Blackstar Dept. 10 Amped 2 review

This expanded version of Blackstar’s feature-packed format might just be the finest pedalboard amp yet

Blackstar Dept. 10 Amped 2
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

Amped 2 is the perfect all-in-one pedalboard amp, combining quality effects with convincing tube-like tones – and the price is amazing when you look at what’s on offer.

Pros

  • +

    Clean design and intuitive layout.

  • +

    Top-quality sounds.

  • +

    Pedalboard friendly.

  • +

    Comprehensive range of inputs and outputs.

Cons

  • -

    Nothing.

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.

Blackstar seems to have a never-ending conveyor belt of new and exciting products to tempt us with, many of which, like the award-winning St. James amplifiers, fall into the ‘why didn’t we think of that?’ category. 

Blackstar’s Amped 1 was a perfect addition for pedalboard users, putting real guitar amp tones into a compact and powerful package. Now, the Amped 1 concept has been taken to its logical conclusion, with the addition of high-quality built-in effects. 

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Nick Guppy

Nick Guppy was Guitarist magazine's amp guru for over 20 years. He built his first valve amplifier at the age of 12 and bought, sold and restored many more, with a particular interest in Vox, Selmer, Orange and tweed-era Fenders, alongside Riveras and Mark Series Boogies. When wielding a guitar instead of soldering iron, he enjoyed a diverse musical career playing all over the UK, including occasional stints with theatre groups, orchestras and big bands as well as power trios and tributes. He passed away suddenly in April 2024, leaving a legacy of amplifier wisdom behind him.