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Average Price: $165

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$300

$701+

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Description

Discover the Blackstar HT-1R White Combo Amp, a compact yet powerful solution for guitarists seeking versatility in both practice and recording. This one-watt wonder is packed with a surprising punch, thanks to its innovative push-pull output stage that drives an 8" speaker with impressive clarity. The Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) is at the heart of this amp, allowing you to sculpt your tone from classic American to iconic British sounds with a simple dial twist. Whether you're exploring clean tones or diving into gritty overdrive, the HT-1R adapts seamlessly to your style.

The onboard reverb adds depth and space to your sound, providing a lush backdrop whether you’re playing in your bedroom or laying down tracks in the studio. For the modern musician, the HT-1R includes a speaker-emulated output for direct recording, capturing the authentic sound of the amp straight into your audio interface. Plus, with an MP3/aux input, you can play along with your favorite tracks, making practice sessions more engaging and fun.

This amp is not just about sound; it's about convenience and creativity, all wrapped in a sleek, portable design. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the Blackstar HT-1R is your ticket to a world of tone exploration.

Key Features:

  • 1-watt tube-powered combo amplifier
  • 8" speaker for rich sound projection
  • Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for versatile tonal shaping
  • Overdrive channel for dynamic sound changes
  • Built-in reverb for added depth
  • Speaker-emulated output for direct recording
  • MP3/aux input for jamming with backing tracks

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model HT-1R 1-Watt 1x8" Guitar Combo with Reverb
Finish Black, Blonde
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel, 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 1
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x8"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Blackstar HT-1R white use?

The Blackstar HT-1R white is a tube amplifier that utilizes a valve circuit for its electronics, though it does not specify a particular power tube type, focusing instead on delivering tube-driven tone in a compact format.

Is the Blackstar HT-1R white suitable for home practice?

Yes, the Blackstar HT-1R white is ideal for home practice with its 1-watt power output, providing great tube tone at low volumes, perfect for bedroom use without disturbing others.

Does the Blackstar HT-1R white have built-in reverb?

Yes, the Blackstar HT-1R white features a digital reverb, allowing you to add ambient effects to your sound directly from the amp.

How many channels does the Blackstar HT-1R white have?

The Blackstar HT-1R white offers 1 to 2 channels, giving you flexibility in switching between different tones.

What speaker configuration does the Blackstar HT-1R white use?

The Blackstar HT-1R white is equipped with a 1x8" speaker configuration, providing a compact yet powerful sound output.

B Sides Music

B Sides Music

The Perfect Home amp? Blackstar HT-1R + Joyo American + Rowin Looper

Video thumbnail for The Perfect Home amp? Blackstar HT-1R + Joyo American + Rowin Looper by B Sides Music

The Perfect Home amp? Blackstar HT-1R + Joyo American + Rowin Looper

B Sides Music

B Sides Music

Video thumbnail for FROM THE HEAVY METAL PERSPECTIVE: Blackstar HT1R by Aaron Mifsud

FROM THE HEAVY METAL PERSPECTIVE: Blackstar HT1R

Aaron Mifsud

Aaron Mifsud

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013-Blackstar HT5R & HT1R by Guitar World

NAMM 2013-Blackstar HT5R & HT1R

Guitar World

Guitar World

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent headphone amp with inspiring reverb for silent practice

  • Compact and lightweight, ideal for small jams or home use

  • Wide range of tones, easy to dial in diverse sounds

  • Compatible with speaker upgrades for enhanced sound and output

  • Convenient emulated output for direct recording into software like GarageBand

  • Pedals integrate well, despite lacking an effects loop

  • Extension cab output allows for increased volume with external cabinets

  • Great for low-volume stinging overdrive and high-gain sounds

  • Simple controls make it user-friendly

  • Holds value well according to user expectations

CONS

  • Misleading marketing as an 'all-tube' amp; primarily a hybrid

  • ISF knob criticized for unclear function and limited tonal range

  • USB out for recording is glitchy and unreliable

  • Not loud enough for larger room or live band settings

  • Instances of sound board failure with costly repairs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT-1R white.

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to a Celestion speaker is noted, although the Vox AC4C1-12's 12-inch speaker was preferred for better character and sound.

    Source
  • It's noted that the HT-1R interacts well with overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals, enhancing its tonal versatility despite its compact design.

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  • Changing the tone capacitor on a guitar paired with the HT-1R MkII from .022uf to .033uf can help manage excessive brightness, especially on single-coil pickups.

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  • Replacing the stock preamp tube with a Mullard can slightly reduce the gain and grit, though the improvement is modest.

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  • Swapping the 8" internal speaker with a larger 12" speaker can significantly improve the tone, especially alleviating issues with brightness and thinness.

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Comparisons

  • The HT-5R is considered a viable alternative for those seeking more gain, selling for a similar price as the HT-1R MkII, offering a broader tonal range.

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  • The Vox AC15 is preferred for more robust use due to its larger speaker and brighter, deeper tone, despite the HT-1R's suitability for home practice.

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  • A Vox AC4C1-12 is often seen as a better option for those seeking larger sound and volume, despite it being twice the size and loudness.

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  • The HT-1R's built-in overdrive is praised for its crunchiness, but lacks a footswitch to easily toggle between clean and overdrive.

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  • Owners often prefer the Vox AC10/15, Orange Crush 35/60, and Fender Blues Jr. for indie and alternative genres due to their cleaner and more versatile sound profiles.

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User experience

  • Users transitioning from digital to tube amps report the HT-1R provides a warm and responsive feel, highlighting its appeal for those exploring tube amp qualities.

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  • Owners mention that the amp's clean channel struggles to maintain clarity at higher volumes without some dirt and muddiness.

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  • Many users find small Blackstar amps like the HT-1R to be uninspiring and mediocre compared to models like the Studio 10 6l6 and Vox AC series.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for apartment practice, the HT-1R is low volume but powerful enough for home use, with a cab simulator for effective headphone practice.

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  • The HT-1R is ideal for small apartments with thin walls, offering tube warmth without excessive volume, perfect for bedroom practice.

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  • The HT-1R's 8" speaker is highly directional, requiring precise positioning for optimal sound.

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Features and functionality

  • The HT-1R offers multiple channels and voicings, compensating for the lack of a traditional equalizer and providing some tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • The Blackstar HT-1R MkII has clipping diodes in the gain path, making it difficult to achieve clean tones at higher volumes without added grit.

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  • The simulated cab headphone output provides a convincing tube amp sound through headphones, described as standing in front of a roaring stack.

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  • The HT-1R MkII lacks separate bass, mid, and treble controls, limiting tonal adjustment to the ISF control.

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