Blackstar Artisan 15 Owner's manual

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-1006 09/11

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 ampliers) 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 specied by the manufacturer.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods

of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied 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 sufcient

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 qualied service personnel.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Condensation can form on the inside of an amplier 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 modication of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar

Amplication 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 amplier.

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 qualied service engineer.

The U.S. Government´s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has

specied 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 amplication 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 amplication system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in

operation.

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.

76

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Artisan 15 handwired combo.

The Artisan 15 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 amplier design

experience, the Artisan 15 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 15 draws on the inuence of the two most revered low wattage guitar

combos in guitar amplier history. In keeping with its classic design, this amplier

is deceptively simple in operation and yet highly exible in functionality and tone.

The Artisan Series of handwired ampliers represents the absolute highest standard

of craftsmanship and boutique tone. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic

purity, every feature has been rened to provide the artist with the widest range of

reference vintage tones. This is achieved by the design of electronic circuitry that

works in harmony with the nest components and materials available.

The Artisan 15 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 Amplier

The Artisan 15 power amplier uses two EL84 power pentode valves in Class A and

operates in two modes, namely pentode (15W) or triode (5W), depending on the

setting of the Power Amplier Mode control.

In pentode mode the power amplier 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 amplier harmonic distortion at a much lower

volume but is darker and more mellow sounding with a rounder top end. In either

mode the Artisan 15 is an exceptional home or studio amplier.

The power amplier is further enhanced by using a cathode coupled phase splitter to

provide outstanding balance in the power amplier drive and hence superb dynamic

response. Further to this the EL84s used are graded in terms of quiescent operating

point and transconductance giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.

In keeping with the vintage sonic signature of the Artisan 15, the use of an EZ81

valve rectier adds compression to the power amplier response and is critical in

generating its feel and responsiveness.

With an amplier that is built to last, reliability of the electronics circuitry is essential

and therefore all the other power amplier and power supply components are also

over-specied for the best possible reliability.

Preamplier

Channel 1 – 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 has an exquisite British vintage feel. Its gain is derived from an

ECC83 dual triode valve and Channel 1’s sonic signature relies on the ECC83’s

characteristics in terms of gain, compression and distortion.

The Tone control is passive and its response deliberately relies on the setting of the

Channel 1 Volume control to allow the most versatile sonic palette.

Channel 2 – 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 preamplier 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 amplier designs a

pentode was used in the preamplier circuit. The use of a pentode in these early

designs provided unique gain and compression characteristics which make these

ampliers so revered for studio use today.

In keeping with the reference American designs, the extra gain of the EF86 of the

Artisan 15 allows the power amplier to be driven harder for more compression and

English

98

rich harmonic distortion. The EF86 also adds its own particular compression and

distortion avour to this channel making Channel 2 a dream to record with.

Transformers

All Artisan transformers are traditionally made from the highest grade materials to

Blackstar’s demanding sonic and reliability specications.

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.

Channel Blending

The Artisan 15’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

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 amplier

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 amplier 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. The setting of this control deliberately

interacts with the Channel 1 Tone control’s response to maximise the sonic palette.

At low volume levels the amplier will produce exquisite, bell-like clean tones that are

denitively 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 amplier valves move into full

distortion. This type of valve power amplier clipping produces the most natural

guitar distortion of all which reacts to every nuance of the guitarist’s playing style.

4. Tone

This passive control affects the tonal characteristics of Channel 1. Its response

deliberately relies on the setting of the Channel 1 Volume control to allow the most

versatile sonic palette. 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.

Channel 2

5. 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 amplier break-up and overdrive.

6. Lo Input

This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as

much) gain as the Hi Input. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead. Use this

input if you wish the amplier to remain clean. This input is especially useful if the

guitar used has high output pick-ups.

7. Volume

This controls the volume of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

As with Channel 1 natural warmth of power amplier distortion dominates the

Channel 2 character. However, as the EF86 provides higher gain and its own unique

compression characteristics, Channel 2 will provide higher levels of distortion. This

1110

English

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 2 to experiment

with the clean side of the EF86’s tonal character.

8. Tone

This control affects the tonal characteristics of Channel 2. Fully counter-clockwise

the tone is thick and dark, turning it clockwise increases the amount of treble and

the tone becomes more dynamic and bright.

Master

9. Power Indicator Light

The power indicator will light when the amplier is switched on.

10. Power Amplier Mode Switch – 5 Watts / 15 Watts

This switch changes the power amplier from triode mode (5 Watts) to pentode

mode (15 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 benet 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

more pushy sounding crunch tones. This is a great setting for rehearsals and small

club gigs.

See the Modes of Operation Table below for the different congurations possible.

Modes of Operation Table

Mode Preamplier PowerAmplierModeSetting Description

1 Channel 1 Triode ECC83 / 5W

2 Channel 2 Triode EF86 / 5W

3 Channel 1 Pentode ECC83 /15W

4 Channel 2 Pentode EF86 / 15W

5 Channel 1 / Channel 2 Triode Blended EF86 / ECC83 5W

6 Channel 1 / Channel 2 Pentode Blended EF86 / ECC83 15W

11. 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 (12) 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 amplier’s output.

12. Power

This switch is used to turn the amplier on and off. You should always turn this

switch on before turning on the Standby switch (11).

HI

LO

VOLUME TONE

STANDBY POWER

CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2

HI

LO

VOLUME TONE

5 WATTS

15 WATTSONON

100100100100

1 2 10 119 123 4 5 6 7 8

1312

English

Rear Panel

1. Speaker Outputs

There are two parallel speaker outputs for connecting the internal speaker 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 amplier’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 15’s internal speaker is 16 Ohms, so when used by itself the Impedance

Selector must be set to 16 Ohms. If an additional 16 Ohm speaker cabinet is used

together with the internal speaker the Impedance Selector should be set to 8 Ohms.

A speaker cabinet of less than 16 Ohms should not be used together with the

internal speaker.

WARNING: The amplier 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 amplier and speakers, will damage the amplier.

3. H.T. Fuse

The value of the H.T. Fuse is specied 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 specied 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

qualied technician.

Technical Specication

Power (RMS): 15 Watts or 5 Watts (switchable)

Valves: 1 x EZ81, 2 x EL84, 2 x ECC83, 1 x EF86

Weight (kg): 23

Dimensions (mm): 617.5 x 544.5 x 234.5

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¡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.

DURACIÓNPORDIAYHORAS NIVELDESONIDODBABAJARESPUESTA

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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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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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-1006 09/11

Blackstar Artisan 15, Artisan 15H, Artisan Artisan 15 Owner's manual

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