Blackstar St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Tube Guitar AmpLifier Head Instruction Manual

Sava lalana

The Blackstar St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Tube Guitar Amplifier Head is a lightweight, two-channel all-tube amplifier designed for guitarists seeking versatile tones and portability. This amplifier head features a candlenut plywood construction, making it up to 47% lighter than traditional 50W amplifiers. It offers a wide range of tones from clean to vintage crunch, accessible via footswitchable channels and voicing selectors. Advanced features include cabinet simulation (Cab Rig), power reduction options, and multiple output connectivity including balanced XLR, line out/headphones, and USB for direct recording.

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your St. James amplifier head. Please read it thoroughly before operation.

Sary: Front view of the Blackstar St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Tube Guitar Amplifier Head, showcasing its control panel and branding.

Torolàlana fiarovana

• Ampifandraiso foana ny amplifier to a properly grounded power outlet.
• Ensure the correct speaker impedance is matched when connecting to a speaker cabinet. Refer to the 'Speaker Output' section for details.
• Aza sarona ny ampLifier amin'ny orana na ny hamandoana.
• Aza esorina ny amplifier chassis cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside, and dangerous high voltages are present. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Ataovy azo antoka tsara ny rivotra manodidina ny amplifier mba hisorohana ny hafanana be loatra.
• Disconnect the power cord before cleaning or moving the ampLifer.

Hametraka

1. Famoahana sy Fametrahana

• Esory am-pitandremana ny amplifier head from its packaging.
• Apetraho ny amplifier on a stable, level surface, ensuring proper ventilation. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

2. Connecting the Speaker Cabinet

The St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Head requires an external speaker cabinet. Connect a speaker cable (not an instrument cable) from one of the 'SPEAKER OUTPUTS' on the rear panel to your speaker cabinet. Ensure the impedance of your cabinet matches the selected output (8 Ohm or 16 Ohm).

Image: Rear panel of the Blackstar St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Tube Guitar Amplifier Head, showing various input/output jacks and power connection.

3. Connecting Your Guitar

Plug your guitar into the 'INPUT' jack on the front panel using a standard instrument cable.

4. Connecting the Footswitch (Optional)

Connect the supplied footswitch to the 'FOOTSWITCH' jack on the rear panel for remote control of channel switching and voicing.

5. Fampifandraisana herinaratra

Connect the supplied mains power cable to the 'MAINS INPUT' on the rear panel and then to a suitable grounded power outlet.

Torolàlana miasa

1. Powering On

• Ensure all connections are secure and volume controls are set to a low level.
• Flip the 'POWER' switch to the ON position. The power indicator light will illuminate.
• Wait approximately 30-60 seconds for the tubes to warm up, then flip the 'STBY' (Standby) switch to the ON position. The ampefa vonona hampiasaina izao ny lifier.

2. Channel Selection and Voicing

Ny St. James amplifier features two channels, each with two voicings:

• Channel I (Clean): Controls 'VOLUME I'. Use the 'CH. I VOICE' switch to select between two distinct clean voicings.
• Channel II (Overdrive): Controls 'GAIN II' and 'VOLUME II'. Use the 'CH. II VOICE' switch to select between two distinct overdrive voicings, ranging from classic crunch to modern high-gain.
• Switch between Channel I and Channel II using the 'CH. SELECT' button on the front panel or the footswitch.

3. Fanaraha-maso ny feo

Adjust your tone using the following controls:

• BASS: Manitsy ny valin-kafatra ambany.
• Afovoany: Manitsy ny valinteny antonony amin'ny matetika.
• TREBLE: Manitsy ny valin-kafatra avo lenta.
• Endriky: Provides further tonal shaping, often affecting the mid-range character.

4. Reverb

The 'REVERB' control adjusts the amount of built-in digital reverb effect, adding spatial depth to your sound.

5. Boky Master

The 'MASTER' control adjusts the overall output volume of the ampLifer.

6. Power Reduction

The 'POWER' switch allows you to select different wattage settings for varying output levels and tonal characteristics:

• 50W: Full power output.
• SAG: Introduces power amp sag for a more vintage, compressed feel.
• 2W: Reduces output power for lower volume practice or recording while retaining tube tone.

7. Effects Loop

The 'EFFECTS LOOP' (SEND and RETURN jacks on the rear panel) allows you to connect external effects pedals between the preamp ary hery amp fizarana ao amin'ny amplifier. Connect the 'SEND' to the input of your effect and the output of your effect to the 'RETURN'.

8. Cab Rig (Cabinet Simulation)

The 'CAB RIG OUTPUT' provides advanced cabinet simulation for direct recording or connection to a PA system. It offers three different simulated cabinet options. This output can be used via balanced XLR or line out/headphones. The 'USB AUDIO' port also provides a direct connection to a computer for recording with Cab Rig simulation.

fikarakarana

1. Fanadiovana

Diovy ny amplifier's exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Ensure no liquids enter the ampLifer.

2. Fanoloana fantsona

Ny St. James amplifier uses 6L6 power tubes and ECC83 preamp tubes. Tubes have a finite lifespan and will eventually need replacement. If you notice a decrease in performance, loss of tone, or unusual noise, the tubes may need to be replaced. Tube replacement should be performed by a qualified technician due to high internal voltages.

3. rivotra

ny amplifier is equipped with a cooling fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Ensure that the rear ventilation grille is not obstructed. Regular checks for dust buildup on the fan and grille are recommended. Clean gently with a soft brush or vacuum if necessary.

4. fitahirizana

Rehefa tsy ampiasaina mandritra ny fotoana maharitra dia tehirizo ny amplifier in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Fanamboarana

If you encounter issues with your St. James amplifier, jereo ireto dingana famahana olana mahazatra ireto:

• Tsy misy feo:
  • Check all cable connections (guitar, speaker, power).
  • Ensure the 'POWER' and 'STBY' switches are both in the ON position.
  • Verify that all volume controls (guitar, amplifier channels, master) are turned up.
  • Test with a different guitar and cables to rule out external equipment issues.
  • Check the speaker cabinet connection and impedance.
• Poor Tone or Weak Output:
  • Adjust tone controls (Bass, Middle, Treble, Shape) to desired settings.
  • Ensure the 'POWER' reduction switch is not set to a very low wattage if you desire full output.
  • Tubes may be worn out. Consult a qualified technician for tube testing and replacement.
• Hum na tabataba be loatra:
  • Ataovy azo antoka ny amplifier is connected to a grounded power outlet.
  • Try a different power outlet or circuit.
  • Check for faulty cables or interference from other electronic devices.
  • Worn tubes can sometimes cause excessive noise.
• Footswitch Not Working:
  • Ensure the footswitch cable is securely connected to the 'FOOTSWITCH' jack.
  • Inspect the footswitch cable for damage.

If the problem persists after attempting these steps, please contact Blackstar customer support or a qualified service technician.

fepetra arahana

Image: Blackstar St. James 50-Watt 6L6 Tube Guitar Amplifier Head with indicated dimensions (17.36"W x 16.16"H x 9.8"D).

Warranty sy fanohanana

Warranty Information

Blackstar Amplification products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and product. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Fanohanana ny mpanjifa

For technical assistance, service, or warranty inquiries, please contact Blackstar Amplification customer support through their official website or your authorized dealer. Provide your product model number (BLA-STJ506L6H) and serial number when contacting support.