Blackstar Series One MKII Head

The Series One MK II is a refined and streamlined range designed as the ultimate modern flagship amplifier and cabinet, tailored specifically for the needs of today’s metal guitarists. This evolution of the range marks a significant leap forward in high gain, high performance amplification, with the 4 channel Series One 100 MK II taking centre stage—a high-gain powerhouse engineered for crushingly tight rhythm tones and thick saturated leads, devoid of the unwanted fizz often present in other designs.

The New #1
Series One MK II is the ultimate professional high gain valve guitar amp. In the studio or on the road, our Series One MK II valve amps will always deliver. Whether it’s build quality or tonal excellence, no compromises have been made – if you are looking for the ultimate, professional high gain valve amplifier, why compromise? We didn’t.

Dual Patent
At the heart of the Series One MK II’s design are two patented circuits: the ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) tone control and the DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) system.

Exclusive to Blackstar Amplification, these innovations stem from extensive technical research. With ISF and DPR, you can customise the Series One MK II’s sound palette to match your unique signature sound and create ‘the sound in your head.’

Better by Design
The Series One MK II is built for unbeatable tone and reliability, with over 30 circuit and voicing mods developed over years of refinement from the original amp.

Designed for the rigors of touring, Series One MK II amps feature double-sided PCBs, seam-welded 1.6mm steel chassis, and birch ply cabinets. Heavy-duty mains and output transformers, made from top-grade, grain-oriented steel, ensure robust performance on the road.

FEATURES

• Best in class tight, focussed, clear and defined high gain channels.

• MIDI enabled to easily integrate into pro rigs.

• Blackstar’s patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) on all channels. Unique to Blackstar products, this control can take you from a more ‘American’ sounding amp all the way through to a classic ‘British’ amplifier and anywhere in-between.

• Blackstar’s patented DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) allows continuously variable power reduction down to 10 Watts, so you can use your valve amp in any playing situation and achieve pure valve output distortion and compression at any volume. DPR is a unique ‘dynamic’ circuit, delivering the exact compression (a.k.a. sag) of a small overdriven valve amp, at any volume level. The power is reduced – the feel, tone and reliability of the amplifier is maintained.

• 6 modes across 4 channels (Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD1, OD2)

• All channels footswitchable via the included 4 way footswitch.

• The chassis of all Series One amps are made out of seam welded 1.6mm steel for tank-like strength.

• All power-dissipating components are de-rated significantly to extend their lifetime and increase reliability.

• The Series One 100 MK II has plated-through double-sided PCBs for increased mechanical integrity.

• The anodes of all the output valves are handwired and sleeved with neoprene.

DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction)
DPR allows continuously variable power reduction so you can use your valve amp in any playing situation and achieve pure valve output distortion and compression at any volume. DPR is a 'dynamic' circuit, delivering the exact compression (a.k.a. sag) of a small overdriven valve amp, at any volume level. The power is reduced, the feel, tone and reliability of the amplifier is maintained.

ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
The ISF control allows you to infinitely adjust the response of the tone control network between any of the traditional voicings in a way that has never before been possible. The whole tone stack response (i.e. Bass, Middle and Treble) is moved yet the tone controls remain fully interactive, just like in a regular tone stack.

The ISF control is continuously variable between all the traditional responses allowing you to effectively design your own sound.

Built to Last
Constructed from premium grade materials and using traditional methods, Series One MKII amplifiers are designed to last a lifetime.

Every aspect of a Series One guitar amplifier is designed to deliver not only the ultimate tonal performance, but also reliability capable of withstanding the rigours of life on the road

Transformers
The Series One MK II features high-grade, grain-oriented steel transformers for both output and mains. The output transformer ensures a responsive feel, natural frequency response, and enhanced low-end clarity, while the mains transformer reduces stray magnetic fields, minimizing noise and hum for a cleaner sound.

De-Rated Components
Series One MK II amps, prioritise reliability. Power-dissipating components are significantly de-rated to extend their lifespan.

As part of our design process, all amplifiers undergo rigorous endurance testing on custom automated equipment, simulating years of real-world use in just a few days.

Chassis & Cabinet
The chassis of the Series One MK II is made out of seam welded 1.6mm steel for tank-like strength. 

The wooden cabinets of Series One MK II heads and speaker enclosures are constructed from birch ply. They are rigorously tested to ensure they really will hold up against anything you throw at them.

PCB
Series One MK II amplifiers feature plated-through double-sided PCBs for enhanced durability. Heavier copper is used on the output valve PCBs, with handwired, neoprene-sleeved anodes to reduce discharge risk from high supply voltages. High-quality locking connectors ensure reliable connections.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 100 Watt valve head

• Dual Patent Design

• Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF)

• Patented Dynamic Power Reduction (DPR)

• 4x ECC83, 1x ECC82 & 4x 6L6 valves

• Four footswitchable channels

• Best in class high gain Overdrive channels

• Clean channel with Warm (Plexi) and Bright (Class A) type modes

• Crunch channel with Crunch and Super Crunch modes

• Master Resonance, Presence and Volume

• MIDI switching

• Series effects loop with effects level switch

• Speaker emulated output

• 1.6mm seam welded steel chassis

• Birch ply cabinet