Ampton designs are more than just static profiles, they are the result of meticulous design, testing and optimisation – component by component, sector by sector. Starting with Blackstar founder Bruce Keir’s original digital models of our legendary Series One valve amplifiers, every element has been refined over decades. This dedication extends to the tiniest tonal interactions, from cathode follower behaviour to the modelling of preamp DC offsets, ensuring unmatched realism, tone and feel.

Another unique aspect of the Ampton designs are the completely accurate tone-stack models. These retain the exact interactivity between controls as the valve amp references, to deliver musicality and interactivity that a mere “capture” snapshot cannot.

The power amplifier models go beyond traditional emulation, recreating the true interplay between valves, output transformers and speakers. Unlike standard IRs, which rely on mic’d cabinet captures, Ampton delivers an authentic “in the room” experience – the sound and response of an amp moving air right in front of you.

Our method blends deep analysis and literally hundreds of hours of critical listening. AB sonic tests are matched with precise electrical analysis, while the design team use their decades of voicing expertise. Every nuance is considered while intelligent optimisation results in elegant algorithms with extremely low latency.