Electronics / Amplifiers Receivers
Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 1 100-Watt Guitar Amplifier Pedal User Manual
Quick guide for the Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 1 100-Watt guitar amplifier pedal, covering front and rear panel controls, CabRig speaker simulation, MIDI setup, and technical specifications.
Table of contents
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The Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 1 is a 100W pedal-platform floorboard amplifier designed to deliver the tone and feel of traditional valve amps. It features three preamp voices (USA, UK, Flat), five power valve responses (KT88, 6L6, EL34, 6V6, EL84) plus a Linear response, and integrated CabRig DSP speaker simulation. The unit can be used as a standalone amplifier, a pedal platform, or an audio interface via USB-C.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides intuitive control over your sound:
- Voice: Selects preamp character (USA, UK, or Flat).
- Gain: Adjusts overdrive/distortion levels.
- Bass, Middle, Treble: Standard 3-band EQ tailored to the selected voice.
- Reverb: Controls reverb amount. Holding the Reverb footswitch activates the 'Freeze' effect.
- Response: Selects power valve characteristics or Linear response.
- Power: 3-way switch for 100W, 20W, or 1W output.
- Master: Controls overall volume.
- Preset: Recalls stored settings. Hold for 2 seconds to save current settings.
Rear and Side Panel Connections
- Mains Input: Universal power supply (100-240V).
- In: Input for guitar or external preamp/modeller.
- Loop: Mono effects loop (TRS connection).
- Speaker Outputs: Connect to 8 or 16 ohm cabinets. Warning: Do not use both outputs simultaneously.
- Outputs (9V DC): Power for external pedals (max 500mA combined).
- USB: Audio interface and connection to Blackstar Architect software.
- Balanced XLR / Line Out: CabRig processed outputs for recording or live use.
- MIDI In: For MIDI control via supplied adapter.
CabRig and Architect Software
CabRig is a DSP speaker simulator. Use the Blackstar Architect software to customize cabinet selection (23 options), microphone selection (6 types), room ambience, and master EQ settings. Patches can be saved to the device or locally on your computer.
Safety and Maintenance
Always use the supplied power adapter. Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. High sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing damage; use hearing protection when operating at high volumes. The unit is suitable for non-tropical climates up to 35°C and altitudes up to 2000m.
Manufacturer information
Blackstar Amplification
Practical help
Common problems
Unexpected level jumps when adjusting knobs
The Recall Indicator LED shows a mismatch between the physical knob position and the internal parameter. The knob will have no effect until it 'passes through' the current value.
Effects loop level boost
If the effects loop is set to parallel, running effects that contain a dry signal will cause a level boost when mixed back with the dry pass-through.
Amplifier not outputting sound to speaker
Ensure the speaker cable is connected to the correct impedance output (8 or 16 ohm) and that the unit is not in low-power consumption mode due to a disconnected speaker lead.
Before use
- Ensure the power adapter is connected to an earthed outlet.
- Connect the speaker cabinet to the appropriate impedance output (8 or 16 ohm) before powering on.
- Use a high-quality screened instrument lead for the input.
- If using the effects loop, use the supplied TRS signal splitter cable.
- Download the Blackstar Architect software for deep editing and firmware updates.
Specs in practice
- Mains Voltage
- Universal 100-240V, 50/60Hz, suitable for international travel.
Images and diagrams
- The CabRig signal chain flows from the Cabinet/Mic selection through a Mixer and Master EQ to the USB, XLR, and Line Out outputs.
- The effects loop is mono and uses a TRS connection requiring a splitter cable to separate send and return signals.
Model compatibility
- Compatible with 8 or 16 ohm speaker cabinets.
- USB audio interface requires no specific drivers for PC or Mac.
- MIDI control via TRS to 5-pin adapter (supplied).
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor
Reviews PDF manuals for structure, safety notes, and practical product details so readers can find the right information quickly.