The Ultimate Travel Companion? Blackstar Drops the Ultra-Portable BEAM MINI
With 12 DSP-based built in amp models!
4,3 / 5,0 | 
The Ultimate Travel Companion? Blackstar Drops the Ultra-Portable BEAM MINI · Source: Blackstar
Blackstar Amplification has officially announced the BEAM MINI, a compact yet powerful addition to their amplifier lineup. Set for a grand unveiling at NAMM 2026, this portable unit aims to bridge the gap between a high-end practice amp and a premium Bluetooth speaker.
The Ultimate Travel Companion?
Blackstar BEAM MINI
Despite its small footprint, the BEAM MINI is engineered for high-fidelity output. It follows in the footsteps of the BEAM Solo headphone amp, but with a high-quality built-in speaker system.
Super Wide Stereo
The unit is equipped with two 60mm full-range drivers and two passive bass radiators, which, thanks to Blackstar’s Super Wide Stereo technology produces an impressively room-filling sound. The specially designed enclosure ensures clear guitar tones and excellent music reproduction.
Advanced Modeling and “No-Menu” Interface
At the heart of the BEAM MINI is a sophisticated DSP that utilises advanced component modelling. Blackstar’s goal was to recreate the dynamic response and feel of a traditional tube amplifier within a digital ecosystem. Blackstar’s amp expertise pairs ultra-accurate digital modeling with seamless NAM compatibility
Players can choose from 12 electric guitar amp models, including 6 in-house designs and 6 recreations of legendary amps, as well as 3 bass amp models and 2 acoustic amp models.
SpeedDial
Notably, Blackstar has opted for a “no-menu” philosophy. The interface relies on the SpeedDial and a Light Beam Display, allowing players to adjust settings on the fly without scrolling through digital screens. For those seeking deeper customization, the Beam App provides access to a massive library of cabinet simulations, microphone placements, and thousands of user-generated patches.
Equipped with a studio-grade headset input and built-in reverb, this amp lets you record vocals and guitar simultaneously—perfect for songwriters, streamers, and creators. It features Blackstar’s CabRig IR technology, delivering the authentic feel of a mic’d-up speaker cabinet for professional results, whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live.
Designed to be Rugged
The BEAM MINI is explicitly designed for life on the road. It boasts an IP66 rating, making it both dustproof and weatherproof—a rarity in the amplifier market. Combined with a battery life of over 18 hours, the unit is positioned as the ultimate companion for busking, travel, or outdoor sessions.
A perfect little compact practice amp with a dozen amp models? Well, it certainly packs in a lot of usable features for such a dinky device.
Verdict
The Blackstar Beam Mini looks like a versatile little device that can be used as a guitar amp and, of course, as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker, making it a great travel partner for guitarists on the move.
I own a Blackstar Fly, and that little amp is excellent for practice (they now do bass and acoustic versions). Things have moved on a long way since it was released, and it looks like this little amp could be a real winner in 2026!
If you were considering a Fly, the new BEAM MINI may be worth holding out for, as it offers 12-amp models, a Bluetooth speaker, and an IP66 rating, making it worth checking out.
Price, & Availability
The BEAM MINI will be available worldwide starting March 24, 2026, with a retail price of $299.00.
More Information
This might also interest you
