Blackstar Debut 15E Amplifier Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: Blackstar

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction
Features
DEBUT 15E Front Panel
Technical Specification
References
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Blackstar Debut 15E Amplifier Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

“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”.

Caution Icon This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Electric Shock Icon 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.

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

8
6
4
3
2
1½
1
½
¼ or less

Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

90
92
95
97
100
102
105
110
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 15E amplifier.

The DEBUT products are packed with all the great tones you expect from a Blackstar.

The DEBUT 15E amplifier 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 15E is the practice amp, packing 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 finally find ‘the sound in your head’.

The DEBUT 15E also has a fully specified speaker emulated output allowing any guitarist to get amazing tone straight to tape or disk, or through headphones.

Add to this an MP3 / Line Input, allowing you to jam along to your favourite tracks, you have everything you need for practising or recording.

Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.

When the Clean Channel is selected, low settings counter clockwise (CCW), will deliver a clean sound. As the Gain control is increased clockwise (CW) the sound will move from clean into break-up until, at its maximum position, a full crunch tone is arrived at.

When the Overdrive Channel is selected, the Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is increased CW the sound will become more overdriven moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted lead tone is arrived at.

The patented ISF 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.

DEBUT 15E Front Panel

INPUT
Plug your guitar in here. Always use a good quality screened guitar lead.
GAIN
This control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.
When the Clean Channel is selected, low settings counter clockwise (CCW), will deliver a clean sound. As the Gain control is increased clockwise (CW) the sound will move from clean into break-up, until at its maximum position, a full crunch tone is arrived at.
When the Overdrive Channel is selected, the Gain control adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion. Low settings, counter clockwise, will deliver a clean sound on the edge of break-up. As the Gain control is increased CW the sound will become more overdriven moving through crunch tones until, at its maximum position, a full distorted lead tone is arrived at.
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.
VOLUME
This controls the volume of the Clean and Overdrive Channels. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.
TONE
The Tone control allows adjustment of the balance between treble and bass frequencies within the sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warmer and darker in character. As the Tone control is rotated clockwise the sound will become brighter.
EQ/ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
The patented ISF control allows you to choose the exact tonal signature you prefer. Fully CCW has a more American characteristic with a tight bottom end and more aggressive middle, and fully CW has a British characteristic which is more ‘woody’ and less aggressive.
DELAY ON/OFF
Press this switch to engage the DELAY. When the switch is out the DELAY is off.
DELAY TIME
This controls the amount of time and feedback on the DELAY. Turn the Knob clockwise to increase the time and feedback for a spacious large room feel, and counter-clockwise to decrease the time and feedback for a more slap-back type effect.
MP3 / 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 connection is stereo.
SPEAKER EMULATED OUTPUT & HEADPHONES
This output emulates the tonal characteristics of a guitar speaker cabinet and provides a natural overdrive 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.
POWER INDICATOR LIGHT
The power indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
POWER
This switch is used to turn the amplifier on and off.

DEBUT 15E Rear Panel

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.