Designed for guitarists seeking a powerful yet portable valve amplifier, the Blackstar St. James delivers exceptional tone in a compact 50 Watt head. Combining innovative technology with premium craftsmanship, it’s the ultimate amp for studio, stage, or home use.

Main Features

• Built-in Inductive Load
  Drive the valves without a speaker connected thanks to the integrated reactive load. This simulates the electrical response of a real loudspeaker, enabling authentic valve power-amp tones without the need for expensive additional equipment.

• Dynamic Power Reduction
  Easily switch between 50 Watts for maximum clean headroom, 5 Watts for smaller gigs or recording, and Sag mode which adds vintage-style amp compression and a softer touch.

• Universal Power Supply
  Lightweight and compatible worldwide with input voltages from 90V to 264V at 50/60Hz, ideal for touring guitarists.

• Lightweight, Durable Cabinet
  Crafted from candlenut plywood, the cab offers strength, roadworthiness, and excellent acoustic qualities without added weight.

• Striking Boutique Design
  Features an illuminated logo inspired by Blackstar’s Artisan series for an elegant, premium finish.

• Advanced Cab Rig DSP Speaker Simulator
  The next-generation speaker simulation accurately replicates a mic’d guitar cabinet and room ambience with near-zero latency and no phase mismatch. Perfect for direct recording via USB, XLR output, or headphone monitoring.

• Professional Connectivity
  Includes USB audio interface for direct recording and an XLR DI output for high-quality live sound. Both employ the built-in inductive load and Cab Rig speaker simulation for rich, authentic tones.

Specifications

• Power: 50W / 5W / Sag power reduction
• Valves: 2 x ECC83 (preamp), 2 x EL34 (power amp)
• Channels: 2 footswitchable channels with Channel II Boost (‘top boost’)
• Effects: Digital reverb, effects loop with effects level switch
• Outputs: USB audio, XLR DI output
• Weight: 6 kg (13.2 lbs)
• Included: Footcontroller

Elevate your playing with the Blackstar St. James 50 EL34 valve head — delivering boutique sound, ultimate portability, and pro features in one sleek package.

Frequently Asked Questions ➤ What is the purpose of the built-in inductive load?
The built-in inductive load allows you to run the amplifier valves without needing a connected speaker, simulating the electrical characteristics of a speaker to preserve authentic valve tone during silent practice or recording.
➤ How does the Dynamic Power Reduction work?
This feature lets you switch power output from full 50 Watts down to 5 Watts or Sag mode. The lower power settings are ideal for quieter environments or producing natural overdrive and vintage-style compression.
➤ Can I use this amplifier internationally?
Yes, the universal power supply supports voltages from 90V to 264V at 50/60Hz, making it suitable for use anywhere in the world.
➤ What is the Cab Rig speaker simulation?
Cab Rig is Blackstar’s advanced digital speaker simulator that recreates the sound and feel of a mic’d guitar cabinet and room space, with very low latency and zero phase mismatch, for superior direct recording or headphone use.
➤ Does the amplifier come with a footswitch?
Yes, a footcontroller is included which allows easy channel switching and activation of Channel II Boost.

Outside the UK?

Please note that shipping costs outside the UK are very approximate and can vary radically. Please contact us with your Country and Post/Zip Code for an accurate quote. Many thanks. Please also note if you are outside the UK we will not charge you tax on your purchase but you may be liable for import duty in your country.

Please also note that all our stock is sold for the UK market. If you are buying from outside the UK, please check that it is suitable for use in your country before purchase.