Blackstar Series One MKII: The Valve Amps get Even Louder
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Since 2007, Series One has been the premium series for professional bands and touring musicians from Blackstar. Built to last, it was time for an update: Blackstar Series One MKII is here! New power amp tubes, MIDI functionality, and subtle changes to the look have been added. A whopping six voicings are now possible on the four channels!
Blackstar Series One MKII: 6L6s replace EL34s, MIDI, and more
The original Series One is fourteen years old. In the fast-paced guitar product world, that’s half an eternity! Blackstar’s all-tube series has been popular pretty much since its beginnings. This is where Blackstar technologies such as ISF and DPR were introduced.
The 100-watt version of the Blackstar Series One MKII amps marks the beginning of the new generation. Not only has the face plate been visually enhanced, but there are now four 6L6s (formerly EL34) in the power amp. As for the voicings, this 100-watt amp now has what was previously only available in the larger 200-watt version of the first generation.
And not only have MIDI-In and -Thru been added to the back panel, but six voicings are now possible in the four channels.
Clean, Supercrunch, Overdrive – New Sounds in MKII
On the Clean channel, the Blackstar Series One MKII offers a choice between warm (Plexi sound) and bright (Class A). In addition, the crunch channel can still be set to an even more powerful Supercrunch mode at the touch of a button. Two overdrive channels join these four voicings. You can select all four channels using the included foot switch.
The 200-watt version’s separate controls for three-band EQs and ISF each for Clean and Crunch have also been adopted. With the ISF control, you can still seamlessly switch between British and American sonic characters. DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) is also again included. This allows you to seamlessly change the output power between 10 and 100 watts, depending on the scenario you’re playing in.
Resonance and Presence controls, along with the Master Volume control, are still included for final sound shaping. The rear panel also includes a pair of jacks for an FX loop.
Series One 412 Pro B: 240W cab extension for the half stack
In addition to the Blackstar Series One MKII amp with 100 watts, the manufacturer is also introducing a matching cab for expansion. The Series One 412 Pro B comes with special versions of Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, which are only available for Blackstar amps.
The cab is specially tuned to the all-tube amp, but otherwise seems to be exactly the same speaker system that was already available under this name.
How much do the new Blackstar Series One MKII products cost?
The Blackstar Series One 100 MKII’s MSRP is £1,999 / €2,299 / $2,499.
The Series One 412 Pro B goes for £999 / €1,599 / $1,599.
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One response to “Blackstar Series One MKII: The Valve Amps get Even Louder”
Guys, check your facts. The original Series One was already available with 4 channels and 6 modes in the 100 watt version. AND you already had a 6L6 version as well.
The complete lineup was as follows:
– Series One 45w Combo
– Series One 50w 2 Channel Head
– Series One 100w 2 Channel Head
– Series One 104EL34 4 Channel Head
– Series One 1046L6 4 Channel Head
– Series One 200 4 Channel Head.
And you also had a Gus G Signature model of the 200 watt head.