Blackstar might be doubling down with amp pedals but as its stunning St James series proved, it's still committed to producing a range of guitars amps for all kinds of budgets and needs. And the new Debut 50R is all about delivering an affordable, quality giggable combo.
The latest addition to its Debut range is an analogue 1x12 'pedal platform' in contrast to the digital modeling amps out there, but does offer built-in reverb (Plate and Hall) and two channels with a MOSFET preamp to help to deliver a valve-like response. Indeed, Blackstar is so confident in its MOSFET implementation it claims the preamp design is "virtually indistinguishable from the chosen valve references." And our experience with Blackstar is they don't make claims lightly so we're looking forward to hearing how that bears out.
50W to 5W power reduction means it's also a great option for home use if you have the space for it, and there's a speaker-emulated line out too. A line-in, ISF tone control, effects loop for your pedals and three-band EQ complete the package.
The Debut 50R is available in Cream with an Oxblood fret grille or Black with a Biscuit basketweave. It's £199 / $249 and available now. Check out Blackstar Amplification for more.
Check out our contributor Leigh Fuge putting it through its paces below.
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“These amplifiers set a new standard in high-performance amplification”: Blackstar unveils the St James 100, its state-of-the-art flagship tube amp and “world’s lightest” in its class – featuring switchable power tubes, CabRig tech and more
“There’s warmth and there’s grit, it’s really quite incredible… and I actually recorded with this amp. I love it”: Orianthi and Orange Amps join forces for the White Crush 20RT – a 20W solid-state combo with onboard tuner
