Music / Guitar Amplifiers
User Manual for Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 1 Guitar Amplifier Pedal
Quick guide and user manual for the Blackstar Dept. 10 AMPED 1 guitar amplifier pedal. Learn about controls, CabRig settings, MIDI, and technical specifications.
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
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, and integrated CabRig DSP speaker simulation. The unit can be used as a standalone amplifier for live performance or as an audio interface for recording via USB-C.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides intuitive control over your sound:
- Voice: Selects the preamp character (USA, UK, or Flat).
- Gain: Adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.
- Bass, Middle, Treble: Tone shaping controls tailored to the selected voice.
- Reverb: Controls the amount of reverb. Holding the footswitch activates the 'Freeze' effect.
- Response: Selects between five power valve responses (KT88, 6L6, EL34, 6V6, EL84) or Linear response.
- Power: Switches between 100W, 20W, and 1W output settings.
- Master: Controls overall volume.
- Preset: Recalls stored settings. Hold for 2 seconds to save current settings.
Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel handles power and external connections:
- Mains Input: Universal input (100-240Vac).
- In: Input for guitar or preamp/modeller signal.
- Loop: Mono effects loop (TRS connection).
- Speaker Outputs: Connect to 8 or 16 Ohm speaker cabinets. Warning: Do not use both outputs simultaneously.
Side Panel Outputs
The side panel provides professional outputs for recording and live use:
- Balanced XLR CabRig Output: Low noise, low impedance connection.
- Line Out: Stereo TRS jack for recording devices or headphones.
- CabRig Switch: Switches between three stored CabRig settings.
- Level Control: Attenuates the XLR, Line Out, and USB channel 3 output levels.
CabRig and Software
CabRig is a DSP speaker simulator. Use the Blackstar Architect software to edit CabRig settings, including cabinet selection, microphone selection, room ambience, and EQ. The unit can be connected to a computer via USB-C for deep editing and recording.
Patches and Presets
You can save and recall patches on the device or locally on your computer using the Architect software. Device patches are selectable via the CabRig switch.
Technical Specifications
- Power (RMS): 100W
- Weight: 1.28 kg
- Dimensions: 200mm (W) x 81mm (H) x 149mm (D)
Manufacturer information
Blackstar Amplification
Practical help
Common problems
No sound output
Check speaker cabinet connection, ensure volume is turned up, and verify if a preset is active.
Level jumps when adjusting knobs
The Recall Indicator shows a mismatch. Turn the knob until it matches the current parameter value to take control.
Effects loop issues
Ensure the loop is configured correctly (series/parallel) using the Architect software.
Before use
- Connect a suitable 8 or 16 Ohm speaker cabinet to the correct output.
- Ensure the power supply is connected to an earthed outlet.
- Use high-quality screened instrument cables.
- Download the Blackstar Architect software for deep editing and firmware updates.
Images and diagrams
- Front Panel: Shows all knobs and switches for tone shaping.
- Rear Panel: Shows inputs, outputs, and speaker connections.
- Side Panel: Shows XLR and Line Out connections.
Model compatibility
- Compatible with 8 or 16 Ohm speaker cabinets.
- Universal power supply (100-240V).
- Requires Blackstar Architect software for advanced configuration.
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.