Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2017.08: Highest Rated Combo Modeling Amp between $500 and $1000

Gearank Recommendation

The Blackstar HT Stage 60 appeared on our recommended list for Modeling Amps in 1 edition from August 2017 until October 2017 when it was removed due to being discontinued.

Overview

Blackstar's ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) technology has the ability to morph guitar tones into different amp voicings, allowing tube amps like the HT Stage 60 to be as versatile as digital modeling amps.

This amp has three channels, all of which expand to different voicings, from Class-A British cleans to Dynamic USA style cleans, to the many different shades of overdriven amp tones. And since this is a Blackstar amplifier, we can expect it to work best when driven hard and high, for modern rock and metal tones.

The preamp section is driven by two ECC83 tubes and an ECC82 tube, while the power amp section is driven by two EL34s, all of which combine for a loud and powerful tone, that's also made versatile via ISF. Each of the three channels come with controls that allow for fine tuning the tones, while the built-in Reverb effect adds air to its all analog tube sound.

If you're a tube amp purist, or if you prefer the sound of all-tube amps - then the Blackstar HT Stage 60 is a great excuse for you to experience the convenience of amp modeling without compromising your principles.

Specifications

• Power Rating: 60 Watt
• Preamp Tubes: 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82
• Power Tubes: 2 x EL34
• Speaker: 2 x 12" Celestion
• Amp Models: Variable via Blackstar's ISF Knob
• Effects: 1 (Reverb)
• Controls: Clean (Volume, Bass, Treble, Voice and Clean Button), OD1 & OD2 (Gain 1, Gain 2, Volume 1, Volume 2, ISF, Bass, Middle, Treble, Reverb, Multiple Buttons for Voice and OD), Master ( Resonance, Presence, Volume)
• Input: 1 x 1/4"
• Output: 4 x 1/4" (Speaker), 1 x 1/4" (DI)
• Weight: 66.8 lbs.

Demo

About Blackstar

Founded by former Marshall employees, Blackstar has grown to be a reputable amp manufacturer with its own identity. These days, it is able to go toe to toe with the biggest brands in the industry, thanks to the innovations they introduced into their designs. Their most popular innovation is called ISF or Infinite Shape Feature, a single knob that lets you shift the voicing of your amp from American to British amp flavor, and covering everything in between. Blackstar is well received for their amps' high gain tone, which works well with modern rock and metal styles. Richie Sambora, Neil Schon, Jon Gomm, Sammy Haggar and Ozzy Osbourne are just a few of the many popular artists that use their amps.