Blackstar HT-1RH MkII Guitar Amp Head

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-1RH MkII is one of their latest contenders!

The latest incarnation of the HT-1, the HT-1RH MkII gives you pure valve tones that are suitable for bedroom levels. Super-compact and easy to transport, the MkII head boasts a raft of new and updated features.

With USB connectivity and a studio-quality reverb, the HT-1RH has all of the appointments to meet the demands of modern guitarists.

British Valve Tones

The Blackstar HT-1RH is a pure and authentic valve-powered amplifier. With a single ECC83 preamp valve, the HT-1RH gets most of its British voice from its ECC82 power amp valve. Delivering pristine-sounding cleans, warm overdrive tones and saturated high-gain, this versatile little head 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-1RH 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' EQ knob features on the HT-1RH. Letting you mould your sound to be more American or British, this unique control gives you that extra level of tweakability. Also sporting a USB port, direct recording has never been easier.

Another great feature is the newly-voiced studio quality reverb too, which you can use to really spruce up your clean tones, for example.

Here's what Blackstar says about the HT-1RH MkII:

The HT-1RH MkII is the perfect studio and practice amp, packed with great valve tone and new innovative features. It has been developed to sound full and toneful even at the lowest volume level.

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 is a USB audio output for easy pro recording 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
• USB audio out
• Newly-voiced studio quality reverb
• Boutique styling

Specifications

• 1 Watt
• ECC83 Preamp Valve
• ECC82 Power Amp Valve
• 2 Channels