Blackstar HT-5R MKIII Combo

The Blackstar HT-5R MKIII Combo is the latest version of Blackstar’s groundbreaking 5 watt valve amp. The MKIII HT5R now comes with USB-C audio connectivity, as well as Blackstar’s advanced CabRig IR-based speaker simulator software. Studio-quality reverb and footswitchable voices for the clean and overdriven channels further increase its versatility. Power reduction to 0.5 watts allows you to achieve characterful valve driven sound without neighbour-deafening volume.

The Blackstar HT-5R MKIII Combo is now available from Merchant City Music, online and in our Glasgow store. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to run you through its features, and set you up for a demo in our dedicated test booth. Alternatively, buy online for fast shipping to the UK, Europe and beyond.

Blackstar HT-5R MKIII Combo

The Blackstar HT5R MKIII Combo’s completely new design takes the performance of this award-winning tone machine to a whole new level. To make the HT-5R MKIII sound full and toneful even at the lowest volume levels, Blackstar designed a low powered push-pull power amp which produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100W output stage, but at a much lower volume. This is achieved by the use of a 12BH7 dual triode valve in push-pull configuration producing 5 Watts output, which is rich in valve harmonics and compression.The Power Reduction switch takes you down to 0.5 Watts without any compromise in tone: perfect for driving the valve power stage at home or in the studio.

CabRig is Blackstar’s 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, headphones or the XLR output. The stereo speaker emulated output can be used at the same time as the internal speaker, providing headphone free monitoring or the choice to blend a mic'd speaker and emulated signals together for unrivalled usability when recording at home or in the studio. In addition the speaker output can be turned off for "silent" practice or recording.

Blackstar's patented ISF circuit gives you infinite adjustment over the characteristics of the tone control network and takes you from the USA to the UK and anywhere in between. So now you can effectively design your own tone and finally find "the sound in your head".

Add to this footswitchable Voices for Clean and Overdrive, effects loop with switchable level, 16Ω and 8Ω speaker outputs which allow you to run the amp into an external speaker cabinet of your choice, and a stereo MP3/Line in allowing you to jam along to your favourite tracks, you have everything you need for recording or practising.