Blackstar BEAM SOLO: Headphone Amp for Guitarists On-the-Go
Compact, portable design, perfect for practice anywhere
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Blackstar has unveiled its latest innovation: the BEAM SOLO headphone amp. This compact device is designed to provide guitarists with a high-quality, immersive playing experience, whether they’re at home, on the road, or just looking for a quick practice session.
BEAM SOLO
The Blackstar BEAM SOLO is small enough to fit in your hand and plugs directly into headphones, delivering the sound and feel of a full-sized amp.
SpeedDial & Light Beam Display
It’s compatible with electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. Users can shape their tone directly on the unit using the tactile SpeedDial and Light Beam Display, which offer instant visual feedback without the need to navigate complex menus.
BEAM App Control
For more in-depth control, players can use the companion BEAM app, which provides access to a growing library of professional-grade amp, cab, mic, and pedal models. Combined with Blackstar’s patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature), this allows for an extensive range of tonal possibilities.
Official Artist Patches
The BEAM app serves as more than just a control hub. It features Official Artist Patches from a growing list of notable musicians, including Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies) and Gus G. (Firewind). Users can also join a global community to share their own tones and download patches created by other players.
The app’s “Music” section provides a host of backing tracks and video lessons, making the BEAM SOLO a comprehensive solution for players looking to stay inspired and continue their learning journey.
In The Room
Another standout feature is Blackstar’s “In The Room” technology, which aims to make the headphone experience feel more natural and alive, like playing through a real amp in a physical space. The device also includes XpressFX, a single control that allows for real-time adjustments of multi-layered effects.
The BEAM SOLO includes a headset mic input with studio-quality preamps and reverb, allowing users to practice both guitar and vocals. It also supports seamless Bluetooth audio for jamming along to favourite tracks.
The Ampton Difference
In addition to authentic Blackstar amp models, the BEAM SOLO introduces Ampton, a collection of software amplifiers developed at Blackstar’s R&D headquarters in Northampton, UK. The name is a nod to the company’s roots.
Ampton amps are not static profiles; they are the result of detailed design and testing. According to Blackstar, these models fuse authentic valve character with advanced digital algorithms, meticulously refined over decades.
This includes accurately modeling the interactivity between controls and the true interplay between valves, output transformers, and speakers, which the company says delivers a level of musicality and feel that simple “capture” snapshots cannot.
If this works as advertised, then it could be a great setup for guitar players on the go who need a variety of good-quality amp tones in a portable unit.
Price and Availability
The competition includes the Boss Katana Go 2 and the Fender Mustang Micro Plus. But the Blackstar Beam Solo, with its features and ease of use, represents a solid alternative. The price of €139.00 is reasonable. You can order the new Beam Solo here at Thomann.
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