8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
10. 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 t into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied 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. THE APPARATUS SHALL
NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED
WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON APPARATUS".
USA / Canada
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
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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 qualied service personnel.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplier if it is moved from a cold
environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended
that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
Unauthorised modication of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar
Amplication 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.
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 unit must only be used in
a well ventilated area and never switched on when it is within a poorly ventilated
space, such as a bookcase.
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator,
or another heat producing amplier.
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 o 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.
An apparatus with Class I construction should be connected to a mains socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
The mains plug of the power supply cord should remain readily accessible.
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.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are
followed, then refer the product to a qualied service engineer.
The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specied 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 amplication 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 amplication system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in
operation.
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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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Silverline Series 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 Silverline Series represents a truly ground-breaking achievement, combining
unique innovations, an intuitive, traditional control set and the versatility of
programmability.
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
Features
Since our launch in 2007, Blackstar has led the way in the innovation of guitar
amplification. The Silverline Series represents the culmination of more than eleven
years’ technical research and development. These amps have an intuitive control
set like a traditional amp, but have the versatility of programmability and Pro Digital
Technology. The unique controls allow you, the guitarist, to custom design your
own sound, store it and then have the confidence that the amp will perform in a live
environment.
The Response control utilises Blackstar’s patented True Valve Power technology to
offer six distinctly different power valve responses – EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6,
KT88. It delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break up characteristics of a valve
amp and uniquely delivers the same acoustic power output as an equivalent valve
power amp. This means these amps deliver live without compromise.
Utilising a high-performance Analog Devices inc. SHARC (Super Harvard
Architecture) floating point processor to perform all the numerical signal processing
in each of the units, these amplifiers bring you the ultimate in tonal performance and
flexibility.
The Voice control has six different settings – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch,
Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2. When used together with Blackstar’s patented ISF
control you can get the exact tone you’re thinking of.
The effects section delivers studio quality Super Wide Stereo modulation, delay and
reverb effects simultaneously that you can store with your sound.
Deep editing and storing of patches is simple using the Blackstar INSIDER software.
Patches can be shared, uploaded and downloaded via the online community. The
USB connector also allows you to record from your amp directly to your computer.
An emulated output, MP3/line input and advanced footswitching complete the
package.
By using the unique Voice control, the patented ISF and TVP technology selectable
via the Response control, Silverline Series amplifiers deliver unparalleled flexibility
and ease of use, enabling you to, in effect, design the sound in your head and deliver
it live as LOUD as valve
TM
.
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Factory Reset
The default factory patches and settings can be restored to your amplier at any
time. Simply hold down the MOD, DLY and REV switches simultaneously, whilst
switching on the amplier. The bank LED will illuminate, and change from green, to
orange, to red, to indicate that a factory reset is imminent. This process will take a
total of two seconds. If any of the MOD, DLY and REV switches are released before
the bank LED has cycled through all colours and switched o, then the operation is
cancelled and the amplier will remain unaected.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This process will overwrite any user content
Front Panel
1. Input
Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
2. Voice
The Voice control changes the preamp voicing, ranging from ultra clean to extremely
overdriven.
Clean Warm – Classic clean, dynamic
Clean Bright – ‘Boutique’, will break up when pushed hard
Crunch – Classic medium gain overdrive
Super Crunch – More gain and punch than Crunch
OD 1 – Hot-rodded Master Volume overdrive
OD 2 – Mid boosted overdrive
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
3. Gain
The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter
clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is
turned clockwise the sound will become more overdriven, moving through beautiful
crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted tone is achieved. This
setting is saved when you store a patch.
4. Volume
This controls the preamp volume. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
High levels of volume will introduce the effect of valve power amp distortion and
compression, depending on the Response (9) setting you have selected. This setting
is saved when you store a patch.
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5. 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) to warm and thumping (clockwise). This setting is saved when
you store a patch.
6. 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 dark in character.
As the treble control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter. At the
maximum settings the sound will be aggressive and cutting. This setting is saved
when you store a patch.
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ISFISF
7. ISF
The patented ISF control works in conjunction
with the Bass, Middle and Treble controls. It
allows you to choose the exact tonal signature
USAUK
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.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
8. Response
The Response control delivers Blackstar’s patented True Valve Power technology,
offering six distinctly different power valve responses – EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66,
6L6 and KT88. Each setting delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break-up
characteristics of the selected valve power amp. This means that these amps deliver
live without compromise.
Blackstar's TVP technology changes the characteristics of the sound from
compressed and spongy to dynamic and tight.
EL84Bell-like full bodied Class A with lots of compression
6V6Crisp Class A with high compression and tight mids
EL34Classic British Class A/B crunch with full bodied soft break-up
KT66Rich and warm vintage British hot biased Class A/B
6L6Tight dynamic Class A/B with extended high and lows
KT88Tight, bold and dynamic Class A/B with strong low end
As you move from EL84 to KT88 the amount of compression and overdrive available
from each valve response is reduced. Additionally, when either of the two clean
voices are selected, the output compression and overdrive are affected by the gain
control.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
Effects
Up to three studio quality effects can be switched on at any time.
All Silverline Series amplifiers feature Super Wide Stereo effects via the stereo
Emulated Output and stereo USB audio output. This Blackstar enhanced stereo
feature can be controlled via the free Blackstar INSIDER software.
NOTE: Silverline Standard and Silverline Special amplifiers produce a mono live
sound from their single loudspeaker.
9. MOD (Modulation)
Press this switch to turn the modulation effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing.
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
10. DLY (Delay)
Press this switch to turn the delay effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This
setting is saved when you store a patch.
11. REV (Reverb)
Press this switch to turn the reverb effect on, off, or focus the effect for editing. This
setting is saved when you store a patch.
With all three of the effect switches the LED will show what state it is in:
LEDEect StateDescription
LED oEect oEect not active
LED whiteEect on but not ‘focused’ for editingEect is active, but not aected by the front
LED orangeEect on and ‘focused’ for editingEect active and aected by the front panel
panel eect controls
eect controls
Repeatedly pressing each effect switch on the front panel has the following effect:
Eect oTurns the eect on and ‘focuses’ the eect. Any previously focused eect
Eect on but not ‘focused’Focuses the eect. Any previously focused eect reverts to an ‘on’ state
Eect on and ‘focused’Turns the eect o. If any other eect(s) are on, the previously ‘focused’
reverts to an ‘on’ state
eect resumes being ‘focused’
NOTE: Only one effect may be ‘focused’ at any time
12. Effect Type
This changes the effect type and edits a parameter of the currently ‘focused’ effect
(modulation, delay, or reverb).
Each segment represents a different effect (four for each type of effect). An
LED shows which effect type is currently active. The distance travelled through
the ‘segment’ modifies an effect parameter. The Effects Table below shows the
modifiable parameters:
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
13. Effect Level
This modifies an effect parameter, the Effects Table shows the modifiable parameters:
This setting is saved when you store a patch.
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14. Tap
The Tap switch is used to set the rate/time of the current ‘focused’ effect. The time
between each press of the tap switch defines the rate set.
Once set, the Tap LED will flash in time with the set rate of the currently ‘focused’
effect.
Tap ‘Shift’
The Tap switch can also act as a ‘Shift’ control, allowing access to a number of
hidden controls from the amplifier front panel:
Holding the Tap switch and turning the Bass control will change
the Resonance value. NOTE: this is a master control and is not stored in a patch.
Holding the tap switch and turning the Treble control will change
the PRESENCE value.
For Modulation and delay effects, holding the Tap switch and turning the Effects
Level control will change the rate/time of the effect
This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the
volume. This is a global setting and not saved when storing a patch.
If the master volume is at zero this allows for silent recording via the emulated output
or USB. The emulated level is controlled via the preamp volume.
16. Power Switch
This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off; the white dot means the amplifier
is on.
17. USB
Plug a USB cable in here to connect the amplifier to a Windows PC or Mac.
Blackstar’s INSIDER software offers a host of features and can be downloaded
from: www.blackstarinsider.co.uk
See the USB Audio section on page 18 for more information.
NOTE: The amplifier will appear on a personal computer as an audio capture device
within recording software.
18. Manual
Press this switch to toggle between Manual Mode and the current patch. When
the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the sound will reflect the current physical position
of the knobs. This is applicable to the Voice, Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, ISF and
Response knobs. Any effects that are active when switching to Manual Mode will
initially be turned off.
Whilst in Manual Mode, any of the controls can still be modified by an external
source (Blackstar INSIDER software, footcontroller), but this means that the sound
will not represent the positions of the knobs on the front panel.
Tuner Mode
Holding the Manual switch (18) for three seconds will engage the tuner. The Recall
Indicator LED (27) will flash continuously to indicate the amplifier is in Tuner Mode.
The amplifier ouput will be muted whilst in Tuner Mode.
The Manual, Bank and Channel LEDs will indicate the closest note to the note being
played.
Bank LEDE String (low/high)
CH1 LEDA String
CH2 LEDD String
CH3 LEDG String
CH4 LEDB String
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The MOD, DLY and REV LEDs act as indicators to show how close the played note
is to the tuned note.
MOD LED whiteNote is sharp (above pitch)
DLY LED orangeNote is in tune
REV LED whiteNote is at (below pitch)
All other LEDs on the front panel will be off in Tuner Mode.
Pressing any switch will exit Tuner Mode.
19. Bank
Press this switch to scroll through the first three banks of patches.
Bank 1 2
Bank 2 3
Bank 3 1
The green LED indicates Bank 1 is active, the orange LED indicates Bank 2, and the
red LED indicates Bank 3 is active.
NOTE: The first three banks can be selected from the front panel. When you activate
Bank 4 and higher from an external controller (e.g. Blackstar INSIDER software,
footcontroller), the Bank LED will be off but the channel LEDs will continue to show
you the patch location.
For example:
Patch 11 – Bank LED red, Channel 3 LED on.
Selecting Bank Up from an external controller will switch you to patch 15 – Bank
LED off, Channel 3 LED on.
When the amplifier is in Manual Mode, the Bank LED will be off.
The channel will be remembered, therefore the corresponding patch within the
current bank will be loaded when scrolling through the banks.
20 – 23. Channels 1-4
Channel 1 activates the first patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 2 activates the second patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 3 activates the third patch within the currently active bank.
Channel 4 activates the fourth patch within the currently active bank.
24. Footcontroller
Connect one of the following supported footswitches here.
1-Button Footswitch
Use any latching footswitch (e.g. a Blackstar FS-4) to switch between Channels 1
and 2 of the currently selected Bank.
Footcontroller latched OFF (e.g. LED extinguished on the FS-4) activates Channel 1
Footcontroller latched ON (e.g. LED illuminated on the FS-4) activates Channel 2
Blackstar FS-10 Footcontroller
This multi-function footcontroller allows you to access all patches, toggle effects,
activate the tuner and program patches.
25. MP3/Line In
Connect the output of your MP3 or audio playback device here. Adjust the player’s
volume to match that of your guitar to enable you to play along.
NOTE: The connection is summed into mono.
26. Emulated Output/Headphone Out
This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and
provides a natural tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk.
To make full use of the stereo effects, use a stereo jack to two mono jacks splitter
cable to feed two channels of the recording device or mixer. The output will also
function into a mono guitar-type lead. Always use a good quality screened cable.
Turning the Volume knob (4) will control the Emulated Output level. The Master
Volume only affects any connected speaker(s)/cabinet(s).
NOTE: To ‘silently’ record, set the Master Volume to zero. You may also record
from this output 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.
27. Recall Indicator
The Recall Indicator shows if there is a mismatch between the current value of a
parameter within the amplifier and the corresponding physical front panel control.
For example, when you change to a different patch the controls on the front panel
may not always reflect the setting you are hearing.
To prevent unexpected level jumps in the control you are adjusting, the front panel
knobs will have no effect on the sound until the knob reaches the current parameter
value. Once reached, the Recall Indicator flashes twice and the knob ‘takes control’
of the value and can increase or decrease the value.
The recall indicator will flash twice each time the physical knob ‘passes through’ the
value stored in the current patch.
Recall is only active for Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble and ISF.
When the Tuner is active the Recall Indicator will flash continuously.
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Rear Panel
28. 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, seek advice from a
qualified technician.
Programmability
Storing Patches
To store the current sound as a patch:
1. Press and hold any of the four Channel switches for one second. All four
Channel LEDs will begin to flash.
2. Press the Bank switch to toggle through the three banks (green, orange, red)
to choose the store location.
3. Press any of the four Channel switches once to store the patch in the chosen
location.
The LED corresponding to the chosen store location will illuminate and the new
patch will be active.
Green bank = Patches 1-4
Orange bank = Patches 5-8
Red bank = Patches 9-12
The amplifier controls can be used to edit the patch at any stage of the store
process.
Press the Manual switch at any stage to cancel the store process and return the
amplifier to the last state.
Storing a patch will overwrite any previous patch in that location.
Patches can also be stored via Blackstar’s INSIDER software or a connected
Blackstar FS-10 footcontroller.
Recalling Patches
Press any Channel switch to load that patch.
Pressing the Bank switch will cycle through the three banks – green-orange-red.
The Channel will be preserved, therefore the corresponding patch within the current
Bank will be loaded when scrolling through the Banks.
Alternatively, patches can be recalled via Blackstar’s INSIDER software or any
connected footcontroller.
Factory Patches Table
Green Bank - Live Rig 1
Channel Patch Name VoiceResponse Eect(s)Description
CH1LR1 - CleanClean Warm6L6Spring ReverbUS clean with high
CH2LR1 - Crunch CrunchEL34Hall ReverbBritish low gain crunch with
CH3LR1- Rhythm Super Crunch EL34Tape Delay, Hall
CH4LR1 - LeadOD 1KT88Analogue DelayFull sounding dynamic lead
Orange Bank - Live Rig 2
Channel Patch Name VoiceResponse Eect(s)Description
CH1LR2 - CleanClean Warm6V6Plate Reverb
CH2LR2 - Crunch Clean BrightKT66Hall ReverbRhythm tone with breakup,
CH3LR2- Rhythm OD 1 EL84Hall ReverbSmooth drive with a slight
CH4LR2 - LeadSuper Crunch 6L6Analogue Delay,
Red Bank - Live Rig 3
Channel Patch Name VoiceResponse Eect(s)Description
The amplifier can be switched into Reamping Mode via Blackstar INSIDER software.
This is a non-storable setting and will be switched off either when the USB cable is
removed, or when the amplifier power is switched off.
When activated, Reamping Mode allows the amplifier to accept a pre-recorded, dry
guitar signal via USB and return a fully processed audio signal. This return signal can
then be captured using recording software on the connected PC or Mac.
Firmware Update
Firmware updates are initiated via the Blackstar INSIDER software. A new version
of the Blackstar INSIDER software will be released whenever an update is available.
Each update will take approximately 60-120 seconds.
When the amplifier is connected (via USB) to a version of the Blackstar INSIDER
software containing newer firmware, a message will be displayed, prompting you to
install the latest files. Whilst updating, the amplifier controls will be unresponsive. The
Tap LED will flash to indicate data activity during the update process.
The amplifier power should not be switched off during a firmware update. If the
amplifier is switched off during an update, the controls will be unresponsive after the
power is reapplied and the amplifier will produce no sound. The Tap LED will flash
to indicate that the amplifier contains no valid firmware.
The amplifier must be connected to the Blackstar INSIDER software to reinstall
valid firmware. The update process will start automatically if the Blackstar INSIDER
software detects that the amplifier is in this state.
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.
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