1
Owner’s Manual
Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
HAND-CRAFTED TONE
Designed and Engineered by
Blackstar Amplification UK
HBK-1007 08/11
3
USA / Canada
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power-supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
“TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS,
DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE”.
“WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH
LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS”.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
54
Warning!
Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
Danger! High internal operating voltages
Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this
equipment. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplier if it is moved from a cold
environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended
that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
Unauthorised modication of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar
Amplication Ltd.
Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.
Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may
fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!
Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator,
or another heat producing amplier.
Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage
supply in your area.
Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if
damaged in any way.
Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long
periods of time.
Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described
in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.
Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should
therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear
hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.
If the product does not operate normally, when the operating instructions are
followed, then refer the product to a qualied service engineer.
The U.S. Government´s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specied the following permissible noise level exposures:
Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ or less 115
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could
result in some hearing loss.
Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating
this amplication system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure
is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous
exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons
exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as
this amplication system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in
operation.
English
English
All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately
from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or the local authorities.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Artisan 30 handwired combo.
The Artisan 30 is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and
Development by our world class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the
Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the
development process is to provide guitarists with products which are the ultimate
tools for self expression.
Realising the skills and expertise of over thirty years of valve guitar amplier design
experience, the Artisan 30 represents a new level in handwired design, tone and
build quality.
All Blackstar products are subject to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure
they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE!
If you like what you hear and want to nd out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team
Features
The Artisan 30 is inspired by some of the most revered combos in guitar amplier
history. The design is in the classic 30W / 2x12 combo format and is very simple to
use and yet highly exible in functionality and tone.
The Artisan Series of handwired ampliers represents the absolute highest standard
of craftsmanship and boutique tone. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic
purity, every feature has been rened to provide the artist with the widest range of
reference vintage tones. This is achieved by the design of electronic circuits that
work in harmony with the nest components and materials available.
The Artisan 30 is built to last a lifetime and effortlessly combines vintage style and
rugged, road tested reliability. The point-to-point tag board construction, welded
steel chassis and nger-jointed birch-ply cabinet are complemented by beautiful
vintage red Tolex and etched aluminium panels.
Technical Information
Power Amplier
The Artisan 30 power amplier uses four EL84 power pentode valves in Class A. The
EL84s used are graded in terms of quiescent operating point and transconductance
giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.
The Artisan 30 power amplier operates in two modes, namely pentode (30W) or
triode (10W), depending on the setting of the Power Amplier Mode control.
In pentode mode the power amplier has a dynamic response which is rich in
bell like harmonics and has a beautiful ringing top end. The triode mode allows
the generation of the critical power amplier harmonic distortion at a much lower
volume but is darker and more mellow sounding with a rounder top end. The lower
power setting is particularly effective for home and studio use.
The power amplier is further enhanced by using a cathode coupled phase splitter
to provide the best possible balance in the power amplier drive and hence superb
dynamic response. In keeping with the vintage sonic signature of the Artisan 30,
the use of a valve rectier adds compression to the power amplier response and
is critical in generating its feel and responsiveness. The GZ34 valve rectier used in
the Artisan 30 is also found in other classic designs.
With an amplier that is built to last reliability of the electronic circuitry is essential
and therefore all the other power amplier and power supply components are also
over-specied for the best possible reliability.
Preamplier
Channel 1 – The EF86 Channel
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or
for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel is based on the EF86 preamplier pentode valve. Originally, this valve
was most commonly used in high-end audio applications due to its high gain, low
noise characteristics. However, in very early American guitar amplier designs a
pentode was used in the preamplier circuit. The use of a pentode in these early
designs provided unique gain and compression characteristics which make these
ampliers so revered for studio use today.
In keeping with the reference American designs, the extra gain of the EF86 of the
Artisan 30 allows the power amplier to be driven harder for more compression and
rich harmonic distortion. The EF86 also adds its own particular compression and
distortion avour to this channel making Channel 1 a dream to record with.
The 5-position Bass Shape switch controls the bass drive into the power amplier
and enables the user to quickly and easily select from a wide palette of tonal options
from bright and glassy through to fat and smooth.
The tone control circuit is unusual in its position across the anode of the EF86.
This retro type of design offers a complex response that works in harmony with the
dynamics of the player’s attack.
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English
98
The extra gain of the EF86 allows the power amplier to be driven harder for more
compression and rich harmonic distortion. The EF86 also adds its own particular
compression and distortion avour to this channel.
Channel 2 – The ECC83 Channel
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or
for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel’s tone is most easily described as a blend between a boutique EL84
combo and classic British 100W head. The philosophy is to deliver the bell-like ring
and richness of a warm, retro combo with the added openness and roar of a vintage
high wattage head.
The exibility of this channel is further enhanced by the addition of the 2-position
Voice switch which completely recongures the tone shaping network to give either
a ‘Warm’ or ‘Bright’ response.
Transformers
All Artisan transformers are traditionally made from the highest grade materials to
Blackstar’s demanding sonic and reliability specications.
Output Transformers
The design of the output transformers is critical to ensuring highly responsive feel
and a full natural frequency response.
All the Artisan output transformers are constructed using laminations made of
the highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises core losses and ensures
optimum delity and dynamics.
Mains Transformer
The Artisan mains transformers are also constructed using laminations made of the
highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises stray magnetic elds which can
be a source of unwanted noise and hum.
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English
Front Panel
Channel 1
1. Hi Input
This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice
as much) gain as the Lo Input. Use this input if you wish to achieve power amplier
break-up and overdrive. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
2. Lo Input
This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as
much) gain as the Hi Input. Use this input if you wish the power amplier to remain
clean (this is especially useful if the guitar used has high output pick-ups). Always
use a high quality screened guitar lead.
3. Volume
This controls the volume of Channel 1. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
The EF86 used in Channel 1 provides higher levels of gain and distortion than the
ECC83 in Channel 2 and its own unique compression characteristics. This channel
will sing with sustain and give you all the drive you need for classic bluesy lead
tones. Remember that you can use the Lo Input of Channel 1 to experiment with
the clean side of the EF86’s tonal character.
4. Tone
This passive control affects the tonal characteristics of Channel 1. Fully counter-
clockwise the tone is thick and dark, turning it clockwise increases the amount of
treble and the tone becomes more shimmering and bright.
5. Bass Shape
This 5-position switch controls the bass drive into the power amplier and enables
the user to quickly and easily select from a wide palette of tonal options, from bright
and glassy through to fat and smooth. In position 1 the tone is sharp with a tight,
funky bottom end. In position 2 the tone is rm with lower mids. In position 3 the
tone achieves a more even balance across the mid range and bass. In position 4
the tone becomes richer and deeper. Position 5 offers the warmest, fullest tone of
the ve positions.
Channel 2
6. Hi Input
This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice as
much) gain as the Lo Input. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead. Use this
input if you wish to achieve power amplier break-up and overdrive.
7. Lo Input
This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as
much) gain as the Lo Input. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead. Use this
input if you wish the power amplier to remain clean. This input is especially useful
if the guitar used has high output pick-ups.
1110
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English
8. Gain
The Gain control adjusts the amount of Channel 2’s overdrive or distortion. Low
settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up.
As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more overdriven
moving through beautiful crunch tones.
9. Voice
The 2-position Voice switch completely recongures the interstage prevoicing
emphasis circuit to give either a ‘Warm’ or ‘Bright’ response.
10. Bass
This control affects the low frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount
of bass present.
11. Middle
This control affects the mid range frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the
amount of mid present.
12. Treble
This control affects the hig-end frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the
amount of treble present.
13. Volume
This controls the volume of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the volume. At
low volume levels the amplier will produce exquisite, bell-like clean tones that are
denitively Class A in their character. As the volume is increased the tone becomes
fatter and more compressed as the power valves reach saturation. Further increases
in volume produce a wonderful tone as the power amplier valves move into full
distortion. This type of valve power amplier clipping produces the most natural
guitar distortion of all which reacts to every nuance of the guitarist’s playing style.
Master
14. Power Indicator Light
The power indicator will light when the amplier is switched on.
15. Power Amplier Mode Switch – 10 Watts / 30 Watts
This switch changes the power amplier from triode mode (10 Watts) to pentode
mode (30 Watts).
In triode mode the tone is round and bluesy with a mellow top end for laid back
soloing. The triode mode also has the benet of producing more saturated distortion
tones at lower output levels which makes this mode ideal for recording and practice.
The pentode mode produces a more dynamic feel and is louder and more punchy
than the triode mode. This setting is recommended for dynamic clean sounds and
pushier sounding crunch tones. This is a great setting for rehearsals and small club
gigs.
See the Modes of Operation Table below for the different congurations possible.
Modes of Operation Table
Mode Preamplier PowerAmplierModeSetting Description
1 Channel 1 Triode EF86 / 10W
2 Channel 2 Triode ECC83 / 10W
3 Channel 1 Pentode EF86 / 30W
4 Channel 2 Pentode ECC83 / 30W
5 Channel 1 / Channel 2 Triode Blended 10W
6 Channel 1 / Channel 2 Pentode Blended 30W
16. Standby
This switch applies the H.T. (High Tension) voltage required to produce sound.
Always turn this switch on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch (17) and off at
least 30 seconds before the Power switch. During short breaks in playing use just
this switch to turn ‘off’ and ‘on’ the amplier’s output.
17. Power
This switch is used to turn the amplier on and off. You should always turn this
switch on before turning on the Standby switch (16).
1 2 10 11 15149 12 16133 4 5 6 7 8
17
1312
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Rear Panel
1. Speaker Outputs
There are two parallel speaker outputs for connecting the internal speakers and/
or an external speaker cabinet. When connecting speakers always ensure that the
Impedance Selector (2) is set correctly.
2. Impedance Selector
This control matches the amplier’s impedance to that of the connected speakers.
Always ensure that the selected impedance matches that of the internal and/or
external speaker cabinets.
The Artisan 30’s internal speakers are 16 Ohms each. They are wired in parallel
giving a total impedance of 8 Ohms, so the impedance Selector must be set to 8
Ohms. If an additional 8 Ohm speaker cabinet is used together with the internal
speakers the Impedance Selector should be set to 4 Ohms. A speaker cabinet of
less than 8 Ohms should not be used together with the internal speakers.
WARNING: The amplier must always be completely powered down before
adjusting the setting of the Impedance Selector. Failure to do this, or to correctly
match the impedance of the amplier and speakers, will damage the amplier.
3. H.T. Fuse
The value of the H.T. Fuse is specied on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the
incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.
4. Mains Fuse
The value of the Mains Fuse is specied on the rear panel. Never use a fuse of the
incorrect value or attempt to bypass it.
5. Mains Input
The supplied detachable mains lead is connected here. The lead should only
be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, power and
frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. If in doubt get advice from a
qualied technician.
Channel Blending
The Artisan 30’s topology allows the blending of the two channels. By paralleling the
guitar connection to the inputs of Channel 1 and Channel 2 (see Figure 1 and Figure
2 below) endless tonal variations can be explored.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Technical Specication
Power (RMS): 30 Watts or 10 Watts (Switchable)
Valves: 1 x GZ34, 4 x EL84, 3 x ECC83, 1 x EF86
Weight (kg): 35
Dimensions (mm): 715 x 569 x 263
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3534
¡AVISO!
Importante Información de seguridad
LEA LAS SIGUIENTE INFORMACIÓN DETENIDAMENTE Y CONSERVE
LAS INSTRUCCIONES PARA FUTURAS CONSULTAS.
SIGA TODOS LOS AVISOS E INSTRUCCIONES MARCACADAS EN LOS
PRODUCTOS.
PELIGRO! Alto voltaje interno.
NO ABRA LA TAPA DEL EQUIPO. NO HAY PARTES UTILIZABLES PARA OTROS
FINES EN ESTE EQUIPO. REMITA CUALQUIER ANOMALÍA AL SERVICIO
TÉCNICO CUALIFICADO.
UTILICE TRAPOS SECOS PARA LIMPIAR.
SE PUEDE FORMAR CONDENSACIÓN DENTRO DEL AMPLIFICADOR SI ESTE
SE HA MOVIDO DE UN LUGAR FRIO A OTRO MÁS CALIDO. EN EL CASO DE
QUE SE MOVIERA EL AMPLIFICADOR DE UN SITIO MÁS FRIO A OTRO MÁS
CALIDO O A LA INVERSA, DEJE UN RATO EL AMPLIFICADOR SIN ENCENDER
PARA QUE ESTE ALCANCE LA TEMPERATURA MEDIA DEL NUEVO LUGAR.
LAS MODIFICACIONES NO AUTORIZADAS ESTÁN EXPRESAMENTE PROHIBIDAS
POR BLACKSTAR AMPLIFICATIO LTD.
NUNCA APOYE OBJETOS EN NINGUNO DE LOS AGUJEROS DE VENTILACIÓN
LOCALIZADOS EN LAS TAPAS DEL EQUIPO.
NO EXPONGA LOS EQUIPOS A LA LLUVIA, LIQUIDOS O HUMEDAD DE
CUALQUIER TIPO.
SIGA TODOS LOS AVISOS E INSTRUCCIONES MARCADAS EN EL PRODUCTO.
NO PONGA LOS EQUIPOS EN CARRETILLAS INESTABLES O MESAS
NORMALES. EL EQUIPO PUEDE CAER CAUSANDOSE SERIOS DAÑOS ASÍ
COMO A PERSONAS.
NO CUBRA O BLOQUEE LOS AGUJEROS DE APERTURA Y VENTILACIÓN.
ESTE PRODUCTO NO DEBE SER PUESTO CERCA DE UNA FUENTE DE CALOR
COMO PUEDE SER UN RADIADOR, ESTUFA O CUALQUIER PRODUCTOR O
AMPLIFICADOR DE CALOR.
USE SOLO LA FUENTE DE ALIMENTACIÓN QUE SEA COMPATIBLE CON LOS
VOLTAJES UTILIZADOS EN EL ARE EN DONDE ESTÉ.
LA FUENTE DE ALIMENTACIÓN DEBE DE SER MANEJADA CON CUIDADO Y
DEBE DE SER REMPLAZADA EN CASO DE CUALQUIER DAÑO.
NUNCA ROMPA LA TOMA DE TIERRA SOBRE EL CABLE DE CORRIENTE.
EL CABLE DE CORRIENTE DEBERÁ DE SER DESCONECTADO CUANDO LA
UNIDAD NO VAYA A SER USADA DURANTE UN TIEMPO.
ANTES DE ENCENDER UN CABEZAL, LA PANTALLA DEBERA ESTAR CONECTADA
COMO SE DESCRIBE EN EL LIBRO DE INSTRUCCIONES UTILIZANDO LOS
CONDUCTORES RECOMENDADOS POR EL FABRICANTE.
REEMPLAZE SIEMPRE LOS FUSIBLES DAÑADOS POR OTROS DE
CARACTERISTICAS IDENTICAS.
NUNCA DESCONECTE EL PROTECTOR DE LA TOMA DE TIERRA.
LA POTENCIA DE SONIDO DE LOS ALTAVOCES CUANDO LOS NIVELES SON
ALTOS PUEDEN CAUSAR UN DAÑO PERMANENTE. USTED DEBERÁ POR
TANTO EVITAR LA EXPOSICIÓN DIRECTA A LOS ALTAVOCES CUANDO ESTOS
ESTÉN OPERANDO A UN NIVEL ALTO. PONGASE PROTECTORES DE OIDOS SI
DEBE DE ESTAR CONTINUAMENTE EXPUESTO.
SI EL PRODUCTO NO FUNCIONARA UNA VEZ SEGUIDAS TODAS LAS
INSTRUCCIONES, REMÍTALO AUN SERVICIO TÉCNICO CUALIFICADO.
LA OFICINA AMERICANA DE PROTECCIÓN DE LA SALUD HA ESPECIFICADO
LOS SIGUIENTES NIVELES ADMISIBLES DE EXPOSICIÓN DE RUIDO.
DURACIÓNPORDIAYHORAS NIVELDESONIDODBABAJARESPUESTA
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ ó menos 115
CUALQUIER EXPOSICIÓN POR ENCIMA DE LOS LIMITES MENCIONADOS
PUEDEN PROVOCAR PERDIDAS AUDITIVAS.
LOS TAPONES PROTECTORES DEBEN DE SER UTILIZADOS CUANDO SE OPERE
ESTE SISTEMA DE AMPLIFICACIÓN PARA PREVENIR DE UNA PERMANENTE
PERDIDA DE OIDO SI LA EXPOSICIÓN ES EXCESIVA O ESTÁ POR ENCIMA DE
LOS LIMITES DESCRITOS ARRIBA. PARA PREVENIR CONTRA UNA EXPOSICIÓN
PELIGROSA A ALTOS NIVELES DE SONIDO SE RECOMIENDA A TODAS LAS
PERSONAS QUE PUEDAN ESTAR EXPUESTAS A NIVELES PRODUCIDOS POR
UN SISTEMA DE AMPLIFICACIÓN COMO ESTE QUE PROTEJAN SUS OIDOS
MIENTRAS LA UNIDAD ESTÁ EN FUNCIONAMIENTO.
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Español
Todos los aparatos eléctricos o electrónicos se deben desechar de
forma distinta del servicio municipal de recogida de basura, a través
de puntos de recogida designados por el gobierno o las autoridades
locales.
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5554
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Japanese
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Français
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Deutsch
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1
Owner’s Manual
Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
HAND-CRAFTED TONE
Designed and Engineered by
Blackstar Amplification UK
HBK-1007 08/11
/
