Owner's Manual for Blackstar FLY 3 CHARGE Mini Amplifier

Quick guide from the manual

The Blackstar FLY 3 CHARGE is a portable mini guitar amplifier featuring Bluetooth connectivity, the patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for tone shaping, and a built-in delay effect. This document provides essential instructions for charging, operation, and safety.

• Charging: Use a USB charger delivering a maximum of 5V 1.0A. Do not use high-powered laptop USB-C chargers.
• Bluetooth: Use the Bluetooth switch to toggle between Discoverable Mode (pairing) and Scanning Mode (reconnecting).
• Tone: Use the ISF control to shift between American (tight, aggressive) and British (woody, less aggressive) tonal characteristics.
• Extension: Connect a FLY 103 cabinet to create a 6W stereo setup.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel contains the following controls:

• Input: Connect your guitar using a high-quality screened lead.
• Gain: Adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.
• OD (Overdrive): Selects between Clean and Overdrive channels.
• Volume: Controls the overall output volume.
• ISF (Infinite Shape Feature): Adjusts the tonal signature.
• Delay Level & Time: Controls the intensity and duration of the delay effect.
• MP3 / Line In: Connect external audio devices for jamming.
• Speaker Emulated Output: Connect headphones or recording devices. Note: Connecting a lead here disconnects the internal speaker.
• Power: Turns the unit on/off.

Bluetooth Operation

The amplifier uses two Bluetooth modes:

• Discoverable Mode (Slow LED flash): Press and hold the Bluetooth switch until the LED flashes slowly. Search for 'FLY CHARGE' in your device's Bluetooth settings to pair.
• Scanning Mode (Fast LED flash): Press the Bluetooth switch once to reconnect to previously paired devices.

Rear Panel and Charging

The rear panel features the USB-C power input and the extension speaker jack.

• Charging: Plug a USB-C cable into the POWER IN port. A solid red LED indicates charging, LED off indicates fully charged, and a flashing red LED indicates low power.
• Battery Health: Unplug the unit when fully charged. It is best practice to deplete the battery before recharging rather than topping it up frequently.
• Optimal Tone: Unplug the charging cable during use to avoid potential interference with guitar tone.

Safety Information

Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation:

• Do not expose the unit to rain, liquids, or moisture.
• Do not open the equipment case; there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not place the unit on unstable surfaces.
• Keep the unit away from heat sources like radiators or stoves.
• High headphone levels can cause permanent hearing damage; use caution.