Blackstar Debut 50R 50W guitar combo amplifier

Introducing the Blackstar Debut 50R 50W guitar combo amplifier

The Debut 50R is a simple and elegant alternative to entry level digital modelling amplifiers. Ideal for pedal players, the Debut 50R focuses more on tone and usability rather than unwanted ‘bells and whistles’.

This versatile amp is a good tool for guitarists of all levels, whether jamming in a bedroom, practicing in a small room, or performing on stage.

Featuring a discrete MOSFET preamp, patented ISF tone control, digital reverb, Line input, speaker emulated Line output, series effects loop, power reduction and two footswitchable channels the Debut 50R is the perfect choice for practice, recording, and gigging and the ideal tool for guitarists seeking simplicity, power, and tone in an all-analogue package.

MOSFET preamp design

To deliver the natural sounding response of a valve amp, Blackstar’s UK based design team have chosen to implement a discrete MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) preamp. The overdrive characteristics of MOSFETs are similar to those of valves. Our R&D team have gone beyond other manufacturer’s MOSFET implementations to deliver a preamp design that is virtually indistinguishable from the chosen valve references.

High-end sonic references

Careful analysis of Blackstar valve amplifier references defined the sonic benchmarks for the Debut 50R. Studying the frequency response, gain and clipping of valve preamps set the direction for the MOSFET preamplifier design. The clean channel is based on Blackstar’s revered HT-20R MkII clean sound, with lots of headroom that breaks up naturally when pushed hard – great as a pedal platform. The overdrive channel is based on Blackstar’s award-winning St. James 6L6 overdrive – a modern, British valve overdrive with enough gain on tap to travel from low gain classic rock through to more modern metal tones.

Class D power amp design

The Debut 50R employs a 50W class D power amplifier, which provides maximum clean headroom in a lightweight and compact package. To achieve the valve power amp tone that guitarist seek, careful filtering and clipping has been designed to deliver the main benefits of Blackstar’s patented TVP (True Valve Power) technology. A switch is also provided to allow the user to reduce the output power to 5W without sacrificing the tonal qualities and “feel” of the amplifier – great for practicing at home.

Line In/Line Out features

A 3.5mm Line In connection is provided which allows guitarists to plug in a mobile device and jam along or listen to music through either the speaker (mono) or headphones (¼" stereo Line Out) – perfect for practice. The added benefit of the stereo Line Out is the user can practice in silence, without upsetting the neighbours with tasteful 1am renditions of Stairway to Heaven. The Line Out/Phones output features cabinet emulation for the guitar signal, so that the tonal features of playing through the power amplifier and speaker are not lost when using headphones. This cabinet emulation also gives guitarists excellent direct recording tones, without the challenges and inconsistency of micing up the speaker.

Digital reverb and effects loop

Blackstar custom-voiced the digital reverb within the Debut 50R, with options for “Plate” and “Hall” effects. When a 2-way footswitch is connected to the amplifier, the reverb effect can also be enabled or disabled. A series Effects Loop allows external pedals and effects processors to be added into the signal chain of the amplifier between the preamp and the power amp. Alternatively, this allows guitarists to use the power amp section of the Debut 50R with an alternative preamp signal chain (such as from a pedalboard), connected straight into the Effects Loop Return.

Endurance testing and reliability

Alongside countless hours of listening tests to achieve the best possible sonic performance, these amplifiers have been tested for hundreds of hours on electronic endurance testing equipment. According to Blackstar’s own ISO:9000 procedures, all amplifiers are tested at raised and lowered mains voltages to check for total reliability in any geographical region, where electrical supplies may vary outside the stated voltages. Not only do these “entry-level” amplifiers sound amazing – they are also designed and built to last a lifetime.