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Average Price: $320

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the raw power of tube distortion with the Blackstar HT-DistX, a titan among overdrive effects pedals. Designed for those who crave the heavy, this pedal delivers unparalleled high-gain distortion with the responsiveness of a classic tube amp. Whether you're sculpting the perfect solo or laying down rhythm tracks that demand attention, the HT-DistX, with its patented "ISF" control, offers a spectrum of tones from the iconic British crunch to the aggressive American roar. Tailor your sound with precision and dive into the world of high-quality distortion that stands out in the mix, whether live or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • High-gain tube distortion for powerful, responsive tones
  • Patented "ISF" control sweeps from British to American sounds
  • Full Blackstar tone stack for comprehensive sound shaping
  • Emulated speaker output for direct recording with authentic amp tones

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model HT-DistX
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion does the Blackstar HT-DistX provide?

The Blackstar HT-DistX offers high-gain, valve-driven distortion suitable for heavy metal and hard rock genres, delivering a powerful and aggressive sound.

Is the Blackstar HT-DistX true bypass?

No, the Blackstar HT-DistX is not true bypass; it features a buffered bypass to maintain signal integrity and reduce noise when the pedal is off.

Can the Blackstar HT-DistX be used with both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the Blackstar HT-DistX can also be used with bass guitars, though tonal adjustments may be necessary to suit personal preferences.

What power supply does the Blackstar HT-DistX require?

The Blackstar HT-DistX requires a 16V DC power supply, which is typically included with the pedal for optimal performance.

How does the Blackstar HT-DistX differ from other Blackstar overdrive pedals?

The Blackstar HT-DistX is specifically designed to deliver extreme high-gain distortion, setting it apart from other Blackstar overdrive pedals that may focus on lower gain or more classic overdrive tones.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Blackstar HT DISTX

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT DISTX by ProGuitarShopDemos

Blackstar HT DISTX

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Andy James jams with the Blackstar HT-DISTX distortion pedal by Blackstar Amplification

Andy James jams with the Blackstar HT-DISTX distortion pedal

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Video thumbnail for BLACKSTAR HT-DISTX EFFECT DEMO BY CHATREEO.wmv by chatreeo

BLACKSTAR HT-DISTX EFFECT DEMO BY CHATREEO.wmv

chatreeo

chatreeo

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-DISTX Tube (Valve) Pedal Demo & Review ~ TTK Style! (Dist-X Distortion Pedal) by The Tone King

Blackstar HT-DISTX Tube (Valve) Pedal Demo & Review ~ TTK Style! (Dist-X Distortion Pedal)

The Tone King

The Tone King

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-DISTX Distortion Pedal by N Stuff Music

Blackstar HT-DISTX Distortion Pedal

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Deluxe Reverb with Blackstar HT-DistX by Mark Boettcher

Fender Deluxe Reverb with Blackstar HT-DistX

Mark Boettcher

Mark Boettcher

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-DistX in-depth test by megahurtz30

Blackstar HT-DistX in-depth test

megahurtz30

megahurtz30

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-DISTX Tube Distortion Pedal Demo - Metal by MMCGuitar

Blackstar HT-DISTX Tube Distortion Pedal Demo - Metal

MMCGuitar

MMCGuitar

Video thumbnail for Forgotten Gems Of The Past Episode #9:  Blackstar HT-DISTX Distortion Pedal by Robert Jackson

Forgotten Gems Of The Past Episode #9: Blackstar HT-DISTX Distortion Pedal

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-DISTX distortion pedal demonstration by PromenadeMusicTV

Blackstar HT-DISTX distortion pedal demonstration

PromenadeMusicTV

PromenadeMusicTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers saturated distortion suitable for a wide range of music genres

  • Provides dynamic sounds mimicking famous guitarists' tones

  • Includes a clean boost feature, enhancing amp sounds

  • Versatile, fitting well with other pedals like the Big Muff

  • Effective at achieving high-quality distortion at low volumes

  • Compatible with both tube and solid-state amps

CONS

  • Less tight sound compared to HT Metal, potentially limiting versatility

  • May produce uncontrollable feedback at certain settings

  • Reported as having a weak output, requiring amp adjustments

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Blackstar HT-DistX is notably tall, which can cause issues fitting it into standard pedalboards or cases.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Requires a 16v power supply, which may not be compatible with standard pedal power setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Can effectively enhance the sound of a solid-state amp, making it seem more robust.

    Source
  • Owners mention the pedal's ability to maintain clarity in aggressive tones, avoiding the muddiness common in other distortion pedals.

    Source
  • Owners report issues with the footswitch reliability, with failures occurring during live performances, leading to trust concerns.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its size, the pedal's sound quality makes it a practical choice for stationary use atop an amp rather than on a pedalboard.

    Source
  • The pedal can be used effectively as a preamp or boost in a chain, often left on continuously for tonal enhancement.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Blackstar HT-DistX is often praised for its sound quality and can be found at lower prices online, offering great value for those seeking quality distortion.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blackstar HT Series Pedals Review: DIST, BOOST, DRIVE - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Blackstar HT-DistX pedal is praised for delivering "pure valve filth" perfect for high-gain metal enthusiasts, offering thick saturation and a scooped tone. Its 3-band EQ and Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) control provide ample tone-shaping flexibility. While the range of gain isn't wide, it transitions quickly from moderate to extreme, making it less fussy in a live setup. However, its ultra-high gain might not suit everyone, especially those averse to fully saturated distortion. Overall, the review is positive, highlighting its capacity to provide rich, dynamic distortion without the harshness typical of solid-state options.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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