Blackstar HT-5R MKII Valve Combo Amplifier in Baby Blue

Blackstar's HT series has always been highly-regarded. Encompassing a range of British-designed valve amps that don't break the bank, the HT line has been a popular one at Andertons Music Co. for several years. The Blackstar HT-5R MkII is one of their latest contenders!

The latest incarnation of the HT-5, a modern classic, the HT-5R MkII gives you pure valve tones that are suitable for bedroom levels or quiet rehearsals. Super-compact and easy to transport, the MkII edition boasts a raft of new and updated features.

With USB connectivity, balanced XLR outputs and a power reduction switch, the HT-5R has all of the appointments to meet the demands of modern guitarists.

British Valve Tones

The Blackstar HT-5R is a pure and authentic valve-powered amplifier. With a single ECC83 preamp valve, the HT-5R gets most of its British voice from its 12BH7 power amp valve. Delivering pristine-sounding cleans, warm overdrive tones and saturated high-gain, this versatile little combo is suitable for both contemporary players and traditionalists alike.

Switchable Voices

With 2 channels, allowing you to setup switchable clean and overdrive/distortion sounds, the HT-5R has a clever trick up its sleeve. Each channel has two footswitchable voices, giving you more tonal options.

The clean channel lets you access "American" and "British" voices. The latter has a stronger mid-range, while the US-style mode has a more scooped, bright and focused character. Flick to the overdrive channel, and you can choose between "Classic" and "High-Gain" voices. So, whether you want those rich, old-school British rock tones, or aggressive American metal sounds - the choice is yours!

Modern Features

Blackstar's signature 'ISF' tone knob features on the HT-5R. Letting you mould your sound to be more American or British, this unique control gives you that extra level of tweakability, alongside the flexible 3-band EQ.

Also sporting a USB port and balanced emulated XLR outputs, direct recording has never been easier. With the ability to switch between 1x12" and 4x12" cab emulations, you can also take advantage of the HT-5R's headphone output for silent practice.

Speaking of practicing quietly, you can power down the HT-5R to 0.5W. This means that you can get glorious cranked valve sounds at even lower levels! Another great feature is the newly-voiced studio quality reverb too, which you can use to really spruce up your clean tones, for example.

Last but not least, the Blackstar HT-5R boasts an essential effects loop. This is an excellent addition, and something that you wouldn't typically find on an amp of this size. Letting you seamlessly run modulation and time-based stompboxes between the the preamp and power amp sections, the HT-5R can become a great platform for your pedals.

Here's what Blackstar says about the HT-5R MkII:

Killer tones and innovative features make the HT-5R MkII the ultimate studio and practice valve amp. Thanks to the unique 5W push-pull design utilising the 12BH7 valve, it delivers huge tone at any volume.

The best clean tones: Now with two footswitchable Voices, one with an “American” character and the other with a Class A “British” sound – both are 100% Blackstar:

• Voice 1 “American” – A clean, bright and tight tone with a solid bass response for a refined American tone.
• Voice 2 “British” – A highly responsive “chime” with looser bottom for the British tone that can be pushed into a mid-range overdrive when driven hard.

The best overdrives: The two footswitchable Overdrive Voices are characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but avoids any of the detached top-end “fizz” often found in other designs.

• Voice 1 “Classic” – This is the Classic “British” Blackstar overdrive. Rich and natural it goes all the way to Super Crunch gain but cleans up beautifully.
• Voice 2 “High Gain” – Inspired by the critically acclaimed HT Venue MkII high gain sounds, this overdrive has additional aggression in the high end with a tight resonant low-end.

The best features: Joining Blackstar’s patented ISF tone control are USB and balanced XLR outputs for more recording flexibility, plus a power reduction switch taking you down to 10% power and a newly voiced studio quality reverb.

The best looks: Even more refined and boutique the newly design cabinet has a 3 degree angle, top-loader panel and stage-friendly chickenhead knobs.

Key Features

• Footswitchable Voices for Clean and Overdrive
• Power reduction to 0.5 Watt
• USB audio out
• XLR D.I. out
• Newly-voiced studio quality reverb
• Boutique styling

Specifications

• 5 Watts
• ECC83 Preamp Valve
• 12BH7 Power Amp Valve
• 2 Channels
• 1x12" Speaker
• 2-Button Footswitch Included