1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II 40-Watt 1x12 Tube Combo Amp. It covers essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your amplifier. The HT Club 40 Mark II features revoiced clean and overdrive channels, Blackstar's Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), two reverb textures, and a speaker-emulated output.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your amplifier to ensure safe and correct usage.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Read Instructions: Retain this manual for future reference.
- Heed Warnings: Follow all warnings on the amplifier and in this manual.
- Water & Moisture: Do not use this apparatus near water or expose it to dripping or splashing.
- Heat: Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Power Cord: Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as 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.
- Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Ensure proper airflow around the amplifier.
- Grounding: This amplifier must be grounded. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
- Tubes: Tube amplifiers operate at high voltages and generate significant heat. Do not attempt to replace tubes or service the internal components unless you are a qualified technician.
3. Product Overview
3.1 Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides access to all primary controls for shaping your amplifier's tone.
Image: Front view of the Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II amplifier. This image displays the amplifier's front face, including the Blackstar logo, speaker grille, and the entire control panel at the top. The control panel features input jacks, various knobs for Clean and Overdrive channels, EQ settings, Reverb, Master Volume, and Power/Standby switches.
- Input: 1/4" jack for connecting your guitar.
- Clean Channel:
- Volume: Controls the overall output level of the clean channel.
- Bass, Treble: Tone controls for the clean channel.
- Voice Switch: Alters the clean channel's voicing for different tonal characteristics.
- Overdrive Channel:
- Gain: Controls the amount of overdrive/distortion.
- Volume: Controls the overall output level of the overdrive channel.
- Bass, Middle, Treble: Tone controls for the overdrive channel.
- ISF (Infinite Shape Feature): Sweeps between a 'British' and 'American' amplifier tone.
- Voice Switch: Alters the overdrive channel's voicing.
- Reverb: Controls the level of the built-in digital reverb effect.
- Master Volume: Controls the overall output volume of the amplifier.
- Standby Switch: Places the amplifier in standby mode, allowing tubes to warm up or cool down without signal passing through.
- Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on or off.
3.2 Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel provides various input and output connections for external devices and speaker configurations.
Image: Rear view of the Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II amplifier. This image shows the back of the amplifier, detailing the mains input, fuse holder, speaker outputs, emulated output, effects loop (send/return), footswitch input, and USB audio port.
- Mains Input: For connecting the supplied power cable.
- HT Fuse: Main power fuse. Ensure correct rating is used for replacement.
- Speaker Outputs: Connections for external speaker cabinets. Ensure correct impedance matching (1x16 Ohm, 1x8 Ohm, 2x16 Ohm).
- Emulated Output: Provides a speaker-emulated signal for direct recording or connection to a PA system.
- Effects Loop (Send/Return): For connecting external effects pedals or processors.
- Footswitch: Input for the supplied 2-way footswitch to switch channels and reverb.
- USB Audio: For direct recording to a computer.
4. Setup
4.1 Unpacking and Placement
Carefully remove the amplifier from its packaging. Place the amplifier on a stable, level surface, ensuring adequate ventilation around the unit. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
4.2 Power Connection
- Ensure the amplifier's power switch is in the 'OFF' position and the standby switch is in 'STANDBY'.
- Connect the supplied mains power cable to the 'Mains Input' on the rear panel and then to a suitable grounded power outlet.
4.3 Connecting Your Instrument and Speakers
- Connect your guitar to the 'Input' jack on the front panel using a high-quality instrument cable.
- If using an external speaker cabinet, connect it to the appropriate 'Speaker Outputs' on the rear panel, ensuring correct impedance matching. The internal speaker is 16 Ohm.
- For silent practice or recording, connect to the 'Emulated Output' or 'USB Audio' as needed.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Powering On and Off
- Power On: With the standby switch in 'STANDBY', turn the 'Power' switch to 'ON'. Allow approximately 2-3 minutes for the tubes to warm up.
- After the warm-up period, switch the 'Standby' switch to 'ON' to activate the amplifier.
- Power Off: Switch the 'Standby' switch to 'STANDBY'.
- Turn the 'Power' switch to 'OFF'.
5.2 Channel Operation
- Clean Channel: Use the 'Volume', 'Bass', and 'Treble' controls to dial in your desired clean tone. The 'Voice' switch provides additional tonal options.
- Overdrive Channel: Engage the overdrive channel using the footswitch or the front panel switch. Adjust 'Gain' for distortion level, 'Volume' for channel output, and 'Bass', 'Middle', 'Treble' for EQ. The 'ISF' control allows continuous blending between British and American amplifier characteristics. The 'Voice' switch offers further tonal variations.
5.3 Reverb and Master Volume
- Reverb: Adjust the 'Reverb' knob to control the amount of digital reverb applied to your sound.
- Master Volume: This control sets the overall output level of the amplifier, affecting both channels.
5.4 Emulated Output and USB Audio
- Emulated Output: Connect to a mixing console or recording interface for a speaker-emulated signal. This is useful for direct recording or live sound reinforcement without miking the speaker.
- USB Audio: Connect to your computer via a USB cable for direct digital recording. Refer to Blackstar's website for driver installation and software compatibility.
5.5 Power Reduction
The HT Club 40 Mark II features a power reduction option, allowing you to switch between 40 Watts and 4 Watts output. This is ideal for achieving saturated tube tones at lower volumes for home practice or smaller venues. Consult the amplifier's specific controls for engaging this feature, typically found on the rear panel or via a dedicated switch.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning
Clean the amplifier's exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the amplifier is unplugged before cleaning.
6.2 Tube Replacement
Vacuum tubes have a finite lifespan and will eventually need replacement. Symptoms of worn tubes include reduced output, loss of tone, or excessive noise. Due to high internal voltages and the need for proper biasing, tube replacement and biasing should only be performed by a qualified service technician. Incorrect biasing can lead to premature tube failure and damage to the amplifier.
6.3 General Care
- Avoid exposing the amplifier to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Transport the amplifier carefully to prevent physical damage.
- Always use appropriate speaker cables for connections; never use instrument cables for speakers.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II, consult the following table. For problems not listed or if issues persist, contact qualified service personnel.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound | Power not on, standby engaged, faulty cable, speaker disconnected, faulty tube. | Ensure power is on and standby is disengaged. Check all cables. Verify speaker connection. Consult technician for tube issues. |
| Weak or distorted sound | Worn tubes, incorrect settings, faulty instrument/cable. | Check gain and volume settings. Test with a different instrument/cable. Consult technician for tube inspection/replacement. |
| Excessive hum or noise | Ground loop, faulty power supply, proximity to interference, worn tubes. | Ensure proper grounding. Try a different power outlet. Move away from other electronic devices. Consult technician for tube or internal component issues. |
| Scratchy knobs/pots | Dust or wear in potentiometers. | This can sometimes be resolved with specialized contact cleaner, but often indicates wear. If persistent, professional servicing may be required. |
| Overdrive gain jumpy/unresponsive | Faulty potentiometer or circuit issue. | This indicates a component fault. Professional servicing is required. |
8. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II amplifier.
Image: Dimensions of the Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II amplifier. The image shows the amplifier from an angled perspective with arrows and numerical labels indicating its width (29.13"), height (24.8"), and depth (14.96").
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 056309 |
| Output Wattage | 40 Watts (switchable to 4 Watts) |
| Speaker | 1x12 inch |
| Channels | 2 (Clean, Overdrive) |
| Controls | Volume, Bass, Treble (Clean); Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, ISF (Overdrive); Reverb Level, Master Volume |
| Effects | Digital Reverb, Effects Loop |
| Connectivity | Guitar Input, Speaker Outputs (1x16 Ohm, 1x8 Ohm, 2x16 Ohm), Emulated Output, Footswitch, USB Audio |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.96 x 29.13 x 24.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 62.5 pounds |
| Compatible Devices | Guitar |
| Material | Lead (Note: This refers to internal components, not external casing) |
| Manufacturer | Blackstar |
| Date First Available | November 1, 2017 |
9. Warranty and Support
Blackstar products are manufactured to the highest standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Blackstar Amplification website.
For technical support, service inquiries, or to locate an authorized service center, please visit the Blackstar Amplification official website or contact their customer support directly. Always provide your product model number (056309) and serial number when seeking support.
Blackstar Amplification Official Website: www.blackstaramps.com
