Blackstar’s ongoing quest for great guitar tone at affordable prices has resulted in many innovative products that either click with current trends or set their own – the awardwinning St James range being a perfect example. But with the stompbox’s renewed popularity at an all-time high, amplified pedalboards are another popular movement. We’ve previously looked at Blackstar’s Amped 1 pedalboardsized amplifier, which is an ideal partner for players who already have an arsenal of pedals. There’s now a version with built-in effects to tempt those of us looking for more of an all-in-one solution: the all-new Amped 2.
Like its predecessor, the Amped 2 has a smart, modern look with clean, uncluttered cosmetics. The electronics are contained inside a tough black steel chassis that’s about 70mm wider than Amped 1, with a candy apple red anodised aluminium faceplate. There’s very little space inside yet everything is neatly laid out, with mostly SMD components on high-quality printed circuit boards.
The Amped 2 is basically a two-channel design, with a footswitchable drive section feeding into a preamp and effects, before being sent to a choice of outputs, including a clever 100-watt Class D power amp that uses current feedback to accurately mimic classic valve output stage responses.
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Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Guitarist.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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QUICK CHANGE
As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar
Return Of The Rack
A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.
Pure Filth
This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.
Reptile Royalty
From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion
Tradition Revisited
Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more
Ramble On
Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?
Redrawing The 'Bird
A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.
Boss Cube Street II
Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.
STILL CRAZY
One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more