Music / Guitar Amplifiers
User Manual for Blackstar DEPT. 10 BOOST Valve Pedal
Quick guide for the Blackstar DEPT. 10 BOOST valve pedal. Learn about controls, technical specifications, safety instructions, and how to use the pedal for optimal tone.
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
The Blackstar DEPT. 10 BOOST is a high-voltage valve boost pedal designed to provide a Class A gain stage and a natural-sounding passive James-Baxandall EQ. It is a flexible tool that can be used as a volume boost, an additional valve equalizer, or to drive a valve amplifier into dynamic overdrive.
Controls
- Input: Connect your guitar here using a high-quality screened guitar lead.
- Boost: Controls the amount of gain boost. Low levels provide a boosted clean sound; higher levels introduce valve harmonics and compression.
- Low: A 'cut and boost' circuit. Set to 12 o'clock for neutral response. Turn below center to cut bass, or past center to boost bass.
- High: Adjusts treble frequencies. Set to 12 o'clock for neutral response. Turn below center to cut treble, or past center to boost treble.
- Output: Connect to the input of other pedals or your amplifier. Features a built-in buffer/line driver to preserve tone over long cables.
- Valve Guard: Protects the internal ECC83 valve. Do not remove.
- On/Off Switch & LED: Engages or bypasses the effect.
- DC Inlet: Connect only the supplied 9V DC / 500mA power adaptor.
Safety Information
Important: Read all instructions carefully. Do not open the equipment case; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Ensure the unit is used in non-tropical climate conditions with a maximum ambient temperature of 35°C. Always use the supplied power adaptor and ensure it is connected to an earthed socket. Do not expose the unit to rain, liquids, or moisture. If the unit is moved from a cold environment to a warmer one, allow it to reach room temperature before switching it on to prevent condensation.
Technical Specifications
- Power: 9V DC (500mA maximum current draw).
- Valve: 1 x ECC83 / 12AX7.
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ.
- Output Impedance: < 1KΩ.
- Dimensions: 77mm (W) x 76mm (H) x 113mm (D).
- Weight: 0.33 kg.
Manufacturer information
Blackstar Amplification
Practical help
Common problems
Pedal does not turn on
Ensure the supplied 9V DC 500mA power adaptor is securely connected to the DC Inlet and a mains outlet.
No sound output
Check that the guitar lead is connected to the Input and the amplifier/pedal chain is connected to the Output. Ensure the pedal is switched on (LED indicator).
Excessive noise or hum
Always use high-quality screened guitar leads. Ensure the power adaptor is connected to an earthed socket.
Before use
- Verify the power adaptor is the supplied 9V DC 500mA unit.
- Use high-quality screened guitar leads for all connections.
- Allow the unit to reach room temperature if moved from a cold environment.
- Ensure the pedal is placed on a stable surface.
Specs in practice
- Valve (ECC83/12AX7)
- The vacuum tube at the heart of the pedal responsible for the harmonic character and overdrive.
- Input Impedance (1MΩ)
- Standard impedance for guitar pickups to ensure high-frequency detail is preserved.
- Output Impedance (< 1KΩ)
- Low impedance output that allows for long cable runs and driving other pedals without signal loss.
Images and diagrams
- The top view diagram identifies the Boost, Low, and High knobs, the Input and Output jacks, the Valve Guard, the On/Off switch, and the DC power inlet.
Model compatibility
- Compatible with valve, solid state, digital, and hybrid amplifiers.
- Suitable for use with large pedalboards and low-impedance pedals like wah-wahs.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.