Blackstar BEAM SOLO

BEAM SOLO Diagram

The BEAM SOLO features the following controls and indicators:

• 1. Folding Guitar Input: A ¼” jack input for your guitar.
• 2. SpeedDial: A rotary control to adjust various sound parameters.
• 3. Illuminated Display: Shows which parameter the SpeedDial is currently adjusting.
• 4. Light Beam: Provides visual feedback for the SpeedDial adjustment. It dims and turns off after periods of inactivity to save battery.
• 5. Patch Button: Selects one of the 5 onboard patches. Hold for 1 second to save changes.
• 6. Gain Button: Selects the Gain parameter for the SpeedDial.
• 7. EQ Button: Selects the EQ parameter for the SpeedDial.
• 8. FX / Tap Tempo Button: Selects the FX parameter for the SpeedDial and functions as a Tap Tempo control for time-based effects.
• 9. Volume Button: Selects the Volume parameter for the SpeedDial and engages the built-in Tuner when held.
• 10. VOLUME Knob: Adjusts the overall headphone output volume.
• 11. EQ Knob: Adjusts the EQ or ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) depending on the selected amp model.
• 12. Bluetooth Audio Button: Used to pair and connect to external Bluetooth audio devices for streaming.
• 13. Power Switch: Turns the BEAM SOLO on and off.

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 a dry cloth.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, or does not operate normally.

⚠️ WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON OR NEAR APPARATUS.

Symbol Description: The symbol of a triangle with an exclamation mark alerts the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance instructions.

Symbol Description: The symbol of a triangle with a lightning bolt alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Warnings

⚠️ 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. If the product does not operate normally, refer it to a qualified service engineer.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Allow the unit to reach room temperature before switching on if moved from a cold environment to prevent condensation.

Unauthorized modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.

Never push objects into ventilation slots.

Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids, or moisture.

Avoid placing vessels filled with liquid on or near the apparatus.

Do not place this product on an unstable surface; it may fall and cause damage.

Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.

Do not place near heat sources like stoves or radiators.

Only use a power adapter compatible with your area's mains voltage. Handle power supply cords carefully and replace if damaged.

Never break off the earth (ground) pin on a power supply adapter.

Unplug the power supply cord when the unit is unused for long periods.

High volume levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Avoid excessive volume levels or extended use.

Hearing Protection Guidelines

According to OSHA, exposure in excess of these limits could result in hearing loss.

Disposal: All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from municipal waste via designated government-approved collection facilities.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Blackstar BEAM SOLO guitar headphone amplifier. This product is the result of extensive Research and Development by Blackstar's world-class design team, based in Northampton, UK. The team, comprised of experienced musicians, aims to provide guitarists with tools for self-expression.

Blackstar products undergo rigorous testing for reliability, quality, and tone.

The BEAM SOLO redefines the headphone amp experience, offering immersive, pro-level tones for electric, bass, and acoustic guitar in a compact, intuitive design.

Please read this handbook carefully to maximize your benefit from your new Blackstar product.

For more information on the Blackstar range, visit www.blackstaramps.com.

Thanks!

The Blackstar Team

Let's get you started...

Scan the QR code below or visit https://www.blackstaramps.com/beam-solo/go

[QR Code image description: A QR code linking to the Blackstar BEAM SOLO setup page.]

Features

The BEAM SOLO is a powerful, portable guitar solution combining premium amp modelling, studio-grade effects, and immersive CabRig™ IR-based speaker simulation, all editable via the BEAM mobile app. It's ideal for practicing at home, jamming on the go, or recording direct.

Designed with real players in mind, it offers intuitive hardware controls for fast adjustments and a mobile app for deeper customization. Its design delivers the feel, response, and musicality of revered valve amps and effects.

The unique SpeedDial and Light Beam display allow quick tone refinement. The XpressFX control adjusts multiple effects parameters simultaneously. The BEAM mobile app (iOS and Android) offers deeper control.

CabRig™ IR simulation with "In the Room™" technology provides a realistic experience of playing next to an amp.

Create and share custom patches via the BEAM app's Online Community. Access Artist patches and use video lessons and backing tracks.

Connect a TRRS headset microphone to the 3.5mm connection to record vocals and guitar simultaneously, perfect for livestreaming.

In the Box:

• BEAM SOLO
• USB-C to USB-C cable with USB-A adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• VIP Access card for product registration

Factory Reset

To restore default factory patches and settings, hold down the PATCH and VOLUME buttons on the front panel while powering on the product. Continue holding until the Light Beam display "counts down" to zero and then fills to maximum. Releasing either button before completion cancels the process.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: This process will overwrite any user-saved patches and settings.

Firmware Update

Firmware updates are typically initiated via the Blackstar BEAM mobile app (available for iOS and Android). A new app version is released when an amplifier firmware update is available. Updates can also be performed via USB connection using the Blackstar update software.

When connected to a compatible app version with newer firmware, you will be prompted to update. During the update, front panel labels cycle, and progress is shown in the app.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Disconnect headphones before updating. Do not power off the amplifier, close the app, or power off your mobile device during the update, as this can cause failure and unresponsive controls. If this happens, power cycle the amplifier and retry the update.

To manually enter Firmware Update mode, hold down the GAIN and FX Control Buttons while powering on the BEAM SOLO.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Your BEAM SOLO features Bluetooth for wireless connection to the BEAM app and for streaming music from a mobile device.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Formal pairing is only required for audio streaming. Connecting to the BEAM app does not require manual pairing; simply power on the BEAM SOLO and open the app. Do not manually pair the BEAM SOLO via your mobile device's Bluetooth menu for app use, as this may cause connection issues.

Connecting to the BEAM App

Power on your BEAM SOLO, then launch the BEAM app on your mobile device. Tap ‘CONNECT DEVICE’ to scan for your amplifier. Once ‘BEAM SOLO BLE’ appears, tap it to connect. Your mobile device may ask for permission to pair; select ‘Pair’/‘OK’.

Alternatively, open the menu in the app and tap '+ Connect device'.

[App screenshot description: Shows the Blackstar app interface with options to connect a device, indicating found devices like 'BEAM SOLO BLE'.]

[App menu description: Shows the BEAM app menu with options like 'My Account', 'My Devices', 'Firmware Update', 'Tuner', 'Audio Settings', 'Metronome', 'Privacy Policy', and 'Terms of use'.]

Pairing for Audio Streaming

To connect a Bluetooth device for audio streaming for the first time, you must pair the devices. Press the Bluetooth Audio button (12) on the back of your BEAM SOLO once (the indicator will flash). Then, go to your mobile device's Bluetooth settings and tap ‘BEAM SOLO Audio’ to pair.

Reconnecting a previously paired device: Press the Bluetooth Audio button (12) once. The indicator will flash blue briefly, then turn solid blue.

To disconnect a paired device, press and hold the Bluetooth Audio button (12) for five seconds until the indicator turns off.

Bluetooth Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with Bluetooth connection to the BEAM app or audio streaming, unpair and restart the connection process. Power off your BEAM SOLO and quit the BEAM app. In your mobile device's Bluetooth settings, find entries named ‘BEAM SOLO Audio’ or ‘BEAM SOLO BLE’ and select ‘Forget This Device’ for each.

Controls and Functions

1. Folding Guitar Input

Fold out and plug the ¼” jack directly into your guitar's output. No settings are needed; it's plug and play.

2. SpeedDial

Turn to adjust various parameters of your sound. Use the Control Buttons (5-9) to select which parameter the SpeedDial will adjust.

3. Illuminated Display

Indicates which parameter is currently being adjusted by the SpeedDial (2).

4. Light Beam

A unique display providing visual feedback for the control being adjusted by the SpeedDial (2). It is context-sensitive for clarity. To maximize battery usage, it dims after 10 seconds of inactivity and turns off after a further 10 seconds. Touch any Control Button or turn the SpeedDial to wake it.

Control Buttons

The Control Buttons (5-9) on the front of your BEAM SOLO select which parameter the SpeedDial (2) will adjust. Pressing a Control Button activates the parameter, indicated by the Illuminated Display (3).

5. Patch

Select one of the 5 patches stored on your BEAM SOLO. Hold down the Patch button for 1 second to save changes to the current patch. Access an infinite number of saved patches via the BEAM app.

6. Gain

Adjusts the amount of preamp gain. For electric guitars, it controls overdrive or distortion. Low settings (counter clockwise) yield a cleaner sound on the edge of break-up, while clockwise settings increase overdrive. For bass and acoustic amps, it affects preamp compression. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

7. EQ

The effect of this control depends on the selected amp. For Blackstar amp models with the Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), the EQ control adjusts the ISF position. Fully counter clockwise provides an American characteristic (tight bottom-end, aggressive middle), while fully clockwise provides a British characteristic (woody, less aggressive).

For other amps, the EQ acts as a traditional Tone control. Low settings (counter clockwise) are darker and warmer, becoming brighter and more cutting as the control is turned clockwise.

8. FX / Tap Tempo

Instantly adjust the intensity of active effects using the XpressFX feature, which adjusts multiple effects parameters simultaneously for an intuitive sound experience. The FX button also serves as a Tap Tempo control; repeatedly press it to set the tempo for time-based effects (modulations, delays) when their SYNC parameter is ON. This setting is saved when you store a patch.

9. Volume

Adjusts your overall headphone output volume. Hold down the Volume button for 1 second to engage the built-in Tuner. The Light Beam (4) displays how in-tune the note is (central position for in-tune, left for flat, right for sharp). The BEAM app provides a full tuner display. Your guitar signal is muted by default in Tuner Mode (configurable via the app). Press any Control Button to exit Tuner Mode. This setting is not saved when you store a patch.

Side Connections

10. USB-C Connection

The BEAM SOLO's USB-C connection has multiple functions. Connect the included USB-C cable to any standard 5V USB charging source (e.g., USB AC Adapter or another USB device with power delivery) to charge the internal battery. The product can be used while charging.

Audio Interface

The USB-C connection also enables the BEAM SOLO to act as a professional quality audio interface for recording. Connect the included USB-C cable to your computer.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: For recording with an iOS device using a Lightning connection, you will need a Made-for-iPhone (MFi) Lightning-to-USB adapter that supports audio over USB (not included). Visit https://blackstaramps.com/get-connected-iphone-14-and-earlier-models/ for more information.

The BEAM SOLO's USB connection supports multiple audio inputs and outputs, allowing for studio-quality audio streams. It supports both 44.1kHz and 48kHz audio sample rates.

USB Outputs to External Device:

• 1: Guitar output L – fully effected left channel guitar output
• 2: Guitar output R – fully effected right channel guitar output
• 3: Guitar DI – clean, unprocessed guitar signal for external plugins
• 4: Headset mic DI – clean, unprocessed headset mic signal

USB Inputs from External Device:

• 1: Guitar output L – to headphones left
• 2: Guitar output R – to headphones right

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: For using BEAM SOLO as a USB Audio Interface with a Windows PC, you need the Blackstar USB Audio Driver for optimal performance. Visit https://portal.blackstaramps.com to register your BEAM SOLO and access the custom USB Audio Driver for Windows. MacOS, iOS, and Android devices do not require this driver.

11. 3.5mm Headphone Out / Line Out

Connect your headphones here. You can also connect the BEAM SOLO to external speakers or mixers using this connection, as it provides a high-quality signal suitable for studio use.

The BEAM SOLO features a unique Headphone Damping control, adjustable via the BEAM app, to fine-tune upper harmonic frequencies for a more authentic amp-like sound and feel.

Headset

You can connect a TRRS headset (headphones with an inline microphone) here, enabling you to capture vocals and guitar simultaneously for livestreaming or musical ideas. For livestreaming, the BEAM app can enable USB Loopback mode, which combines USB input playback with the guitar input signal and sends it to the USB audio output. The headset mic input is configurable via the BEAM app for volume and reverb levels.

Rear Controls

12. Bluetooth Audio Button

This button is used to pair and connect to an external Bluetooth audio device for streaming audio to your BEAM SOLO.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT NOTE: For using BEAM SOLO as a USB Audio Interface with a Windows PC, you will need the Blackstar USB Audio Driver for the best performance. Visit https://portal.blackstaramps.com to register your BEAM SOLO and access the custom USB Audio Driver for Windows. MacOS, iOS, and Android devices do not require this driver.

13. Power Switch and Indicator LED

Slide the Power Switch to turn your BEAM SOLO on and off. The BEAM SOLO has a Power Saving mode active by default, which powers off the amplifier after 20 minutes of inactivity to prolong battery life. To wake the unit after a Power Save shutdown, slide the Power Switch to OFF, then back to ON. Power Saving mode can be switched off using the BEAM app.

Battery

The internal Lithium-ion battery lasts approximately 5+ hours on a full charge, depending on usage. It can be charged from flat to full in approximately 2 hours.

The current battery level is shown in the BEAM app. When the battery level reaches 0%, the Illuminated Display (3) and Light Beam (4) will rapidly flash 6 times before the BEAM SOLO powers off, indicating the need to recharge.

Indicator LED

This indicator provides information on the current state or operation of your BEAM SOLO:

BEAM Mobile App

The Blackstar BEAM app is available for FREE for supported iOS and Android mobile devices. Download the app to access deep control of your tone, a full catalogue of effects pedals, amps, cabinets, mics, plus recording tools and more. Join the Online Community to share custom patches and access exclusive Artist patches. Hone your technique with video lessons and jam along to backing tracks and drum loops within the app.

Download the app here: https://www.blackstaramps.com/download-beam-app/

[QR Code image description: A QR code linking to the Blackstar BEAM app download page.]

Technical Specification

BEAM SOLO

• Weight (g): 62.5
• Dimensions (mm): 80 x 48 x 31