Blackstar HT-5

The Blackstar HT-5 is a compact, versatile tube amplifier designed for guitarists who need high-quality tones at lower volumes. Perfect for home practice, studio recording, and small gigs, the HT-5 offers the rich, dynamic sound of a tube amp in a portable package. With its innovative ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control and built-in reverb, the HT-5 provides a wide range of tones suitable for various musical styles.

Key Features:

Amplification and Power:

• Power Output: 5 watts, making it ideal for home use, recording, and small venues.
• Tube Configuration:
  • Preamp Tube: One 12AX7 tube for warm, dynamic tone.
  • Power Tube: One 12BH7 tube for robust power and sustain.

Channels and Controls:

• Two Channels: Clean and Overdrive channels for a variety of tones.
  • Clean Channel: Offers bright, clear tones suitable for a wide range of styles.
  • Overdrive Channel: Provides rich, saturated distortion perfect for rock and metal.
• ISF Control: Blackstar’s unique Infinite Shape Feature allows you to blend between American and British tone characteristics.
• EQ Controls: Three-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) for precise tone shaping.

Speaker Configuration:

• Speaker: 1×12 combo version features a 12-inch Blackbird 50 speaker, designed to complement the amp’s tonal characteristics.
• Cabinet: Also available as a head unit, which can be paired with various speaker cabinets for flexibility.

Connectivity:

• Inputs:
  • 1/4″ instrument input for guitar connection.
• Outputs:
  • Speaker Outputs: Multiple outputs for connecting to external speaker cabinets.
  • Emulated Output: 1/4″ output for direct recording or connecting to a PA system, providing an emulated speaker sound.
  • Headphones: 1/4″ output for silent practice with speaker emulation.
• Effects Loop: Send and return jacks for integrating external effects pedals and processors.

Sound Characteristics:

• Dynamic Tube Tone: Delivers the warm, responsive sound of a tube amp with excellent clarity and articulation.
• Versatile Tone Shaping: The ISF control and three-band EQ allow for a wide range of tones, from bright and clean to dark and heavy.
• Saturated Overdrive: The Overdrive channel provides rich, harmonic distortion ideal for rock, blues, and metal.

Applications:

• Home Practice: Perfect for home practice due to its low wattage and manageable volume levels.
• Studio Recording: Suitable for studio recording, offering high-quality tube tones and direct emulated output.
• Small Gigs: Adequate for small performances, providing enough volume and tonal flexibility for intimate venues.

Country of Manufacture:

• China: The Blackstar HT-5 is manufactured in China, ensuring high-quality production standards and affordability.

Notable Features:

• 5 watts of all-tube power with 12AX7 and 12BH7 tubes
• Two channels (Clean and Overdrive) with independent controls
• Blackstar’s ISF control for versatile tone shaping
• 12-inch Blackbird 50 speaker (combo version)
• Emulated output for direct recording and silent practice
• Effects loop for integrating external effects

Notable Users:

While specific high-profile users of the Blackstar HT-5 may not be extensively documented, the amp is widely used by guitarists for its versatility and reliable performance. It is popular among:

• Home Musicians: Those who need a high-quality, low-wattage tube amp for practice and home recording.
• Studio Musicians: Players who use it for recording due to its dynamic response and versatile tones.
• Gigging Musicians: Guitarists who appreciate its portability and performance for small gigs and jam sessions.

The Blackstar HT-5 is a versatile and powerful tube amplifier that delivers high-quality tones in a compact and portable package. Its innovative features, such as the ISF control and built-in reverb, make it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or playing small gigs, the HT-5 offers the rich, dynamic sound of a tube amp with the flexibility and convenience that modern guitarists need.