Blackstar Amplification introduces the next iteration of the Jared James Nichols Signature Amp, the JJN 50 and JJN 212 VOC. Building on the decades-long relationship with Jared James Nichols, the much-revered blues rock powerhouse, the JJN 50 amplifier and JJN 212 VOC speaker enclosure are designed to capture and deliver all of Nichols blues-powered tones. Road-tested across stages in the U.K. and Europe, this amplifier packs a wallop, all in a lightweight package. In fact, this is the lightest 50-watt valve amp in the world.
The JJN 50 amplifier is based on Blackstarās St. James 50 EL34 and takes it one giant step further by opening the top end and allowing a wide array of frequencies in to suit Nicholsā renowned playing style. It starts with our proprietary CabRig IR-based speaker simulator technology. The JJN 50 comes pre-loaded with 3 custom CabRig patches specifically developed with Nichols to create his most used tones: the āJJN Classic Muscleā, the āJJN Modern Gritā, and the āJJN Nashville Basementā. CabRig is better than earlier IR-based technology as it simulates a speaker cabinet and room with no latency reproducing the sound of a micād up guitar cab with incredible detail. Over 250 mic and cab combinations can be saved into one of three onboard slots. Each cab has a choice of room type, mic type and axis, and master EQ. For deeper options, connect to the free Architect software. The JJN 50 also includes a low-to-mid gain pedal platform with a Blues Power boost circuit kicking the amp into overdrive to release Nicholsā signature sound. The amp features built-in reactive load, and a power reduction switch with 50-Watt, SAG and 2-Watt options. Connectivity options include low latency USB for recording and an XLR D.I. for live settings.
The JJN 212 VOC enclosure features Nicholsā speakers of choice, the Celestion G12T-75 in the top position, and the exclusive Celestion Zephyr lightweight speaker on the bottom. Blackstar worked closely with Celestion to create a speaker based on the Vintage 30 that packs a sonic punch at a fraction of a traditional speaker weight. Speaking of lightweight, the JJN 50 & JJN 212 VOC is constructed out of Candlenut plywood. Known for its strength, lightness, and sound, it perfectly suits this signature amp. The amp is then wrapped in Nichols iconic British Racing Green livery and is adorned with our classic St. James illuminated Blackstar logo. Each Jared James Nichols Signature Amp comes with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity and a collectible postcard.
As Nichols himself says, āā¦Packing all the power, tone, versatility, and inspiration I could ever ask for, this one can truly do it all. I proudly worked closely with the engineers on every single facet of this amp; we put our heart and soul into it. I am absolutely blown away by the final product and I think you will be, too.ā High praise coming from one of the modern-day greats. Blackstar continues to work tirelessly with artists to create amplifiers worthy of gracing the world stages night after night.
STJ50ELHJJN (head) $1,399.99
STJ212VOCJJN (Cabinet) $899.99
For more information, please visit blackstaramps.com.
Blackstar St. James JJN 212 VOC Jared James Nichols Signature Vertical 145-watt 2 x 12-inch Cabinet - Racing Green Tolex
When entering the world of audio interfaces, Blackstar wanted to offer a solution to musicians that answered many of the much-requested improvements they wanted when using audio interfaces. Through extensive research, we consistently pinpointed three primary challenges encountered by music creators when recording guitar directly through an interface.ļ®
- Poor feel and response
- Setting guitar input levels
- Ease of use
The POLAR 2 interface answers all of these challenges and excels beyond those hurdles to provide an incredible all-in-one solution to recording guitar.
Firstly, Polar features FET instrument inputs. The FET inputs give ultra-low noise and high headroom, which gives the recording musician the best sonic foundation for guitar tone, but we didnāt just include FET inputs, we took itone step further with the addition of the āEnhanceā switch. When Enhance is switched on the instrument input, it engages a unique circuit thatās been meticulously designed to mimic the input stage of real valve amplifiersāincluding all its non-linear behaviors and characteristics. The āEnhanceā switch restores the touch, the feel, and the response of playing through a real amp.
Secondly, Polar solves the issue with setting levels. Other interfaces often digital clipping due to the dynamic nature of guitar DI signals. With āEnhanceā on, POLARās innovative input stage will never digitally clip. No more ruined recording takes, no more hassle or confusion around setting the ācorrectā levels. POLAR allows the musician to drive the interface like the preamp section on a real valve amp.
Recording is made easy with Polar 2. By engaging the āEnhanceā feature on the microphone inputs gently lifts the top end of your signal to add just the right amount of air and clarity that sounds great on vocals, acoustic guitars, and more. The microphone preamp has been based off one of the most renowned vintage studio preamps.
POLAR 2ās ultra-low noise and high headroom accommodates for a wide range of microphone and instrument types, empowering the musician to achieve studio-quality recordings in any environment. Included with all POLAR2 units is the POLAR Control app, which allows for fine-tuning of levels, panning, routing. The FET inputs combined with the Enhance switch make it really easy to get an amazing guitar tone. You donāt have to worry about any external hardware, no fancy DIāsāall of that is built right into POLAR.
With its innovative features, impressive headroom (24V), incredibly low noise floor (115db), powerful headphone amps, bus-powered capability, and approachable design, Blackstarās POLAR 2 is easily the go-to audio interface for anyone that wants to play and record guitar. The POLAR 2 interface was created through the processes of Human-Centred Design, to help create a user-friendly solution to get musicians back to focusing on the most important part: the music.
MAP: $199.99
For more information, please visit blackstaramps.com.
