Dept. 10 has once again implemented their renowned sound design expertise to deliver 100 watts of bona fide Blackstar sonics that will fit snugly on your pedalboard. As Blackstar’s R&D division, Dept. 10 made the AMPED1 to deliver five distinctive valve responses, alongside a transparent, linear power amp setting, adding the pedal’s exceptional versatility. Variable power reduction options, universal voltage, and a diverse suite of I/O choices ensure straightforward and accommodating integration into any live, studio, or recording setups. Blackstar’s CabRig system allow for deep customization of simulated cab and microphone combinations, using state-of-the-art processing to overcome the “snapshot” limitations of most IR configurations. Three user-preset slots make for easy access, and their free Architect software will let you dive even deeper to fine-tune your tones. Foot-switchable reverb, 3-band EQ, and preset toggling ensure unfettered access to your sound, delivering high-headroom tone with unmatched optimization tools that have Music Experience’s amplifier afficionados thoroughly impressed.

Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED1 Features at a Glance:

• 100W guitar amp in a compact pedal
• Turns any pedalboard, modeller, or multi-effector into a performance ready amp
• The power amplifier’s unique, high-headroom design delivers maximum power and optimum tone with any cabinet set-up at 8 or 16 Ohms
• Response control delivers five distinctly different authentic power valve responses – KT88, 6L6, EL34, 6V6, EL84. Each setting delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break-up characteristics of the selected valve power amp. The Linear response offers transparent power amplification, used in combination with the Flat voice when pairing your AMPED 1 with an external amp modeller
• Pro connectivity and integration into your setup using low latency USB audio as an interface for recording, and XLR D.I. for live use
• Effects loop (series or parallel), 2x 9V DC outputs and MIDI control for easy integration into your pedalboard or rig
• Includes CabRig, our next-generation DSP speaker simulator that reproduces the sound and feel of a mic’d up guitar cab in incredible detail. Deep-dive using the accompanying free Architect software and capture the incredible tones via USB / XLR out
• Power Reduction switch allows you to select 100 Watts, 20 Watts or 1 Watt to easily get the perfect balance of power and response for any situation from studio to stage
• Studio quality reverb with ‘freeze’ effect
• Footswitchable Preset

Unmatched flexibility

Despite the total 100-watt output, the AMPED1 includes a power reduction switch to freely move down to 20- and 1-watt modes. The high-headroom design delivers unwavering tone to any 8- or 16-ohm cabinet setup, with variable USA, UK, and Flat voicing to accompany the five different valve response options. An ergonomic formfactor lets you painlessly switch between KT88, 6L6, EL34, 6V6, and EL84 distinctive valve responses, boasting an impressive array of tonal versatility. A sixth Linear response option can be used with the Flat voicing for crystal-clear amplification with an external amp modeler. Engineered with universal voltage, the AMPED1 can be used worldwide, without worry, from 100V to 240V ~ 50/60Hz.

Optimized connectivity for your setup

With so many ways to play, practice, and record, it only makes sense that the AMPED1 would be able to accommodate those needs. Effects can be used in parallel or in series, and a 3.5mm MIDI input allows for endlessly customizable control patterns to be integrated with the pedal. Two 9V DC outputs host a total of 500mA to reliably power supplementary pedals, with dedicated output and adjustments for the CabRig. Moreover, the USB-C port ensures low-latency connectivity for studio use, eliminating the hassle for excessive wiring and rigging and fully ready for 4-channel audio.

Superlative sound design

Dissatisfied with the limits of Impulse Response approaches, engineers at Dept. 10 rose to the challenge of providing extensive sound design options without an overwhelming UI, resulting the CabRig system. Three onboard slots are available to store user presets, with over 250 mic and cab combinations to choose from, including options for room mics, microphone types, axis orientation, and a master EQ. Blackstar’s free Architect software can be used to access even greater levels of detail to fine-tune your cab with cutting-edge digital modeling technology. The CabRig also features its own level adjustment, line output, and D.I. XLR out, making for flexible recording, gigging, and design use without sonic compromise.

What Blackstar Says...

AMPED 1 is a professional 100 Watt guitar amp in a compact pedal. It turns any pedalboard, modeller, or multi-effector into a performance ready amp and ensures you can take your sound with you anywhere. Power reduction down to 1W and USB-C connectivity means it’s equally at home in the studio or the stage.

Inside Information

Dept. 10 is the Blackstar R&D team responsible for blue sky innovation and design. This team of engineers are all musicians themselves and are constantly researching new ideas to help create your perfect tone.

Uniquely Amplified

The unique power amplifier design uses current feedback which mimics a valve amplifiers interaction with a speaker cabinet. This very high headroom design delivers the thump and presence of a valve amp with 100W power into any speaker cabinet at 8 or 16 ohms.

Cab Rig™ DSP Speaker Simulator

CabRig overcomes the shortcomings of IR ‘snapshots’ and uses state of the art digital processing to reproduce the sound and feel of a mic’d up guitar cab in incredible detail. Over 250 mic and cab combinations can be saved into one of the three onboard slots. Each cab has a choice of mic type and axis, alongside room mics and master EQ. Connect to the free Architect software for more deep-dive options.