Product Overview
Description:
The Blackstar Silverline may not be the first digital amp to give variable voicings and onboard FX a familiar face. But it IS one of the first in a long while to make it look so easy and feel so darn fun. From its tube-laden guitar tones to its classic-combo looks and controls, the Silverline Special is a thrill to play — strumming "Hallelujah" with reverb or chunkin' out "Unchained" with gain, you'd swear you're parked in front of a tube amp. In addition to its wide gain range (and we do mean WIDE), the Silverline Special provides variable power tube emulation (KT66s to EL84s), an expressive EQ and ISF section, master resonance and presence controls (accessible by holding the "Tap" button), and gobs of gooey analog-inspired effects. It's all powered by a high-powered SHARC processor and Blackstar's patented TVP technology for realistic approximations of six in-demand amp tones. Not only that, but a speaker-emulated stereo output, MP3 input, and a USB connection make this combo a knockout for gigging, recording, re-amping, and preset saving/sharing.
One of the Silverline Special's best qualities has to be its choice visuals and streamlined controls. Not only does it don the sleek look of today's boutique guitar amps, but it puts every control exactly where you expect it. Gain, EQ, Level, FX — each function is assigned to its own dedicated knob. The smooth silver "faux-lex" and matching silver grille and logo are nice touches to boot.
Though its top panel may read similar to the ID:Core lineup, the Silverline Special's superior amp voicings are on another level. With the spin of the knob, you've got access to six totally inspiring and entirely customizable amp voicings based on some modern in-demands.
- Clean Warm — Based on an American classic. This voicing does a great impression of a Deluxe or a Twin, depending on power tube choice.
- Clean Bright — As above, but with a chimier top end and sparklier overtones. Paired with a long hall reverb, this one's perfect for "Sleep Walk" slide work and "Shine On" chordal cleans.
- Crunch — A broken-up British combo with raw high-watt heat. We liked this one best with EL84s. Dial back the gain for a touch of dirt, or crank up for sticky, syrupy sustain.
- Super Crunch — Based on a consummate British favorite. Think Super Lead to JCM territory.
- OD 1 — An all-controls-at-11 "brown" voicing. 6L6s and EL34s bring out the mids of the OD1 voicing in the best way.
- OD 2 — 5150 territory. Throw out the gain knob for this one. This channel gives you a great front end for modern hard rock and metal.
True Valve Power (TVP) gives your Blackstar Silverline Special six different responses modeled after the most popular power tube types. Here you can choose the responsive dynamics, sag, swing, and breakup of your choice from EL84s, 6V6s, EL34s, KT66s, 6L6s, or KT88s. You can create entirely new amp tones on the Silverline Special when you blend your TVP and your ISF controls together to sculpt your signature sound.
The Blackstar Silverline Special is packed with a massive variety of tube tone, thanks to Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF). When turned fully counterclockwise, ISF lends an American characteristic to your amp choice, with a tight bottom end and a scooped midrange. Turned all the way to the right, you'll enjoy a more-common British mid-forward voicing. Paired with the onboard EQ, Blackstar's ISF makes the Silverline Special a playground of great sounds.
The Silverline Special's onboard 12" Celestion V-type speaker imparts a balanced mixture of vintage and modern characteristics, with just the right amount of cut. You'll find this same speaker in many of Blackstar's top-end tube amps and cabs, including the Artist 30 and Jared James Nichols signature JJN-212VOC MkII.
This output gives you the dimensional response of a miked-up cab to facilitate streamlined gigging and recording. So whether you're cranked onstage or whisper-quiet at practice, you've got the freedom to perform and record without a microphone.
Tech Specs:
- Type:Solid State
- Number of Channels:4
- Total Power:50W
- Speaker Size:1 x 12" Celestion V-type
- Reverb:Yes
- Effects:Modulation, Delay, Reverb
- Amp Modeling:6 x Amp Voices
- EQ:3-band EQ, ISF Shaping, Resonance, Presence
- Inputs:1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux)
- Outputs:1 x 1/8" (out/headphones)
- USB:1 x Type Mini-B
- Headphones:Yes
- Footswitch I/O:1 x 1/4" (channel, boost)
- Footswitch Included:No
- Computer Connectivity:USB
- Software:Blackstar INSIDER
- Construction Material:Birch Plywood
- Power Source:Standard IEC AC cable
- Height:16.4"
- Width:19.8"
- Depth:9.7"
- Weight:30.6 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number:SILVERSPCL50
