Blackstar HT-20R MK3 12-Inch 20W Tube Combo Amp with IR-Based CabRig Speaker Simulator (Black)

EL84s are at the tonal heart of the Blackstar HT-20R MK3 12-Inch 20W Tube Combo Amp, the team has used decades of valve amp design experience to combine the response and character of this classic British valve with a carefully voiced preamp to create wonderfully lush valve tones. From pure boutique cleans, to mild overdrive that cleans up by backing off the guitar volume control, right up to saturated distortion, this amp does it all. From chiming ‘boutique’ cleans, to on the edge crunch, or full-on distortion, HT-20 MK III deliver ‘the sound in your head’.
Concentrated, to Concert-Rated
The HT-20R MK III comes equipped with a power reduction feature taking you down to 2W without any tonal compromise, perfect for driving those EL84’s hard at manageable volumes in the studio or home. When you’re ready to take to the stage, switch to full 20W and utilise the XLR DI output to simultaneously feed direct to the sound engineer with incredible sounding cabinet simulation via the CabRig IR-based speaker simulator software.
Perfect for Playing and Recording
Alongside providing capture-ready valve tones at any volume, the HT-20R MK III comes equipped with a direct USB-C output which can send 2 channels (left and right) to your DAW, ensuring the easiest way to capture authentic valve tone in recordings without the need for an interface. The best part is that these amps have in-built load protection, meaning you can use them without a cabinet connected for silent practice and recording.
IR-Based CabRig Speaker Simulator
CabRig, the class-leading IR-based speaker simulator comes as standard in the HT-20R MK III, offering hundreds of different cabinet, mic, and room combinations. Save your favourite to three presets for easy access directly from the amplifier. Get premium valve tones into your headphones, monitors and mixes.
What Does HT Mean
‘HT’ stands for ‘High Tension’ and refers to the high voltages used in valve circuits like HT MK III. The HT name goes back to the very beginning of Blackstar and the first products: the HT valve pedals.
New CabRig IR-Based Speaker Simulator Technology
CabRig is the advanced IR-based speaker simulator, delivering mic’d up guitar cab sounds with unparalleled detail. With zero latency and superior flexibility over IR snapshots, CabRig perfectly simulates cabinets and rooms. Dive into its software for exceptional tones via USB or headphones.
Patented ISF
Blackstar's patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control shifts the response of the three-band tone stack between a US type response at one end and a UK type response at the other. Importantly, in between the two extremes lie an infinite number of tone choices that would be otherwise unavailable.
Pro Connectivity
To suit the home studio recording musician, HT-20R MK III comes equipped with USB-C audio connectivity for pro-recording as well as the XLR CabRig output and 1/4-inch jack TRS Stereo.
Power Reduction Down To 2W
Blackstar's reliable and transparent attenuation switches the power down to 10-percent of the amp's rated power. The power reduction is achieved not by load resistors, which affect the tone in an undesirable way due to changing the output transformer and speaker reactance, but by controlling the internal working voltages of the power stage, both HT (high voltage) and bias. This limits power output without affecting the tone shaping of the output stage and feedback loop, so your basic tone remains the same, with power amp overdrive occurring at much lower volume levels, giving the feel of a small valve amp verging on meltdown.
Record without a Cabinet
HT-20R MK III has in-built load protection; this means you can use the head for direct USB recording or headphone practice without the need for a connected cabinet, making it the ultimate portable practice and recording rig.
State-Of-The-Art Voicing Circuitry
Each Voice switch makes radical and extensive circuit changes in both the preamp and the power amp, including the EQ voicing, the tone stack position in the circuit, the gain and the power amp damping to provide unique flexibility in tonal options - all at the press of a single switch.
Two Footswitchable Channels and Voices
The HT-20R MK III comes equipped with two footswitchable clean and overdrive voicings: On the clean, choose between a bright and pristine American setting with a solid and tight bass response or a classic British setting with looser bass response and a warmer mid- range, sensitive to your guitar output and playing dynamics. On the overdrive, choose between a classic hot-rodded setting with medium power amp damping or a more modern setting with a strong mid-emphasised pre-overdrive boost with a looser, more aggressive sound due to reduced power amp damping. All channels and voices are footswitchable with the optional 2-way FS-22 and FS-16 Footswitch resulting in a wide selection of accessible valv tones.
Stage Ready
Connect a two-button footswitch for full stage control over the HT-20R MK Ill's channels and voice settings. FX loop and pro XLR CabRig output DI complete the stage ready package.
Studio Quality Reverb
The studio quality reverb has been referenced against the most revered vintage and modern reverb units, designed to perfectly complement guitar tones.
Stunning Looks
In terms of looks the team accepted no compromise. The team has introduced upgraded cosmetics including premium tolex, high quality mini toggle switches and a cast alloy metal plate logo. Materials usually only found on boutique amplifiers.