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 old-school British rock tones, or aggressive American metal sounds — the choice is all yours!
Modern Features
Blackstar’s signature ‘ISF’ tone knob features on the HT-5R MkII. Letting you mould your overall 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 1×12″ and 4×12″ 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.
Effects Loop
Last but not least, the Blackstar HT-5R MkII 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.
