One For all
These three all-new pure class A combos from Blackstar put the output valve centre stage. Take your pick…
It’s an open secret that some of the biggest guitar tones are often recorded on some of the smallest amplifiers, typically old ‘tweed’-type practice amps using just one output valve, in what’s called a single-ended circuit. Single-ended amps are pure class A as opposed to output stages that use pairs of valves, typically arranged in a class AB push-pull configuration using either grid or cathode bias. In a single-ended design, the choice of output valve plays a significantly elevated role in defining tone and response, something Blackstar has capitalised on with the all-new Studio 10 amps. Unveiled at this year’s winter NAMM Show, the Studio 10 range features three 1x12 combos, each with a different output valve: the 6L6, EL34 and KT88.
Each amp in the Studio 10 trio has different cosmetics reflecting its very different sonic character. The Studio 10 6L6 is finished in a smart cream vinyl and oxblood speaker grille cloth; the EL34 offering is covered in traditional black vinyl with a horizontal patterned salt-andpepper grille cloth; and the KT88 model is distinguished by British racing green vinyl, with a vinyl top bar behind the Blackstar logo and a diagonal striped black grille cloth, set off by gold piping.
Behind the control panels the electronics layout is broadly similar with two highquality printed circuit boards holding all the components including the valve sockets. All three combos have similar controls, although the circuits behind them have been individually tweaked and optimised for their respective purposes. There’s a single input jack, followed by controls for gain, tone, reverb level and a master volume, with a small button to switch on the overdrive/boost circuit.
On the bottom panel is a choice of speaker outlets, a series effects loop with a level switch, a speaker-emulated line out and a footswitch jack. The speaker choice, however, is common to all three: the superb Celestion Seventy 80 12-inch.
There are a few minor differences in features: the 6L6 and EL34 models have regular treble-cut tone controls, while the KT88 model has Blackstar’s patented ISF EQ, which smoothly transforms from American to British tone as the knob is turned, emphasising mids in one direction and bass and treble in the other. The 6L6 and KT88’s overdrive functions are called Drive and Overdrive, while on the slightly lowergain EL34 model it’s called Boost. All three look the business, with smart perfectlyproportioned cabinets, robust electronics and Blackstar’s usual high attention to detail.
Sounds
Each amp has its own distinct tonal character. The 6L6 model has a sugar-sweet clean tone, with extended bass and treble and a sweet, singing high-gain overdrive, making it ideal for fusion as well as jazz and country. The EL34 version blends a bouncy, dynamic response with slightly lower-gain crunch effects from the boost section for great blues and classic rock, while the KT88 amp offers the biggest clean headroom combined with a juicy, harmonically rich overdrive that’s perfect for modern rock and metal. This amp’s ISF control adds extra tonal versatility, seamlessly shifting from USA to UK tonal centres. All three amps have a great ‘in the room’ presence, helped by the extra bass kick that comes from the 12-inch Celestion loudspeaker. They also benefit from exceptionally low electrical noise levels, with a superb digital reverb that goes from subtle ambience to concert hall.
We tried the Studio 10s out with a variety of guitars and had great results with humbuckers and single coils. Having said that, the 6L6’s clean sounds are particularly inspiring with our Seymour Duncan
All three amps have a great ‘in the room’ presence, helped by the extra bass kick that comes from the 12-inch Celestion loudspeaker
Alnico Pro-powered Strat, while the EL34 excels with a PAF-loaded Les Paul for epic classic rock crunch rhythm and lead tones. Meanwhile, the KT88 version has enough gain to turn even the weediest single-coil guitar into a fire-breathing monster, matched with fat, punchy cleans that easily cut through a muddy live mix.
The Studio 10’s guitar-friendly dynamics will be familiar to any Blackstar user, with the 6L6 and EL34 model overdrives based respectively on the brand’s HT-Drive and HT-Boost pedals respectively.
“The overdrive circuit in the KT88 Studio 10 is based on a topology that evolved from the Series One overdrive channels,” adds Blackstar’s senior designer Paul Stevens. “The post-overdrive EQ circuit also includes the ISF control that was originally used on Series One. Versions of this gain structure and overdrive are used in the HT Venue ranges and the HT pedals, as well. However, while the Studio 10s share recognisable circuit similarities, all the products are sonically tweaked further for the precise sound we want from each specific product. We spend many hours adjusting various EQ points and the amount of gain at different frequencies, which consequently shapes the harmonic structure.”
The EL34 version blends a bouncy, dynamic response with slightly lowergain crunch effects
Another cool feature on all three combos is the speaker-emulated line out, which takes its feed after the output stage, retaining the unique character of each amp’s power valve. Recordists take note: you need to use a stereo lead to plug into your desk. You can also plug in a pair of headphones and switch the amps into standby mode for silent practice. The 10-watt power rating is ideal for studio use, allowing the master volumes to be turned up to drive the output valve, though thanks to the 12-inch speaker, there’s enough power to handle rehearsals and smaller gigs, especially in bars and restaurants where space is at a premium.
Verdict
While it’s great to have all the bells and whistles found on many modern guitar amps, sometimes a simple design with one great sound is all that’s needed. Find the right amp and it can take you in any musical direction. That’s the ethos behind the Studio 10 range: whichever musical genre you aspire to, there’s a good chance one of these compact, portable and immaculately finished combos will be perfect for it – and at what’s a very affordable price point, why stop at one? Not only for studios, but also for home, backstage and small gigs, the Studio 10s are great amps producing boutiquequality tone at a very compelling price.
The 10-watt power rating is ideal for studio use, and there’s enough power to handle smaller gigs