Blackstar Sonnet120black en
Blackstar Sonnet120black en
Blackstar Sonnet120black en
01/20
Owner’s Manual
Blackstar Amplification Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.blackstaramps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Blackstar Amplification Ltd reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
USA / Canada
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
“TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS,
DISCONNECT THE POWER-SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE”.
“WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPARATUS SHALL
NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED
WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON APPARATUS".
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Warning! Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
Important safety information! High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should
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therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product! followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.
Danger! High internal operating voltages.
Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
Clean only with a dry cloth. Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
8 90
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold
6 92
environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended
that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature. 4 95
3 97
Unauthorised modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar 2 100
Amplification Ltd.
1½ 102
Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing. 1 105
½ 110
Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
¼ or less 115
Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table. The product may
fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons! According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could
Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings. This unit must only be used in result in some hearing loss.
a well ventilated area and never switched on when it is within a poorly ventilated Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating
space, such as a bookcase. this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous
or another heat producing amplifier. exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons
exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as
Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in
in your area. operation.
Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if
damaged in any way.
Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long
periods of time.
An apparatus with Class I construction should be connected to a mains socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.
The mains plug of the power supply cord should remain readily accessible.
Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described
in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type. All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately
from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities
appointed by the government or the local authorities.
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Introduction Features
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Sonnet acoustic amplifier. Like all our The Sonnet 120 acoustic amplifier brings a simple control set with intuitive design
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products, this amp is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and to give you the pinnacle of acoustic tone.
Development by our world-class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the
Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the The preamp channels of the Sonnet 120 have been designed with your performance
development process is to provide musicians with products which are the ultimate in mind. Both channels feature a combination XLR / jack INPUT for microphone or
tools for self-expression. instrument use, PHANTOM +48V power, a PAD switch, full EQ and a dedicated
ANTI-FEEDBACK control to help suppress unwanted feedback. A PHASE switch is
All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to also included which can help feedback control or alternatively be used for correcting
ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above phase issues when using two signals from the same instrument.
all TONE.
The Sonnet 120 also features high quality digital REVERB on both channels, with
The Sonnet 120 two channel design features a simple yet intuitive control set to four reverb types and the ability to adjust the reverb tail via the REVERB TIME control
ensure you have the ultimate flexibility in shaping your acoustic tone. Please read on the top panel.
through this handbook carefully to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your
new Blackstar product. H.P. FILTER (High Pass filter) and BRILLIANCE controls provide further control over
your tone, allowing you to sculpt how your acoustic guitar is amplified.
If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com. A USB connector allows for sending a processed output into a computer for
recording purposes and balanced XLR D.I. OUTPUTS also allow the signal to be
connected to external devices for practicing, recording or live use.
Thanks! The MP3 / LINE IN jack allows you to connect your Sonnet 120 to a music device or
drum machine to play along to, or use the Bluetooth capability of the amp to make
The Blackstar Team connecting to an external device even easier.
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Front Panel 9. Anti-Feedback
Adjust this control to suppress low frequency acoustic feedback. Sweep from left
Channel 1 to right in order locate the feedback frequency. This will apply a tight filter to cut the
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1. Input 1 – Combination XLR / Jack problematic frequency. At lower volumes and when feedback is not a problem then
we recommend leaving this set at minimum.
Plug your microphone or instrument in here. The XLR input is a Lo impedance,
balanced input stage with additional gain required for microphones. The jack input 10. Phase
features a very high impedance input circuit (hi-Z). This is ideal for direct connection
This will reverse the phase of the signal within the preamp. This can be used in two
to instruments with piezo pickups. Always use good quality XLR or instrument leads.
ways. Firstly it can also help to suppress acoustic feedback. Secondly this may be
2. Phantom Power +48V useful if you are using both channels on the same instrument (for example for two
different pickups or microphone). In that case then we recommend switching the
Press this switch to apply +48V phantom power to a connected condenser PHASE on one channel and listening to which setting produces the more pleasing
microphone or alternative microphone that contains active electronic circuitry. sound.
3. Pad 11. Reverb
Press this switch to reduce the sensitivity of the input by 10dB. This should be used The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully
when a higher level signal is applied. counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase
the amount of reverb.
4. Gain
This controls the input gain of Channel 1. Turning it clockwise increases the input Channel 2
gain. The Sonnet preamps each include specially designed ‘dynamics control
processing’. At low signal levels and GAIN settings this is not applied and is therefore 12. Input 2 – Combination XLR / Jack
transparent. The higher the signal level and higher the GAIN is set, then the more Plug your microphone or instrument in here. The XLR input is a Lo impedance,
the dynamics control will come into operation. This has two advantages: Firstly it balanced input stage with additional gain required for microphones. The jack input
smooths out the peaks that can sound harsh on electronically amplified acoustic features a very high impedance input circuit (hi-Z). This is ideal for direct connection
instruments. The result is more like a nice studio recording. Secondly it allows much to instruments with piezo pickups. Always use good quality XLR or instrument leads.
higher headroom with the preamp and therefore less likely to clip. This is like having
an in-built sound engineer helping you sound your best at all times. 13. Phantom Power +48V
Press this switch to apply +48V phantom power to a connected condenser
5. Shape microphone or alternative microphone that contains active electronic circuitry.
This switches between two basic EQ shapes. In the ‘out’ position, the EQ is relatively
flat which will be a good natural sounding starting point for most instruments. The 14. Pad
‘in’ position applies a mid cut as well as some low and high boost for an alternative Press this switch to reduce the sensitivity of the input by 10dB. This should be used
sound that can help create definition and space within a mix of instruments and/or when a higher lever signal is connected.
vocals. In both settings the normal channel EQ controls can be used to further fine
tune the tone. 15. Gain
This controls the input gain of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the input
6. Low
gain. The Sonnet preamps each include specially designed ‘dynamics control
The LOW control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp processing’. At low signal levels and GAIN settings this is not applied and is therefore
has active tone shaping circuits which allow the low frequencies to be precisely transparent. The higher the signal level and higher the GAIN is set, then the more
controlled for both the desired sound and also to help control instrument resonances. the dynamics control will come into operation. This has two advantages: Firstly it
smooths out the peaks that can sound harsh on electronically amplified acoustic
7. Mid instruments. The result is more like a nice studio recording. Secondly it allows much
The MID control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle higher headroom with the preamp and therefore less likely to clip. This is like having
frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of ‘body’ your tone has. an in-built sound engineer helping you sound your best at all times.
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tune the tone. trying different Reverb levels and Reverb times to achieve the effect desired.
17. Low 25. H.P. Filter
The LOW control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp This controls a High Pass Filter. Adjust this trim pot to roll off any low-end frequencies
has active tone shaping circuits which allow the low frequencies to be precisely from your amplifier’s output. At the minimum setting the frequency filtered will be
controlled for both the desired sound and also to help control instrument resonances. below 25Hz, and at the maximum setting, the frequency filtered will be below 180Hz.
Rolling off low frequencies can help with definition in a mix with other instruments.
18. Mid
The MID control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle 26. Brilliance
frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of ‘body’ your tone has. Adjust this trim pot to apply an increase or decrease to the higher frequencies of
your amplifier’s output. At maximum settings this will result in a brighter, sharper
19. High response from your tone. At lower settings, the tone is warm and mellow.
The HIGH control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the
sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and darker in 27. Master
character. As the control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter This controls the overall volume of your amplifier. Turning it clockwise increases the
and more lively. volume.
20. Anti-Feedback 28. Power Indicator Light
Adjust this control to suppress low frequency acoustic feedback. Sweep from left The Power Indicator will light when the amplifier is switched on.
to right in order locate the feedback frequency. This will apply a tight filter to cut the
problematic frequency. At lower volumes and when feedback is not a problem then 29. Bluetooth
we recommend leaving this set at minimum.
Your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for
21. Phase wirelessly streaming your favourite music and backing tracks. Press this switch
to pair a Bluetooth device to your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier and toggle
This will reverse the phase of the signal within the preamp. This can be used in two between the modes of operation (see below). Discoverable Mode (slow LED flash)
ways. Firstly it can also help to suppress acoustic feedback. Secondly this may be To connect a Bluetooth device to your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier for the
useful if you are using both channels on the same instrument (for example for two first time you must make a ‘pairing’ between the two devices. To pair, simply press
different pickups or microphone). In that case then we recommend switching the and hold the Bluetooth switch on your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier until the
PHASE on one channel and listening to which setting produces the more pleasing Bluetooth LED displays a slow flash. In this state other Bluetooth devices are able
sound. to ‘see’ your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier (hence the term ‘Discoverable’) and
can make a request to pair.
22. Reverb
The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully Whilst the Bluetooth LED is flashing slowly, go to the Bluetooth Settings page of your
counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase Bluetooth device and look for your SONNET 120 Bluetooth amplifier in the list of
the amount of reverb. available devices. Your amplifier will be identified as ‘SONNET BT’. When ‘SONNET
BT’ appears, simply select this device and wait a few moments for the pairing to be
23. Reverb Type made. You will hear an audible tone from the amplifier to indicate that a device has
The four-way selector switch enables you to select between four Reverb types; been successfully connected.
Hall – A lush natural reverb, with the characteristics of a large hall If a pairing has not been made within the Discoverable Mode timeout window, the
Studio – Modelled around a large wooden studio with medium-length reverb time Bluetooth connectivity will switch off and will wait for user input in order to attempt a
Chamber – The shorter reverb time of a smaller room, perfect for rhythmic playing new pairing. Simply press and hold the Bluetooth switch again to enter Discoverable
Plate – Shiny and dense, voiced to emulate a vintage studio plate reverb Mode and restart the pairing process.
This will apply to both Channel 1 and Channel 2 reverb controls.
9 10
Pressing the Bluetooth switch while in Discoverable Mode will put your SONNET 120 Rear Panel
Bluetooth amplifier into Scanning Mode.
Channel 1
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Channel 2
35. Effect Loop Send
Connect to the (mono) input of an external effects unit here.
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POST (switch IN) – the full Channel 2 preamp signal of GAIN and EQ. This is taken An adjustable Boost can also be applied to either configuration via the software, if
before the REVERB, H.P. FILTER, BRILLIANCE and MASTER controls. required. The Boost level setting remains stored on the amplifier when disconnected
from the software, and will be engaged when recording via your PC, Mac or mobile
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13 14
Tilt-Back and SA-2 Stand Adaptor Technical Specification
46. Tilt-back Stand Sonnet 120
On the base of the Sonnet 120, there is a threaded stand socket with an adjustable Power: 120 Watts
tilt-back stand. Rotate the tilt-back stand anti-clockwise to adjust the desired angle
of tilt. Rotate the tilt-back stand clockwise to lower the angle of tilt, or continue Weight (kg): 11.5
rotating to return the tilt-back stand into the base of the amplifier. Dimensions (mm): 417mm (W) x 352mm (H) x 296mm (D)
47. SA-2 Stand Adaptor (Optional Purchase) Footswitch (not supplied): FS-17 latching footswitch
The optional SA-2 Stand Adaptor can also be mounted on the Sonnet 120, enabling Speakers: 2 x Custom Designed Tweeters, 1 x Custom Designed 8" Speaker
the amplifier to be placed on a speaker stand. Firstly, remove the tilt-back stand
from the threaded socket then mount the SA-2. Rotate the SA-2 clockwise until it is (Natural 120 - 4ohms)
flush against the bottom of the amplifier. To remove, rotate the SA-2 anti-clockwise.
WARNING! Ensure the SA-2 is securely mounted to the base of the Sonnet 120
before placing on a speaker stand. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary Specification
stress being placed on the threaded socket and may cause damage to the
structure of the amplifier. Channel 1
1/4" Input Impedance: >10MΩ (Bootstrapped Input)
Thermal Fuse Protection XLR Input Impedance: 600Ω (Balanced)
Sonnet 120 is designed for use with acoustic instruments with a pickup. We do Shape: + 3dB @ 120Hz
not recommend the use of instruments with a higher signal level, for example; - 7dB @ 1kHz
keyboards, distorted guitar tones, synths, etc. + 3dB @ 10kHz
Low: +/- 10dB @ 80Hz, Q=0.9
Mid: +/- 10dB @ 700Hz, Q=1
High: +/- 10dB @ 10kHz, Q=0.6
Anti-Feedback/Notch Variable, 20Hz - 320Hz
Channel 2
1/4" Input Impedance: >10MΩ (Bootstrapped Input)
XLR Input Impedance: 600Ω (Balanced)
Shape: + 3dB @ 120Hz
- 7dB @ 1kHz
+ 3dB @ 10kHz
Low: +/- 10dB @ 80Hz, Q=0.9
Mid: +/- 10dB @ 700Hz, Q=1
High: +/- 10dB @ 10kHz, Q=0.6
Anti-Feedback/Notch Variable, 20Hz - 320Hz
Global
High Pass Filter: -6dB @ 27Hz (min) - 175Hz (max)
Brilliance: +/- 6dB @ 16kHz
Line In Mini Jack TRS, 5kΩ
D.I. Outputs 3x Balanced XLR, low output impedance
15 16
Sonnet 120 Black Front Panel
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Sonnet 120
INPUT ANTI-
GAIN LOW MID HIGH FEEDBACK REVERB
Deutsch
Deutsch
PHANTOM +48V
2
Français
Français
Español
Español
CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2
MP3 / MIX D.I. XLR
EFFECTS LOOP EFFECTS LOOP F.SWITCH LINE IN OUTPUT GROUND USB AUDIO
LIFT
PRE PRE
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Japanese
MAINS INPUT
100V - 240V~50/60Hz
APPARATETS STIKPROP SKAL TILSLUTTES EN STIKKONTAKT MED JORD SOM GIVER FORBINDELSE 165 WATTS
TIL STIKPROPPENS JORD.
LAITE ON LIITETTÄVÄ SUOJAKOSKETTIMILLA VARUSTETTUUN PISTORASIAAN.
APPARATET MÅ TILKOPLES JORDET STIKKONTAKT.
APPARATEN SKALL ANSLUTAS TILL JORDAT UTTAG.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada licence-exempt
RSS standard(s).Operation is subject to the following two conditions:(1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
SONNET 120
MODEL: 153102-VA CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B) 210-135080
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Sonnet 120 Black Front Panel
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Sonnet 120
INPUT ANTI-
GAIN LOW MID HIGH FEEDBACK REVERB
Deutsch
Deutsch
PHANTOM +48V
2
Français
Français
Español
Español
Japanese
Japanese
87 88
English Deutsch Français Español Japanese
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English Deutsch Français Español Japanese