TEST: Blackstar HT5-TH

 Anniversaries can be so different in terms of their timing. While Gibson recently celebrated 120 years of company history, Blackstar, a company with British influences and Chinese production, is celebrating its 5th anniversary (2007 - 2012), which is to be celebrated with a special edition of a very special amplifier offshoot.

In keeping with the currently very popular all-tube amplifiers in the single-watt range, the company is launching the Blackstar HT-5TH, a cream-colored version of the HT-5R combo, which has been limited to 2,500 pieces. Even if the fairly straightforward output power of 5 watts may suggest to the cerebrum that it is primarily used as a practice amp, beware of such conclusions. 5 watts result in just half the volume of 50 watts, and the upscale features and a selling price of over 500 euros speak a different story despite Asian production.



construction

While many competitors mostly rely on the design as a pure head, or the design contains a maximum of one speaker, Blackstar is taking a different course with the HT-5TH. 2 pcs. 10" Celestion loudspeakers do their work behind a black covering fabric, which is interspersed with cream-colored threads and protects the loudspeakers from the front against mechanical influences. The loudspeaker configuration benefits from the use of an internal stereo reverb, which generates a significantly better depth gradation and spatial resolution when configured on the left/right.

In terms of tube configuration, the preamplifier is operated using a single, frequently used ECC83 (12AX7), the final tube is made up of the comparatively rarely used 12BH7. Don't worry, despite the lack of mainstream use, replacing the tube costs less than 15 euros.

All of the amplifier's controls are located on the top of the housing, although some unusual features are apparent at first glance. In addition to the standards of a two-channel amplifier, such as independent volume control per channel, the first thing that catches the eye is the unusual tone control. While the overdrive channel has a three-band tone control in the form of treble, middle and bass, the clean channel only has a tone control, which manages the undistorted sound from musty to brilliant.

However, the viewer's eye inevitably stops at the unusual ISF (in-house referred to as “Infinite Shape Feature”) control, a specialty of Blackstar. In combination with the three-band tone control, according to the manufacturer, you can smoothly fade between a more British, mid-heavy vintage sound and the more modern, American-style scoop sound. In terms of frequency, the controller primarily affects the starting frequency of the mid-range spectrum, with the bass range also being affected. A master reverb control that affects both channels and the well-known power and standby switches complete the overall picture.

There are a comparatively large number of additional connection options on the back of the amplifier section, especially compared to other amplifiers in this performance class. Right from the start you can note a special feature: a serial FX loop, whose signal level can be selected between the 19" or studio level of +4dB or the value of -10dB, which is more common in floor pedals. There is an MP3 or line input installed right next to it, where an additional signal can be fed in for rehearsal use. If we move further to the left, next to the footswitch input we come across a speaker simulation for direct recordings, where you can choose between a 1x12" and a 4x12" cabinet in terms of characteristics.

The amplifier also has three speaker connections, whereby the output transformer is tapped for 1x 16 ohms or 2x 16 ohms or 8 ohms. A very practical design, especially since in cooperation with the two internally installed 10 inch loudspeakers, each of which is wired in parallel in a 16 ohm version and uses the 8 ohm output, depending on the size of the venue, you can connect almost everything from a small additional speaker to a full stack . This means that even larger stages can be properly illuminated acoustically. You can try out how much air 5 watts can move if you use 8 pieces. 12 inch speaker hangs on it.


Practice

When it comes to the operating interface, the Blackstar HT-5TH is almost self-explanatory. Starting with the clean channel, you first select the volume of the amp and your personal treble fader favorite. As expected, the first saturations occur from a slightly forced volume, depending on the output level of the pickups used. The amp also hangs beautifully on the guitar's volume control and can be switched back from the subtle crunch to clean mode by reducing the output volume.

The 10 inch speakers used give the amp a special touch. In contrast to the 12 inch version primarily used for guitars, these have a faster response and a subtle treble intensity, which is welcome or has a slight limitation depending on the style of music. As always, personal taste decides. When it comes to assertiveness in the band sound, the smaller version is ahead, while when it comes to sound pressure, the larger version is ahead.

Like most all-tube amps, the Blackstar HT-5TH reacts pleasantly interactively with upstream boosters, overdrives or other distortion pedals. The extent to which your personal favorite kicker can demonstrate its capabilities here must be determined again in a subjective field test; unfortunately/fortunately there is no generally valid formula.

The digital stereo reverb leaves a good impression, although it takes some getting used to, although this is not meant to be judgmental. It is therefore unusual that in this performance class one expects an analogue mono reverb spiral, perhaps an emulation of the same, but not a digital, crystal-clear stereo version of a room simulation.

Now let's talk about the distorted sound of the amp. Without much preamble, we first set a moderate distortion level based on personal sound preferences on the EQ and focus primarily on the ISF control, which makes the amp design stand out from the majority of the competition. A quick word about the level of distortion. The Blackstar HT-5TH offers a truly large range of very good, subtle distortions through to powerful leads, everything very finely graded and, in conjunction with the tone control, really very high quality. Interestingly, the amp cuts a surprisingly good figure even in metal or massive hard rock. Both the speakers and the tube design reproduce the high compression along with a powerful bass swing, which is necessary for this style of music.

However, the Blackstar HT-5TH shows its great strengths in moderate distortion mode. Whether crunchy rhythm passages or sharp solo escapades, the amp can handle it all, although you have to be a little careful with the final volume. As with all full-tube amps, the Blackstar HT-5TH turns into a harsh, undynamic sound when the performance limit is reached, but this is completely normal sound behavior.

Wasn't there something else? That's right, the ISF controller! Well, in my opinion, the controller is a very pleasant timbre extension of the amplifier, which opens up additional variation options for the basic sound of the amp. What he doesn't do in my opinion is the announced switch between a more American scoop sound and the UK midboard. In the US range, the amp has very accentuated highs with an open basic sound. If you go to the UK level, the center frequency varies, the treble decreases and the compression increases.

So far, so good, both sounds are really good sounds, just not “Marshall meets Mesa” or whatever you might understand as the protagonists. You shouldn't make the mistake of approaching the amp with this expectation, because that will do it an injustice. Rather, you should evaluate the amplifier as an independent product and focus on its individual sound without looking at the competition.


Conclusion

With the Blackstar HT-5TH you get a very good practice amp, which is also at home on small stages in terms of features and sound. The amp is characterized by a high level of flexibility, extensive connection options and very good basic sounds, which make it a high-quality workhorse.

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Additional Informations:

Blackstar Amplification is a British manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. The company was founded in 2004 by four friends: Ian Robinson, Bruce Keir, Paul Hayhoe, and Richard Frost. All four friends had previously worked in the music industry, and they were all passionate about guitar amplifiers. They decided to start Blackstar Amplification because they wanted to create amplifiers that were both innovative and affordable.

The company's first product was the HT-5, a 5-watt amplifier that was designed for home use. The HT-5 was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly established Blackstar Amplification as a major player in the guitar amplifier market. The company followed up the HT-5 with a number of other successful products, including the HT-1, HT-20, and HT-40 amplifiers.

Blackstar Amplification's products are known for their high quality and innovative features. The company's amplifiers are used by a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to professionals. Some of the most famous guitarists who use Blackstar Amplification products include Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, and Kirk Hammett.

In addition to guitar amplifiers, Blackstar Amplification also produces a range of effects pedals. The company's pedals are known for their versatility and great tone. Some of the most popular Blackstar Amplification pedals include the HT-DIST, HT-DRIVE, and HT-FUZZ pedals.

Blackstar Amplification is a relatively young company, but it has quickly become one of the most respected names in the guitar amplifier industry. The company's products are known for their high quality, innovative features, and great sound. Blackstar Amplification is a company that is committed to providing guitarists with the best possible tools for making music.

**The Founding of Blackstar Amplification**

The four friends who founded Blackstar Amplification all had a long history in the music industry. Ian Robinson had worked as a guitar technician for a number of major bands, including Metallica and Iron Maiden. Bruce Keir was a product manager at Marshall Amplification. Paul Hayhoe was a design engineer at Marshall Amplification. And Richard Frost was a sales and marketing manager at Marshall Amplification.

The four friends met while working at Marshall Amplification. They quickly bonded over their shared passion for guitar amplifiers. They all felt that there was a need for a new company that would make innovative and affordable amplifiers. In 2004, they decided to leave Marshall Amplification and start their own company.

**The Early Years of Blackstar Amplification**

The early years of Blackstar Amplification were a time of great growth and innovation. The company's first product, the HT-5 amplifier, was a critical and commercial success. The HT-5 was quickly followed by a number of other successful products, including the HT-1, HT-20, and HT-40 amplifiers.

Blackstar Amplification's products were quickly adopted by a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to professionals. Some of the most famous guitarists who use Blackstar Amplification products include Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, and Kirk Hammett.

**Blackstar Amplification Today**

Blackstar Amplification is a global company with headquarters in the United Kingdom. The company has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Blackstar Amplification products are sold in over 50 countries around the world.

Blackstar Amplification is a leading manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. The company is known for its high-quality products, innovative features, and great sound. Blackstar Amplification is a company that is committed to providing guitarists with the best possible tools for making music.

**Blackstar Amplification's Impact on the Music Industry**

Blackstar Amplification has had a major impact on the music industry. The company's products have been used by some of the most famous guitarists in the world. Blackstar Amplification products have also been used in a number of major recording sessions.

Blackstar Amplification is a company that is constantly innovating. The company is always looking for new ways to improve its products. Blackstar Amplification is a company that is committed to providing guitarists with the best possible tools for making music.

**The Future of Blackstar Amplification**

Blackstar Amplification is a company with a bright future. The company is well-positioned to continue its growth in the global market. Blackstar Amplification is a company that is committed to providing guitarists with the best possible tools for making music.