The Blackstar HT-Reverb is a reverb pedal from the British amp maker's HT effects range, which MusicRadar described as bringing "tank-like construction and organic valve-powered tones to the effects world"1. Where most reverb pedals are purely digital, the HT-Reverb puts an ECC83 valve in the signal path, and that valve is what sets it apart from the crowd of reverb pedals on the market.
What it does
The pedal offers eight different reverbs, ranging from the usual plate and spring effects to different room types, and on to reverse and gate reverbs1. That covers the standard studio-style spaces most players reach for, plus the more specialised settings: reverse reverb sweeps a swell in front of the note, while gate reverb gives the abrupt, truncated decay associated with eighties production.
The Tone and Level controls perform as expected, shaping the character of the reverb and its overall level in the mix1.
The valve
The ECC83 valve peeking through the metal grille is, in MusicRadar's words, "Blackstar's not-so-secret weapon"1. Because part of the signal passes through the valve, the pedal's reverb carries what the reviewer described as "an analogue warmth and realism, which, to our ears, introduces a subtle harmonic quality that really helps combat digital sterility"1. For players who find digital reverbs harsh or brittle at high settings, that harmonic quality is the practical difference the valve makes.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review team came away impressed by the build and the tone, with a caveat on price1:
"It's expensive, but if you want the perfect atmosphere and decay to your guitar tone, give the HT-Reverb a test drive."
Their overall verdict was that the pedal is beautifully made, with analog-warm tones, and worth a test drive for its atmosphere and decay despite the cost1.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Premier Guitar
Blackstar Amplification
Sources (1)
- Blackstar HT-Reverb review, MusicRadar, 2012-03-26