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rich harmonic distortion. The EF86 also adds its own particular compression and
distortion flavour to this channel making Channel 2 a dream to record with.
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 15’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
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
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 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. Volume
This controls the volume of Channel 1. The setting of this control deliberately
interacts with the Channel 1 Tone control’s response to maximise the sonic palette.
At low volume levels the amplifier will produce exquisite, bell-like clean tones that are
definitively Class A in their character. As the volume is increased the tone becomes
fatter and more compressed as the power valves reach saturation. Further increases
in volume produce a wonderful tone as the power amplifier valves move into full
distortion. This type of valve power amplifier clipping produces the most natural
guitar distortion of all which reacts to every nuance of the guitarist’s playing style.
4. Tone
This passive control affects the tonal characteristics of Channel 1. Its response
deliberately relies on the setting of the Channel 1 Volume control to allow the most
versatile sonic palette. Fully counter-clockwise the tone is thick and dark, turning it
clockwise increases the amount of treble and the tone becomes more shimmering
and bright.
Channel 2
5. Hi Input
This is the high sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB more (i.e. twice as
much) gain as the Lo Input. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead. Use this
input if you wish to achieve power amplifier break-up and overdrive.
6. Lo Input
This is the low sensitivity input of Channel 2. This input has 6dB less (i.e. half as
much) gain as the Hi Input. Always use a high quality screened guitar lead. Use this
input if you wish the amplifier to remain clean. This input is especially useful if the
guitar used has high output pick-ups.
7. Volume
This controls the volume of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
As with Channel 1 natural warmth of power amplifier distortion dominates the
Channel 2 character. However, as the EF86 provides higher gain and its own unique
compression characteristics, Channel 2 will provide higher levels of distortion. This
