2012 Summer NAMM: Blackstar unveils their first signature amplifier – the Gus G. Black Fire 200 high gain amp.
This amp is the result of the collaboration between Gus G. and Blackstar, a follow up to the HT-Blackfire signature pedal.
Having been made for Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), we know what to expect from this Blackstar amp – tones suited for heavy metal music.
The Blackfire 200 amp is based on the design of Blackstar’s Series One 200 amp, modified and tweaked to meet the requirements of Gus G.
At the heart of the amp are four pieces of KT88 power valves, 4 ECC83 tubes and a single ECC82 tube. These tubes serve as the back bone of this 200W amplifier. These tubes are controlled by four switchable channels – Clean, Crunch, Fire and Fury. Although this is a metal amp, it does include a simple Clean channel, you can select between warm and bright modes. Crunch mode on the other hand adds a bit of distortion to your tone, and you can pick between Crunch and Super Crunch modes. Finally, the amp features the Fire and Fury overdrive channels that are voiced with the help of Gus G. Fire channel delivers high gain classic distortion sounds, while the Fury channel takes you to the outer limits of high gain, ideal for all-out metal tone and screaming leadwork.
Judging from the images, the Blackfire 200 features some minor and tasty custom cosmetics. It has a brushed aluminium front panel that feature Gus G.’s ‘Evil G’ logo, while the Blackstar logo is done on a black cast. You can also avail of matching the amp head with cosmetically matched 4×12 cabinets – the angled cabinet S1-412BlackfireA and the S1-412BlackfireB.
Blackfire 200 also comes with Blackstar’s DPR knob, which lets you adjust the get some great sounding in-between tones via rotating the knob. The amp controls include Master Volume, two ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) equipped tone control sections, Presence and Resonance controls. Finally the amplifier comes with an effects loop as well as a speaker emulated output. A MIDI switching feature also makes it compatible with MIDI controllers/
As an added bonus, each model comes with exclusive Gus G. accessories including a signed certificate, an ‘Evil G’ key ring, trading card, pick, dust cover and a Firewind CD Few Against Many.
Just like the HT-Blackfire, this amp is only set for a limited run. The Blackfire 200 amp is expected to have a US street price of $2499.99 for the head, and $1149.99 for the two types of Gus G. inspired cabinets.
For the complete details and specifications, you can head over to Blackstar Amps.
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