Electronics / Amplifiers Receivers
Owner's Manual for Blackstar 100W Guitar Amplifier Pedal
Quick guide for the Blackstar 100W Dept. 10 AMPED 2 guitar amplifier pedal, covering front panel controls, CabRig speaker simulation, effects, MIDI, and technical specifications.
Table of contents
Manual images
Jump to the sectionQuick guide from the manual
The Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 2 is a 100W guitar amplifier pedal featuring advanced effects processing and CabRig speaker simulation. This manual provides instructions for operating the front panel controls, configuring effects, using the CabRig software, and connecting to external equipment.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel allows for intuitive control over your sound:
- Voice: Select between USA, UK, and Classic preamp voicings.
- Gain: Adjusts the level of overdrive or distortion.
- EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble): Tailored tone controls for the selected voice.
- Drive: Select between Boost, Drive, and Fuzz types.
- Modulation: Choose between Chorus/Flanger, Tremolo, and Phaser.
- Delay: Select between Linear, Analogue, and Shimmer types.
- Reverb: Choose between Room, Spring, and Plate types.
- Response: Select power valve responses (EL84, EL34, 6L6).
- Master: Controls overall volume.
- Power: Switch between 100W, 20W, and 1W output settings.
CabRig and Architect Software
CabRig is a DSP speaker simulator. To access and edit CabRig settings, download the Blackstar Architect software from the official website. Architect allows for deep editing of effects, saving patches, and customizing CabRig parameters.
Rear Panel Connections
- Mains Input: Universal power supply (100-240V).
- In: Guitar input.
- FX Loop: Send and Return for external effects, with level switching (+4dBu/-10dBV).
- Speaker Outputs: Connect to 8 Ohm or 16 Ohm cabinets. Warning: Do not use both outputs simultaneously.
- Outputs: Two isolated 9V DC outputs for external pedals (max 500mA combined).
- USB Audio: Connect to a computer for recording and using Architect software.
- MIDI: MIDI In and MIDI Thru ports for external control.
- Balanced/Line Out: XLR and TRS outputs for recording or live use.
Safety and Maintenance
Always use the supplied power adaptor. Do not open the equipment case. Ensure the unit is used in non-tropical climate conditions with a maximum ambient temperature of 35°C. High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage; use hearing protection if necessary.
Manufacturer information
Blackstar Amplification
Practical help
Common problems
No sound from speaker output
Ensure the speaker cable is connected to the correct impedance output (8 or 16 Ohm) and that the amplifier is not in low power consumption mode (triggered if the speaker lead is disconnected at the amp end).
Modulation effect not synced to Tap Tempo
By default, the Modulation pedal is not synced. Use the 'Hold: Shift' function (hold Tap footswitch) to sync the Modulation pedal to the Tap tempo.
FX Loop level issues
Use the FX Loop Level switch to match the pedal's output to your equipment (+4dBu for professional gear, -10dBV for guitar pedals). If unsure, start with -10dBV.
Before use
- Ensure the power adaptor is connected to an earthed socket.
- Connect your guitar to the 'In' jack using a high-quality screened instrument lead.
- Connect your speaker cabinet to the appropriate impedance output (8 or 16 Ohm) before switching on.
- If moving from a cold to a warm environment, allow the unit to reach room temperature before switching on.
Specs in practice
- Mains Voltage
- Universal input (100-240V, 50/60Hz), suitable for international travel.
- Isolated 9V Outputs
- Two outputs providing a combined maximum of 500mA for external pedals.
Images and diagrams
- The front panel features dedicated knobs for Drive, Modulation, Delay, and Reverb, alongside standard amp controls (Gain, EQ, Master).
- The rear panel includes the Mains Input, FX Loop, Speaker Outputs, MIDI ports, and various CabRig outputs (XLR, Line Out, USB).
Model compatibility
- Speaker outputs are for single cabinets only; do not use both simultaneously.
- USB audio interface requires no specific drivers for PC or Mac.
- MIDI In uses a supplied TRS to 5-pin MIDI adaptor.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.