Get your Blackstar St. James 6L6 Combo: Thomann - thmn.to/thocf/awzd443v3n Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/9W3eNy Blackstar - blackstaramps.com/stjames/ Blackstar's St. James amplifiers have reimagined valve amp design, ditching the heavy power transformer for a universal 400V Switch Mode Power Supply. Alongside the many advantages a SMPS brings, the St. James packs in an internal reactive load and CabRig for silent stage and recording applications in a combo that weights almost nothing! This video contains paid promotion from Blackstar. More details on how CSGuitars implements product promotion - www.csguitars.co.uk/disclosure #Blackstar #stjames #valveamp Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - Versions of the St. James 01:19 - Innovations & Technical Changes 05:36 - Standard Amplifier Features 06:29 - How the Sounds are Recorded 07:16 - Sound Examples 10:14 - Conclusion More from CSGuitars: Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Join CSGuitars Discord - discord.gg/csguitars Buy CSGuitars Merchandise - www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website - www.csguitars.co.uk Contact - colin@csguitars.co.uk ____________________________________________________________________ *Description contains affiliate links. Purchasing using one of these links will generate a small commission for CSGuitars at no additional cost to you.*
@LounnEnterprise
2 жыл бұрын
Is that you ? (Comment above) Or it is a fake account ?
@gregmerritt9366
2 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate the niche you found for yourself in the guitar community. Hearing about the science that tells how the technology operates is something I find to be very fulfilling. Thank you.
@comajoebuck999
2 жыл бұрын
True that!
@USSLIBERTYREMEMBERER
2 жыл бұрын
I hate what geartube has become. This is pretty much the only channel that doesn’t exist strictly to sell me made in china garbage
@geemac7267
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed, concurred, and harumph!
@willonglet391
2 жыл бұрын
Not just fulfilling, but helpful too! Collin making all the wizardy sound so simple makes doing your own mods and experiments less intimidating!
@HCkev
2 жыл бұрын
I love how Blackstar was started by a bunch of former Marshall employees, and yet, instead of just sticking to old, true and tested designs, they're not afraid to try new things and innovate
@hawshimagical
Жыл бұрын
trying to innovate? no wonder marshall fired them!
@Rich6Brew
Жыл бұрын
@@hawshimagical They left and set up by themselves because their ideas about amplification was becoming too far from the Marshall ethos.
@richardshank9583
Жыл бұрын
Yet they ignore their customer bases wishes by and large and split hairs when accused of false marketing and poor design and stability. Do you know what most people do when a blackstar amp stops working? They don't fix it cause blackstar is stingy with their schematics, and tech support in the US. Even with multiple design flaws peavey classic amps and fender hot rod series amps continue to be used and operate pretty good with maintenance well into two or three decades of use. Blackstar amps however due to the reasons listed above and poor design are either gutted and redesigned into a proper amplifier design or just thrown in the trash cause repair costs are too high cause few techs want to waste their time with these engineering failures of amplifiers.
@bannedit999
10 ай бұрын
@@richardshank9583there are authorised techs all over UK! I've been chatting to one recently
@austinp95
2 жыл бұрын
Love how you go about discussing different items in your videos. You do a very good display of proper research while conveying that information in an entertaining and enjoyable manner. Keep it up!!!
@JohnDoe9764
2 жыл бұрын
I'm 37 and I love that "new" technical approach!
@alexdenton6586
2 ай бұрын
Thank you for all this information. You are the only channel where I could find these explanations presented in a clear and simple way. I knew that Blackstar had done a bit of magic with their amps, but I didn’t realize it was to this extent. I’ve had the chance to play them, and not only do they sound great, but they are also very lightweight. What you mentioned about the true standby mode and so on is incredible. I wasn’t aware of that, but it’s great to know. Blackstar is indeed a very innovative brand.
@gavinpearcey
2 жыл бұрын
Traynor amplifiers have used DC filament voltage for years, I built it into my amps as well, nice quiet tubes that way.
@danpearce4547
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, the heater rectifier is the most unreliable component in my Marshall JTM30!
@richardshank9583
Жыл бұрын
Epiphone valve juniors had it in versions 2 and 3. I build amps. Never had noise problems with ac supplied filaments. As long as you twist your leads properly and keep them separated from audio signal wires you're good. Amps have used ac filaments for years with no problem with noise as long as they were designed and built properly
@davenator6514
2 жыл бұрын
Crate made tube amps (v18,v33,v50) with a switching power supply about 12 years ago.
@topher4677
2 жыл бұрын
All these modernizations to the tube amp design are really cool and I'm glad companies like Blackstar are willing to experiment and put out stuff like this. Not huge on the speaker though, but I wouldn't mind rocking the head version on this amp.
@kennyjohnson336
2 жыл бұрын
Finally a good breakdown/explanation of the topology, Good job
@052RC
5 күн бұрын
I know a little bit about this stuff, but I'm certainly not an expert. Unless I'm missing something, this doesn't look like a very good idea. I went through the video twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. Tube amps don't require output transformers or auto transformers to work, but 99% of the time, they're used, and for a good reason. OTL designs have a tendency to blow up. One of the weaknesses tubes have is they don't like big swings in impedance. Output transformers are placed in between the power tubes and speakers to stabilize impedance that would be constantly changing without them. In the video, it doesn't state if they are used or not. If the amp is really light, there's a good chance they didn't use them. If so, that can only be a problem. The technology you use to make tubes work reliably, is the output transformer. However, if they did install OT's, that's fine. This concern just doesn't apply. The other issue I'm not quite sure about is the decision to use a switch mode power supply to begin with. I don't see how it can do any damage, but the reason switch mode power supplies are used, is his technology is used to make transistors operate like tubes. The big advantage tubes have over solid state devices is tubes they're valves. Transistors are switches. Switches like to be on and off. What happens with typical class a or ab solid state power amps, is the transistors are run somewhere in between on and off. Switches aren't designed to do that, so they generate a tremendous amount heat. They're almost never fully on or off. What a switch mode power supply does, is run the transistors so there's no in between on and off use. Instead, the power supply switches the output transistors on and off really fast, and are never in between. Its a huge improvement in efficiency for solid state. Class D amps are known for weighing almost nothing, and putting out a lot of power. The design is so efficient, big heat sinks are no longer required. So my question here is, tubes don't have the problem transistors do when then they're run in between on and off, so why bother using a switch mode power supply on a design that never needed one to begin with? One last small thing I noticed. Rectified AC. As stated in the video, AC from the wall needs to be converted to DC once its inside the amp. But is also said something about more technology involved in the process. I don't see how that's true. Almost all tube amps have been using solid state rectification for decades. At least since the 70's. Its accomplished with a diode. A diode lets electricity flow only one way. This stops the current from alternating and becomes DC. Rectifying AC with a diode is far cheaper and easier then to do it with tubes. So, just to be clear, I'm not saying anyone is wrong about anything. I think its more likely that there are other factors involved that I'm just not aware of. And that's what I'm looking to find out. Even through the low audio quality on youtube, that amp sounds great. I would definitely consider getting one, but I just don't want it to blow up because they traded reliability for less weight. Or something similar.
@michaelgarcia2050
2 ай бұрын
Blackstar is killing it with amp innovation.
@alexpagodin5947
Жыл бұрын
Your balance of super nerd-level knowledge of the technical aspect combined with clean and melodic playing is what makes channels like this and JHS's so successful and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work!
@Mr-Foad
2 жыл бұрын
years ago my friend spoke about doing something like this when I asked if he could install a new transformer on my amp, good to see he was not mad !
@samuelxavier2473
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting. Not a big fan of the tones but the application is good and it will be really something to see what traditional amp builders come up with down the line.
@thomaspatton1991
2 жыл бұрын
I love single digit watt amp heads. My Two Notes Captor makes them a dream in a studio setting. Would love to see a shootout with the Bugera G5, Orange Micro Terror, and this guy. The price points are wayyyyy off, but I still think it'd be cool.
@DrTacoPHD665
2 жыл бұрын
On top of being pretty innovative and one of my favorite amp companies, I am SO HAPPY to see a new smaller logo on this lineup. The logo on my HT Club 40 has always been the only thing I dislike about it.
@mikearmitage4147
2 жыл бұрын
Loving the guitar geekery as always dude, didn’t realise these new amps were such a rethink on the classic design. I’ve always wondered how freeze/sample sustainers work, any chance you could do a video on the EHX Freeze, TC infinite or similar please?
@michaelwallace1189
2 жыл бұрын
Blackstar is killing it. I love mine so much I almost had an aneurism when the house was hit by lightning. Amp was strangely unplugged at the time, which literally never happens, so, TV's and Play station's all toast, but amp is fine. No 90 day fiance for the wife, plenty of play time for me... WINNING!
@PedroHenrique-i5x1i
14 күн бұрын
In 2015 an japanese company create a first solid state transformer, they make a single chip it inputs from ac 110 till 240V and gives 6V 3Amp and 350 + 350V at 500mA output range and it weights 200g.
@EasyHeat
Жыл бұрын
The switch mode PSU is honestly just brilliant IMO. Well done Blackstar, and well done Colin for great content as always! Cheers!
@albertplaysguitar
2 жыл бұрын
Very well said! Especially the part about keeping valve amps relevant by rethinking their fundamentals. 🤔😎
@DogFoodTunes
Жыл бұрын
Holy grail amp. It's replaced even my Fuchs modified fender. Great tones, super flex. The clean channel is brilliant by itself or with pedals and the gain channel is the best blackstar I've had, open and articulate. Kudos to Blackstar for both the innovation and the great result.
@danielatherton1631
2 жыл бұрын
Blackstar have genuinely impressed me since they started up and the innovation in this is impeccable. I've seen this amp advertised but didn't learn anything about it from that. Looking forward to a bass amp with this tech.
@richardshank9583
Жыл бұрын
There's really no need for it. A bass amp typically is solid state (unless you're into the older bassman tube heads and what not) which solid state needs little voltage to operate. Therefore the Transformers are smaller and don't affect the weight much also solid state Amps which again bass amps tend to be also don't need a output transformer. The st James was designed for cutting weight in a tube amplifier which requires two Transformers traditionally. A solid state amp only needs one and even then it would be much easier to do with a bass amp as voltages among solid state components are pretty much equal. In other words with bass amps there's largely no need and I'm sure it's already been done as like I said you don't need very high voltage with solid state technology so using the technology they used in this amp which is used in phones, laptops etc (solid state devices) wouldn't really be an engineering or design problem it's simple.
@danielatherton1631
Жыл бұрын
@@richardshank9583 Did I stutter? Bass, valve, light. Thanks.
@bassyey
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, bass amps are getting left behind.
@evanduffy1015
2 жыл бұрын
Seems like the switch mode power supply brings several benefits but I have heard concerns from techs about repairability of these “black box” power supplies. The plus side of the heavy transformers is they’re simple and easily replaceable if they break. They might stop making replacements of that specific SMPS in the far future but they’ll never stop making power transformers
@Bleats_Sinodai
2 жыл бұрын
Finally, I've been using smps on tube projects since 2017, it makes a huge difference in weight.
@JoeMcGuire
Жыл бұрын
For what it's worth, I believe the Traynor YCV amps also use a DC on the filaments and are really very quiet. Yes, I am a Traynor fanboy and the YCV40WR is an INSANE tube amp that really deserves more attention.
@scottcarpenter701
2 жыл бұрын
great overview of the impact of how it uses DC..
@pauljamesstevens4955
2 жыл бұрын
Very good and accurate video. You clearly really understood the features and had read up on them first. I've seen some others that are shockingly ill informed, even from some of the apparently respected 'influencers'. Well done.
@LeeGee
Жыл бұрын
I've never learnt so much about amps in my life. Subscribed! XD
@AsyncVoid
2 жыл бұрын
Plenty of modern amps have transformers with coil taps allowing you to switch between US and Europe voltages. Also very common to run the pre-amp valves on dc, as thats where the noise will be most noticable. "Rectification happens within the power supply itself" I suppose thats different depending what you classify as the power supply. Also switch mode power supplies are highly irreplacable due to the components they use - so if you break one you're going to be out of luck in 10 years time, take Bugera as an example
@geoffdillon6013
Жыл бұрын
Lately, I have noticed your videos (if not all) are becoming more product specific based. I do realise that we can generally say that they are the same as similar products, because everything now is just emulating something from the past. But, as much as your videos are immensely informative, for me they are starting to come across as advertisements for products. Understand you have to make a living, but, don’t want to have particular products shoved down my throat. This product is unique though, and this comment is based on a lot of previous videos that I have watched and not this one in particular. Love what Blackstar are doing and the tech that are using and appreciate your learned input.
@ScienceofLoud
Жыл бұрын
This is a channel about the science of musical equipment, I wouldn't have much to say if I wasn't featuring the equipment, nor would I be able to justify the production time if I wasn't being paid. I choose the products and companies I work with on the basis of what will make an interesting and educational video. I turn down a lot of offers relating to products that wouldn't yield informative videos. You don't have to watch them all, but even if the specific product isn't of interest to you there's always something more general to learn on my videos.
@AutismRocksOfficial
2 жыл бұрын
Love seeing Mr Muppet on display behind you 🤘
@samizdat113
2 жыл бұрын
I'm 50 years old and I think this is brilliant.
@charlesb7831
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe it's just me or the whole KZitem sound quality thing, but I'm hearing a brittle top end I'm not crazy about. That's just me. Great video and still appreciated it though, Cheers!
@ragnadrabinowitz7629
2 жыл бұрын
whole…
@fayser1
2 жыл бұрын
what a fantastic comprehensive and technically indepth description... total hats off to you sir
@keithzibrat5721
2 жыл бұрын
I've never owned a tube amp, don't know if I'm missing anything, but there's tons of tube amp guys that won't switch up. I saw a Andertons vid where Chapman wouldn't play a modeling amp, later to see him impressed with a kemper after he spent a fortune on shipping his valve rig,,,I love your vids, thank you so much! Love from louisiana brother!
@HCkev
2 жыл бұрын
Prople typically like tubes because of the unpredictable way it works, makes the tones more natural and less sterile. But solid state technology indeed has improved a lot, the modelling amps are a good example, many famous artists started to use them live, less hassles to transport and set up, more reliable, etc, and nobody can really tell the difference through the PA system. However they usually stick to "real" tube amps for recording for the tiny difference in tone
@felinekaiju4517
Жыл бұрын
I think valves will always have a place until they can be completely emulated, which I think in scheme of things won't be long. I'm 40, but I enjoy Blackstar's Innovation and the fact that they listen to people and make revisions.
@jcugnoni
2 жыл бұрын
DC heater circuit is actually a great plus indeed.
@Bob-of-Zoid
2 жыл бұрын
A freind of mine had an older ~60W tube amp from the mid 80's that also doesn't have a huge transformer, and its sick for blues, jazz and rock. Not sure if it uses the same type of power supply, but it shows that it's not absolutely necessary. It's also not as large as any amp with the same power it put out from the time, and doesn't need to be cranked to sound good n' ballsy. I don't remember who made it, but I do know it was hand made as part of no more than 50 by some electronics geek who made them in his basement. I'd look into it further, and it was on my list of things to do, but it's owner died suddenly of a heart attack and his son just sold all of his gear (lots of great and some rare stuff) as a lot to who knows who, without consulting some of the musicians who jammed with his dad and knew what some of it was worth. He sold it for cheep just to get it done with.
@BlakeC27
Жыл бұрын
Blackstar makes some nice amps but the serviceability and lifespan of their amps seem to be an issue once out of the warranty phase. The switchmode power supply might be more efficient and save power but what about all the e-waste from junked amps that need to be disposed of?
@Merjia
2 жыл бұрын
I was waiting for your review! Anyone can show me what it sounds like, but only you go into the kick-ass detail.
@ABCDEF-ks5op
2 жыл бұрын
I had a Blackstar HT20 R MKII and it sounded quite good until the warranty period was over, then mayor problems arised, took it to a tech and he said this thing is unrepairable, all this surface mount technology sounds good dont get me wrong, but it is buy and throw away once little problems arise. The new St James line is basically the same imo, what do you do when the switch mode supply fails once warranty is over? throw it away? In warranty the whole internals of the amp will be replaced, nobody bothers with repairing. Imo all this talk about power efficiancy with the ST James is Bs because its a throw away product once little problems come up, that in a simple valve amp can be easily repaired with a handfull of parts. So for me a twelve hundred dollar throw away amp is not worth it when i can get get a simple tube amp used for the same price if not less, sure it doenst have cab sim , headphone... features but it will last dozens of years with little service
@Ottophil
2 жыл бұрын
Don’t blame SMT for poor design.Youve got the right idea with this post. But you for sure are being too generic and saying all surface mount things suck. No, blackstar r&d engineers suck
@Ottophil
2 жыл бұрын
You CAN repair smt its just not cost effective. Learn to solder yourself, and don’t rely on lazy techs
@ScienceofLoud
2 жыл бұрын
This kind of anti-SMD argument is a little flawed. While I appreciate the frustration with designed obsolescence, that's not what's going on here. Many of the innovations are designed to make the amplifier, and its consumable parts, last longer. The reason that circuit boards featuring SMD don't get repaired is not because they CAN'T be repaired, but because due to the circuit complexity and the multilayered PCBs (which is the only way to pack this number of features into a compact product) it's not cost effective for a technician to spend hours troubleshooting the problem. These CAN be fixed but the cost and time required to fix them no customer is willing to pay and takes limited numbers of qualified staff away from other important jobs. It's cheaper and faster for everyone involved to replace the faulty board with a known working one. That's true of ALL electronics industry, not just Blackstar. The simple fact is: if you want repairable technology then it has to be simple technology and very few of us are willing (or able) at this stage to revert back to the basics we had in the 1970s. We can't demand feature dense, compact sized product and then complain about the mechanisms that make that a reality.
@Ottophil
2 жыл бұрын
@@ScienceofLoud exactly why i subscribe to your channel. You rock
@comajoebuck999
2 жыл бұрын
@@ScienceofLoud I’ve watched dozens of Psionic amp repair vids. The boards can be built with heat relief, but aren’t. Many brands are designed to run the tubes hotter than necessary, hence the heat issue. Lead free, multi flow soldering is also an issue. Cheaper caps/resistors, with poor wire routing. I agree, the features are great with this amp! If this represents a change in build technique, leading to longevity and reliability, the repair issue goes away. And sales will be good. BTW, I love my VoxAD50vt. Cheers!
@kebab_boi
2 жыл бұрын
2:35 I love you Colin, but that voice crack made me crack up so hard 🤣🤣
@delusionwalker8852
Жыл бұрын
You have managed to change my opinion about this amp and actually give it a fair try
@PAHVID
2 жыл бұрын
Seems to share a lot of similarities with the Revv G20. A “real” tube amp with reactive load and cabinet modeling capabilities built in.
@TheStrykerProject
2 жыл бұрын
I was kind of disappointed at first, but there were actually some good sounds later in the demo. Going through the Celestion gererally sounded way better than their stock speaker. I think I'd be pretty happy with their 6L6 head, with a couple of neo-creambacks. That'd be a lot lighter rig given the sound/tone!
@colinhall1216
Жыл бұрын
great review thanks, i'm def going to buy one now, your description and info has put my mind at rest over a few things, the weight and sound a key factor for an old timer like me
@dylanmcgarry1221
2 жыл бұрын
I love that the Grittycaster has earned a spot on the wall
@StratsRUs
2 жыл бұрын
Technology is moving at a jawdropping pace.I am happy with a few valve amps and a Helix. Wish I could write and record faster though ! Thanks
@jsullivan2112
2 жыл бұрын
Some realllly cool design features that made me think "how come no one has thought of this sooner??", particularly the power supply. Unfortunately Blackstar amps still sound like hot garbage to me. Just not a fan. :\ It's great seeing that SG getting some proper use after that stellar repair job though! Anyways terrific video as always, thank you sir!
@USSLIBERTYREMEMBERER
2 жыл бұрын
They’re also IMPOSSIBLE to work on. The tubes are all always mounted directly to the circuit board. I can literally do more maintainence more easily on my joyo JTA
@valueofnothing2487
2 жыл бұрын
There's a lot of superstition about amps. People swear by tube driven power supplies because they have 'sag'. I don't buy it, but whatever.
@jsullivan2112
2 жыл бұрын
@@valueofnothing2487 The thing about sag is true but only with tube rectifiers, because they’re terribly inefficient compared to silicon diode (which is why solid state diodes and transistors were invented to begin with). Solid state creates DC voltage WAY faster than tubes can. I’m sure there are other ways to achieve it though.
@drdfx159
2 жыл бұрын
@@jsullivan2112 Maybe so, I have built my amp with both, but for the life of me I couldn't tell any difference. For this amp: a lot of interesting ideas, however good luck with repairing it when (and not if!) it fails.
@jsullivan2112
2 жыл бұрын
@@drdfx159 I've played my Hiwatt (silicon diode) side by side with Fenders and a Mesa Triple Rec (multiple tube diodes) and there was a huge difference. The Hiwatt has super fast attack and no sustain, the note just drops right off. There's a reason David Gilmour uses three compressors with them. I'm sure there have to be other design reasons as well but efficiency definitely has a lot to do with it. As for amps, they all fail lol. Ease of repair definitely matters though, agreed.
@tyr4489
Жыл бұрын
wish they would make a fully solid state version of this, ideally with thick wood enclosures and metal corners like an old peavey. it would be the ultimate indestructible touring amp
@adhaskym.a9536
2 жыл бұрын
The genius of China and it's production. I am buying one soon.
@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t
2 жыл бұрын
And, as an ageing muso, I think my back would particularly appreciate the fact that the 2x12 cab is just over half the weight of my Marshall 2x12. EDIT: In fact, the head and cab weigh less combined than either my current head and cab.
@jst601
Жыл бұрын
Would love to see lots of chassis pics; curious to see *how* it's put together & the repair scenario potential.
@aryanz66
Жыл бұрын
Love those combinations. Nice job!
@randyupchurch1899
2 жыл бұрын
...My Brother,good-day!!!...Love the "concept"...Not crazy about the "voicing"...Peace & much-love from Southern Illinois...
@elbowjames7625
Жыл бұрын
I recall when Crate took a stab at switchmode power supplies when they changed to having them made in Vietnam. They were very unreliable and there are basically none left that work. Hopefully Blackstar have done a better job of it this time around.
@PooNinja
2 жыл бұрын
DC!!! Not all the comics, all the POWER!
@GonJilman
2 жыл бұрын
I was never a big fan of Blackstar…to me they always sounded a little stale and bland. But the St. James however…I am very much interested in especially since it comes in a 6L6 platform. And for a affordable price. Awesome explanation of this gem my friend.
@Furtheronmusic
2 жыл бұрын
Really impressive amp
@alexwalker67
2 жыл бұрын
I've been using a Blackstar HT20 combo for the last couple of years. Great amp, but no without it's issues. One is weight, another is the slightly crappy DI and the third is access to the back is on the underside rather than the back. This fixes two of the issues. I don't understand why on the combo the back panel faces the ground. And the fixed cable for the footswitch makes it less practical for gigs too. Still, great video, I'm selling some gear to buy the EL34 version.
@rugbygirlsdadg
2 жыл бұрын
Same problem with my artist 30. I've stuck my own labels on the back so I can easily find the right socket. Really basic and usability testing should have identified this issue. Other than that, it's a good amp.
@ScienceofLoud
2 жыл бұрын
The reason the rear connections are oriented towards the ground is because the combo and head versions share an amp chassis. This is easier and cheaper from a manufacturing perspective because creating two machine lines to punch out two different amplifier chassis with different layouts for the same amplifier line is a costly thing to do. The chassis is oriented with the controls to the front, the outputs to the back and the valves to the top. This works well for the head unit. When placing that same chassis in combo it often makes most sense dimensionally and for heat venting to turn the chassis so that the controls face up, the valves face forward, and the outputs face down. Furthermore regarding the footswitch: While it is hardwired to the switch, it features a very cable which terminates in a TS connection - which can easily be extended if more distance is required. It is not fixed on the amp side.
@atrumluminarium
2 жыл бұрын
These last few years have been amazing in terms of tech innovation in guitar equipment. Feels good to have some options other than stagnant boomer tech
@ScienceofLoud
2 жыл бұрын
The industry have been making the same thing over and over for far too long. It's good to see all these features that used to be separate companion products being integrated into amplifiers AND some rethinking of the fundamentals that address long standing problems.
@atrumluminarium
2 жыл бұрын
@@ScienceofLoud 100% agree
@oonamorrioghanblackthorne
2 жыл бұрын
Don’t blame boomers, valve amps have been around longer then they have.
@atrumluminarium
2 жыл бұрын
@@oonamorrioghanblackthorne But they clinged onto them. People who saw the birth of valve amps hated the "quirks" that boomers love about them lol
@SeanDeluge
2 жыл бұрын
@@atrumluminarium Now think about that a second... What if Boomers then decided that distortion was a flaw or it's quirkiness wan't desirable?
@michaelfrancis1
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this! Valuable info! The software looks amazing!
@oldmanfran5523
2 жыл бұрын
Great video as always! Looking at alternative way of doing things, maybe you can do a video on Vox/Korg 's Nutube amps
@jst601
Жыл бұрын
Your comment around :50 about BLACKSTAR's Cab Rig "tech" being NOT the same as IRs? Can you please elaborate? These terms, cab sim, amp sim, IRs, digital/analog amp sim, digital amp sim, digital/analog cab sim. Ugh. It would seem naming standards need to be applied to this evolving technology by manufacturers. Thanks for another very informative video. Being an owner of 2 Dept 10 Dual Drives, I'm completely on board w/BLACKSTAR's choice to move forward with tech & the way they're implementing it.
@ScienceofLoud
Жыл бұрын
IR is an Impulse Response, it is essentially nothing more than a very specific EQ profile created by capturing the response of a specific speaker and microphone arrangement across all audio frequencies. IRs are therefore a static sound profile which can be applied to a sound to give the same EQ curve as the speaker under those specific conditions. Blackstar are using a digital modelling method which simulates all the ways in which a speaker, mic and room interact reactively with a changing signal to generate sound. It does not capture the EQ from a physical speaker, but rather attempts to recreate a speaker response in the digital realm using software. 'Cab sim' is a general term for simulating the sound of a speaker cabinet. That can be done with an IR, or using analogue components to shape the EQ, or digitally model it.
@alexcrouse
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, so it's my 20 year old Crate v50. Which i love, but they have reliability issues in the switch mode power supplies.
@LillianAredhel
2 жыл бұрын
Me: "oh this seems really cool, I do need to replace my old amp I wonder how much- oh, it's £500 minimum, never mind"
@mikefloyd3152
2 жыл бұрын
How much is £500 euros on US dollars?
@vav413
2 жыл бұрын
@@mikefloyd3152 no one knows
@pabcrane
2 жыл бұрын
@@mikefloyd3152 - £500 is approx. 585 Euros and 615 US dollars
@Tomislav_B.
2 жыл бұрын
@@mikefloyd3152 To much for you
@omnaraiya
2 жыл бұрын
Good to hear a descent sound example on this amp. Some of the first videos to hit sounded absolutely atrocious.
@midi510
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I'd like to hear a comparison, though, between the 6L6 and EL34 versions. I can kind of hear them in my mind, but wondering how accurate my inner ear is.
@svenrustempasic8332
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent presentation, thanks!
@blessedheavyelements8544
2 жыл бұрын
Very cool and thank you. You have an excellent instruction presentation. Very comprehensible. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
@brentmydland5176
2 жыл бұрын
If it doesn’t have a power transformer… and doesn’t run on any AC… does it still have an output transformer??
@stanesposito2664
2 жыл бұрын
The clean sounds like a solid state amp of years passed. Some of the heavier sounds sound good.
@gregmerritt9366
2 жыл бұрын
Loving that strat in this vid.
@fadlyhans82
Жыл бұрын
I’m gonna get one of these combos. But you guys think it’s fixable if it’s broken and such? If not I shall just get the MARSHALL Jubilee combo.
@pabcrane
2 жыл бұрын
The ideas in this amp are really interesting and clever. I would be keen to try the lower gain one in-store. This may be a little premature in my thinking however I do wonder if these amps are easily replairable though - or does one replace the switching power supply if something goes wrong. By the way Colin, I think you did a fantastic job repairing the SG.
@IcedForce
2 жыл бұрын
Probably as good as normal modern Blackstar, you can't find diagrams, they won't provide diagrams and so it's either finding the fitting sub-assemblies or it's not worth it (tracing out the PCBs and finding out what is broken and with what it should be replaced is too time consuming). PSU is as repairable as the rest of the amp, so that is jump from the old power transformer but those things rarely break unlike caps and microcontrollers and old transformers you can replace with whatever takes in the right voltage and outputs the wanted while with this you probably need to find the exact right replacement PSU. Blackstars own repair probably just swaps out sub-assemblies so they can fix anything but it is what it is.
@Tomislav_B.
2 жыл бұрын
@@IcedForce It has a warranty I guess
@IcedForce
2 жыл бұрын
@@Tomislav_B. Won't be much after the 3-year warranty is over. Also will be very bad situation if this is your only amp and you need to send it to Blackstar for warranty service and you have a tight schedule.
@castleanthrax1833
2 жыл бұрын
@@IcedForce If you have only one amp, you probably don't have a schedule.
@richardshank9583
Жыл бұрын
Lol likely they're not as even their more traditionally built amplifiers such as the ht series are a techs nightmare. That and the fact they don't release schematics also further screwing any tech who isn't a blackstar licensed one which btw are few and far between as is. There's pretty much none in the US
@ZeeEm1991Gr
2 жыл бұрын
Personally, judging by the mic'd sounds, I'd rather go for the head version (if I had the money to spare, lol). But looking at the weight of this thing... man! It's much lighter than the cheapo 100w solid state that I currently use in my multieffect pedal setup! I'm not sure about the cab rig out though, despite the options. Your samples of that sounded a bit better than Ola's (who, to be fair, didn't really dive into the software side of things), but it still sounds somewhat weird...
@ScienceofLoud
2 жыл бұрын
I was using one of the standard CabRig presets and I know for a fact that if I had spent some time tweaking out exactly what I wanted I could have found something more representative, but for the sake of review it seemed fairer to show what you get right out of the box. The CabRig is all very context sensitive too, it's voiced for a mix and the expectation is that you'll find a sound that works within the mix of the song you are tracking. The sound that works in mix often does sound 'weird' in isolation.
@wido123123
2 жыл бұрын
@@ScienceofLoud "The sound that works in mix often does sound 'weird' in isolation.", well let me tell you how to fix that: NO MIDS! ALL THE GAINNNNNN!!!!!!
@ZeeEm1991Gr
2 жыл бұрын
@@wido123123 Funny you mention that, actually; the tone I always keep coming back to, just so happens to be mid-scooped 😅
@bozakarlin9034
2 жыл бұрын
In what country was this amplifier manufactured?
@jross68052
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Best one on you tube
@dakotad3970
2 жыл бұрын
Yes Colin couldn’t wait to see this once you posted it on Insta, but can you do a luthier tool starter I’m aspiring to be one thanks to you so what do you have that a started would need or should look more into I have a soldering lot already just for info thanks love you much man
@CS_Mango
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah. That tech is nice. Good to see things make technological progress instead of the ever lasting stagnation so far. But that thing is expensive. And I think I'm gonna stick with getting the super crush 100.
@jessebreakspear6656
Жыл бұрын
Awesome video as per usual! I was just wondering about the very subject of switching adaptors. I knew they can step the voltage down but i wansn't 100% sure
@jessebreakspear6656
Жыл бұрын
oops, hit reply by accident. I mean I wasn't 100% sure if they can step the voltage up! now I know! while there's a lot to be said for a transformer that is literally a century old and still working fine. the switch mode power supply really is a game changer it will be interesting to see how well they hold up over time. and it would be the perfect thing for an engineer to design amps with.
@wizardito7741
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Colin!, Between this and the Orange Super Crush 100, what do you choose and why?
@lenwhatever4187
2 жыл бұрын
Just how much more efficient is this? With a class D amplifier (a switching power supply modulated by audio) on one side and a transformer powered class B tube amp on the other (assuming a tube rectifier). The switching PS seems to be more expensive than the transformer and supporting parts judging by the prices of Blackstar's transformer based products. As someone else has mentioned, replacement parts have to come from Blackstar, it is not like a transformer that can be bought from anyone... One hopes Blackstar stays in business. Anyway, it's a good idea and if enough others follow suit, maybe 400v switching PS will be available from more than one source and get to be cheaper than transformers. I think for me, a class D amp, 12 inch speaker, and a good analog tube/cabinet emulator may be the way to go.... or a self built transformer run, low powered tube amp.
@Yupppi
2 жыл бұрын
How does the lack of transformer play out? A lot of classic amp style designers, namely Marshall originating ones, consider the transformer to play a big part on the "feel" of the amp. As in its response, oomph if you will. A lot of them have struggled trying to resource transformers matching their standards after a couple of manufacturers stopping production in the past decades. This amp's pretty cool, a lot of improved little designs that should've probably been a default for years already.
@ScienceofLoud
2 жыл бұрын
What you are describing is the effect of an Output Transformer which impedance matches the power valves to the speaker at the end of the signal chain of the amp. The St. James still has an Output Transformer for that same purpose. What is being discussed in this video is the Power Transformer which transforms mains voltage to different potential to power various components of the amp and doesn't impact the feel of the sound because it isn't part of the signal path.
@ReiCow
2 жыл бұрын
Oh my... I may have to get one of the EL34 versions of this.. Moo
@CTBlaze
Жыл бұрын
Lotsa good info, but why does nobody, not even you, mention the FAN? how noisy does it get? does it only run in "Standby Mode", when the reactive load is active? Or is it for the SMPS?
@ScienceofLoud
Жыл бұрын
Fan is for the smps. The reason I (and probably everyone else) didn't mention it is because it's not worth mentioning. If it were loud we'd have mentioned it. It's not something worth thinking about.
@LounnEnterprise
2 жыл бұрын
Does those silicon rings on the tubes, comes from factory or de you install them ? I’ve heard they extend the life, I know they help with tube rattling. But I’ve been wondering about dampening vibrations from the chasis, when installed right at the tube socket.
@InsomniacMatt
2 жыл бұрын
I'd love to see Boss do a Katana version of this with valves/toobs
@RealMusicHype
2 жыл бұрын
Great stuff! We would like to add you on our music blog!
@brianburke808
2 жыл бұрын
this. is. cool.
@weedeeeter
2 жыл бұрын
Hello Colin, here's my TATA: Is there any difference in tone between 4 ohms speaker x 2 in series vice 16 ohms x 2 in parallel? Thank you!
@PippPriss
2 жыл бұрын
Theoretically, one could argue that no, the impedance is the same. But the coil wound within the speaker is less/more and therefore inhereting more capacitive elements, which might differ the tone slightly. I personally would say it's nothing to break your head about. In a 2x12 configuration, I'd personally go with 2x 8 ohms - that was you can run parallel for 4 ohm, serial for 16 ohm or 2x8 ohm stereo. More flexibility :-)
@weedeeeter
2 жыл бұрын
@@PippPriss Ok. My intent here is to get an 8 Ohms impedance at the end with 2 speakers. I just wanted to know if it's better to go with 4 Ohms x 2 or with 16 Ohms x 2.
@Ninjametal
2 жыл бұрын
16 ohms x 2 (in parallel) is 8 ohms. To use 4 ohms x 2 to get 8 ohms, you need speakers wired in series
@weedeeeter
2 жыл бұрын
@@Ninjametal Thank you. So, is it better to buy 4 Ohms speakers or 16 Ohms speakers? What are the pros and cons for each option?
@TNTales
Жыл бұрын
It seems like a cool bit of kit but I'd be worried about reparability after warranty runs out. All those SMD parts it's like a laptop or a cellphone. When it dies you toss it and get another or cannibalize a broken one.
@SunsetPunk
Жыл бұрын
Was that first lick on the SG a nod to Psonic? 😏
@DMSProduktions
2 жыл бұрын
Nice aye! \m/
@sledge776
2 жыл бұрын
How are we supposed to stay in shape with new light amplifiers.
@HisHiasness
Жыл бұрын
Thinking about switching from my beloved Engl Screamer to the St. James (for various reasons). Anybody have any comparison between the two, would it be a downgrade tonewise to go from the Engl to the Blackstar?
@Rowe4900candymachine
2 жыл бұрын
The only thing this doesn't have is midi preset switching. Which why is midi so rare in expensive amps and pedals? Analog can have midi implemented onto resistors I own an analog synth I paid 600$ for that has midi implementation and presets on the knobs, filter, lfos and envelopes. But it's just not possible on a majority of 200$ guitar pedals and 1000$ amps unless they're digital, what's up with that? Is it weird marketing bs or is there a reason it's not possible?
@Tonedefy
2 жыл бұрын
Great concept and amazing tones. Just wonder how reliable this thing is in the real world? That and how serviceable it is? I have a Boss Katana head that crapped out on me after 2 years of use and none of the local amp techs want to touch it.
@harrybryan9633
2 жыл бұрын
Did you see the circuit boards? It will be unserviceable.
@Tonedefy
2 жыл бұрын
@@harrybryan9633 That's what I'm afraid off. Seems like a good concept, but would be a total waste of money if amp is un-repairable.
@vorpalblades
Жыл бұрын
Most modern amps are PCB construction. Nothing new here besides the power supply.
@rydinorwin
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it’s going to be massively more reliable tbh. Valves are 70 years old.
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