Blackstar's HT MK III Series amps offer four voices, Infinite Shape Feature, and Power Reduction down to 10%. The addition of CabRig DSP technology and USB-C connectivity for professional recording. ISF control allows for versatile tonal shaping.
Blackstar has unveiled the latest incarnation of the company’s vaunted HT compact tube amps – the MK III Series.
There are eight models in the range: HT-1R MK III combo, HT-1RH MK III head, HT-5R MK III combo, HT-5RH MK III head, HT-20R MK III combo, HT-20RH MK III head, HT-212VOC MK III cabinet, HT-112OC MK III cabinet.
A new addition is Blackstar’s advanced IR-based CabRig DSP technology, an embodiment of latest innovations in speaker, cab, mic, and room emulation. This technology, originally featured in the company’s St. James and AMPED products, represents Blackstar’s commitment to making Blackstar the ultimate tools for self-expression. Coupled with 4-channel audio via the USB-C, capturing professional quality valve tone in your DAW is simple.
The CabRig outs (XLR, Stereo Line Out, and USB) can also be used in Standby Mode making it ideal for both recording and silent stages too. Upgraded circuit board components and an all-new digital reverb with adjustable parameters further enhance the tone and performance.
Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
On the HT MK III amplifiers is Blackstar’s patented ISF. ISF stands for ‘Infinite Shape Feature’. Unique to Blackstar products, this control can take you from a more ‘American'-sounding amp all the way through to a classic ‘British’ amplifier and anywhere in between.
What does HT stand for?
‘HT’ stands for High Tension meaning the high voltage internal circuits needed to push valves to their full tonal potential. The HT name goes back to the very beginning of Blackstar and our first products: the HT valve pedals.
Prices for Blackstar’s new HT Series amps are:
- HT-1R-MKIII $499.99
- HT-1RH-MKIII $449.99
- HT-5R-MKIII $699.99
- HT-5RH-MKIII $649.99
- HT-20R-MKIII $899.99
- HT-20RH-MKIII $849.99
- HT-112OC-MKIII $299.99
- HT-212VOC-MKIII $499.99
For more information, please visit blackstaramps.com.
Joe Bonamassa’s “The Blonde Dot” 1960 ES-335 humbucker set is a faithful recreation of the P.A.F. humbuckers from his 1960 dot-neck Gibson ES-335 with blonde finish.
The first 800 sets feature limited edition packaging and bottom plates that are signed by Bonamassa and Seymour W. Duncan himself.
Joe knows a thing or two about Gibson’s P.A.F. humbuckers – the earliest versions of Seth Lover’s milestone innovation in pickup design. Vintage Gibson ES-335s are known to be some of the finest semi-hollow instruments ever built – and the P.A.F. humbuckers they were originally equipped with are the vessel for the powerful sound and sustain that these guitars are known for.
When Seymour Duncan approached Bonamassa to recreate a set of humbuckers from one of his favorite ES-335s, he was quick to bring us one of the finest instruments in his collection – his rare 1960 dot-neck Gibson ES-335 with blonde finish, aptly named “The Blonde Dot”. Purchased from a friend who had an impressive collection of vintage dot neck 335s, Joe found that the pickups in the pristine Blonde Dot were some of the most balanced P.A.F.s in his collection.
Joe Bonamassa’s “The Blonde Dot” 1960 ES-335 Humbucker Set
Careful to keep the guitar in its immaculate condition – Seymour Duncan measured and recorded the original pickups to faithfully recreate them as “The Blonde Dot” 1960 ES-335 Humbucker Set. Joe describes the neck pickup as “stratty and clear” and the bridge pickup as “punchy and dark”, making a balanced set that he knew would sound good in any guitar. To capture these tones, this vintage set uses an Alnico 2 magnet in the neck, whereas a stronger Alnico 4 magnet was found to best deliver the qualities of the original bridge pickup. To match the like-new original Blonde Dot, the nickel covers are unaged and come with black pickup rings. The first 800 sets come in limited edition packaging and with bottom plates signed by Bonamassa and Seymour Duncan himself. After these limited edition sets are sold, ”The Blonde Dot” pickups will be available with standard Custom Shop cosmetic options to perfectly match your ES-335, Les Paul, or any guitar that demands great P.A.F. humbucker tone.
For more information, please visit seymourduncan.com.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmpBass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
For more information, please visit tech21nyc.com.