Blackstar Amplification announces the DA5 Ruby, a new signature tube guitar amplifier combo developed with world-renowned guitarist Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio, The Dead Daisies). Designed to bring the character of his award-winning 100-watt DA100 Ruby head into a package refined for home and studio environments, the DA5 Ruby bridges the gap between high-powered stage performance and low-volume utility. Built on Blackstar’s award-winning HT-5R Mk III platform, this release addresses the modern player’s need for authentic tube feel, tactile response, and advanced direct-recording integration without requiring massive stage volumes.
The core architecture of the DA5 Ruby centers around a genuine push-pull tube power stage using a single 12BH7 power tube alongside an ECC83 preamp tube. Unlike typical low-power single-ended tube designs, this configuration replicates the specific physical response and feel of a traditional 100-watt amplifier. Delivering 5 watts of total output, the combo includes a built-in power reduction switch that transparently drops the output down to 0.5 watts for low-volume playing. Acoustic projection is managed by a custom 12-inch Aldrich 50 loudspeaker rated at 50 watts, which was co-developed with Aldrich to provide enhanced headroom, authority, presence, depth, and projection.
The amplifier features an internal signal path derived directly from the original DA100 Ruby, laid out across a highly versatile two-channel configuration. Guitarists can navigate between dedicated Clean and Overdrive channels, with each channel hosting two distinct, selectable voices for a total of four voice options. Comprehensive tone-shaping is managed via independent control sets, including a dedicated Volume and Tone knob for the Clean channel, alongside Gain and Volume controls for the Overdrive channel. Furthermore, the Overdrive section incorporates a comprehensive EQ with Bass, Middle, Treble, and Blackstar’s patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) control.
Engineered for seamless modern tracking and quiet exploration, the DA5 Ruby comes equipped with Blackstar’s advanced CabRig IR-based speaker simulation technology. This onboard digital processing emulates the interaction of cabinets, microphones, and rooms, allowing players to instantly access three user-configurable preset slots directly from the hardware. The software works in tandem with built-in, studio-quality digital reverb and a comprehensive load protection system, ensuring the internal valve circuitry remains completely safe when the speaker is disconnected for silent practice and recording sessions.
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