All user reviews for the Blackstar Amplification HT-DistX

- Controls for Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, ISF, and Level

- ISF knob controls voicing

- 12AX7/ECC83 tube

- Tube is run at full 300v

- Emulated output

- Buffered bypass

- Adapter powered

- LED indicator

- Side mounted jacks


UTILIZATION

This is definitely not a simple distortion pedal, but is actually pretty straightforward to use. You get a full three band EQ, which is really nice, so dial it in just like an amp. In fact, the whole thing works like at amp.

I've heard some concerns about dealing with the tube failure or replacements. Shouldn't really be a problem at all, it is seated very well, and replacement shouldn't be an issue. If you aren't familiar with tubes or tube amps, just take it to a tech.

These do need to be used with an adapter which can be a little bit of a pain. I like to have my entire board running off of one power supply.

SOUND QUALITY

The ISF knob (Infinite Shape Feature) is probably the coolest sonic sonic component of this pedal. It basically allows to you to control the voicing of this amp, between British and American, and anywhere in between. As far as I know this is unique to Blackstar products and is very useful.

Unlike a lot of pedals that run tubes as a gimmick (I've seen some lit by an LED before), this one runs the tube at a full 250-300 volts, and actually uses both sides of it to clip the signal. It actually does sound like tube distortion. Very full, thick, crunchy.

This isn't really an OD or boost, you are going to want to run this into a nice clean platform with a lot of headroom.

OVERALL OPINION

If you are after a convincing high gain distortion pedal, this is the one to buy. Real tube distortion at a pretty reasonable price. It dials in, sounds, and reacts like a high gain amp. The fact that you can switch it between and across American and British voicings is a great bonus.

Cheaper options for high gain are the digitech hardwire TL2 or barber dirty bomb.

But I really like this one, definitely recommended.

Distortion pedal tube (12AX7).
Controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, ISF Level.
Connectors: Input, Output, Output emulated.

UTILIZATION

The settings are very simple, it happens very quickly to sound good.
The manual is minimal but adequate given the simplicity of this pedal.

SOUND QUALITY

The distortion is strong, warm, dynamic ... A true his lights!
From emulation (POD exactly), I was accustomed to sounds very standardized: this is really day and night, distortion, even at very high gain, fully respects the nuances of the game
With a gain set to 1 / 4 is already accessing large rock, thick overdrive.
From half of the race, we enter a very distorted metal, but not aggressive.
And 3 / 4 (I rarely go beyond), it is a treat: a beautiful grain, very musical, great sustain, the definition, dynamics ... A very nice distortion suitable for virtually all styles of metal but with a very strong personality: it is not suitable if one wants a cold and her surgery (industrial, black metal ...).
The button allows FSIs to act on the general color of sound, ranging theoretically at the Marshall Mesa Boogie. In practice, the sound seems clearer and medium with the ISF to a minimum, but rough and dug up with the ISF. For my part I rule at about 11am (almost in the center position).
The only fault I found him, the breath with the original lamp (a Sovtek 12AX7-WA), from 3 / 4 gain, I got a little too much for my taste (this why I put 9 and not 10). So I replaced with a 12AX7 Tung-Sol (23 euros from Valve's House Music in Paris), which greatly improved things a lot less wind and a slightly more accurate.
I use a Noise Gate and EQ (Boss GE7) that allow me to really get the sound I want.
I plug everything in an amp BlackStar Little Giant, including a studio session.
Emulated output is amply sufficient to model, the amp simulation is quite suitable.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this pedal on stage and in studio for a year with my groups and Innerchaos Third Eye, and I am fully satisfied. I would do this choice without hesitation, despite the absence of noise gate built which would have seemed justified.

Tube distortion pedal.
12 V AC power!

UTILIZATION

Simple Config.
No manual but not need it.
The sounds are easy to obtain thanks to the knobs progressive and precise. The ITS

SOUND QUALITY

!
For me it is a distortion that can do almost everything for the crunch, it's not true.
No, it's the big heavy distortion but beware, it does not blur even with the lower bottom.
Thanks to the IQF I can ring the Guns N Roses or Metallica.
The lamp adds a plus to this pedal.
I play a Laney tube excellent but can not send such a distortion, hence the necessity of the pedal.
My guitars: Telecaster, lag ak200, les paul.

OVERALL OPINION

I for 2 years. To me she buries a lot of distortion called "extreme"
The case is metal, not plastic, it's heavy (literally and figuratively).
I got in OCCAZ, suddenly it has a value for money excellent.
I advise those who want a distortion worthy of the name.