Blackstar St. James 50 6L6H 50W tube guitar amplifier

Key features

• Separate EQ circuits for each channel
• Head weighs just 6.7 kg
• Power reduction: 50W, 2W or Sag mode.
• Boost switch
• Reverb
• Built-in reactive loading
• Power reduction
• Serial effects loop with level switch

St. James - the world's lightest and most innovative 50-watt tube amplifiers.
Answering the demand of guitarists around the world for a tube amplifier that is truly lightweight and portable, Blackstar delivers the most advanced, innovative and best-sounding 50-watt tube amps in the world. Available in a classic EL34 design and a higher-gain 6L6 model, these amplifiers are simple to use but highly versatile. The intuitive two-channel configuration, developed after months of research on vintage tube amplifiers, delivers our best-ever clean and distorted sound without compromise.

Why "St. James?"
St. James is one of the oldest parts of Northampton. It is home to the 12th century abbey that gave the area its name and is home to Northampton Saints, our world-class rugby team and the iconic elevator tower that dominates our skyline. On a personal note, there was also a very important James (Jim) in our history for the founders.... not to mention the many guitarists who also share the name; Hendrix, Page, Hetfield and many others.

Inside Information:

• Our universal power supply is lightweight and can be used anywhere in the world from 90V to 264V 50/60Hz.
• Built-in reactive loading and professional connections make the St. James ideal for quiet scenes.
• Completely separate EQ circuits are used for each channel. This is achieved by switching dual potentiometers, which means there is no compromise in sound between the two channels, even with shared EQ controls.
• The Sag setting generates more power "sag" to accentuate the amp's most important compression, the "feel" is softer and more "vintage."
• Cab Rig overcomes the shortcomings of IR "pulse" and uses state-of-the-art digital processing to reproduce the sound and feel of a miked guitar cabinet with incredible detail. More than 250 microphone and speaker combinations can be stored in one of three built-in slots. Each column has a choice of microphone type and axis, along with room mics and a master EQ. Connect to the free Architect software for more detailed options.
• Candlenut plywood is used for its strength and light weight. The new illuminated St. James logo is inspired by our original Artisan amps.

Features

• The world's lightest 50W tube amplifiers without compromising on sound or performance. Head weighs just 6.7 kg.
• EL34 models: Classic low gain pedal platform with a clean +10 dB boost to take it from "chimey" to "creamy" and beyond.
• 6L6 models: classic American clean and modern high gain, with a Voice switch for more saturation and a looser feel with plenty of resonant "chug" in the low end.
• The St. James retains the basic elements of traditional tube amplifiers; in particular, it uses tubes in the preamp and power amp, as well as the loose coupling effect of the output transformer.
• The patented design uses a unique combination of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) feeding a real tube amplifier (tubes in the preamp and power amp), a reactive load and an advanced DSP for the XLR and headphone outputs.
• The built-in reactive load allows you to power the valves without a speaker connected. Ideal for recording or "silent stage."
• Includes Cab Rig, our next-generation DSP speaker simulator that recreates the sound and feel of a miked guitar cabinet with incredible detail. Dive deep with the included free software and capture amazing sounds via USB / XLR output or headphones.
• A power reduction switch allows you to select 50W, 2W or Sag to easily achieve the perfect balance of power and response in any situation, from studio to stage.
• Professional connectivity and setup integration using low-latency USB audio as a valve interface for recording and XLR D.I. for live use.

Specifications

• Head 50W
• 2x ECC83 preamp tubes
• 2x 6L6 Power Amp Tubes
• 2 channels
• Boost switch
• EQ Bass, Middle, Treble
• Power reduction 50W, Sag, 2W
• Reverb
• Built-in reactive load
• Cab Rig DSP
• USB Audio
• Cab Rig XLR output
• Serial effects loop with level switch
• 2-way footswitch included
• Black tolex
• 90V to 264V 50/60 Hz
• Weight 6.7 kg
• Dimensions (mm) 402x222x214