With the support of an Innovate UK Smart Grant, Blackstar aims to research technology relating to an innovative Public Address (PA) System. The technology will make it quick and simple for musicians to achieve a professional live sound. This technology will include: 1. A unique and intuitive User Interface (UI). 2. Unique sound-shaping features. 3. Intelligent connectivity to make set-up easy. 4. Musical sound reproduction. The technology will be realised in a physical format that is ergonomically designed and portable - to be usable in the maximum number of environments (pubs, clubs, schools, exhibitions etc.). The global Musical Instrument market-related PA market is worth (£1,400M).

We aim to develop new technology that will enable Blackstar to enter a new market - Home Audio. As designers and manufacturers of guitar amplifiers and guitar pedals, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality, with several patents. The Soundshaper project creates a set of unique features that allow a portable wireless speaker to achieve the best quality of performance in any size room, wherever the speaker is placed. We will achieve this through a simple App control interface that allows sophisticated audio Equalisation so the user hears a full frequency-balanced sound at all volumes, balancing EQ patterns to the parameters of the room. We will combine Dynamic EQ features with our innovative potentially patentable SuperWide Stereo, (currently used in the ID:Core series of electric guitar amplifiers), to create an increased perception of width providing an immersive audio experience. As well as proving the concept for the above through both hardware and software development, Blackstar will complete testing and trials to judge the effectiveness of Soundshaper technology in different situations and to develop comparisons with potential competitors across mid-range portable, and high-end multipart audio systems. At project end, we expect to have identified new patentable IP for Soundshaper, proven the tech concept, evolving the strategy for further development. Blackstar have proven success with a TSB grant previously funding the innovative tech in our ID;Core range. As a result sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our revenue (transitioning us from a primarily valve amp manufacturer) positioning us as 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in US and UK. Soundshaper offers a massive opportunity to diversify our market and build a brand presence in Home Audio. At $15b the global Home Audio market is far larger than the $544m global guitar amp market. This PoC (following a PoM) will be the 2nd step on this journey.

As an UK-based guitar amplifier manufacturer, Blackstar have an international reputation for innovation & sound quality. We have previously used grant funding to challenge the state of the art through digital technology and offer entirely new product ranges. This has had a significant impact on amplifier sales with Blackstar rising to No.2 in the US in under 2 years. With this precedent, we are keen to again innovate in digital amplification and undertake a Proof of Market research project to justify investment in our IoT Amp concept. IoT Amp is an Internet of Things device that will allow multiple or individual musicians around the world to play together and achieve high quality audio using their broadband connection. This technology will facilitate remote rehearsals & teaching, and allow users to collaborate via their amp in live sessions. We have already identified latency as the biggest technical issue in the delivery of this concept. We are proposing a dedicated hardware/software solution that performs sound processing faster than generic hardware such as PCs. With faster internet connections and through peer to peer technology, we believe it is possible to reduce the latency to an acceptable level utilising the technical experience of Blackstar’s digital research team. However, this is far from proven. As a technically high risk project with an unknown market, a Proof of Market research project is essential for us to understand the market and customer needs, the technological challenges, and our commercialisation options. Should the results of the research prove positive, we will look to develop the project through Proof of Concept and Development of Prototype funding. As a result of R&D, we intend to offer a range of Blackstar IoT amplifiers and an independent device that will allow any amplifier to connect remotely. Not just limited to guitarists, this technology will allow any amplified instrument to connect and recreate the live band experience online.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Soundshaper is the core technology concept that evolves BlackStar’s innovative & potentially patentable ‘Superwide Stereo’ proven concept found in their successful ID:Core electric guitar amplifiers, that were developed through previous grant funding and have now been fully commercialised with significant success. Through this PoM grant, we will investigate the market opportunity to develop Soundshaper in different ways via completely new markets and product types. The home audio market could be a completely new market for Blackstar and a diversification from Blackstar’s core guitar amp product range. Our proposal priority investigates a user-friendly, high-quality portable speaker that differentiates from current offerings but matches the abilities of expensive difficult to set-up home audio systems, and we will consider the additional potential to provide 3D stereoscopic sound in personal headphones. Soundshaper will feature ‘Superwide Stereo’ which uses clever audio techniques to disperse the sound and create a highly immersive feel. Creating a high-fidelity immersive sound is difficult to achieve but very valuable. Soundshaper could unlock a varied but substantial market, across home cinema, high-quality audio/music reproduction, and significantly, gaming technology - where Soundshaper can greatly contribute to the TOTAL immersive and real-time sound experiences that the gaming industry is pushing towards via AR and VR visual technology and the visual screen and content developers seek to support sophisticated visual technology SOA advances eg Ultra High Definition TV.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Through Proof of Concept grant funding, we aim to develop the technology to accurately analyse and reproduce the dynamics of an acoustic instrument to provide a true representation of that sound at higher volumes. We will do this through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) within the amp and by calibrating and utilising the benefits of digital amp technology. Through development of ‘Kennet’ technology, we look to enter the acoustic amp market and develop further applications for the DSP solution. In the short term (3-5years) we aim to create a range of innovative acoustic guitar amplifiers. In the longer term (5+years), we will develop a range of spin-off products such as guitar pedals, rack processors and Virtual Studio Technology Plug-ins. This project will build upon the success of Blackstar’s ID:Series & ID:Core range of digital amps for electric guitars. Developed on the back of TSB grant funding, they have become the 2nd best selling guitar amplifiers in North America, in front of well-known brands Marshall and Peavey. With two further patents, Blackstar have gained an international reputation for innovation and engineering quality. In the last 12-months, sales of our digital amps have grown to 50% of our total revenue. With the acoustic guitar amplification market set to increase, Blackstar will benefit from funding at this stage to develop Kennet technology to meet the needs of acoustic guitarists & capitalise on this growing market whilst significantly expanding its business potential. In turn, we believe we can deliver new abilities for musicians to hear the true sound of an acoustic instrument and broadcast it to the widest possible audience. As musicians ourselves, we see this as the greatest value.

Blackstar successfully completed a Research project for Guitar Amplifiers (Ref EMX06825) in April 2011. This follow-on project seeks to use the results to develop a range of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based guitar amplifiers that are indistinguishable from valve based guitar amps in terms of both sound and tone quality, whilst keeping equivalent sonic pressure (loudness) at the same levels of wattage specification. It is a well known fact that digitally based guitar amps are inherently inferior to their valve based counterparts in terms of sound quality. This innovative project addresses a need within the music and creative industries for amplification technology which allows the benefits of superior sound and tone quality, married with the versatility afforded by digital technology. Phase 1: An Indicative Prototype Unit used to prove basic functionality. Phase 2: The NAMM (USA show Jan 2012) Prototype. This unit will have fully schematic-designed PCB’s, operational software and GUI (Graphical User Interface) fully developed programme algorithms, complete hardware both mechanically and cosmetically. The unit is to be shown confidentially to Blackstar’s distributors at the NAMM show. Phase 3: Frankfurt Pre-production units to be shown at Frankfurt Musikmesse in Mar 2012. A range of 8 core products are to be developed from 100W down to 1W. The high-powered products share some technological similarities, so these will be developed first. Benefits: 1) Using our existing supply chain and routes to market, success of this project will enable Blackstar to enter the remaining 55% of the market (low price points) that it cannot currently address, raising sales from £8m to £15m. To this end Blackstar has been re-investing most of its profit in R&D, but needs on-going grant support to complete the overall project. 2) Blackstar will create 4 new technical jobs in November to meet the project timetable. The company created 5 new jobs during the research project phase.