Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 1x12" 40-watt Combo Amp

The Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 1x12" 40-watt Combo Amp is a versatile and powerful all-tube guitar amplifier designed for gigging, recording, and practice. This specific model is a variation of the standard HT Club 40 MkII, with a key difference being the use of 6L6 power tubes instead of the typical EL34s. This choice of tubes significantly impacts its tonal character.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its key features:

Core Concept & Sound:

• All-Tube Amplifier: The amp features a two-tube preamp section (ECC83) and a two-tube power amp section (6L6). This all-tube signal path is what gives the amp its rich, dynamic, and responsive tone.

• 6L6 Power Tubes: The use of 6L6 tubes gives this amplifier a distinctly "American" voicing, often associated with classic Fender and Mesa/Boogie amps. Compared to the EL34 version, the 6L6 model has increased headroom and a tighter, stiffer low-mid punch, making it a superb platform for pedals and for playing styles from country twang to high-gain metal.

• Two Channels with Four Voices: The amp has two footswitchable channels, Clean and Overdrive. Each channel has a "Voice" switch, giving you four distinct voicings to choose from:

  • Clean Channel: Voice 1 offers a very clean and bright "American" sound, while Voice 2 provides a warmer, looser "British" clean.

  • Overdrive Channel: Voice 1 provides a "classic" hot-rodded overdrive, and Voice 2 is a "modern" high-gain voice with a more aggressive sound.

• Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF): This is a signature Blackstar feature. The ISF control is a single knob that allows you to continuously dial in the EQ response between a classic "American" tone (tight bass, aggressive mids) and a classic "British" tone (woodier, less gain, and more prominent mids). This gives you an incredible range of tonal options.

Build Quality & Features:

• Celestion Seventy-80 Speaker: The amp is equipped with a 12-inch Celestion Seventy-80 speaker, a popular choice that delivers a balanced tone with good punch, warmth, and bite.

• Power Reduction: This is a crucial feature for a 40-watt amp. It allows you to reduce the output down to 10% of the full wattage, making it perfect for home practice and studio recording while still getting that cranked tube tone.

• Professional Connectivity: The amp is packed with features for professional use:

  • Speaker-Emulated Output: This allows you to run the amp directly to a PA system or a recording interface. It also has a 1x12" and 4x12" speaker voicing switch for additional tonal options.

  • USB Audio Output: A USB output allows for direct connection to a computer for high-quality recording.

  • Effects Loop: An effects loop with an effects level switch makes it easy to integrate your favorite pedals.

  • Digital Reverb: The built-in digital reverb has a Dark/Bright switch, allowing you to choose between two distinct reverb styles.

Overall Impression:

The Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 is an excellent choice for:

• Gigging Musicians: Its 40 watts of power, footswitchable channels, and speaker-emulated output make it a reliable and versatile amp for club-sized venues.

• Studio Musicians: The USB and speaker-emulated outputs, along with the power reduction feature, make it an incredibly flexible recording tool.

• Players seeking a wide range of tones: The combination of two channels, four voices, and the ISF feature allows for a massive variety of sounds, from glassy cleans to high-gain leads.

• Those who prefer an American-style tone: The 6L6 tubes provide a different tonal flavor than the standard EL34 model, offering more headroom and a tighter feel.