Blackstar Studio 10 Valve Combos - EL34 vs 6L6 Tone Comparison

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In this video, Sam is joined by Steve Marks from Blackstar Amplification to run through the features of the new Studio 10 combos and take a listen to the differences between the EL34 and 6L6 models. Check out each model here:
Studio 10 EL-34: www.pmtonline.co.uk/blackstar...
Studio 10 6L6: www.pmtonline.co.uk/blackstar...
Studio 10 KT-88: www.pmtonline.co.uk/blackstar...
The Studio 10 range of guitar amplifiers from Blackstar offers three different models, each with distinctive tonal characteristics. They're all single ended, class-A valve combos utilising a single ECC-83 pre-amp tube and a Celestion 12" Seventy-80 driver, but the difference comes in the valves used for the power amp stage.
An EL34 model offers a more British sounding tone, a little darker and more compressed and mid-focused, whereas the 6L6 model has more of an American sound to it with it's sparkling, glassy cleans. The KT-88 model is slightly different, as it features Blackstar's unique ISF tone pot, which allows you to blend either a more British or American tone.
Very simple to use, with just controls for gain, tone, reverb and master, these 10w amps allow for great tones at lower levels, either at home or in the studio, but they're also loud enough for small gigs and rehearsals. Each amp features a boost or drive switch, each with an individual circuit tailored to best suit the output valves that are being used, and a great sounding digital reverb offers a lovely emulation of a boutique spring reverb.
There's options to connect an additional speaker cabinet(s), a series effects loop, foot switch connector to engage the boost and reverb and a post-master volume emulated headphones/line out, great for silent practice or for connecting to a PA.
Take a quick listen to the differences between the EL34 and 6L6 models here with PMTVUK, and try one out for yourself at your local Professional Music Technology...
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Опубликовано:

13 янв 2019

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Комментарии : 156

@edwindantes539 4 года назад

The older I get, my tastes have certainly changed, I'm veering towards the 6L6's in my old age. Always loved the British sound, however, my palate has changed.

@markkosa1 3 года назад

I played all three and bought the EL34 for chime and richness on the clean side, JCM 800 crunch with OD button in...like two wonderful amps in one! Replaced the speaker with Celestion V Type and Tung sol tubes. Was great before, amazing now...

@mr.lietome3456 4 года назад

Wow the 6L6 sounded killer almost sounded like it had a treble booster compared to the EL34 Nice comparison

@vinnyfree3149 5 лет назад

Sounds great! Ordering the 6L6 version right now. Can't wait! I'll have a review up in a few days.

@josejuarez8227 5 лет назад

6L6 sounds the best for clean sounds; however, the 6L6 distortion has too harsh of a mid scoop. It will be washed out when mixed with the other instruments. The EL34's distortion will cut through the mix, but the clean is a little nasal. In the end, I think I'm going for both. 6L6 for clean, EL34 for distortion.

@gilh3947 5 лет назад

Hook them together :-) That's what i'm planning

@TheTruth70777 3 года назад

6l6 and get a GE7

@TradBowBruce 2 года назад

My thoughts exactly!!!

@andrewkang6937 4 года назад

I love them both! As another commenter pointed out, these would sound great in a stereo setting. The 6L6 would serve as a great clean tone and the EL34 would be the ideal lead/dirty tone.

@brunojacq5473 5 лет назад

The full overdriven tone of the 6L6 on the Chanel 1 is beautifull !

@vypyrr 5 лет назад

pure sweet , both of these are just sweet.

@blackmirror5559 3 года назад

. Superb comparison setup and demo .

@markuslautkoski3464 3 года назад

Did not expect it, but I kind of preferred EL34 for cleans, 6L6 cleans sounded a bit too sharp for me. Actually preferred 6L6 for most overdriven sounds, more dynamic, and focused, but actually sounded "further away", EL34 was more present but also muddier and less focused in away if that makes any sense.

@Quinkermarine 5 лет назад

Great demo. Cool amps, I'm split both ways, 6L6 for cleans and mids... EL34 for super crunch, less tinny sounding to me.

@jimmyperullo947 5 лет назад

Couldn't agree more. Which makes me very torn. The first few demos I much preferred the 6L6 the last few I much preferred the EL34

@JV-rx3ov 5 лет назад

I've always thought that the mid-tier and down from Blackstar were trash. However, this new commitment to producing better quality amps from top to bottom shows here. I got to play all 3 side by side by side & I was pretty impressed. I didn't think there would be much difference between the EL-34 & the KT-88 but the way that the preamp is structured makes each sound unique. I could see having all 3 in my studio as, at $550, they're not very expensive at all(Fender Blues Jr range). Well done, Blackstar.

@doscheid 5 лет назад

Both sound great. I feel like the EL34 sounds dry. But a good way. A kind of "in your face" sound. While the 6L6 sounds bigger. Like the sound coming from a large cabinet going through a good P.A. in a big concert. I usually lean towards 6L6. But I would be very happy with the EL34 aswell.

@brianvankley3529 3 года назад

Both? Can I say both? Hands down, the absolute best comparison video I’ve found between these two. 🙏

@rickk1235 4 года назад

To me but the 6L6 sounds much fuller on the clean channel so I prefer that. I almost like the EL34 better on the crunch setting if it were just a touch less harsh. Nice video, thanks for posting.

@alexmurphy5289 3 года назад

Late to the game but I own the series one 10 watt version and it’s absolutely incredible. I put a creamback in it so it’s basically a really angry jcm800. I love blackstar

@Twirlyhead Год назад

They both do what they should. Which one you prefer depends on whether you want the EL34 sound or the 6L6 sound.

@greaseweekly201 3 года назад

I thought they both sounded great. I would use the EL34 amp in a live setting and the 6L6 in the studio. I think the 6L6s’ sounded a little more dynamic and responsive to how the guitar was played, whereas the EL34s put their heavy rock/blues stamp all over tone.

@Joe-ti6jx Год назад

Where as I'm moving from the 6L6 "American Clean" sound to British voice because of the tighter sound (less bass, smoother highs, & yes, less open). & I've been only Fender BlackFace clean for decades. Hey! It's all subjective.

@stevesolo16 5 лет назад

I got the opportunity to play the el34 in a prolonged hospital stay so I am partial to that amp. I wish I had the money to buy one new. I play the blues and want that "warmth." I will be running it through my fathers old Les Paul with Seth Lover humbuckers. But Damn, the 6l6 sounds amazing. Now I need to hear the KT88.

@thomasmozelt585 4 года назад

i love the 6l6 for metaltones!

@pinkiewerewolf 2 года назад

One of each! I have the 6L6 and it is a great lil amp. I think I need the EL34 to give me the best of both worlds.

@johnsimms3957 5 лет назад

Nice comparison. The EL34 version had more beef and therefore sounded better to me.

@k9er233 Год назад

That 6L6 with the boost on and the neck pickup sounds wicked!

@MrJazzedBlues 5 лет назад

6L6 my favorite ;)

@mattgilbert7347 4 года назад

In a market saturated ('scuse the pun) with EL84-based small, lower-wattage valve combos, these are a refreshing change. One of each for wet/dry or stereo - perfect. Be nice if you could turn the cab emulation off so you could use an IR loader or one of the newer proprietary algorithmic units like a Neunaber Iconoclast or GFI CabZeus.

@62dcoutlaw 5 лет назад

I prefer the EL34. Each of us has our sound needs, wants and desires. Appearance, 6L6 hands down!

@naverosport 5 лет назад

Just a thought What kind of sound will these produce if hooked up with bass cabinet and played bass instead?

@hanselmers 2 года назад

They're very nice amps and very pedalfriendly. Got all 3 of them. Prefer the 6L6. The KT88 has a fine clean/crunch, but the overdrive channel is more metal and in comp with the clean channel WAY too loud, so only possible use for that is in the studio (where it works fine). The 6L6 has a little more trouble to cut through the mix in a live situation but a Deeflexx solves that problem. The EL34 has okay cleans and a decent overdrive channel, but really lacks bass ... ... So 1= 6L6, 2=KT88 and 3=EL34 for me. Well that's my opinion for what it's worth .. ;-) ...

@jacobbockover1628 3 года назад

I now own the studio 10 kt88. It was a bit damaged in shipping recently since its press board but its worth having fixed

@Selvinop94 4 года назад

I think I found my stereo amp rig

@CarlitoM77 3 года назад

🤔

@redv0id 5 лет назад

I love my Fender guitars and basses, but because I tend to like a darker British Marshall sound, over a brighter American Fender sound on amps, and tend towards crunch and high gain, unsurprisingly I preferred the el34 to the 6l6, echoing the comments about the high end being too icepick on the 6l6, especially with more gain

@rveurope 5 лет назад

Love them got the artist Ae 10... Great sounding amp..strats and vintage Lps sound killer..P90 as well..you can use the crunch or distorted channel for lead..the guitar pots really matter on this amp..1 pre setting fits all..a tube screamer and a compressor up front a delay and quality reverb on the fx..ready you are..I need a volume pedal than this is the perfect amp..it sounds so much bettee than the Ht5 r which I use as a stereo second amp now..ideal!.. I need to try the other two..

@CountCarbsNotCals 5 лет назад

Well i came here sold on the EL34 but 6L6 sounds better to me. Tough choice.

@robertnunn497 5 лет назад

I like the EL34's. Although I have both, I think I'll be selling the 6L6 version

@michaelmcclain3399 3 года назад

I’ve had the AE 10 for about a year and bought the EL 84 version about a week ago. I like it better, as the bass is not as overwhelming. But both are fantastic amps. I’m up in the air over selling the AE10 6L6.

@theblytonian3906 2 года назад

Gorgeous amps both. One of each please. But seriously, if I had to choose one Studio 10, it'd be the 6L6. Love that spank and breakup! Just as well, because I have its x2 6L6 sibling Artist Series 30 Blonde. Sounds even better than it looks! Have to make do with my ID Series 260TVP for EL34 emulation, but I won't moan or feel hard done by because it's hardly shabby. In point of fact, I'm seriously in love that amp!

@jacobbockover1628 4 года назад

I like that mid heavy sound. I'm pretty curious about the kt88 version. In the late 80s it seemed kt88s were gonna disappear but they're in a few amps regain

@alexmurphy5289 3 года назад

Jacob, check out the kt88 version! Its legit

@richardm5540 3 года назад

A toss up for my tastes. I prefer the el34s Mom trad British than the 6L6

@spacepodi 5 лет назад

Maybe single coils and a clean setting would be good for a 2nd video on these when the other (kt66) is revealed.

@Lowtech14 5 лет назад

I like the saturated messier gain of 6l6 blond one, if you like clarity, the el34 black one would be better methinks.

@markjones2349 2 года назад

This is way more dramatic than preamp tubes for sure. My Bugera 333XL has been sitting unplayed for a year or two now and now I'm considering swapping to 6L6 tubes. Very nice tonal change for my music tastes. More versatile of a sound I think. Doesn't have such a big tonal alteration.

@smartass6071 4 года назад

Well shit! Each sounded great depending on the preset used. I liked both depending on dirty vs clean tone. The 34's sounded great on some tones and the 6l6 sounded great on others.

@dicecreamman1739 2 года назад

I like the 6L6. It matches the decor in my house.

@giulioluzzardi7632 2 года назад

Both, at the same time in stereo raised on 2 beer crates....and a wah pedal through the el34 with reverb on the 6L6 and none on 34. Both are cool. Be great if one were able to swap power tubes with a sort of "snap-on" socket /biasy gizmo box thingy so you could choose the valves you want whenever you wanted??

@markbarrett8180 2 года назад

I'm opting for the 34s - the warmer sound is more flexible. Plus the dark can won't show the dirt lol

@tomsmith7225 5 лет назад

Need to hear them with distortion pedals

@mitchcross6271 3 года назад

Does it seem like the EL34 has a little more headroom on the non-boost channel than the 6L6? I feel like I prefer the EL34 for rhythm/chords but the 6L6 for leads. Regardless though they both sound amazing!

@Sparky6string 4 года назад

Reverb was not on for the EL34 side which made the 6L6 sound more 3d. I wonder what these would sound like with vintage power tubes. I have a mess of RCA 6L6GCs and this amp could give me a use for them.

@jumpsteady1777 3 года назад

I like 6L6 because I think it's easier to emulate el34 with them than the other way around. Meaning I think it's easier to EQ out some high end and adjust the mids/ISF to get 6L6 tubes to take on an el34 vibe. Don't know if you can take el34s and just ADD the extra notable high end (and the deep bass response is harder to create out of nowhere) Though I've used these amps and they aren't exactly EQ intensive with options. Cool little amps though if you want a tube that isn't going to play a concert for the neighbors.

@markkosa1 3 года назад

Watch the Dawsons demo on the el34 model before you decide.

@bmann792 2 года назад

not sure why on the clean the black one said reverb up half and there was none but on the el34 you could clearly hear the verb

@gypsysteve3576 2 года назад

Sounded like the 6L6 'settings' mayve had a touch more reverb? Am i wrong, or is it just that the 6L6's make it more noticable? (Check the 1st clean example). I really love the 6L6/6V6 sound in every example, and was mostly replaying the 1st clean sample. But i lean toward that fender black face kind of sound. I love the glassy sparkle. Yet love it Rocked too. Back in the 80s when our cars had 5 band graphic EQs (which many of us added to our Tape decks), ide always raise the Bass over half way (for a little extra BOOM), lower the mids just under half way (as it sounded a bit "too much", maybe nasally?, if i didnt), and raise the treble quite high (for clarity of sound). Is dropping the cars EQ mids slightly under half equatable to whats called "Scooped Mids"? The 6L6 just seemed to have Waaaay more tonal character to me. I guess (to me) the EL34/EL84 seems Marshall-like, which i like, but its a 'One-Trick-Pony'. Wheras the 6L6 seems more Black Face Fender-like, with so much more scope for various flavours & styles, yet can still Rock Hard!

@bimwopbarn47 2 года назад

the el34 is more well behaved and smooth sounding and I really wanted to prefer it but the 6l6 shimmer just plain sounded amazing. totally hooked on that - it seemed to add more excitement to every riff. I also think Steve, that you liked the 6l6 better and although subtle, you played better through it. it might be nice to have both - I'm not technical so don't laugh at me if this is ridiculous -- would it be possible to get 1 amp with both tubes and a switch to select between them?

@koonsickgreen6272 3 года назад

Marshall vs. Fender hot rod deville... I prefer the cleans with 6l6, like the higher gain settings on the 34s. I didn't know there would be this distinct a difference.

@BSPotter 2 года назад

it seems like there might be more difference between the two circuits than just the power tube.

@kyleboren7372 4 года назад

I like the 6l6s for heavy chuggy rythm and el34s for fast leads/solos...what sucks is I play both and only have 1 amp...

@FernandoRodriguez-if5xo 5 лет назад

EL34 here, all the way!

@gigmandrew8975 11 месяцев назад

The reverb seem to be more prominent in the 6 l 6 amp

@stephenjmalloy 5 лет назад

I am planning on purchasing the EL34 version but will upgrade the speaker to an Alnico Blue... the Seventy 80 is cost effective for this price point but I don’t care for it at all

@PlaneTShakeRo 5 лет назад

I was also thinking to upgrade to an alnico blue. To me, its the best sounding guitar speaker out there

@ATreeForFive 5 лет назад

I don't think you can throw a Blue into this thing. Not enough space for that bell, even a G12M would be a tight fit. The grill is too close to the speaker from the pics i saw on some websites

@pastorkev777 5 лет назад

Try the Panama BFB it sound very similar to the blue. It's a neo speaker.

@renetvedtpedersen5048 5 лет назад

Are there any difference from these to the anniversary editions that was released in 2017? Artisan 10 had EL34s and Artist 10 had 6l6s. Liked best the 6l6, but you can’t use 6l6 for everything can you so both would be the best alternative :)

@alans1313 5 лет назад

i just bought the el34 artisan anniversary,,as they are running them out to bring these in,,,at a very reduced price,in Australia,,,down from $930ish to $650,,,,,fantastic value,,the rep told me they were selling well and they couldn't release any more anniversary one as they are limited edition,,,so viola ...rename and change the look and you have a studio 10,,,i have had mine a week and i am thrilled with it,,,they both sound fab,,,,,the anniversary are a steal at the moment while they last,,,the price will more than likley go back to the pre sale price me thinks,,,,cheers all

@gregmican 5 лет назад

Same amps, just some cosmetic changes.

@guitarocd9984 5 лет назад

They reduce the price and still make a profit. So why is the price so high to begin with. LOL

@guitarocd9984 5 лет назад

Don't get me wrong I love the idea of these amps. But it probably cost them $35 a piece to get them made in China.

@Danazawa 5 лет назад

Sam was brilliant in the Inbetweeners!

@guitarocd9984 5 лет назад

If they were still being built in Korea I would buy one tomorrow. Blackstar lost me when they moved to China. But I definitely want one of these. LOL

@macmusica 4 года назад

I do think they have other differences else they would not sell them! The KT-88 does already have a different speaker by spec!

@Mexxx65 2 года назад

Can you plug 6L^ tubes into the valve sockets in the EL34 Amp? They both have the same pre-amp valve.

@MS-ou2kb 3 месяца назад

Dont do this! Yourpower amp will break! 😮

@digipeet2866 6 месяцев назад

hi what is the difference with the ht20??

@DarrenWaters75 3 года назад

i love EL34s

@shanobi1kanobi 3 года назад

just got into guitar a year ago and have always seen videos of people mixing and pairing different 12 inch speakers inside of cabinets. how could this work for amp heads with tubes and get the best of both worlds I dont know how any of it works I just like to play. could that work tho. thoughts anyone?

@stevescuba1978 2 года назад

Yes, this could work. You do get into some technicalities however. For example, two 8 ohm speakers in parallel put an 4 ohm load on your amp. Two 8 ohm speakers in series puts a 16 ohm load on your amp. You would need to select appropriate speaker combinations and match them to your amp. Running too few ohms as a load could overdrive your amp in a very bad way!

@SergeiVlassov 5 лет назад

EL-34 for me

@fab.silva1119 4 года назад

6L6!

@TheOlesb Год назад

Reverb is oddly much more noticeable on the 6L6, despite the settings seem similar

@paulcowart3174 2 года назад

Think I prefer the el34 for the Marshall platform which Black star most surely is

@billtice5057 3 года назад

EL34 is the one!

@Drinkyoghurt 5 лет назад

I made the mistake of buying a vintage 70s single-ended EL84 10W combo. As a beginner, I thought 10W would be ok for playing at home. Big mistake. This thing has really beautiful clean tones and amazing overdriven sound, but if I would crank it to those volumes my whole block would hate me. These things get loud. I also have a Vox Valvetronix, doesn't come close sound quality wise but at least you can play with overdrive without having the cops called on you.

@sebastianko6739 5 лет назад

Which one did you buy if I may ask? Sounds like a VOX AC10 going by your description

@johnjohn7170 5 лет назад

A lot of you guys complain or get rid of your tube amps because they are too loud. Have you never heard of an attenuator? you can crank the amp way up for the great sound and tone and the attenuator keeps it at bedroom level.

@sebastianko6739 5 лет назад

@@johnjohn7170 Yeah and high headroom amps sound beautifully, but not everybody can afford a great sounding tube amp plus n attenuator that doesn't kill the tone

@einfussganger 4 года назад

These amps have an FX loop. Get a $45 JHS volume control. You’re welcome!

@stevescuba1978 2 года назад

I got a VHT special 6 ultra, and it has a half-power switch, a wattage attenuator, an ultra gain channel, and a boosted clean channel with footswitch. I can go from nearly whisper quiet to "piss off the neighbors" quite well. Also, I run a boss ME-70 in front, which has a volume pedal.

@DiosDragon1111 2 года назад

🙏

@anup_pinkfloydian 2 года назад

Does the 6L6 take pedals well?

@edwinpringle7342 5 лет назад

El34's all the way, much smoother sounding. 6L6's are too ice picky if you know what I mean.

@teleplucker6802 3 года назад

Sounds like a Johnny Hiland lick at 6:30. :-)

@chickenbites8877 2 года назад

Are the circuits the same though?

@ricks1954 5 лет назад

Emulated out very naisley

@MrTPF1 5 лет назад

I like them both, but if I could only pick one, it would the EL34 one.

@davidcaro8217 5 лет назад

Same here, pal. My ears were not too happy with the lack of detail in the mids from the 6L6 amp.

@LeviBulger 5 лет назад

Kt88 even better

@bradt.3555 5 лет назад

Yep, converting my Jet City/Soldano 50 watter to el34. Much more of the classic British tone. 6l6 with gain sounds to bassy n fizzy, the el34 has that mid scream. I got a 20 watt version with el84's which i kinda prefer over my 50 with 6l6's. 2 screen resistors, 2 tubes and re-bias!

@tjnugent62 5 лет назад

You may want to try 5881's. They are just like EL34's but very even eq and very musical sounding. Very smooth with a very balance EL34 like tone. I put 5881's in my Blackstar Artist 15 and there is no looking back. I experimented with lots of different power tubes when I had a VHT Special 6 Ultra. It would take any tube you could stick in it. It had a voltage switch to switch between 6V6 and 6L6 and EL34's. I got one of those tube pin adapters and put EL84's in it as well. This is how I learned about the 5881 and how good they sound.

@bradt.3555 5 лет назад

@@tjnugent62 I have considered them, Mike uses them stock in his amps.Tho he uses sovteks which have no problem with voltage. Most tubes will handle way over on voltage as long as current isn't exceded. But it still is basicly a 6l6gb. I have a good set of JJ el34's so (2) resistors is all I buy.Your the first person I've actually gotten feedback on how they compare tonewise to the 34's. Thank's.

@tjnugent62 5 лет назад

@@bradt.3555 I had my amp tech swap out the speaker and put the 5881's in as well as rebias the amp. He was surprised as well. He had very little experience with them and enjoyed the learning experience. Glad I could share That's what it is all about.

@TheAlpineProject 4 года назад

@@tjnugent62 I just got an Artist 15. I didn't realize you could swap to el34's and such with them. I knew you could do 5881's but that's it. Which different types of tube work in these, and is re-biasing all that's needed?

@tjnugent62 4 года назад

@@TheAlpineProject I am no electrical expert as to why, but 6L6, EL34, and 5881's are interchangeable, but you must have your amp rebiased when you change any power tubes in the Artist 15. I learned all about this from the VHT Special 6. It had a voltage switch and you could change any kind of tube that would fit without rebiasing. It was cool to experiment by popping out one tube and putting in another. So, the answer to your question is as I stated. You must have your amp biased by a pro to swap on our amp. BTW, I love the Artist 15 for smaller gigs it is perfect.

@johnjohn7170 5 лет назад

I want both under 1 hood.

@sooparticular 5 лет назад

dream onnnnn

@onionheadguy7094 3 года назад

couldnt they please just give us three eq knobs!? I love the 6l6 but I play weird ambient pedal music AND metal stuff and I'm worried that a one knob eq will be something that i can't remedy with preamp pedals or eq pedals :('''

@FoiMal123 3 года назад

One thing I could take away from this video is that: single coils - 6l6, humbuckers - el34.

@mikec6733 3 года назад

Could somebody just replace the tubes to turn one into the other?

@jaym4958 5 лет назад

Something is wrong if you need to decide what app to buy based on the power valve is there enough things that can affect it besides the tube this is getting kind of stupid now couple of tweaks and you wouldn't know if it's a 6 l 6 el34 or tomahawk f-14 you wouldn't know