Blackstar AMPED3 100W Multi-Channel Floorboard Guitar Amp Pedal User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of your Blackstar AMPED3 100W Multi-Channel Floorboard Guitar Amp Pedal. Please read this manual thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference. The AMPED3 is a compact, powerful 100-watt pedal amplifier designed for guitarists seeking versatile tone shaping, user-programmable presets, and comprehensive connectivity options for live performance, studio recording, and practice.

Safety Instructions

• Power Supply: Use only the specified power supply for this unit. Ensure the voltage matches your local power grid.
• Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit to prevent overheating.
• Moisture: Keep the unit away from water or excessive moisture. Do not operate in damp environments.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong impacts.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Speaker Connections: Always ensure correct speaker impedance matching (8 or 16 Ohms) when connecting to external cabinets. Incorrect impedance can damage the amplifier.

Product Overview

The Blackstar AMPED3 features a robust design with intuitive controls and extensive connectivity. Below is an overview of the front panel controls and rear panel connections.

Figure 1: Front Panel Controls. This image displays the top-down view of the Blackstar AMPED3, highlighting the Gain, Volume, Boost, Reverb, Presence, Master knobs, Bass, Middle, Treble, ISF tone controls, Power Amp Response and Power wattage selectors, and footswitches for Clean, Crunch, Overdrive, Reverb, and Boost.

Figure 2: Rear Panel Connections. This image shows the rear of the AMPED3, detailing the IN/OUT jacks, FX Loop (Send/Return), USB-C port, CabRig Outputs (Balanced XLR and Line Out/Phones), MIDI In/Thru, Speaker Outputs (8 Ohm, 16 Ohm), Hi Pot Output, and Mains Input.

Front Panel Controls

• GAIN: Adjusts the input gain for the selected channel.
• VOLUME: Controls the output volume of the selected channel.
• BOOST (PRE/POST): Activates the built-in boost. The switch determines if the boost is applied before (PRE) or after (POST) the preamp section.
• REVERB (DARK/LIGHT): Controls the reverb level. The switch selects between Dark and Light reverb voicings.
• PRESENCE: Adjusts the high-frequency response in the power amp section.
• MASTER: Overall output volume control.
• BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE: Standard 3-band EQ controls.
• ISF (Infinite Shape Feature): Blackstar's patented tone control, sweeping from a classic British tone to a modern American tone.
• POWER AMP RESPONSE (EL84, EL34, 6L6): Selects the power amp valve emulation.
• POWER (1W, 20W, 100W): Selects the output wattage.
• CLEAN Footswitch: Activates the Clean channel.
• CRUNCH Footswitch: Activates the Crunch channel.
• OVERDRIVE Footswitch: Activates the Overdrive channel.
• REVERB Footswitch: Toggles the reverb effect on/off.
• BOOST (HOLD: MANUAL) Footswitch: Toggles the boost effect on/off. Holding this footswitch may engage a manual mode for channel selection.

Rear Panel Connections

• IN: Guitar input.
• OUT: Main output to other pedals or an amplifier input.
• FX LOOP (SEND/RETURN): For connecting external effects pedals.
• USB-C: For connecting to a computer for recording and software control (Architect software).
• CABRIG OUTPUTS (BALANCED XLR / LINE OUT PHONES): Outputs with CabRig speaker simulation for direct connection to PA systems, audio interfaces, or headphones.
• MIDI IN/THRU: For MIDI control and integration with other MIDI devices.
• SPEAKER OUTPUTS (8 Ohm, 16 Ohm): For connecting to external guitar speaker cabinets. Use only one output at a time.
• HI POT OUTPUT: Auxiliary power output for pedals.
• MAINS INPUT: Power connection.

Setup

1. Power Connection: Connect the supplied power cable to the MAINS INPUT on the rear panel and then to a suitable power outlet.
2. Guitar Connection: Connect your guitar to the IN jack on the rear panel.
3. Output Connection (Choose one):
   • To a Speaker Cabinet: Connect a speaker cable from either the 8 Ohm or 16 Ohm SPEAKER OUTPUT to your guitar speaker cabinet. Ensure the impedance matches. Do not use both speaker outputs simultaneously.
   • To a PA System/Audio Interface: Use an XLR cable from the BALANCED XLR CABRIG OUTPUT to a PA mixer or audio interface.
   • To Headphones: Connect headphones to the LINE OUT PHONES CABRIG OUTPUT.
   • To another Amplifier/Pedal: Connect a standard instrument cable from the OUT jack to the input of another amplifier or pedal.
4. FX Loop (Optional): If using external effects, connect the SEND jack to the input of your effect pedal and the output of your effect pedal to the RETURN jack.
5. USB-C (Optional): For recording or using Blackstar's Architect software, connect a USB-C cable from the AMPED3 to your computer.
6. MIDI (Optional): Connect MIDI cables to the MIDI IN/THRU ports for external MIDI control.

Operating Instructions

Basic Operation

1. Power On: Flip the power switch on the rear panel to the ON position.
2. Channel Selection: Use the CLEAN, CRUNCH, and OVERDRIVE footswitches to select your desired channel. The corresponding LED will illuminate.
3. Adjusting Tone: Use the GAIN, VOLUME, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, ISF, PRESENCE, and MASTER controls to shape your sound.
4. Power Output: Select the desired wattage (1W, 20W, or 100W) using the POWER switch.
5. Power Amp Response: Choose between EL84, EL34, or 6L6 power amp valve emulations using the RESPONSE switch to alter the feel and breakup characteristics.

Advanced Features

• Boost Function: Engage the BOOST footswitch to activate the clean boost. Use the PRE/POST switch to determine if the boost affects the preamp gain (PRE) or the overall volume after the preamp (POST).
• Reverb: Activate the REVERB footswitch. Use the REVERB knob to adjust the effect level and the DARK/LIGHT switch to select the reverb character.
• CabRig Technology: The AMPED3 features advanced CabRig DSP speaker simulation. This allows you to fine-tune your cabinet, microphone, and room simulations for direct outputs (XLR, Line Out/Phones, USB-C). Three CabRig presets can be stored and recalled.
• USB-C Audio Interface: Connect the AMPED3 to your computer via USB-C to use it as an audio interface for recording. This also allows access to the Blackstar Architect software for deep editing of CabRig settings and other parameters.
• MIDI Control: The AMPED3 supports MIDI control over all its parameters. Refer to the Blackstar website or Architect software documentation for detailed MIDI implementation charts and setup instructions.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the unit in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Footswitches and Knobs: Periodically check footswitches and knobs for smooth operation. Avoid excessive force.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model: AMPED3
• Output Wattage: 100 Watts (selectable 1W, 20W, 100W)
• Power Amp Response: EL84, EL34, 6L6 Emulations
• Channels: Clean, Crunch, Overdrive (Multi-Channel)
• Effects: Footswitchable Reverb (Dark/Light), Built-in Clean Boost (Pre/Post)
• Speaker Outputs: 8 Ohm, 16 Ohm (use one only)
• Direct Outputs: Balanced XLR CabRig Output, Line Out/Phones CabRig Output
• USB Connectivity: USB-C for recording and Architect software
• MIDI: MIDI In, MIDI Thru
• FX Loop: Send/Return
• Auxiliary Power: Hi Pot Output (9V 500mA total)
• Item Weight: 5.64 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 8.07 x 14.57 inches
• Material: Metal, Plastic
• Color: Black

Warranty and Support

Blackstar products are manufactured to high standards. For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Blackstar Amplification website. For technical support, product registration, or to download the latest Architect software and drivers, please visit www.blackstaramps.com.