Let's talk Blackstar Series One

[illini]

I picked up the 100 watt model Series One. Have been playing it for about a month now and feel I have gotten a pretty good gage for what it can do. Which is quite a bit. I have seen country, blues and rock guys using the Series One and I can see why. A lot of tone shaping options between the two channels.

If you are gigging one of these, give a shout.

[cadblaster]

Like my Series One.
Have it plugged into a Midi Controller and a TC GMajor2 for FX
Mostly use it for 70's rock.

[illini]

50, 100 or 200 watt model?

[cadblaster]

104EL34, 100w. I'm not much of a metal guy, so prefer the EL34 over the 6L6 version.

[illini]

Same here. Does your model have a volume jump when you go from the crunch to the super crunch? That is the only thing about the amp I would like to have different. I would like the two to be closer to the same volume. So instead I either set it up on the super crunch with the gain low or use the crunch channel and then just hit it with a boost when I need more gain. But I would really like to use both as they are designed.

[cadblaster]

I don't dislike my 104el34, but in my mind it's not a true 4 channel amp. Never liked sharing EQ's on channels. One of the reasons I really like the Marshall JVM.(independent controls)
I'm able to work around the volume and shared EQ issues by programming the GMajor2 to compensate to my taste. This is where using Midi can really have some advantages.
I understand why they build amps with shared controls(keep cost down), but to me that kinda defeats the purpose of having multichannel amps.

[illini]

In all the clips I hear, the shared EQ seems well voiced for the two channels. For me however, I do find that I would like to run the clean channel a tad brighter, and the crunch/super crunch a little darker. My guess is that in a mix with a band, it is voiced just right the way it is.

[BlackStarAddict]

I would love to own a Series One. Bit out of my price range right now, but maybe someday. Anyway, how different is the sound when you turn the power down via the DPR.

[cadblaster]

I agree that shared EQ on channels sounds fine in a lot of situations, especially if your content with a single "Core" tone.
On the other hand,,, if your gigging diverse tones in a cover band situation and switching guitars etc, having separate controls and taking advantage of the midi capability (presets) is a completely different scenario.

[illini]

I would love to own a Series One. Bit out of my price range right now, but maybe someday. Anyway, how different is the sound when you turn the power down via the DPR.

I don't notice a difference. Supposedly it is supposed to behave differently to replicate an actual lower wattage amp, but I don't notice anything except the amp being quieter. This was one of the reasons I was interested in getting the Series One. I haven't gigged with it yet, but at home I run it at around 10 to 30 watts. With the DPR and the Master, it is a very controllable amp.