Blackstar HT-5 Guitar Amplifier Owner's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Please read and keep these instructions. Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources (radiators, stoves, other amplifiers).
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding plugs. If the plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Only use manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Disconnecting from AC Mains: To completely disconnect, unplug the power supply cord from the AC receptacle.

Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids (like vases) on the apparatus.

Symbol Key:

• ⚠️ (Exclamation Mark): Alerts user to important operation and maintenance instructions.
• ⚡ (Lightning Bolt): Alerts user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" that may pose a risk of electric shock.

Caution: Risk of electric shock. Do not open.

Avis: Risque de choc électrique. Ne pas ouvrir.

Warnings and Operating Information

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

High Internal Operating Voltages

Do not open the equipment case; there are no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

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

Unauthorized modification is forbidden.

Never insert objects into ventilation slots.

Do not expose to rain, liquids, or moisture.

Do not place on unstable surfaces; the product may fall.

Do not cover or block ventilation slots.

Do not place near heat sources.

Use only the supplied power cord compatible with your mains voltage.

Handle power cords carefully and replace if damaged.

Never break off the earth (ground) pin.

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

Connect the loudspeaker before switching on the unit, using the manufacturer's recommended lead.

Always replace fuses with the correct rating and type.

Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.

Hearing Protection Advisory

High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.

The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

Exposure exceeding these limits may result in hearing loss. Hearing protectors (ear plugs or ear muffs) are recommended when operating this amplification system at high sound pressure levels.

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

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Blackstar HT-5 amplifier. This amp is the result of extensive Research and Development by the Blackstar design team, comprised of experienced musicians. The aim is to provide guitarists with ultimate tools for self-expression.

Blackstar products undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability, quality, and tone.

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

Sincerely,

The Blackstar Team

Features

The HT-5 is a studio and practice amp combining features of award-winning HT valve pedals into a two-channel, footswitchable valve amp format.

The patent-applied-for ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) circuit allows infinite adjustment of tone control characteristics, enabling tones from American to British and anywhere in between.

Designed for home and studio use, the HT-5 delivers full, toneful sound even at low volumes. Its valve power amplifier topology uses a low-powered push-pull design with a 12BH7 dual triode, producing 5 watts output with rich valve harmonics and compression, mimicking a traditional 100W stage.

It features a fully specified speaker emulated output for direct connection to recording devices or mixing desks, and for headphone use. A 4x12/1x12 voicing switch allows selection between two emulated cabinet types for the emulated signal.

Additional features include an effects loop with switchable level and 16/8 Ohm speaker outputs for connecting external cabinets, making it suitable for recording and practicing.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel features controls for Clean and Overdrive channels, equalization, and power.

1. Input

Plug your guitar here using a good quality screened guitar lead.

2. Clean Volume

Controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Clockwise increases volume.

3. Overdrive Select

Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel.

4. Overdrive Indicator

A RED LED indicates the Overdrive Channel is selected. When off, the Clean Channel is active.

5. Overdrive Gain

Adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion for the Overdrive Channel. Low settings provide a clean sound on the edge of break-up. Higher settings increase overdrive through crunch tones to a full distorted lead tone.

6. Overdrive Volume

Controls the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Clockwise increases volume.

7. Bass

Adjusts low-end frequencies. The advanced tone shaping circuit allows for tight/cutting (CCW) to warm/thumping (CW) tones.

8. Middle

Adjusts mid-range frequencies, affecting the 'body' of the tone. Minimum (CCW) results in an aggressive, scooped sound (ideal for rhythm). Increased (CW) adds body, suitable for lead tones.

9. Treble

Adjusts treble frequencies. Low settings (CCW) produce a warm, dark sound. Increased (CW) brightens the sound, with maximum settings being aggressive and cutting.

10. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)

Works with Bass, Middle, and Treble controls to shape the tonal signature. Fully CCW offers an American characteristic (tight bottom end, aggressive middle). Fully CW offers a British characteristic (woody, less aggressive).

11. Headphones & Speaker Emulated Output

Emulates a guitar speaker cabinet, providing a natural valve overdrive tone for recording devices, mixing desks, or headphones. Use a good quality screened guitar lead.

12. Cabinet Switch

Selects between a 4x12 closed-back or 1x12 open-back cabinet emulation for the Speaker Emulated Output.

13. Power Indicator Light

Illuminates when the amplifier is switched on.

14. Standby

Applies High Tension (HT) voltage. Turn on at least 30 seconds after the Power switch. Use this switch to turn the amplifier's output on/off during short breaks.

15. Power

Turns the amplifier on and off. Always turn this on before the Standby switch.

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides connections for power, speakers, footswitch, and effects loop.

1. Mains Input

Connect the supplied detachable mains lead here. Ensure compatibility with outlet voltage, power, and frequency. Consult a qualified technician if in doubt.

2. Speaker Outputs

• '1x16 Ohm' output: For a single 16 Ohm extension speaker cabinet or the internal HT-5 combo speaker.
• '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' outputs: For a single 8 Ohm extension cabinet or two 16 Ohm cabinets. Can also be used for the internal HT-5 combo speaker if used with a 16 Ohm extension cabinet.

Speaker Output Connection Table:

	'1x16 Ohm' output	'1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' outputs
Internal 16 Ohm combo speaker	❌	❌
One 16 Ohm extension cabinet	✔️	❌
Two 16 Ohm extension cabinets	❌	✔️
Single 8 Ohm extension cabinet	❌	✔️

Warning: The '1x16 Ohm' output should not be used simultaneously with the '1x8 Ohm or 2x16 Ohm' outputs.

3. Footswitch

Connect the supplied footswitch here to switch between Clean and Overdrive channels.

4. Effect Loop Send

Connect the mono input of an external effects unit here.

5. Effect Loop Return

Connect the mono output of an external effects unit here.

6. Effect Loop Level

Switch sets the effects loop level to +4dBV (professional equipment) or -10dBV (guitar level effects/pedals).

Technical Specifications

Specifications for the HT-5 Combo, HT-5H Head, and HT-110 Extension Cabinet.

HT-5 Combo

• Power (RMS): 5 Watts
• Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
• Weight (kg): 11.5
• Dimensions (mm): 442 x 430 x 235
• Footswitch: FS-1 supplied

HT-5H Head

• Power (RMS): 5 Watts
• Valves: 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12BH7
• Weight (kg): 7.6
• Dimensions (mm): 442 x 223 x 226
• Footswitch: FS-1 supplied

HT-110 Extension Cabinet

• Power Rating (RMS): 40 Watts
• Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Speaker: 1 x 10" Celestion
• Weight (kg): 10.6
• Dimensions (mm): 442 x 442 x 247