Blackstar HT-Modulation review

Valve-powered modulation

  • £199
  • €289
  • $375
By Trevor Curwen
( Guitarist )
published
There's a choice of eight modulation effects, each with adjustable speed, feedback and level

MusicRadar Verdict

A cool-sounding mix of modulation and saturation.

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Blackstar's HT range all feature a valve in the circuitry, allowing you to dial in a certain amount of saturation to the sound.

"You'll get an easy-to-dial-in range of modulations, with the bonus of added valve warmth"

There's a choice of eight modulation effects, each with adjustable speed, plus feedback and level knobs that, if not controlling feedback or level, have a function dependent on the effect, such as modulation depth for a chorus or waveform shape for a tremolo.

It also gives you the ability to change the speed from slow to fast with a second footswitch.

If you don't mind an extra power supply on your 'board, you'll get an easy-to-dial-in range of modulations, with the bonus of added valve warmth.

Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.