Blackstar Dept. 10 Amped 1 review

Blackstar gets serious about scaling down with a pedalboard amp that has all the mod cons

Blackstar Dept. 10 Amped 1
(Image: © Future / Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

A comprehensive set of features and superlative performance makes Blackstar's pedalboard amp solution a triumph.

Pros

  • +

    Serious sounds.

  • +

    Compact.

  • +

    Versatile.

  • +

    Dual high-current 9V power outputs for running other pedals.

Cons

  • -

    Can only change reverb via the app.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Who says an amp can’t be on your pedalboard? It’s now a totally viable option, cab permitting, and what’s especially interesting is watching amp companies acknowledge this demand for flexibility alongside their more traditional guitar amp lines. 

With the Amped 1, Blackstar are joining fellow Brits Victory in that widening of appeal, but unlike that company’s V4 Duchess, Copper and Kraken, this 100-watt pedal unit does not feature tubes. It does, however, cover a lot of needs for an amp.

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