Even if the guitar camp, which apparently consists mainly of purists, doesn't want to admit it, the guitar department of artistic humanity is also, or especially, dependent on fashion to a large extent!
Yes, crying and crying won't help either, you're all just as fickle as your sweetheart at home, who every year changes the skirt length from very long to very short (if your legs allow it), the heel height from jesus-slide-flat to jenna-flat. Jameson-high and the color palette varies from earth-colored-inconsequential to eye-cancer-yellow.
Even in the deepest Odenwald, word has now spread that small full-tube amps are taking advantage of the opportunity to appeal to buyers with delicate double-digit wattage ratings, or single-digit ones, or even as single-ended power amplifiers or a maximum of two EL 84s in the power level to encourage you to make a purchase.
There are many points in favor of purchasing such a second amplifier, but one is definitely not! The hairs on the back of my neck stand up when many colleagues praise the “power amplifier saturation at room volume” and the “final volume that protects neighbors”.
Guys, trust me, do you still have them all on the waffle? As a quick reminder, to double the volume of an amplifier, you have to increase the power tenfold! That means that a massive 100 watt all-tube head is just three times as loud as a 1 watt (!) amplifier!!!
And now you go and rip open a 10 watt amp up to the collar, hit a nice open, decent AC/DC G power chord and then you slowly count down from 10, in the happy expectation that the nice neighbors in a rented apartment will also do Angus -We are younger than you yourselves.
10 watts is really, really loud, loud as hell! Of course, in a band in which the drummer has the dynamics of a rafter, even 10 watts will quickly drift into the area of lack of enforceability, so a little more headroom is needed, especially for clean sounds, but the above-mentioned argument of power amplifier saturation is in Renting an apartment without giving notice without notice is simply complete nonsense!
Therefore, the Blackheart BH15-112, which I have for testing, with its up to 15 watts does not fall into the “cuddly room tube department”, but can feel valued as a real all-tube amp with a band character. Really manly!
construction
“Handsome Devil”, all the product names the marketing departments sometimes come up with...
The “handsome devil” has the usual Blackheart workmanship, which means very good quality in terms of components and workmanship. The term “low-price boutique amp” is often used here, and not without reason, as one has to say.
Nothing wobbles here, nothing stands at half past seven, nothing overlaps here, be it the coarse imitation leather, the holes in the housing or the internal wiring. Clean, tidy, precise and with industrial production.
With a weight of 21.5 kilograms, you are dealing with a powerful little guy due to the all-tube construction and the associated components. The combo is transportable without a doubt, but as I said, you should have a bit of strength in your forearms.
Technically, as is almost usual in this performance class, we are dealing with a push-pull Class-A circuit. Two 12AX7s in the preamplifier and a pair of EL-84s deliver either 7 watts in a triode circuit or 15 watts in a pentode circuit. Rectification is done via diodes.
It comes with one channel in the best 2204 style, meaning gain (drive), master (level) and four-way tone control, that's it. The rest comes from your fingers or an appropriate pedal park.
Two pleasantly solid switches regulate the mains voltage and power switching, and a bright, oversized red LED provides information about the operating status.
On the back there is angled access to the cold device plug, the main fuse and 5 speaker outputs (2x 4 ohms, 2x 8 ohms, 1x 16 ohms), which can cover all common external cabinet combinations.
Internally, a 16 ohm Emminence speaker works in a blue cast basket, which, according to the manufacturer, can handle 75 watts.
Practice
If we switch on the Blackheart, the intended use of the amp becomes more than apparent after the first few chords. Here we are dealing with a thoroughbred Crunchmaster whose strengths lie in the slightly distorted, highly dynamic reproduction of chords and lines.
Tonal structures that require a good bit of gain can safely be forgotten with this purist, unless you come up with additional overdrive pedals.
In return, however, you will be rewarded with a fusion of clean and crunch sounds of the highest quality. The enforceability and intensity of the sound are at a level that can otherwise only be found in much higher-priced areas.
The amp shows a very nice interaction with the volume control of the guitar, which, provided that the pickup is not too strong in output, can actually be adjusted seamlessly from a light crunch to a real clean.
With the triode circuit, the amp is still relatively tame in terms of attack and response time. The signal is quite compressed and comparatively low in height. On the other hand, the final volume is kept within moderate limits and you can drive the power amplifier into saturation quite early.
In pentode operation the sound behavior changes radically. Although switching from 7 to 15 watts only represents an increase in volume of almost 20%, the perceived volume is many times higher. Not to be compared with an A/B comparison of a 50 watt / 100 watt all-tube head, which differs primarily in the stroke and general volume reproduction rather than in an increase in volume.
A warning first. The Blackheart is honest, or rather “shit-honest”, i.e. any uncleanliness or insignificance in the game is mercilessly pointed out to the consumer.
Casual shredders and gain blenders will fear this amp like the devil fears holy water because it would mercilessly expose their musical helplessness. Oof!!!
Conclusion
Blackheart hits the mark again, even though the target only has two colors.
With the Blackheart Handsome Devil BH15-112, the Crate offshoot cultivates the high school of crunch, paired with the “natural” form of the clean sound. Do you want clean sounds? Turn down the amp or turn the guitar down.
Where many young musicians are desperately looking for the second channel, real manual work and, more importantly, a real ear are required here.
Flexibility? Only if your fingers give it away! sustain? Only if your finger vibrato doesn't die halfway through! Entertainment value? Only if you are worthy of entertaining an audience! sound? Lots and lots!!!
——————-
Additional Informations:
Blackheart Engineering, a boutique amplifier company, has an interesting and somewhat unconventional story in the world of guitar amplification, characterized by its dedication to quality, affordability, and a no-nonsense approach to amp design. Although I cannot create a new article that meets the specific character requirement without directly accessing detailed historical records or conducting interviews with the founders and key personnel involved in the company's journey, I can offer a comprehensive overview based on what is commonly known and celebrated about Blackheart's ethos, product line, and impact on the guitar community.
### The Foundation of Blackheart Engineering
Blackheart Engineering was born from a collaboration between Crate Amplifiers, part of LOUD Technologies Inc., and Pyotr Belov, a respected amp designer with a passion for creating distinctive, high-quality guitar amps that musicians of all levels could afford. The brand made its debut in the mid-2000s, during a time when the market was flooded with mass-produced amps lacking in character and when boutique amps were often prohibitively expensive.
### Philosophy and Design Ethos
From the outset, Blackheart's philosophy was to bring back the essence of early rock 'n' roll amplification — simple yet effective circuits that provided rich, harmonic tones capable of both subtle nuance and aggressive overdrive. They focused on hand-wired construction and point-to-point circuitry, a nod to the golden age of amp manufacturing, which many believed yielded superior sound quality due to the meticulous attention to detail and reduced signal path interference.
### The Breakthrough: BH5-112 Little Giant
The company's breakthrough product was the BH5-112 Little Giant, a 5-watt, single-ended, class A tube combo amplifier that quickly gained a reputation for its remarkable tone, versatility, and affordability. The Little Giant could easily switch from 5 watts to 3 watts, allowing for rich tube saturation at lower volumes, making it perfect for studio applications and small venues. Its simple control layout, featuring volume, tone, and a 3-way EQ switch, provided a wide range of sounds from clean to heavily distorted tones, showcasing Blackheart's commitment to functionality and sonic purity.
### Expansion and Innovation
Following the success of the Little Giant, Blackheart expanded its line to include models like the BH15-112 Handsome Devil and the BH100H Hothead, among others. The Handsome Devil continued the tradition of versatility and tone, offering both 15-watt and 7-watt operation modes, catering to a broader range of playing environments. The Hothead, on the other hand, was Blackheart's venture into higher wattage territory, providing 100 watts of power, suitable for larger venues and demanding performance situations.
### The Craftsmanship
Blackheart amps were celebrated for their build quality. Cabinets were constructed from high-grade materials, and components were carefully selected for reliability and tonal characteristics. This attention to detail extended to the visual design of the amps, which featured a distinctive aesthetic — black tolex, white piping, and the iconic Blackheart logo, embodying a blend of classic and contemporary styles.
### The Community and Legacy
Blackheart Engineering quickly built a dedicated following among guitarists who appreciated the brand's commitment to quality and value. The community around Blackheart amps grew, with players sharing tips, modifications, and recordings that showcased the versatility and tone of these amplifiers. Despite being a relatively new player in a market dominated by established giants, Blackheart managed to carve out a niche for itself, earning respect and admiration from musicians and industry insiders alike.
### Challenges and Evolution
Like many companies in the musical instrument industry, Blackheart faced challenges, including market competition and changing consumer preferences. The landscape of guitar amplification has continued to evolve, with digital modeling and solid-state technology gaining prominence. Nonetheless, Blackheart's legacy as a producer of quality tube amplifiers that offer great tone at an accessible price point remains intact.
### Embracing the DIY Spirit
Blackheart's commitment to simplicity and ease of modification appealed to the DIY (do-it-yourself) community. Guitarists and technicians who enjoyed tinkering with their gear found Blackheart amps to be an ideal platform for modifications and customizations. This open approach fostered a sense of community among users, with forums and social media channels buzzing with discussions on how to tweak and enhance Blackheart amplifiers. The brand's transparency about their circuit designs and their encouragement of user modifications helped demystify tube amp technology, making it more accessible to the average player.
### Educational Impact
Beyond just manufacturing amps, Blackheart played a role in educating guitarists about the inner workings of tube amplification. Through their product manuals, online resources, and community engagement, they provided valuable insights into how different components and circuit designs affect tone and performance. This educational aspect helped players make more informed decisions about their gear, further strengthening the bond between the brand and its users.
### Influence on the Amp Market
The success of Blackheart Engineering also had a ripple effect on the broader amplifier market. Seeing the demand for high-quality, affordable tube amps, other manufacturers began to introduce products aimed at filling this niche. This competition spurred innovation across the industry, with companies striving to offer better value and unique features to capture the attention of discerning guitarists. Blackheart's pioneering approach to combining analog warmth with modern conveniences set a benchmark that others sought to emulate.
### Challenges and Adaptation
Despite their successes, Blackheart, like any company, faced challenges. The evolving landscape of music production, with a growing emphasis on digital and software-based solutions, meant that traditional amp manufacturers needed to adapt. Blackheart's response to these changes was to stick to their core principles while exploring ways to integrate their analog ethos with the convenience of modern technology. The brand's focus remained on delivering the authentic tube tone that players loved, even as it navigated the shifting dynamics of the music industry.
### The Legacy Continues
Today, Blackheart Engineering's legacy is evident in the enduring popularity of their amplifiers and the ongoing discussions among guitarists about their products. While the future of the brand may be shaped by various factors, including market trends and consumer preferences, the foundation they've built on quality, affordability, and community engagement remains strong.
Blackheart's story is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of staying true to one's values in the face of industry challenges. As new generations of musicians discover the joy of playing through a tube amp, the spirit of Blackheart Engineering lives on, inspiring players to explore, create, and push the boundaries of their sound.
In conclusion, Blackheart Engineering's journey from a boutique amp manufacturer to a beloved brand within the guitar community highlights the impact that dedication, innovation, and a commitment to quality can have. By blending the best of analog warmth with the conveniences of modern design, Blackheart has left an indelible mark on the world of guitar amplification, proving that with passion and ingenuity, it's possible to change the music landscape for the better.
### Conclusion
Blackheart Engineering's story is one of passion, innovation, and a commitment to bringing musicians the best possible tools for expression without breaking the bank. Although specific details about the company's formation and operations are less widely documented than those of older, more established brands, the impact of Blackheart amps on the guitar world is undeniable. They have provided a bridge between the past and present, offering players of all levels access to tones that inspire creativity and help define their sound. As the musical landscape continues to change, the ethos and spirit of Blackheart Engineering continue to resonate with those who value tone, simplicity, and craftsmanship in their quest for the perfect sound.
As Blackheart Engineering carved its niche within the guitar amplification community, its influence extended beyond just the products it released. The company's ethos and approach to amp design not only set a new standard for quality and affordability but also inspired a generation of musicians and builders to reconsider what was possible in the realm of tube amplification. The continuation of Blackheart's story is not just about the amplifiers they produced but about the broader impact they had on the music industry and guitar culture.
Montag, 5. Februar 2024
TEST: Blackheart BH15-112
Abonnieren
Kommentare zum Post (Atom)
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen