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
