We're pleased to offer official Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) captures in partnership with TONE3000.
The Blackstar Series One is one of the most celebrated high-gain amplifier designs of the modern era. First launched in 2007 as the flagship of the then-new Blackstar brand, the Series One quickly became the go-to valve head for players demanding world-class overdrive tones with exceptional note definition and clarity. The MK II represents the culmination of nearly two decades of refinement, with over 30 circuit and voicing modifications that deliver tighter rhythm tones, thicker lead saturation, and an even wider tonal range than the original.
The Series One has earned devoted users across a remarkable span of genres. Ihsahn, founding guitarist and vocalist of the legendary Norwegian black metal band Emperor, has relied on the Series One as the foundation of his sound for both his genre-defining work with the band and his acclaimed solo career, praising the amp's clarity and punch even under heavy gain. Neal Schon of Journey has called the Series One one of the best sounding amps he's ever played through, describing its tone as powerful, punchy, smooth, and precise, a testament to the amp's ability to deliver expressive, singing lead tones alongside crushing gain. Gus G, known for his work with Firewind and as a touring guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, built his signature Blackfire 200 on the Series One platform, tailoring its overdrive channels for devastating high-gain metal performance.
What defines the Series One's character is its remarkable range. The four-channel architecture moves from shimmering, bell-like Class A cleans in Bright mode through warm, compressed Class AB crunch, into two overdrive channels that deliver everything from thick modern rhythm tones to searing, harmonically rich lead saturation. Blackstar's patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control sweeps the entire EQ response between American and British voicings, giving players access to tight, aggressive low-end punch at one extreme and woody, rounded warmth at the other, with an infinite spectrum of tonal signatures in between. Even at the most extreme gain settings, the overdrive channels remain natural-sounding and dynamically responsive, cleaning up beautifully as the guitar volume is rolled back.
Paired here with the Series One 412 Pro B MK II cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, these captures deliver the full three-dimensional presence the Series One is known for: focused low-end weight, an authoritative midrange push that cuts through any mix, and top-end articulation that maintains clarity without harshness. From arena rock to progressive metal to modern djent, the Series One MK II is a rig built for players who demand both power and precision.
