I had some issues with my U500. I also purchased the FS-12 foot switch to go with it. First I sent the amp back because it was behaving intermittently with the foot switch. Then I sent the footswitch back because we discovered that was the actual problem. Supremely satisfied with Sweetwater as they worked with me through all of this without any hassle whatsoever.
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Blackstar Amplification Club
- Thread starter Daniel Piper
- Start date
Sorry the U500 didn't work out for you. Same result with another TB member. I've had my U250 for a few months now - I've cranked it up many times with the bandmates, and gets rave reviews. I just use the footswitch that comes with the amp, and have had no issues with it. The only two things I'd change on this amp now that I've had it a while, is a different material/screen for the front. It's a bit loose and especially with the 15 inch speaker really cranked up, it tends to move rather noticeably. The other item I'd change is adjustments for the chorus and octaver need to on the amp panel - not the back of the amp. Neither of these are deal killers for me as I only use the chorus sparingly (set level and use footswitch) and I don't gig out much anymore - more of a hobby now - jamming with old band mates, family, etc. All in all, I've VERY pleased with this amp!
I know Daniel Piper is still loving his!
You bet baby! I have been stuck in a money holding pattern though for what seems like 6 months- where one week I feel like I’m within striking distance of ordering the extension cab, then the next week I’m back to square one.
Frustrating.
Just curious Dan - now that you've been using your U500 for quite a while now, is there anything you'd change about it? What do you like best about the amp and what is your least favorite feature?
Favourite features- the preamp and power amp voicing options.
These combos are voiced in a full and fat way- with great cut and bite if you want. I think they sound magnificent.
Least favourite- octaver
I really like the chorus!
But really I am a little bit of a pedal guy- so onboard effects aren’t too useful for me- so maybe I would change that- but in the other hand, when I’ve been too lazy to take my pedalboard- the onboard effects have served me well...
I love the grille cloth
Bro - where we at with your rig? Turned up? Thoughts?
I'm awaiting a payment to clear so I can order my 250 extension this week!
Woo! Yeah bro, rigs shown up, I've put some $$ down on it, ordering my Hot-covers tonight (there was a cock up in shipping costs apparently) so as soon as they arrive I'll go settle the bill. Jam pad is over in the Wairarapa, so wanna have covers before I start to hit the road with them. Super tempted to go grab, as in the meantime i'm getting a serious case of GAS. lol
Does anyone have any insights on the 250 vs the 500?
From what I can tell, people are saying the 250 might have a slightly warmer sound, but I haven't seen them compared much (something that isn't really possible around here). As far as volume goes, in my experience, 250 vs 500 watts can often end up being only a few dB, so it'd be great to hear if people found it exceptionally noticable?
I do play a few things that require clean tight high notes, so I was thinking I might be better off with 10s running the extra watts, to help offset the lack of tweeter, but any input would rule.
As best I can tell, the features are identical between the two: same effects compression, outputs, etc. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
I don't plan on extending with the powered 115 ever, so I'd be looking exclusively at what this combo could provide.
thanks guys!
oh, btw, I've got one of their little ten watt knock-around guitar amps for out on the back patio by the fire pit. Does that qualify me for club entry?
From what I can tell, people are saying the 250 might have a slightly warmer sound, but I haven't seen them compared much (something that isn't really possible around here). As far as volume goes, in my experience, 250 vs 500 watts can often end up being only a few dB, so it'd be great to hear if people found it exceptionally noticable?
I do play a few things that require clean tight high notes, so I was thinking I might be better off with 10s running the extra watts, to help offset the lack of tweeter, but any input would rule.
As best I can tell, the features are identical between the two: same effects compression, outputs, etc. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
I don't plan on extending with the powered 115 ever, so I'd be looking exclusively at what this combo could provide.
thanks guys!
oh, btw, I've got one of their little ten watt knock-around guitar amps for out on the back patio by the fire pit. Does that qualify me for club entry?
I have just ordered my 250/15 extension cab - so I will be able to comment on the unity 10s vs 15s within the week! Woop.
I've got the U250 and have no problem getting a very clean and bright sound with high notes. I've had numerous combos, cabs over the years that had tweeters, so I was a bit apprehensive as well. The difference between running 250 vs 500 watts is not as much as you'd think - volume increases with moving more air. If you need to be really loud and have no desire to add an extension cab, I'd say go U500. If just and good and loud suits you and in a package a bit lighter, then go with the U250. Both have the same array of eq, features and effects.
Had mine several months now and still loving it!
I've got the U250 and have no problem getting a very clean and bright sound with high notes. I've had numerous combos, cabs over the years that had tweeters, so I was a bit apprehensive as well. The difference between running 250 vs 500 watts is not as much as you'd think - volume increases with moving more air. If you need to be really loud and have no desire to add an extension cab, I'd say go U500. If just and good and loud suits you and in a package a bit lighter, then go with the U250. Both have the same array of eq, features and effects.
Had mine several months now and still loving it!
yeah my 800 is real similar to my 450 volume wise. You like the amount headroom? No breakup past like 2:00 or 3:00 on the master?
I don't need tons of volume, since I'll switch to my stack if I need to go big, but I didn't want to end up limited for the sake of 100 bucks and <10 lbs. But, if you like the highs, the fifteen is much more appealing than before.
Loudest I've run it is gain about 2:00 and master at 3 - no break up and could tell it could easily handle more - just was insanely loud and didn't need anymore! But everything is subjective - ultimately, you'll have a sound you want to achieve. The versatility of this amp helps you find it.
That's the hope. I can't wait for Daniels:rig to come in so he can give me some straight up one to one comparison.
I can’t wait either!
I’m going to handle the comparison thusly:
Use my darkglass vintage deluxe into the effects return of each cab, bypassing the preamp of the first combo.
I’ll be looking for: volume/headroom, depth and control of the lower freqs, where the natural midrange voice of each cab sits, and their respective high ends.
Tell us about your fire pit amp!
That's perfect. I couldn't ask for a better heads up.
There's nothing too special about the fire pit amp. I ran some 120 out back to the fire pit at my place so I could play (guitar) out there. It did end up looking sort of cool though. Since I wanted to leave it in place occassionally, and not have it get soaked or stolen, I decided to make an enclosure it fits in that looks like an old school snoopy from peanuts style dog house. I'll try to remember to grab pics when I'm out there tonight. What's important is, since I wanted some sound options without spending a fortune or dragging pedals out there, I went with one of the blackstar ID series. It is a guitar amp though, so I may just have to wait for my unity to get here for true club membership. I've already decided it's a go, now I just have to pick which one.
There is a chance that the covers I ordered from EUROPE will turn up before the AMP I ordered from a city 150 miles away.
I ordered the covers the day after the amp.
Gotta love waiting for gear to arrive...
I ordered the covers the day after the amp.
Gotta love waiting for gear to arrive...
I had something similar happen with a custom bag cover. It took so long to arrive that the event I had purchased it for had passed. Still appreciate the updates. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
