Doug Aldrich is widely regarded as one of the most respected guitarists in the world, boasting an impressive career with legendary bands such as Whitesnake, Dio, Burning Rain, Lion, Hurricane, House of Lords, Bad Moon Rising, and Revolution Saints. Since 2016, he’s also been a key member of the all-star rock supergroup, The Dead Daisies, all while releasing several solo albums.
While Doug has numerous signature products to his name, he has never before ventured into the world of signature amplifiers—until now. We’re proud to be part of this milestone in his story and welcome him into the Blackstar family.
Since February 2023, Doug has been performing with the HT Stage 100 MK III valve amp, paired with a modified HTV-412B MK III cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. Doug loves the amp, quoting “it can cover anything from buttery clean tones to the ballsiest sound you have ever heard!” and asked us to make some key tweaks, to make it his dream amplifier.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked closely with Doug to develop the DA100. We’ve made a series of functional and sonic adjustments, resulting in an amp that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Doug’s Pursuit of Perfection
“It feels like I’ve spent my entire life chasing the perfect tone. Over the years, I’ve owned dozens of amps – from modern to boutique, modded to vintage classics. Most of them were tube amps, and each had something special, but I was always searching for more.
I’ve been lucky to build great relationships with many amp companies and received several offers to create a signature amp. Yet, I never fully committed. I just wasn’t 100% sure… until now.”
– Doug Aldrich
Hot-Rodded Character
Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked closely with Doug to develop the DA100. We’ve made a series of functional and sonic adjustments, resulting in an amp that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Doug’s signature drive tones are legendary, and our R&D team partnered with him to craft a new OD Voice. This feature delivers a vintage, hot-rodded Plexi-style punch with the flick of a switch. Additionally, we fine-tuned the midrange to provide a chest-thumping resonance that makes every power chord hit with authority.
Switchable Effects Loop
The upgraded Effects Loop is now fully footswitchable, controlled by the included 5-way footcontroller. We’ve also added software customization, giving players precise control over effect “tails” when the loop is disengaged. Using our free Architect software, you can adjust tail length and store your settings directly in the amp, enabling seamless transitions during performances.
A Classic Cabinet
As a cornerstone of Doug’s signature setup, we’ve included his preferred cabinets loaded with iconic Celestion Vintage 30’s. This timeless combination guarantees every note is delivered with the rich, dynamic character that players crave.
A Message from Doug...
"Blackstar and I are pleased to present the DA100 RUBY. A huge shoutout to their R&D team-these guys absolutely nailed every detail I was looking for and then some. Blackstar has always been a trailblazer in the amp world, carving out a reputation for innovation, and this amp is, without a doubt, the most perfect live and recording amp I've ever played.
It's a very confident amp with very strong personality. Get ready to soar!"
- Doug Aldrich
What Do They Sound Like?
"It brings all the sounds in my head to life. From the very first playthrough, I was blown away-this amp delivers everything, from lush, warm cleans to the most aggressive, ripping leads I've ever felt or heard. And though I've found my go-to settings, the tonal possibilities are endless-seriously, this amp goes places I never imagined.
What struck me first was the amp's incredible responsiveness-it immediately reacts to every nuance of my playing. We tweaked the midrange EQ, and it just feels amazing. Whether you're playing blues or metal, the DA100 RUBY has that perfect "sticky" bark that rips right out of the speakers."
- Doug Aldrich
A British Heart
At the heart of this amplifier is the classic British amplifier setup - a quartet of EL34's that deliver that iconic rock 'n' roll growl.
Switchable Effects Loop
The advanced Effects Loop is switchable via the 5 way footcontroller and allows adjustable tail lengths through Architect software, preserving delay repeats, and other time based effects, when disengaged a rare feature for a valve head.
Bespoke CabRig Profiles
The DA100 Ruby comes pre-loaded with 3 custom CabRig patches that we have developed with Doug. These are 'Doug's Ruby Reds', 'Doug's Classic Cabs' and 'Doug's L.A. Studio'. CabRig is our next-generation IR based DSP speaker simulator that reproduces the sound and feel of a mic'd up guitar cab in incredible detail.
Live Flexibility
The included 5 way footcontroller provides access to all channels and voices, along with a versatile boost function that delivers a 4dB Solo boost on any channel or voice combination and runs off a standard guitar cable.
Pro Connectivity
With more musicians recording at home, or playing on silent stages, the DA100 Ruby is perfect for the way we play today, with USB audio connectivity for pro-recording and an XLR D.I. for professional live use, both using CabRig DSP speaker simulation.
Road Tested
We road-tested prototypes with Doug on tours with The Dead Daisies across the UK and Europe for sonic refinement and rigorous endurance testing.
| SKU | BST-HTVDA100 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blackstar |
| Weight | 38.280000 |
| Refund period | 35 days |
|---|
Login and Registration Form