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.
References and Heritage
At the heart of Ampton is an unmatched collection of amplifier references built up over decades. Each amp has its own story and has been used as a critical reference point during voicing and design.
These unique benchmark amps, gathered, measured and referenced over many years, give Ampton designs their unmatched authenticity, ensuring players can experience the true heritage of valve tone, powered by state-of-the-art digital design.
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A rare, non-serial-number AC30 handwired preproduction head model – the main amp used during voicing of our HT-Dual pedal and Artisan development. |
The Dual Rectifier is another sonic compass point and has been a reference both electrically and sonically for both analogue and digital designs. |
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A 1969 Twin Reverb AB763 circuit. This was found as part of a global search for the ultimate Fender reference. This was one of the first references purchased once the four founders actually had some money! |
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Our 5150 reference is a sought after original 1992 block letter which has been a genre defining sound in high gain ever since its launch. |
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