VERSION 2.0.0
Owner’s Manual
the sound in your head
Introduction
This handbook will guide you through the installation and use of the Architect software on your Windows® PC or Mac®. Architect empowers you to design the sound in your head by unlocking deep editing of patches and providing fine control of your amplifier from your computer. If you have a compatible amplifier, through Architect, you will also gain access to CAB RIG. CAB RIG offers you the opportunity to further refine your tone through cabinet selection, alternate microphone types, and adjustment of microphone positioning
An architect also provides access to an online community of worldwide users for sharing your sounds.
System Requirements
To run Architect, your computer should meet (or exceed) the following hardware requirements:
Windows requirements:
64 bit Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Intel® Pentium® 4 2GHz or faster (or equivalent)
1GB RAM or greater
1GB free HDD space
Minimum display resolution of 1366×768
Internet connection for accessing the Online Community
Apple® Mac requirements:
Mac OS® X 10.15 or later
1GB RAM or greater
1GB free HDD space
Minimum display resolution of 1366×768
Internet connection for accessing the Online Community
Systems that do not meet the required specification may still be capable of running
Architect, but these systems will not be actively supported by Blackstar.
How to Install/Uninstall
Installing
To install Architect, click the website link below and download the correct version for your operating system from the list: https://architect.blackstaramps.com
If you currently have Blackstar Insider installed on your computer, then the message “Existing Insider Installation” will appear when you try and load Architect for the first time. This is due to the fact that Insider must be uninstalled for Architect to connect correctly to your device. Please follow the instructions in the pop-up message to ensure that the Architect is able to function properly on your computer.
Windows
Once downloaded, go to the “Downloads” folder in “File Explorer” and move Architect from this folder to your preferred save location for easier access. An architect is a self-executable program and so does not need to be installed.
It is recommended that you do not save Architect within the “Program Files” folder, as it will not be able to automatically update. If you use the “Desktop” or “Documents” folders Architect’s “Auto Update” feature will function properly.
Mac
Once downloaded, go to the “Downloads” folder in “Finder” and double-click on the Architect DMG. Once the DMG has opened, drag Architect into your applications folder, as you are prompted to do so by the on-screen instructions. This will automatically copy the Architect to the correct location, and it should always be run from the applications folder.
Uninstalling
Windows
Simply delete Architect from wherever you have it saved on your computer. If you copied the Architect from your downloads folder, make sure that you delete it from there as well.
Uninstalling the Architect software will not remove any files from the working directory within the Documents folder on your computer. It is recommended that you do not delete these files if you intend to reinstall Architect.
Mac
To uninstall Architect from your Mac, simply drag the Architect application from the Applications folder into the Trash.
Upgrading
Upgrading Amplifier Firmware
A new version of the Architect software may also include a packaged update to your amplifier firmware in order to improve or add new features.
Each time the Architect software is launched (with your amplifier connected to your computer and powered on), the current version of your amplifier firmware will be checked automatically. If your amplifier contains an older version of the firmware, you will be prompted to install the latest firmware.
Once you have confirmed the update, the process will begin, and a progress bar will appear on screen to indicate the approach towards completion.
IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect or switch off your amplifier whilst the firmware is being updated, as this may result in your amplifier becoming non-functional. If you experience any problems with your amplifier, connect it to your computer via USB and run the Architect software again to confirm valid firmware.
Upgrading Architect
Architect will automatically detect updates upon launch (if you have it saved in a recommended location) and prompt you to update if there is a new version available.
Getting Started
Open Architect and connect your amp via USB to your computer. The architect will automatically configure itself for your amplifier. If it is available for your amplifier, CAB RIG will be displayed instead of or alongside the usual Architect window.
The Architect Workspace
The image above displays how Architect launches when an ID: Core Stereo 20 V3 is connected. If you have a different Blackstar amplifier, then Architect may configure itself differently.
- Toolbar
In the Toolbar, you can save a patch, view your saved patches and backups, launch the online community, and access deep settings. When designing patches, the Toolbar will display the name of the currently active patch. - Amplifier
The Amplifier section contains an adapted and extended version of the front panel of your amplifier. These controls will mirror their counterpart on your amplifier; any changes made via the front panel of the amplifier will be reflected within Architect.
Accordingly, any changes made to the controls (by clicking and dragging with the mouse) within Architect will be instantly changed on your amplifier.
There may be some controls that appear in the Architect that are not on your physical amplifier. Changes made to these parameters will be saved to the patch and will remain active even when your amplifier is disconnected from Architect.
The Dice icon in the top right is perfect for times when you want to spur some tonal inspiration. When clicked, it randomises all of the parameters in the Amplifier section. - Effects Chain
The Effects Chain section expands the effects controls on the front panel of your amplifier and is displayed within Architect as a traditional effects pedal signal chain (in a left-to-right direction). Each effect is switched on or bypassed by clicking the ON button. Effects that have a SPEED or TIME control also have a TAP button; click on this button in time with the desired tempo to set the value. This will be reflected on the SPEED/TIME control. Some effects have additional controls that cannot be modified via the front panel on your amplifier, but will remain in the saved patch when disconnected from Architect. As per the Amplifier section, changes made to the effects controls (by clicking and dragging with the mouse) are instantly reflected by your amplifier, and vice versa.
An architect also extends the features of your amplifier’s built-in tuner to become a graphical, chromatic guitar tuner.
Similar to the Amplifier section, the Dice icon randomises all of the parameters and effects types in the Effects Chain section.
- CAB RIG
CAB RIG will appear alongside or instead of CAB RIG, if your amplifier is compatible.
CAB RIG is the ultimate tool for cabinet simulation and significantly expands the functionality of your amplifier.
Saving a Patch
If you’ve crafted a killer tone or just want to save your current settings for a later date, clicking the Floppy Disk icon in the toolbar will prompt the “Save Patch” window to appear (pictured right). Selecting “Save Patch to Amp” will allow you to send the current patch to be saved onto your amplifier, so that you can access it without using Architect. Conversely, selecting “Save Local Patch” will save the current patch inside of Architect, where you can then choose to save it to your amplifier later, if you wish.
“Save Manual Mode Settings” gives you the option to save the controls that don’t physically appear on your amplifier to manual mode, even when it is disconnected from Architect.
Patches Panel
The Patches Panel (pictured right) contains collections of your saved patches and backups. The patches stored within your amplifier will also be shown here when connected to Architect via USB. Double-click on any of your content within the Patches Panel section to hear it instantly through your amplifier or right-click for more detailed options. You can also backup and restore entire patch libraries to and from your amp here.
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.
Designed and Engineered by
Blackstar Amplification UK
Documents / Resources
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Blackstar Architect Software [pdf] Owner's Manual Architect Software, Architect |