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Transformers
All Artisan transformers are traditionally made from the highest grade materials to
Blackstar’s demanding sonic and reliability specifications.
Output Transformers
The design of the output transformers is critical to ensuring highly responsive feel
and a full, natural frequency response.
All the Artisan output transformers are constructed using laminations made of
the highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises core losses and ensures
optimum fidelity and dynamics.
Mains Transformer
The Artisan mains transformers are also constructed using laminations made of the
highest grade, grain oriented steel. This minimises stray magnetic fields which can
be a source of unwanted noise and hum.
Channel Blending
The Artisan 100’s topology allows the blending of the two channels. By paralleling
the guitar connection to the inputs of Channel 1 and Channel 2 (see Figure 1 and
Figure 2 below) endless tonal variations can be explored.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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Front Panel
Channel 1
1. Hi Input Channel I
This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice
as much) gain as the Lo Input. Use this input if you wish to achieve power amplifier
break-up and overdrive. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
2. Lo Input Channel I
This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 1. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as
much) gain as the Hi Input. Use this input if you wish the power amplifier to remain
clean (this is especially useful if the guitar used has high output pick-ups). Always
use a high quality screened guitar lead.
3. Hi Input Channel II
This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice
as much) gain as the Lo Input. Use this input if you wish to achieve power amplifier
break-up and overdrive. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
4. Lo Input Channel II
This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as
much) gain as the Hi Input. Use this input if you wish the power amplifier to remain
clean. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead.
5. Volume I
This controls the volume of Channel 1, turning it clockwise increases the volume.
Channel 1 is voiced to have a ‘normal’ response.
6. Volume II
This controls the volume of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
Channel 2 is voiced to have a glassy ‘bright’ response.
7. Bass
This control affects the low frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount
of bass present and the sound will become warmer and full sounding. At higher
volume settings it is sometimes beneficial to reduce the setting of the bass control
to keep the power amplifier sounding tight when it starts to crunch.
8. Middle
This control affects the mid-range frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the
amount of mid present. If the middle control is at a low setting with the bass and
treble controls set towards a maximum setting then the tone will be more scooped
and modern.
9. Treble
This control affects the high-end frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the
amount of treble present. At low treble setting the tone will be warm and full
sounding. As the treble is increased notes will become more defined and ring with
a bell-like definition.
