um sicherzustellen, dass sie in punkto Zuverlässigkeit,
Qualität und KLANG absolut kompromisslose Ergebnisse liefern.

Das extrem flexible zweikanalige Design des HT Club 40 wird durch die einzigartige
ISF-Schaltung (Infinite Shape Feature) ergänzt und glänzt trotz umfangreicher
Steuermöglichkeiten durch eine einfache und intuitive Bedienung. Bitte lesen Sie
dieses Handbuch aufmerksam durch, um Ihr neues Blackstar-Produkt optimal
nutzen zu können.

Wenn Sie mehr über die Blackstar-Produktreihe erfahren möchten, besuchen Sie
unsere Webseite unter www.blackstaramps.com.

Vielen Dank!

Ihr Blackstar-Team

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Deutsch