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Blackstar Debut 50R 50W Guitar Combo Amp Cream

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Debut 50R | Demo | Blackstar

Debut 50R | Tones | Blackstar

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Debut 50R | Setting Up

Description
The Blackstar Debut 50R 50W guitar combo amp redefines the entry-level amplifier experience with its all-analog design and MOSFET-driven preamp. Offering tube-like tones in a lightweight, portable format, this amp is a perfect platform for pedal enthusiasts and players who prioritize tone and usability over flashy digital features. Developed by Blackstar's Northampton-based team, the Debut 50R includes two footswitchable channels, power reduction and built-in reverb, making it ideal for both practice and small gigs. Whether you're crafting clean tones or exploring overdriven textures, this amp is a powerful, pedal-friendly platform that faithfully replicates the dynamic response of high-end valve amplifiers.
MOSFET Preamp Design for Valve-Like Overdrive
At the heart of the Debut 50R is Blackstar's groundbreaking MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) preamp, engineered to replicate the tonal characteristics of tube amplifiers. Unlike traditional solid-state designs, this preamp provides warm, dynamic overdrive that responds naturally to your playing dynamics. Whether you're dialing in clean tones or pushing the amp into overdrive, the MOSFET circuit ensures tonal consistency with a touch of vintage warmth. The result is an amp that feels and sounds like a high-end valve model, but with the reliability and affordability of solid-state technology. This innovative design makes the Debut 50R a standout choice for players seeking authentic tone without the maintenance of tubes.
Blackstar ISF Tone Control for Customizable Sound
The Debut 50R features Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) tone control, offering unparalleled sound customization. Rotating the ISF knob counterclockwise produces a tight, aggressive American voicing with focused mids and punchy lows. Turning it clockwise delivers a more woody, British-inspired tone with smoother mids and a looser low end. This unique control allows players to shape their sound with precision, catering to their specific tonal preferences. Whether you're after glassy cleans or thick, saturated overdrive, the ISF control makes it easy to dial in your ideal sound with incredible accuracy.
Built-In Reverb and Power Reduction for Added Functionality
The Debut 50R comes equipped with studio-quality digital reverb, offering both hall and plate options for versatile ambient effects. These reverb settings add depth and dimension to your tone, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage. Additionally, the amp features a power reduction switch that lowers the output from 50W to 5W, allowing players to achieve saturated tones at lower volumes. This combination of features ensures the amp performs equally well in quiet practice environments and louder gigging scenarios, giving players the flexibility to adapt their sound to any space.
Durable Blackstar Design With Boutique Styling
The Blackstar Debut 50R is built to last, with a rugged construction that can handle the demands of regular gigging and practice. Its vintage-inspired aesthetic gives the amp a boutique appearance that rivals high-end models. The inclusion of a 12" speaker ensures rich, full-bodied sound, while the lightweight build makes transport easy. With its blend of durability and style, the Debut 50R is a reliable companion for players at any level.
The Perfect Combo Amp for Players Seeking Authentic Tone
The Blackstar Debut 50R 50W guitar combo amp is the ultimate solution for guitarists looking for authentic valve-like tone in a portable, affordable package. Its MOSFET preamp, ISF tone shaping and built-in reverb provide all the tools needed for practice, recording or small gigs. Whether you're a beginner exploring your sound or a seasoned player in need of a reliable pedal platform, the Debut 50R delivers the tone and performance you demand. Experience the perfect balance of tone, usability and style with the Debut 50R.



Features
- 50W power with reduction to 5W for quiet practice without tone loss
- MOSFET preamp delivers authentic valve-like tones for versatile sound
- Patented ISF tone control dials in American or British EQ character
- Built-in plate and hall reverb creates immersive studio-quality effects
- Silent practice mode with speaker-emulated output for recording or headphones
- Footswitchable clean and overdrive channels for tonal flexibility
- Series effects loop integrates pedals seamlessly for custom sound setups
- 12" speaker produces rich Blackstar tones on every level
- Stereo playback through headphones for jamming or music listening sessions
- Vintage styling options for elegant boutique aesthetics
Specs
- Type: Solid state combo amp
- Power: 50W (with 5W setting)
- Speaker: 1 x 12"
- Channels: 2
- EQ: 3-band EQ with ISF
- Reverb: Plate and hall
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (line in)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- Footswitch I/O: 1 x 1/4"
- FX loop: Yes
Reviews
4.77
22 Reviews
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Most Liked Positive Review
Great sounds & features for a beginner; ISF is cool
As other reviewers have suggested, the electronics for this amp are similar to a more traditional tube amp, but with the gain elements being MOSFETs instead of tubes. As an analog circuit designer, I appreciate this approach; it seems that most amps marketed to beginners are digital modeling units with lots of sounds & effects, but I think an analog amp is more interesting. Both channels sound really good; I generally use the clean channel for practicing technique, and overdrive with gain around 1-2 for classic rock & alternative songs. One of my favorite features is the EQ "Infinite Shape Feature" knob. I originally thought this ambiguously-named knob was a marketing gimmick, but I found and read the patent for it, and it's actually pretty cool. It's a dual potentiometer that changes the location of the mid cut while keeping its amplitude fixed. Qualitatively, Blackstar describes this as sounding more like an American amp (counterclockwise) or more like a British amp (clockwise), and I find that it does give a really nice variety in tone. I generally leave my other EQ knobs in the same position, and adjust the ISF knob slightly depending on the song. 50W is definitely overkill for me, but I chose this model because it has a better set of features for a beginner to grow with, compared to the lower-power models. Specifically, the 5W option, reverb (the one feature that is done in the digital domain), and effects send/return. I'm excited to start adding pedals to it.
Most Liked Negative Review
Wanted to Like this Amp #sweepstakes
I really wanted to like this amp. I liked its looks, its features, its power, and its low price. But I felt like the clean channel lacked warmth, the overdrive channel was fizzy, and the reverb was particularly anemic. I exchanged it for a Vox AC10c1.
- Home Studio17
- Amateur Recording15
- Performances13
- Outdoor Events / Games7
- Professional Recording5
- Limited Functions1
- Poor Sound Quality1
- Best if it comes with FS-8 pedal1
- Does not come with a footswitch1
- Experienced11
- Novice9
- Professional Musician2
- Easy To Use20
- Excellent Sound18
- Good Power Output18
- Portable16
- Warm / Comfy13
Reviewed by 22 customers
Who needs tubes?
submitted14 days ago
byChris
fromAustin TX
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
I love the clean channel. It's rich and creamy with the hall reverb setting at 7.5. It's a classic and very usable tone for me. The gain channel is great if you're aiming for that SRV or Hendrix fuzzy sound. Look elsewhere for chuggy metal. Speaker has plenty of throat at 50w but mono.
I would definitely buy this amp again.
submitted17 days ago
byKenneth
fromYukon, Oklahoma
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
This amp Rocks !
Great amp !
submitteda month ago
byKenneth
fromOklahoma
Great amp for the price !
Great Apartment Amp
Verified Buyer
submitted3 months ago
bySean
fromPortland
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
I use it for practice at home. I live in an apartment so I love the ability to play under headphones and still get great sound. Awesome little amp.
Just a great little amp!
submitted5 months ago
byDARREN
fromKent, England.
Was looking for a small, great sounding and reliable little amp. This ticked all the boxes as great pedal board amp for home, rehearsals and gigs. It also sounds great on it's own and weighs next to nothing. For the money it is a complete no brainer. It's also an almost perfect backup.
All smiles!
submitted5 months ago
byBrian
fromTewksbury, MA
I'm a hobbyist, only play for a handful of close friends in my living room. Until now, all my guitar amps have been those with many bells & whistles. This one sounds great, without the bs. Also, the effects loop makes my pedals work the way they are supposed to,
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted4 months ago
asked byAl
fromNyack NY
Would this work good for jazz, for those who want to toggle between jazz and rock
The Blackstar Debut 50R is a solid, affordable practice amp with decent tone-shaping features, but it’s not necessarily ideal for a dedicated jazz player — especially one who values warm, clean headroom and rich, full-bodied tone — unless you're prioritizing budget and versatility over classic jazz tone. Pros for Jazz/Rock Use: Two channels (Clean and Overdrive): Lets you toggle between clean jazz tones and more aggressive rock tones. ISF (Infinite Shape Feature): This is Blackstar’s tone control that lets you sweep between British and American voicings — nice for shaping both mellow and edgy tones. Digital Reverb: Adds ambience useful for both jazz depth and rock spaciousness. 50W of solid-state power: Loud enough for rehearsals and small gigs. Cons for Jazz Purists: Clean headroom is limited: Solid-state amps like this don’t have the same warmth and roundness as traditional jazz amps like a Polytone, Roland JC-120, or a Fender Twin Reverb. Speaker voicing is more tailored toward modern rock/alternative players than for classic jazz warmth. No effects loop or line out: Limits flexibility for more serious setups. If you're mainly dabbling in jazz and want one affordable amp for multiple styles, the Debut 50R is a solid choice. If you're looking for a dedicated jazz amp with silky cleans and lots of headroom, look into Roland JC-40, Fender Blues Junior (with EQ tweaks), or Boss Katana 50 MkII (more flexible digital amp with better clean tones for jazz).submitteda year ago
asked byScott
fromBloomingdale, NJ
Is this a true 50w amp, or is is 25w per channel?
Yes, it is. It's not like a stereo amp.submitteda year ago
asked byMitch
fromHouston TX
What size speaker?
The Blackstar Debut 50 has a 12" .submitteda year ago
asked byMitch
fromHouston TX
What kind of speaker does this amp have.
It's not branded. It's a generic design by Blackstar.submitteda year ago
asked bybig c
fromcastlewood va
What footswitch can i use for channel switching and reverb?
Please see ------------ Blackstar FS-11 Footcontroller.submitted2 years ago
asked byScott
fromCrestwoood KY
What is the correct footswitch for the Debut 50R?
Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you with options.submitted2 years ago
asked byJohn
fromPoway California.
Does this come with a power cable to plug into the back?
Yes, the Blackstar Debut 50 has a cable.submitted2 years ago
asked byMichael
fromTorrance, CA
What are the dimensions and weight of this amp?
Dimensions (mm): 460(W) x 380(H) x 230(D)...t Weight (kg): 9.0submitted2 years ago
asked byDJ
fromLas Vegas
Will this amp perform well with a Taylor acoustic/amplified guitar and provide true tones?
This would work great and has a very nice clean tone.submitted2 years ago
asked byUremum
fromundisclosed
Does this work good to get a fuzzy doom tone like a Matt pikeish type tone
Yes