RCF AYRA PRO5

Introduction

Blackstar’s HT series has always been highly-regarded.Encompassing a range ofBritish-designed valve amps that don’t break the bank, the HT linehasbeen a popular one at Andertons Music Co. for several years.The Blackstar HT-5RMkII is one of theirlatest contenders!

The latest incarnation of the HT-5, a modern classic,the HT-5R MkIIgives you pure valve tones that are suitable for bedroom levels or quiet rehearsals. Super-compact and easy to transport, the MkII editionboastsa raft of new and updated features.

With USB connectivity, balanced XLR outputs and a power reduction switch, the HT-5Rhas all of the appointments to meet the demands of modern guitarists.

British Valve Tones

The Blackstar HT-5R is a pure andauthentic valve-poweredamplifier.With a single ECC83 preamp valve, the HT-5R gets most of its British voice from its 12BH7 power amp valve. Delivering pristine-sounding cleans, warm overdrive tones andsaturated high-gain, this versatile little comboissuitable for both contemporary playersand traditionalists alike.

Switchable Voices

With 2 channels, allowing you to setup switchable clean and overdrive/distortion sounds, the HT-5R has a clever trick up its sleeve. Each channel has twofootswitchable voices, giving youmore tonal options.

The clean channel lets you access “American” and “British” voices.The latter hasa stronger mid-range, while the US-stylemode has a more scooped, bright and focused character. Flick to the overdrive channel, and you can choose between “Classic” and “High-Gain” voices. So, whether you wantthose rich, old-school British rock tones, or aggressiveAmerican metal sounds -the choice isyours!

Modern Features

Blackstar’s signature ‘ISF’ tone knob features on the HT-5R. Letting you mould your sound to be more American or British, this unique control gives you that extra level of tweakability, alongside the flexible3-band EQ.

Also sporting a USB port and balanced emulated XLR outputs, direct recording has never been easier. With the ability to switch between 1×12″ and 4×12″ cab emulations, you can also take advantage of the HT-5R’s headphone output for silent practice.

Speaking of practicing quietly, you canpower down the HT-5R to 0.5W. This means that you can getglorious cranked valve soundsat even lower levels!Another great feature is the newly-voiced studio quality reverb too, which you can use to really spruce up your clean tones, for example.

Last but not least, the Blackstar HT-5Rboasts an essential effects loop. This is an excellent addition, and something that you wouldn’t typically find on an amp of this size.Letting you seamlessly run modulation and time-based stompboxesbetween the the preamp and power amp sections, the HT-5R can become a great platform for your pedals.

Here’s what Blackstar says about the HT-5R MkII:

Killer tones and innovative features make the HT-5R MkII the ultimate studio and practice valve amp. Thanks to the unique 5W push-pull design utilising the 12BH7 valve, it delivers huge tone at any volume.

The best clean tones: Now with two footswitchable Voices, one with an American character and the other with a Class A British sound both are 100% Blackstar:

• Voice 1 American A clean, bright and tight tone with a solid bass response for a refined American tone.
• Voice 2 British A highly responsive chime with looser bottom for the British tone that can be pushed into a mid-range overdrivewhen driven hard.

The best overdrives: The two footswitchable Overdrive Voices are characterised by a tone which is high in gain, but avoids any of the detached top-end fizz often found in other designs.

• Voice 1 Classic This is the Classic British Blackstar overdrive. Rich and natural it goes all the way to Super Crunch gain but cleans up beautifully.
• Voice 2 High Gain Inspired by the critically acclaimed HT Venue MkII high gain sounds, this overdrive has additional aggression in the high end with a tight resonant low-end.

The best features: Joining Blackstars patented ISF tone control are USB and balanced XLR outputs for more recording flexibility, plus a power reduction switch taking you down to 10% power and a newly voiced studio quality reverb.

The best looks: Even more refined and boutique the newly design cabinet has a 3 degree angle, top-loader panel and stage-friendly chickenhead knobs.

Key Features

• Footswitchable Voices for Clean and Overdrive
• Power reduction to 0.5Watt
• USB audio out
• XLR D.I. out
• Newly-voiced studio quality reverb
• Boutique styling

Specifications

• 5 Watts
• ECC83 Preamp Valve
• 12BH7 Power Amp Valve
• 2 Channels
• 1×12″ Speaker
• 2-Button Footswitch Included