Blackstar DA5 Ruby Doug Aldrich Combo

Description

Developed in close collaboration with legendary guitarist Doug Aldrich, the DA5 Ruby captures the feel, response, and unmistakable character of Doug’s acclaimed stage rig in a compact 5 Watt valve combo designed for home, studio, and recording use.

Built around a genuine push-pull valve power stage featuring an ECC83 preamp valve and 12BH7 power valve, DA5 Ruby delivers the dynamics, compression, and touch sensitivity of a driven valve amplifier at practical volumes. Blackstar’s advanced power reduction system lowers output to 0.5W (10% of the rated power) while preserving the character and response of the amp, making it ideal for everything from late-night practice to studio recording.

At the heart of the DA5 Ruby is the custom-designed 12″ Aldrich 50 loudspeaker. Developed specifically with Doug Aldrich for this amplifier, the 50 Watt speaker delivers the authority, punch and room-filling response of a much larger rig, giving the DA5 Ruby a uniquely big, expressive feel that stands apart from traditional low-powered combos.

Two footswitchable channels and four distinct voices provide a wide tonal range, from articulate American-style cleans to rich British overdrive and high-gain lead tones inspired by Doug’s world-renowned live sound. A choice of dark or light reverb voicings allows players to further shape the amp’s ambience and character.

DA5 Ruby also features Blackstar’s advanced CabRig™ IR-based DSP speaker simulation technology, delivering professional direct tones for recording, monitoring, headphones, and live applications. Three user-configurable CabRig presets can be accessed directly from the amplifier, with hundreds of cabinet, microphone and room combinations available via Blackstar Architect software.

Comprehensive connectivity includes XLR CabRig output, USB-C audio output, stereo headphone output and included FS-22 2-way footswitch. Integrated load protection enables silent operation without a speaker connected, making DA5 Ruby equally at home in recording environments as it is for home practice.

Finished in Doug Aldrich’s signature Ruby aesthetic with premium covering, high-quality toggle switches, and a cast alloy metal plate logo, DA5 Ruby combines boutique-inspired styling with professional performance and authentic valve tone.

Specifications

– Power Output: 5W / 0.5W (power reduction)
– Power Stage: Valve Push-Pull
– Valves: 1 x ECC83 (Preamp), 1 x 12BH7 (Power)
– Channels: 2 (Clean / Overdrive)
– Voices: 4 (2 per channel)
– Patented ISF: Yes
– Speaker: Custom Aldrich 50 (co-developed with Doug Aldrich)
– Speaker Power Rating: 50W
– Speaker Size: 12″
– CabRig™: IR-based speaker simulator (cab, mic, room)
– CabRig™ Presets: 3 user slots onboard
– USB: USB-C stereo audio output (direct to DAW)
– XLR Output: CabRig™ DI output
– Headphone Output: 1/4″ TRS stereo CabRig™ output
– Reverb: Dark / Light
– Footswitch: FS-22 2-Way Footswitch Included
– Load Protection: Yes
– Cabinet: Open Back