Blackstar Debut 15E 2×3 inch 15-watt Combo Amp Owner’s Manual

Blackstar Debut 15E 2×3 inch 15-watt Combo Amp

Product Information

The Blackstar Amplification is a musical instrument amplifier designed and engineered by Blackstar Amplification UK. The latest product information can be found on the company’s website at www.blackstaramps.com.

While the information provided in this manual is accurate at the time of publication, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to modify the product specifications without prior notice.

The product is built with high internal operating voltages, and as a result, users are warned not to open the equipment case. There are no user-serviceable parts in this equipment, and all servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

Product Usage Instructions

Before using the Blackstar Amplification, it is essential to read and follow all instructions and warnings provided in this manual.

Important Safety Instructions

Users are advised to follow the important safety instructions listed below:

1. Read and keep these instructions safe.
2. Strictly heed all warnings and instructions given in this manual.
3. Do not use the apparatus near water.
4. Clean only with a dry cloth.
5. Do not block any ventilation openings.
6. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Avoid installing near heat sources such as radiators or heat-producing apparatus.
8. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
9. Unplug during lightning storms or when not in use for extended periods.
10. Do not attempt to modify, repair, or dismantle the product. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
12. Only use polarized or grounding-type plugs for your safety.
13. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
14. Disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle to completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains.

“TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE”.
“ WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS”.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Usage Instructions

To use the Blackstar Amplification:

1. Ensure that the product is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Allow the unit to reach room temperature before switching it on, especially when moved from a cold environment to a warmer location.
3. Ensure that the power cord is protected from being pinched or walked on, especially at plugs and convenience receptacles.
4. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
5. Avoid placing objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the product to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock.
6. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not attempt to modify, repair, or dismantle the product.

Warning!

Important safety information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
• Danger! High internal operating voltages.
• Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
• Unauthorised modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.
• Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.
• Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
• Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!
• Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings. This unit must only be used in a well ventilated area and never switched on when it is within a poorly ventilated space, such as a bookcase.
• This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.
• Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply in your area.
• Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if damaged in any way.
• Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
• The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
• An apparatus with Class I construction should be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
• The mains plug of the power supply cord should remain readily accessible.
• Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.

Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.
The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

• 8 90
• 6 92
• 4 95
• 3 97
• 2 100
• 1½ 102
• 1 105
• ½ 110
• ¼ or less 115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.
Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar DEBUT 50R amplifier.
DEBUT amps are packed with all the great tones you expect from a Blackstar.
The DEBUT 50R includes the patented Blackstar ISF circuit, which gives you infinite possibilities for changing the tone of your amp.
Like all Blackstar products, the DEBUT series is the result of countless hours of painstaking research and development by our world-class design team; based in Northampton (UK), the Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves, and the sole aim of the development process when creating our products is to provide guitarists with ultimate tools for self-expression.
All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of quality, reliability and above all – TONE!
If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of products, please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team

Features

The DEBUT 50R is a compact, innovative amp with big TONE. Combining two channels, full EQ, our patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) and a selectable Plate / Hall Reverb, it’s the perfect amp for stage and studio.
The DEBUT 50R packs all the great tone and innovative features you would expect from a Blackstar.
The patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) circuit gives you infinite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control network and takes you from the USA to the UK and anywhere in between. So now you can effectively design your own tone and find ‘the sound in your head’.
The DEBUT 50R also has a fully specified speaker emulated line output allowing you to easily get amazing tone straight to tape or disk, or through headphones.
Add to this a Line Input, allowing you to jam along to your favourite tracks, and effects loop and Plate / Hall Reverb and you have everything you need for practising, recording, or playing live.

DEBUT 50R Front Panel

1. INPUT
   Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.

2. VOLUME
   This controls the volume of the Clean Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
   When the Clean Channel is selected, low settings (counter clockwise), will deliver a clean sound. As the Volume control is increased clockwise the sound will move from clean into break-up until, at its maximum position, a light crunch tone is achieved.

3. BRIGHT SWITCH
   This switch adds high-end frequencies to the Clean Channel, delivering sparkling clean tones.

4. OD (OVERDRIVE)
   Press this switch to select the Overdrive Channel. When the switch is in the Overdrive Channel is selected. When the switch is out the Clean Channel is in operation.

5. GAIN
   The Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings will deliver a dynamic crunch. As the Gain control is increased clockwise the sound will become more overdriven moving from a full crunch up to a saturated lead tone at its maximum position.

6. VOLUME
   This controls the volume of the Overdrive Channel. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

7. EQUALISATION
   The Bass, Middle and Treble controls will increase the relevant frequencies when turned clockwise and decrease when turned counter clockwise.

8. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
   The patented ISF control works in conjunction with the Bass, Middle and Treble controls. It allows you to choose the exact tonal signature you prefer. Fully counter clockwise has a more American characteristic with a tight bottom-end and more aggressive middle, and fully clockwise has a British characteristic which is more ‘woody’ and less aggressive. Unlike conventional ‘contour’ controls and parametric equalisation systems, the Bass, Middle and Treble controls remain interactive with each other just like in a traditional guitar amplifier tone
   stack. This leads to a very familiar, musical response.
   We recommend that to start with the ISF is set to half way and the Bass, Middle and Treble are set to taste. Then try gradually adjusting the ISF CW and CCW until you find the sound you prefer.

9. PLATE / HALL REVERB
   Choose a plate or hall reverb effect. When the switch is pressed in a bright plate reverb is engaged. When the switch is out, a darker and longer decay hall reverb effect is engaged.

10. REVERB LEVEL
    This controls the overall level of the reverb effect. Turn clockwise for a more reverb-rich wet sound, dial back counter clockwise for a subtler ambience to your sound.

11. POWER REDUCTION
    Your DEBUT 50R is a 50W amplifier, however you can keep the neighbours happy and push the switch in for a power reduction down to 5W, without sacrificing your tone.

12. POWER INDICATOR LIGHT
    The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.

13. POWER
    This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off.

DEBUT 50R Rear Panel

1. MAINS INPUT
   The mains lead should only be connected to a power outlet that is compatible with the voltage, power and frequency requirements stated on the rear panel. If in doubt get advice from a qualified technician.

2. LINE OUT / HEADPHONES
   This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural tone for connection to a recording device or mixing desk, and for use with headphones.
   NOTE: When a lead is connected here the combo’s internal speaker is disconnected.

3. FOOTSWITCH
   A 2-button latching footswitch (sold separately) can be connected here. Button 1 will toggle between the Clean and Overdrive channels. Button 2 will turn the Reverb effect on and off.

4. LINE IN
   Connect the output of your MP3 or CD player here. Adjust the player’s volume to match that of your guitar to enable you to play along.
   NOTE: The source is summed to mono through the amp speaker and stereo through the LINE OUT / HEADPHONES.

5. EFFECTS LOOP
   Add external effects to the series Effects Loop. Connect the (mono) input of an external effects unit to SEND, and connect the (mono) output of an external effects unit to RETURN.

Technical Specification

• DEBUT 50R
• Power (RMS): 50 Watt
• Weight (kg): 9.0
• Dimensions (mm): 460(W) x 380(H) x 230(D)
• Speaker Size: 12″

OVERVIEW

DEBUT 50R Front Panel

DEBUT 50R Rear Panel

Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

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