Blackstar
Kirstein currently offers 50 products from Blackstar. A total of 24 reviews have already been submitted with an average rating of 5,0 out of 5 stars.
Blackstar stands for British guitar amplification from Northampton, combining classic tube technology with modern digital tone shaping. At Kirstein, you can find amplifiers ranging from compact practice amps to powerful stage solutions, including HT, St. James, Debut, ID:Core and ID:X. Typical features across many models include the patented ISF tone control and, in current digital and tube amp generations, CabRig speaker simulation.
For home practice, recording and flexible setups, Blackstar also offers BEAM systems and POLAR audio interfaces. The range therefore covers straightforward analogue combos, all-tube amplifiers and modelling solutions with USB audio, effects and direct recording options.
Everything from Blackstar at Kirstein
- For bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and music
- 60 mm full-range stereo drivers with passive bass radiators
- USB-C audio interface for recording and streaming
- CabRig IR speaker and mic simulation built in
- Over 18 hours of wireless playback time
- App, tuner, artist presets and YouTube integration
- Amp models for electric guitar, bass & acoustic
- 3 selectable power-valve responses for dynamic feel
- Over 35 onboard effects, directly editable
- Integrated expression pedal for live control
- Expanded footswitches for preset & effect selection
- USB-C audio interface & FX loop connection
- 50 Watt Combo Amplifier
- 2 Channels: Clean + Overdrive
- 1x 12" Custom Speaker
- Patented ISF Tone Control
- 50W - 5W Power Reduction
- "Plate" and "Hall" Reverb Options
- 50 Watt Combo Amplifier
- 2 Channels: Clean + Overdrive
- 1x 12" Custom Speaker
- Patented ISF Tone Control
- 50W - 5W Power Reduction
- "Plate" and "Hall" Reverb Options
- Handy Bluetooth Audio Receiver
- Can connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
- Long-range reception, over 20 meters in open spaces without obstacles
- Super clear audio
- Supports mobile devices, laptops, phones, tablets, or devices with compatible Bluetooth
- Built-in low-power Li battery for extended use
- Mini Amp
- Power: 3 Watts
- 2 Channels: Clean & Overdrive
- Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- Emulated Line Out for silent practice or recording
- Digital Tape Delay effect
- 5-button footswitch for HT Venue MkII/MkIII
- Three switches for channel selection
- Switchable volume boost across all channels
- Reverb On/Off
- Low-profile switches
- Robust enclosure
- Mini amp in limited edition
- Power: 3 watts
- 2 channels: Clean & Overdrive
- Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- Emulated line out for silent practice or recording
- Digital tape delay effect
- 50 Watts
- 2 Channels: Clean, Overdrive
- 2x ECC83 Preamp Tubes, 2x EL34 Power Tubes
- Reverb, Effects Loop, Power Reduction, USB Audio, XLR Out
- Includes Footswitch
- 50 Watt Combo Amplifier
- 2 Channels: Clean + Overdrive
- 1x 12" Custom Speaker
- 50W - 5W Power Reduction
- "Plate"- and "Hall"-Reverb Options
- Starter Set Including Cable
- 1x 8" speaker
- Power: 25 Watts (RMS)
- Volume and 3-band EQ
- Drive channel for more punch and power
- Headphone output and line input
- 15 Watt Practice Amplifier
- Configuration: 2x 3" Speakers
- Clean & Overdrive Channels
- ISF Tone Control
- Built-in Digital "Tape" Echo
- MP3/Line In, Speaker Emulated Out
- Mini amp in limited edition
- Power: 3 watts
- 2 channels: Clean & Overdrive
- Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- Emulated line out for silent practice or recording
- Digital tape delay effect
- Economy set including cable
- Modeling amplifier for electric guitar
- 40 watts output (2x 20 watts stereo)
- Speakers: 2x 6.5"
- Controls: Voice, Gain, Volume, ISF, Effects Type, Effects Level
- Voices: Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2
- Connections: Input, USB-C, Cab Rig / Phones, Line In / Streaming
- Footswitch for Blackstar ID:CORE 100/150 and Unity 250/500
- Modulation, Delay, and Reverb Effect On/Off
- Modulation and Delay Tap Tempo
- Full Looper Functionality
- Effect Loop On/Off
- Super Widestereo On/Off
- Noise Gate On/Off
- 12 Amp Models for Guitar, Bass & Acoustic
- Authentic Valve Response with ISF Tone-Shaping
- Over 35 Integrated Effects with Pro-Grade Sound
- OLED Display for Quick Sound Control
- USB-C Audio Interface with Recording Function
- Robust Metal Housing for Stage & Studio
- Cabinet for the HT Mk III series
- Power Handling: 160 Watts
- Configuration: 2x 12" Celestion Seventy 80 speakers
- Impedance: 4 / 16 Ohms
- Design: semi-open / closed
- 6 amp models from Clean to High Gain
- 6 different cabinet and microphone options and over 35 effect models
- SpeedDial to quickly and easily pick the right sound
- Easily adjust patch, gain, EQ, FX, and volume on the unit
- Record guitar and vocals
- Bluetooth audio streaming for playing along in real time
Blackstar at Kirstein
Blackstar was founded in Northampton, England, with development work beginning in 2004 before the brand was officially launched in 2007. Shaped by musicians and amplifier developers, Blackstar combines classic amp concepts with proprietary technologies for modern guitar setups. One of its best-known features is the patented ISF tone control, which continuously shifts the character of the EQ between American- and British-inspired voicings. Many current models also feature CabRig, Blackstar’s digital speaker, microphone and room simulation for recording, headphones and direct outputs.
Tube amplifiers: HT and St. James
If you are looking for the direct response of a tube amp, Blackstar offers several options for different applications. The HT MK III range spans compact amps for home and studio use through to more powerful Venue models for rehearsals and live performance. Current HT models combine tube circuitry with features such as power reduction, USB audio and CabRig. You can compare suitable formats among the tube guitar combos and tube guitar heads.
St. James is aimed at guitarists who want a full-size tube amplifier with modern connectivity and recording features. Depending on the model, different power tubes and voicings are used. Current St. James amplifiers also include power switching, a reactive load and CabRig outputs. This makes the series particularly relevant when classic playing feel and direct studio or PA connectivity need to work together.
Debut, ID:Core and ID:X – from analogue amp to modelling system
The Debut series focuses on straightforward operation and analogue preamp concepts. It is especially suitable for players who want to move quickly between clean and overdrive sounds without working through complex menus. Depending on power and format, Debut ranges from compact practice amps to larger combos and heads. Suitable models can be found among the solid-state guitar combos.
ID:Core and ID:X offer greater digital flexibility. ID:Core V4 combines multiple amp voices, effects, ISF, USB-C and CabRig Lite in compact stereo combos, making it well suited to practice, home recording and streaming. ID:X adds more extensive effects processing, storable sounds, selectable power levels and CabRig, moving further towards stage and studio use. If you want a wide range of sounds in one device, take a look at the modelling guitar amplifiers.
BEAM and POLAR for practice and recording
With BEAM, Blackstar expands the traditional amp concept into compact desktop solutions. The current BEAM Mini combines instrument amplification with app control, USB-C audio, CabRig and Bluetooth playback, allowing it to work as a practice amp, desktop system and simple recording tool. For a separate studio setup, the POLAR interfaces are an interesting option, offering instrument, line and microphone inputs together with a guitar-focused FET input stage and Enhance function. Suitable devices are available in the audio interfaces category.
Which Blackstar solution suits your setup?
- For straightforward practice: Debut, ID:Core or BEAM.
- For classic tube feel: HT MK III or St. James.
- For presets, effects and direct recording options: ID:X.
- For a separate recording setup with guitar and microphone: POLAR.
When choosing an amp, it is worth considering not only tone and power but also format, connectivity and intended use. A head also requires a suitable guitar cabinet, with impedance and power handling matched to the amplifier. At Kirstein, Blackstar products come with a 3 Year Kirstein Warranty and 30 Day Money Back according to the applicable terms. Competent specialist advice is also available when matching an amp, cabinet and recording setup.