Blackstar S1-1046L6 Guitar Amplifier Head (100 Watts)

No longer available at zZounds
With 4 channels -- including clean, crunch, and two high-gain overdrive channels -- this 6L6-powered Blackstar head produces monstrous American-voiced sound.

The Blackstar S1-1046L6 offers Clean and Crunch channels, plus two high-gain overdrive channels (with high and low output damping) plus a second Overdrive Channel EQ (complete with independent ISF). The three-band EQ works with the Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) to provide infinite tone-shaping control. The Master section provides Master Volume, Resonance, and Presence controls. Four 6L6 power tubes deliver an aggressive, American hi-gain tone. Dynamic Power Reduction (DPR) reduces the power up to 90% with no loss of tone, ideal for studios and smaller venue gigs. Professional touches include a Series Effects Loop, Emulated Speaker output, and MIDI switching.

Hear the Blackstar S1-1046L6 in action with this video:


Features

- 100 watt head with built-in DPR power reduction
- 4 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x 6L6 valves
- 4 switchable channels
- Clean channel with Warm (Plexi) and Bright (Class A) type modes
- Crunch channel with Crunch and Super Crunch modes
- Two overdrive channels with high and low output damping
- Two ISF equipped tone control sections
- Presence and resonance controls
- Master Volume
- Series effects loop
- MIDI switching
- Speaker emulated output

- Power (RMS): 100 watts

Valves:
- 4 x 6L6
- 3 x ECC83
- 1 x ECC82

- Weight (kg): 27.2
- Dimensions (mm): 705 x 285 x 278.5
- Footswitch: FS-3 supplied

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-8737
Email: enquiries@blackstaramps.com
Web: https://blackstaramps.com/support/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted December 14, 2014 by Josua Castro in Philadelphia, PA

"Amazing"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Best amp in the market.

Sound
The sound if this unit is amazing. From crunchy vintage sounds, to high gain metal distortion. This amp does it all, specially with the ISF that.can give you tue sound of a marshall to a 5150 to an Orange to even fender crunch. Its the most versatile amp I've ever used and will not change it at all for anything. The only thing I'd criticize is the clean channel. Its not bad per se but after getting such a powerful distortion sound I was expecting to have the brightness of a Vox/Roland mix just like its sister amp the HT60. Needless to say the break up of its OD channels definitely makes up for it. Also I highly recommend to get a Noise Suppressor in order to tame this monster.

Features
The emulated output is what sold me to this amp as well as the DPK which changes the power from 100w to 10w. Works great changing the power and wattage. Honestly I never have it past 60watts and I'm quite content with the tone it gives, its nice to know I can move from full stacks or 2x12 in one amp. The emulated output also works phenomenal specially for live settings in which I can connect to the mixing board straight through. However my only issue is that compared to its other models the ISF doesn't respond and isn't sensitive like the HT series, its still great and works as it should but unlike the HT sometimes you have to significantly have to crank up the knob to get the desire British or American read more sound.

Ease of Use
Pretty straight forward knobs. The master section can get a little tricky with its resonance controls but after 5 minutes of dialing things in I had no problem.

Quality
I was lucky you find one of the first models that were handwired in Korea. Its pretty sturdy and seems like the main body can take a beating. However the foot switch is by far the worst. The input section from it broke after three shows and finding a replacement foe them seems to be a pain, highly recommended getting an after market one. Also the rubber feet from underneath the amp came off right away, probably will invest in a flght case later on.

Value
By far the most bang for your buck for that boutique dist sound. Definitely worth the money despite its minor flaws.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't really contacted Korg (they run Blackstar in America) yet but their forum is often regulated and seen by their techs so even the simplest questions can be answered online right away.

The Wow Factor
The sound, the features and how light it is relatively to its counterparts (Marshall, Peavey etc)

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