Blackstar Amplification Dept.10 Dual Drive

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Blackstar Amplification Dept.10 Dual Drive and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Detailed instructions for safe operation, cleaning, and maintenance of the apparatus.

Health and Environmental Safety

Operational Warnings and Environmental Conditions

Warnings on voltage, liquids, ventilation, power, and environmental operating conditions.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection

OSHA guidelines on noise exposure limits and recommended hearing protection measures.

Product Disposal Guidelines

Guidance on environmentally responsible disposal of electrical and electronic products.

Introduction

Product Overview and Design Philosophy

Welcome, product R&D, and the design team's commitment to guitarists' self-expression.

Top Panel Controls

Gain, Level, and Channel Mode Controls

Explanation of gain, level controls for Channel 1 & 2, and channel mode switching.

Tone Shaping and ISF Feature

Details on Bass, Middle, Treble, and the Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for tone adjustment.

Cab Rig and Channel Operation

Information on selecting Cab Rig environments and operating Channel 1 & 2.

Rear Panel Connections

Effects Loop and Power Input

Details on FX Loop Send/Return jacks and the DC power inlet for the unit.

USB and Line Outputs

Explanation of USB Audio and XLR Line/DI outputs for connectivity and recording.

Channel On;Off Controls

Description of the LEDs and footswitches for turning Channel 1 and Channel 2 on or off.

The Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive is a high-voltage valve effects pedal designed to offer extensive overdrive flexibility and tone-shaping capabilities for guitarists. It is engineered by Blackstar Amplification UK, a team of experienced musicians dedicated to creating ultimate tools for self-expression. The pedal features two distinct channels, each with its own gain and level controls, allowing for a wide range of tones from pristine clean to screaming lead.

Function Description:

The core of the Dept. 10 Dual Drive lies in its two channels, each offering unique sonic characteristics. Channel 1 provides Clean and Crunch modes, enabling users to transition from a clean boost to a rich overdrive. The Clean mode, when combined with high level and low gain settings, can also serve as a clean boost to further saturate an already overdriven amplifier. The Crunch mode on Channel 1 delivers a range of crunch tones, progressing to a full distorted crunch at maximum gain.

Channel 2 takes the drive further, offering Crunch and Overdrive modes. The Crunch mode on Channel 2 is highly dynamic, capable of producing tones from a light crunch to a medium breakup. Switching to Overdrive mode on Channel 2 introduces more gain and saturation, along with a subtle lift in presence, ideal for super crunch and lead tones.

A standout feature is the patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control, which works in conjunction with the Bass, Middle, and Treble controls to sculpt the pedal's tonal signature. This allows users to seamlessly shift their tone from a more American characteristic (tight bottom end, aggressive middle) to a British characteristic (woody, less aggressive), and anywhere in between. This versatility ensures that guitarists can achieve "the sound in their head" regardless of their preferred style.

The pedal also incorporates Blackstar's next-generation DSP speaker simulator, Cab Rig. This feature accurately reproduces the sound and feel of a mic'd-up guitar cabinet, offering three selectable Cab Rig environments via a dedicated switch. Users can further customize their cabinet, microphone, and power amp settings by connecting the pedal to Blackstar's free Architect software via USB. The Cab Rig output can be routed to headphones, studio monitors, or a front-of-house system, making it suitable for silent practice, recording, and live performance. The Cab Rig software also allows for a DI signal to bypass the cabinet simulation if desired.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including an FX Loop Send and Return for integrating external effects units like reverb, delay, or modulation. A USB Audio Output allows the pedal to function as an audio capture device when connected to a Windows PC or Mac, outputting the selected Cab Rig preset. Additionally, an XLR Line/DI Output provides a balanced connection for PA systems, mixing desks, or recording interfaces, also outputting the selected Cab Rig preset.

Usage Features:

The Dept. 10 Dual Drive is designed for intuitive operation with a clear layout of controls.

Input: A standard 1/4" input for connecting your guitar, emphasizing the use of a good quality screened guitar lead for optimal performance.
Gain 1 & Level 1: These controls manage the amount of overdrive/distortion and overall volume for Channel 1. Users are advised to adjust them in conjunction to achieve the desired drive type, typically increasing volume with lower gain and decreasing volume with higher gain.
Channel 1 Clean/Crunch Mode Switch: Toggles between the Clean and Crunch modes for Channel 1.
Bass, Middle, Treble: These three-band EQ controls, shared by both channels, allow for precise tonal sculpting. The Bass control adjusts low-end frequencies, ranging from tight and cutting (CCW) to warm and thumping (CW). The Middle control influences the "body" of the tone, with CCW settings producing an aggressive, scooped sound ideal for rhythm, and CW settings enhancing sustain for lead tones. The Treble control fine-tunes high frequencies, making the sound warmer and darker (CCW) or brighter and more aggressive (CW).
ISF (Infinite Shape Feature): This unique control works interactively with the EQ, allowing for a continuous blend between American and British amplifier characteristics. Starting at the halfway point and then adjusting gradually is recommended to find the preferred sound.
Gain 2 & Level 2: Similar to Channel 1, these controls manage the overdrive/distortion and overall volume for Channel 2, allowing for a range from crunch to full distorted lead tones.
Channel 2 Crunch/Overdrive Mode Switch: Toggles between Crunch and Overdrive modes for Channel 2.
Cab Rig Switch: Selects one of three pre-configured Cab Rig environments, which can be further customized using the Architect software.
Output: A 1/4" output for connecting to other pedals or the input of an amplifier. It features a built-in buffer/line driver for preserving tone over long cable runs or large pedalboards.
Footswitches and LEDs: Dedicated footswitches for Channel 1 On/Off and Channel 2 On/Off, each with corresponding LEDs (white for Channel 1, red for Channel 2) to indicate the active channel.
FX Loop Send/Return: Standard 1/4" jacks for integrating external effects.
DC Inlet: For connecting the supplied 9V DC / 500mA power adapter. Only the included power supply should be used.
USB Audio Output: A USB-B port for connecting to a computer for recording and Cab Rig software integration.
XLR Line/DI Output: A balanced XLR output for professional audio connections.

Maintenance Features:

The Dept. 10 Dual Drive is built with durability and reliability in mind, but like any electronic device, it requires proper handling and care.

Valve Guard: A protective guard allows visibility of the ECC83 valve, which is at the heart of the pedal's tone. Users are explicitly warned not to attempt to remove the fixing screws or guard, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. This emphasizes that internal servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Power Supply: Only the supplied 9V DC / 500mA power adapter (PSU-500) should be used. The power supply adapter should be handled carefully and replaced if damaged. The earth (ground) pin on the adapter should never be broken off.
Cleaning: The apparatus should be cleaned only with a dry cloth.
Environmental Considerations:
- Avoid exposing the pedal to rain, liquids, or moisture. Objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on the apparatus.
- Do not block ventilation openings or place the product near heat sources like radiators, stoves, or other heat-producing apparatus.
- Condensation can form if the unit is moved from a cold to a warmer environment. It's recommended to allow the unit to reach room temperature before switching it on.
- The pedal is suitable for safe use under non-tropical climate conditions, with a maximum ambient temperature of 35°C.
- It is designed and evaluated for safety at a maximum altitude of 2000m.
Servicing: All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. This includes situations where the apparatus has been damaged, exposed to liquids or moisture, or is not operating normally.
Disconnection: To completely disconnect the apparatus from AC mains, the power supply cord plug should be disconnected from the AC receptacle. The power supply adapter should be unplugged when the unit is unused for long periods.
Safety Warnings: Users are advised to read and follow all safety instructions, including warnings about high internal operating voltages and the importance of not opening the equipment case.
Firmware Updates/Software: The free Architect software allows for deep editing of Cab Rig settings and potentially firmware updates, ensuring the pedal remains current with the latest features and improvements.

By adhering to these guidelines, users can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their Blackstar Dept. 10 Dual Drive pedal.