Blackstar Series One 45

== Introduction ==

Made in 2009 this 45W 2x12 combo is designed and engineered by Blackstar Amplification UK, built in Korea.

This is done to ensure a fair retail price. The prices range from ~1200-1600€ in Europe.

Features

- 3x ECC83, 1x ECC82, 2x EL34 valves

- 2x Celestion custom designed Neo 12" speakers

- 2 channels (Clean/Overdrive), 4 modes (Bright Clean/Warm Clean, Crunch/Super Crunch)

- Dual Patent Design:

 - ISF, Infinite Shape Feature
 - DPR, Dynamic Power Reduction (We will get back to these later)

- Emulated Line-Out

- FX Loop

- MIDI switching

Comes with a 4-way footswitch for changing between the 4 modes.

Sound

Reliability

Even though it's made in Asia this doesn't show in build quality. It's built like you would expect any great amp to be.

So I do believe proper products can come from cheap labour, it's all about the company's controll on the manufactoring.

Can't tell about live or long term use (as I've only owned it for a few days, no gigs), but so far it screams quality.

Overall Impression